But although in total obscurity
as to his future plans, I traced his past actions, and subsequent
knowledge has shown that I was right. Bauer was the tool; a
couple of florins apiece had hired the fellows who, conceiving
that they were playing a part in some practical joke, had taken
all the cabs at the station. Rupert had reckoned that I should
linger looking for my servant and luggage, and thus miss my last
chance of a vehicle. If, however, I had obtained one, the attack
would still have been made, although, of course, under much
greater difficulties. Finally--and of this at the time I knew
nothing--had I evaded them and got safe to port with my cargo,
the plot would have been changed. Rupert's attention would then
have been diverted from me to Rudolf; counting on love overcoming
prudence, he reckoned that Mr. Rassendyll would not at once
destroy what the queen sent, and had arranged to track his steps
from Wintenberg till an opportunity offered of robbing him of his
treasure. The scheme, as I know it, was full of audacious
cunning, and required large resources--the former Rupert himself
supplied; for the second he was indebted to his cousin and slave,
the Count of Luzau-Rischenheim.
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