"
"Not the king?"
"The king is in bed. Come along," and the constable set his toe
on the lowest step.
"Is there nobody about?" asked Rudolf, catching his arm.
"Bernenstein; but he will keep his back toward us."
"Your discipline is still good, then, Colonel?"
"Pretty well for these days, your Majesty," grunted Sapt, as he
reached the level of the bridge.
Having crossed, they entered the chateau. The passage was empty,
save for Bernenstein, whose broad back barred the way from the
royal apartments.
"In here," whispered Sapt, laying his hand on the door of the
room whence he had come.
"All right," answered Rudolf. Bernenstein's hand twitched, but he
did not look round. There was discipline in the castle of Zenda.
But as Sapt was half-way through the door and Rudolf about to
follow him, the other door, that which Bernenstein guarded, was
softly yet swiftly opened. Bernenstein's sword was in rest in an
instant. A muttered oath from Sapt and Rudolf's quick snatch at
his breath greeted the interruption. Bernenstein did not look
round, but his sword fell to his side. In the doorway stood Queen
Flavia, all in white; and now her face turned white as her dress.
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