Then
he paused, before asking:
"You understand now?"
"Yes, it is wonderful," said the young man, drawing in his
breath.
"Pooh!" said Sapt. "Nothing is wonderful: some things are
unusual."
Bernenstein was not convinced, and shrugged his shoulders in
protest.
"Well?" said the constable, with a quick glance at him.
"I would die for the queen, sir," he answered, clicking his heels
together as though on parade.
"Good," said Sapt. "Then listen," and he began again to talk.
Bernenstein nodded from time to time. "You'll meet him at the
gate," said the constable, "and bring him straight here. He's not
to go anywhere else, you understand me?"
"Perfectly, Colonel," smiled young Bernenstein.
"The king will be in this room--the king. You know who is the
king?"
"Perfectly, Colonel."
"And when the interview is ended, and we go to breakfast--"
"I know who will be the king then. Yes, Colonel."
"Good. But we do him no harm unless--"
"It is necessary."
"Precisely."
Sapt turned away with a little sigh. Bernenstein was an apt
pupil, but the colonel was exhausted by so much explanation. He
knocked softly at the door of the room. The queen's voice bade
him enter, and he passed in.
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