Then the king walked in, pale and
full-bearded.
"Ah, Count," said he, "I'm glad to see you. If they had told me
you were here, you shouldn't have waited a minute. You're very
dark in here, Sapt. Why don't you draw back the curtains?" and
the king moved towards the curtain behind which Rudolf was.
"Allow me, sire," cried Sapt, darting past him and laying a hand
on the curtain.
A malicious gleam of pleasure shot into Rischenheim's eyes. "In
truth, sire," continued the constable, his hand on the curtain,
"we were so interested in what the count was saying about his
dogs--"
"By heaven, I forgot!" cried the king. "Yes, yes, the dogs. Now
tell me, Count--"
"Your pardon, sire," put in young Bernenstein, "but breakfast
waits."
"Yes, yes. Well, then, we'll have them together--breakfast and
the dogs. Come along, Count." The king passed his arm through
Rischenheim's, adding to Bernenstein, "Lead the way, Lieutenant;
and you, Colonel, come with us."
They went out. Sapt stopped and locked the door behind him. "Why
do you lock the door, Colonel?" asked the king.
"There are some papers in my drawer there, sire."
"But why not lock the drawer?,
"I have lost the key, sire, like the fool I am," said the
colonel.
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