"
The king flushed red.
"Is that your business, my lord?" he asked Rischenheim sternly.
"Your Majesty does not know what my cousin--"
"It is the old plea?" interrupted the king. "He wants to come
back? Is that all, or is there anything else?"
A moment's silence followed the king's words. Sapt looked full at
Rischenheim, and smiled as he slightly raised his right hand and
showed the revolver. Bernenstein coughed twice. Rischenheim sat
twisting his fingers. He understood that, cost what it might,
they would not let him declare his errand to the king or betray
Mr. Rassendyll's presence. He cleared his throat and opened his
mouth as if to speak, but still he remained silent.
"Well, my lord, is it the old story or something new" asked the
king impatiently.
Again Rischenheim sat silent.
"Are you dumb, my lord?" cried the king most impatiently.
"It--it is only what you call the old story, sire."
"Then let me say that you have treated me very badly in obtaining
an audience of me for any such purpose," said the king. "You knew
my decision, and your cousin knows it." Thus speaking, the king
rose; Sapt's revolver slid into his pocket; but Lieutenant von
Bernenstein drew his sword and stood at the salute; he also
coughed.
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