"
"I hear nothing more now." And there was nothing to hear, for the
two now stood dead silent inside the door.
"Nor I, sire. Will your Majesty go on?" And Bernenstein took
another step.
"You're determined I shall," said the king with a laugh, and he
let the young officer lead him away.
Inside the room, Rischenheim stood with his back against the
door. He was panting for breath, and his face was flushed and
working with excitement. Opposite to him stood Sapt, revolver in
hand.
"Till you get to heaven, my lord," said the constable, "you'll
never be nearer to it than you were in that moment. If you had
opened the door, I'd have shot you through the head."
As he spoke there came a knock at the door.
"Open it," he said brusquely to Rischenheim. With a muttered
curse the count obeyed him. A servant stood outside with a
telegram on a salver.
"Take it," whispered Sapt, and Rischenheim put out his hand.
"Your pardon, my lord, but this has arrived for you," said the
man respectfully.
"Take it," whispered Sapt again.
"Give it me," muttered Rischenheim confusedly; and he took the
envelope.
The servant bowed and shut the door.
"Open it," commanded Sapt.
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