The queen awaited the result of their deliberations
in her apartments, ready to act as they directed, but determined
to see Rudolf before he left the castle. They conversed together
in low tones. Presently Sapt took paper and wrote. This first
message was to me, and it bade me come to Zenda that afternoon;
another head and another pair of hands were sadly needed. Then
followed more deliberation; Rudolf took up the talking now, for
his was the bold plan on which they consulted. Sapt twirled his
moustache, smiling doubtfully.
"Yes, yes," murmured young Bernenstein, his eyes alight with
excitement.
"It's dangerous, but the best thing," said Rudolf, carefully
sinking his voice yet lower, lest the prisoner should catch the
lightest word of what he said. "It involves my staying here till
the evening. Is that possible?"
"No; but you can leave here and hide in the forest till I join
you," said Sapt.
"Till we join you," corrected Bernenstein eagerly.
"No," said the constable, "you must look after our friend here.
Come, Lieutenant, it's all in the queen's service."
"Besides," added Rudolf with a smile, "neither the colonel nor I
would let you have a chance at Rupert.
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