"
"But he'll know you," objected Bernenstein.
"Ay, I think he'll know me," said Rudolf with a smile. "Meanwhile
we send for Fritz to come here and look after the king."
"And Rischenheim?"
"That's your share, Lieutenant. Sapt, is any one at Tarlenheim?"
"No. Count Stanislas has put it at Fritz's disposal."
"Good; then Fritz's two friends, the Count of Luzau-Rischenheim
and Lieutenant von Bernenstein, will ride over there to-day. The
constable of Zenda will give the lieutenant twenty-four hours'
leave of absence, and the two gentlemen will pass the day and
sleep at the chateau. They will pass the day side by side,
Bernenstein, not losing sight of one another for an instant, and
they will pass the night in the same room. And one of them will
not close his eyes nor take his hand off the butt of his
revolver."
"Very good, sir," said young Bernenstein.
"If he tries to escape or give any alarm, shoot him through the
head, ride to the frontier, get to safe hiding, and, if you can,
let us know."
"Yes," said Bernenstein simply. Sapt had chosen well, and the
young officer made nothing of the peril and ruin that her
Majesty's service might ask of him.
A restless movement and a weary sigh from Rischenheim attracted
their attention.
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