We began to meet people,
too, and I didn't dare to fire again. So I left him and rode here
to tell you. Never employ me again, Constable, so long as you
live," and the young man's face was twisted with misery and
shame, as, forgetting the queen's presence, he sank despondently
into a chair.
Sapt took no notice of his self-reproaches. But Rudolf went and
laid a hand on his shoulder.
"It was an accident," he said. "No blame to you."
The queen rose and walked towards him; Bernenstein sprang to his
feet.
"Sir," said she, "it is not success but effort that should gain
thanks," and she held out her hand.
Well, he was young; I do not laugh at the sob that escaped his
lips as he turned his head.
"Let me try something else!" he implored.
"Mr. Rassendyll," said the queen, "you'll do my pleasure by
employing this gentleman in my further service. I am already deep
in his debt, and would be deeper." There was a moment's silence.
"Well, but what's to be done?" asked Colonel Sapt. "He's gone to
Strelsau."
"He'll stop Rupert" mused Mr. Rassendyll. "He may or he mayn't."
"It's odds that he will."
"We must provide for both."
Sapt and Rudolf looked at one another.
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