"I take
it he should be equal to the task."
He could not know the feelings of the queen's heart. She dashed
her hand across her eyes, and turned in mute entreaty to Rudolf
Rassendyll.
"I must go," he said softly. "We can't spare Bernenstein, and I
mustn't stay here."
She said no more. Rudolf walked across to Sapt.
"Take me to the stables. Is the horse good? I daren't take the
train. Ah, here's the lieutenant and the hat."
"The horse'll get you there to-night," said Sapt. "Come along.
Bernenstein, stay with the queen."
At the threshold Rudolf paused, and, turning his head, glanced
once at Queen Flavia, who stood still as a statue, watching him
go. Then he followed the constable, who brought him where the
horse was. Sapt's devices for securing freedom from observation
had served well, and Rudolf mounted unmolested.
"The hat doesn't fit very well," said Rudolf.
"Like a crown better, eh?" suggested the colonel.
Rudolf laughed as he asked, "Well, what are my orders?"
"Ride round by the moat to the road at the back; then through the
forest to Hofbau; you know your way after that. You mustn't reach
Strelsau till it's dark. Then, if you want a shelter--"
"To Fritz von Tarlenheim's, yes! From there I shall go straight
to the address.
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