Since I was known to be often employed in the king's
service, I could take a special train without exciting remark.
James set out, and about a quarter of an hour later I got into my
carriage to drive to the station. Just as the horses were about
to start, however, the butler approached me.
"I beg your pardon, my lord," said he, "but Bauer didn't return
with your lordship. Is he coming back?"
"No," said I. "Bauer was grossly impertinent on the journey, and
I dismissed him."
"Those foreign men are never to be trusted, my lord. And your
lordship's bag?"
"What, hasn't it come?" I cried. "I told him to send it."
"It's not arrived, my lord."
"Can the rogue have stolen it?" I exclaimed indignantly.
"If your lordship wishes it, I will mention the matter to the
police."
I appeared to consider this proposal.
"Wait till I come back," I ended by saying. "The bag may come,
and I have no reason to doubt the fellow's honesty."
This, I thought, would be the end of my connection with Master
Bauer. He had served Rupert's turn, and would now disappear from
the scene. Indeed it may be that Rupert would have liked to
dispense with further aid from him; but he had few whom he could
trust, and was compelled to employ those few more than once.
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