But she would hear nothing of
such talk, choosing rather to praise the little I had done than
to blame the great thing in which I had failed. Dismissed from
her presence, I flew open-mouthed to Sapt. I found him in his
room with Bernenstein, and had the satisfaction of learning that
my news of Rupert's whereabouts was confirmed by his information.
I was also made acquainted with all that had been done, even as I
have already related it, from the first successful trick played
on Rischenheim to the moment of his unfortunate escape. But my
face grew long and apprehensive when I heard that Rudolf
Rassendyll had gone alone to Strelsau to put his head in that
lion's mouth in the Konigstrasse.
"There will be three of them there--Rupert, Rischenheim, and my
rascal Bauer," said I.
"As to Rupert, we don't know," Sapt reminded me. "He'll be there
if Rischenheim arrives in time to tell him the truth. But we have
also to be ready for him here, and at the hunting lodge. Well,
we're ready for him wherever he is: Rudolf will be in Strelsau,
you and I will ride to the lodge, and Bernenstein will be here
with the queen."
"Only one here?" I asked.
"Ay, but a good one," said the constable, clapping Bernenstein on
the shoulder.
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