Therefore he was obliged
to carry the news himself; when he came his man was gone. Indeed
Rupert must have left the house almost immediately after I was
safe away from the city. He was determined to be in good time for
his appointment; his only enemies were not in Strelsau; there was
no warrant on which he could be apprehended; and, although his
connection with Black Michael was a matter of popular gossip, he
felt himself safe from arrest by virtue of the secret that
protected him. Accordingly he walked out of the house, went to
the station, took his ticket to Hofbau, and, traveling by the
four o'clock train, reached his destination about half-past five.
He must have passed the train in which Rischenheim traveled; the
first news the latter had of his departure was from a porter at
the station, who, having recognized the Count of Hentzau,
ventured to congratulate Rischenheim on his cousin's return.
Rischenheim made no answer, but hurried in great agitation to the
house in the Konigstrasse, where the old woman Holf confirmed
the tidings. Then he passed through a period of great
irresolution. Loyalty to Rupert urged that he should follow him
and share the perils into which his cousin was hastening.
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