Sapt took no
notice of him, nor of anything save the words that dropped in
irregular utterance from the stricken man's lips. Here is the
story, a strange instance of the turning of a great event on a
small cause.
The king had eaten a little supper, and, having gone to his
bedroom, had stretched himself on the bed and fallen asleep
without undressing. Herbert was clearing the dining-table and
performing similar duties, when suddenly (thus he told it) he
found a man standing beside him. He did not know (he was new to
the king's service) who the unexpected visitor was, but he was of
middle height, dark, handsome, and "looked a gentleman all over."
He was dressed in a shooting-tunic, and a revolver was thrust
through the belt of it. One hand rested on the belt, while the
other held a small square box.
"Tell the king I am here. He expects me," said the stranger.
Herbert, alarmed at the suddenness and silence of the stranger's
approach, and guiltily conscious of having left the door
unbolted, drew back. He was unarmed, but, being a stout fellow,
was prepared to defend his master as best he could.
Rupert--beyond doubt it was Rupert--laughed lightly, saying
again, "Man, he expects me.
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