Go and tell him," and sat himself on
the table, swinging his leg. Herbert, influenced by the visitor's
air of command, began to retreat towards the bedroom, keeping his
face towards Rupert.
"If the king asks more, tell him I have the packet and the
letter," said Rupert. The man bowed and passed into the bedroom.
The king was asleep; when roused he seemed to know nothing of
letter or packet, and to expect no visitor. Herbert's ready fears
revived; he whispered that the stranger carried a revolver.
Whatever the king's faults might be--and God forbid that I should
speak hardly of him whom fate used so hardly--he was no coward.
He sprang from his bed; at the same moment the great boar-hound
uncoiled himself and came from beneath, yawning and fawning. But
in an instant the beast caught the scent of a stranger: his ears
pricked and he gave a low growl, as he looked up in his master's
face. Then Rupert of Hentzau, weary perhaps of waiting, perhaps
only doubtful whether his message would be properly delivered,
appeared in the doorway.
The king was unarmed, and Herbert in no better plight; their
hunting weapons were in the adjoining room, and Rupert seemed to
bar the way.
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