Helga hastened to the queen, who was still sorely agitated;
Rudolf drew Bernenstein aside, and exchanged with him all their
news. Mr. Rassendyll was much disturbed at finding that no
tidings had come from Colonel Sapt and myself, but his
apprehension was greatly increased on learning the untoward
accident by which the king himself had been at the lodge the
night before. Indeed, he was utterly in the dark; where the king
was, where Rupert, where we were, he did not know. And he was
here in Strelsau, known as the king to half a dozen people or
more, protected only by their promises, liable at any moment to
be exposed by the coming of the king himself, or even by a
message from him.
Yet, in face of all perplexities, perhaps even the more because
of the darkness in which he was enveloped, Rudolf held firm to
his purpose. There were two things that seemed plain. If Rupert
had escaped the trap and was still alive with the letter on him,
Rupert must be found; here was the first task. That accomplished,
there remained for Rudolf himself nothing save to disappear as
quietly and secretly as he had come, trusting that his presence
could be concealed from the man whose name he had usurped.
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