Had they been able to see inside the door, their emotion would
have been stirred to a keener pitch. Rudolf himself caught
Rischenheim by the arm, and without a moment's delay led him
towards the back of the house. They went along a passage and
reached a small room that looked out on the garden. Rudolf had
known my house in old days, and did not forget its resources.
"Shut the door, Bernenstein," said Rudolf. Then he turned to
Rischenheim. "My lord," he said, "I suppose you came to find out
something. Do you know it now?"
Rischenheim plucked up courage to answer him.
"Yes, I know now that I have to deal with an impostor," said he
defiantly.
"Precisely. And impostors can't afford to be exposed."
Rischenheim's cheek turned rather pale. Rudolf faced him, and
Bernenstein guarded the door. He was absolutely at their mercy;
and he knew their secret. Did they know his--the news that Rupert
of Hentzau had brought?
"Listen," said Rudolf. "For a few hours to-day I am king in
Strelsau. In those few hours I have an account to settle with
your cousin: something that he has, I must have. I'm going now to
seek him, and while I seek him you will stay here with
Bernenstein.
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