Perhaps I shall fail, perhaps I shall succeed.
Whether I succeed or fail, by to-night I shall be far from
Strelsau, and the king's place will be free for him again."
Rischenheim gave a slight start, and a look of triumph spread
over his face. They did not know that the king was dead.
Rudolf came nearer to him, fixing his eyes steadily on his
prisoner's face.
"I don't know," he continued, "why you are in this business, my
lord. Your cousin's motives I know well. But I wonder that they
seemed to you great enough to justify the ruin of an unhappy lady
who is your queen. Be assured that I will die sooner than let
that letter reach the king's hand."
Rischenheim made him no answer.
"Are you armed?" asked Rudolf.
Rischenheim sullenly flung his revolver on the table. Bernenstein
came forward and took it.
"Keep him here, Bernenstein. When I return I'll tell you what
more to do. If I don't return, Fritz will be here soon, and you
and he must make your own plans."
"He sha'n't give me the slip a second time," said Bernenstein.
"We hold ourselves free," said Rudolf to Rischenheim, "to do what
we please with you, my lord. But I have no wish to cause your
death, unless it be necessary.
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