It would probably be wrong to carry any such plan into
effect."
"It might be, but let us discuss it--to pass the time," said
Sapt; and he leant forward, looking into the servant's quiet,
shrewd face.
"Well, then, sir, since it amuses you, let us say that the king
came to the lodge last night, and was joined there by his friend
Mr. Rassendyll."
"And did I come too?"
"You, sir, came also, in attendance on the king."
"Well, and you, James? You came. How came you?"
"Why, sir, by the Count of Tarlenheim's orders, to wait on Mr.
Rassendyll, the king's friend. Now, the king, sir... This is my
story, you know, sir, only my story."
"Your story interests me. Go on with it."
"The king went out very early this morning, sir."
"That would be on private business?"
"So we should have understood. But Mr. Rassendyll, Herbert, and
ourselves remained here."
"Had the Count of Hentzau been?"
"Not to our knowledge, sir. But we were all tired and slept very
soundly."
"Now did we?" said the constable, with a grim smile.
"In fact, sir, we were all overcome with fatigue--Mr. Rassendyll
like the rest--and full morning found us still in our beds. There
we should be to this moment, sir, had we not been suddenly
aroused in a startling and fearful manner.
Pages:
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267