For that fellow can see for himself that the lodge was not burnt
down last night."
"That's true; but, excuse me, sir--"
"Pray go on, James. I've told you that I'm interested."
"He can't see that it won't be burnt down to-night. A fire, sir,
is a thing that may happen any night."
Then old Sapt suddenly burst into a roar, half-speech, half
laughter.
"By God, what a thing!" he roared; and James smiled complacently.
"There's a fate about it," said the constable. "There's a strange
fate about it. The man was born to it. We'd have done it before
if Michael had throttled the king in that cellar, as I thought he
would. Yes, by heavens, we'd have done it! Why, we wanted it! God
forgive us, in our hearts both Fritz and I wanted it. But Rudolf
would have the king out. He would have him out, though he lost a
throne--and what he wanted more--by it. But he would have him
out. So he thwarted the fate. But it's not to be thwarted. Young
Rupert may think this new affair is his doing. No, it's the fate
using him. The fate brought Rudolf here again, the fate will have
him king. Well, you stare at me. Do you think I'm mad, Mr.
Valet?"
"I think, sir, that you talk very good sense, if I may say so,"
answered James.
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