"
There was nothing for it but to trust him. I knew that I could
not turn her.
"Then I'll see if the carriage is ready," said I.
"Yes, do, Fritz," said the queen. But as I passed she stopped me
for a moment, saying in a whisper, "Show that you trust him."
I went and held out my hand to him. He took and pressed it.
"On my honor," he said.
Then I went out and found Bernenstein sitting on a bench in the
hall. The lieutenant was a diligent and watchful young man; he
appeared to be examining his revolver with sedulous care.
"You can put that away," said I rather peevishly--I had not
fancied shaking hands with Rischenheim. "He's not a prisoner any
longer. He's one of us now."
"The deuce he is!" cried Bernenstein, springing to his feet.
I told him briefly what had happened, and how the queen had won
Rupert's instrument to be her servant.
"I suppose he'll stick to it," I ended; and I thought he would,
though I was not eager for his help.
A light gleamed in Bernenstein's eyes, and I felt a tremble in
the hand that he laid on my shoulder.
"Then there's only Bauer now," he whispered. "If Rischenheim's
with us, only Bauer!"
I knew very well what he meant.
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