"My lord, you're alone in this matter now. Rischenheim is a
prisoner; your rogue Bauer I encountered last night and broke his
head."
"Ah, you did?"
"You have what you know of in your hands. If you yield, on my
honor I will save your life."
"You don't desire my blood, then, most forgiving play-actor?"
"So much, that I daren't fail to offer you life," answered Rudolf
Rassendyll. "Come, sir, your plan has failed: give up the
letter."
Rupert looked at him thoughtfully.
"You'll see me safe off if I give it you?" he asked.
"I'll prevent your death. Yes, and I'll see you safe."
"Where to?"
"To a fortress, where a trustworthy gentleman will guard you."
"For how long, my dear friend?"
"I hope for many years, my dear Count."
"In fact, I suppose, as long as--?"
"Heaven leaves you to the world, Count. It's impossible to set
you free."
"That's the offer, then?"
"The extreme limit of indulgence," answered Rudolf. Rupert burst
into a laugh, half of defiance, yet touched with the ring of true
amusement. Then he lit a cigarette and sat puffing and smiling.
"I should wrong you by straining your kindness so far," said he;
and in wanton insolence, seeking again to show Mr.
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