His
eyes had lost their unnatural look of joy, and were now calm and
tranquil. He took his own revolver from the mantelpiece and put
it in his pocket, laying Rupert's neatly where his had been. Then
he turned to me and said:
"Come, let us go to the queen and tell her that the letter is
beyond reach of hurt."
Moved by some impulse, I walked to the window and put my head
out. I was seen from below, and a great shout greeted me. The
crowd before the doors grew every moment; the people flocking
from all quarters would soon multiply it a hundred fold; for such
news as had been carried from the attic by twenty wondering
tongues spreads like a forest-fire. It would be through Strelsau
in a few minutes, through the kingdom in an hour, through Europe
in but little longer. Rupert was dead and the letter was safe,
but what were we to tell that great concourse concerning their
king? A queer feeling of helpless perplexity came over me and
found vent in a foolish laugh. Bernenstein was by my side; he
also looked out, and turned again with an eager face.
"You'll have a royal progress to your palace," said he to Rudolf
Rassendyll.
Mr. Rassendyll made no answer, but, coming to me, took my arm.
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