"It'll bring Rupert of Hentzau. Why not? He'll know that the King will wish to meet him unknown to the Queen, and also unknown to you, Sapt, since you were my friend: what place more likely for the King to choose than his hunting-lodge, where he is accustomed to go when he wishes to be alone? The message will bring him, depend on it. Why, man, Rupert would come even if he suspected; and why should he suspect?"
"They may have a cipher, he and Rischenheim," objected Sapt.
"No, or Rupert would have sent the address in it," retorted Rudolf quickly.
"Then—when he comes?" asked Bernenstein.
"He finds such a king as Rischenheim found, and Sapt, here, at his elbow."
"But he'll know you," objected Bernenstein.
"Aye, I think he'll know me," said Rudolf with a smile. "Meanwhile we send for Fritz to come here and look after the King."
"And Rischenheim?"
"That's your share, Lieutenant. Sapt, is any one at Tarlenheim?"
"No. Count Stanislas has put it at Fritz's disposal."
"Good; then Fritz's two friends, the Count of Luzau- Rischenheim and Lieutenant von Bernenstein, will ride over there to-day.
