"Yes, the duke, and someone else of whom I have need and who is at Zenda," I replied.
"I wish I could go with you," he cried, tugging at his white mustache. "I'd like to strike a blow for you and your crown."
"I leave you what is more than my life and more than my crown," said I, "because you are the man I trust more than all others in Ruritania."
"I will deliver her to you safe and sound," said he, "and, failing that, I will make her queen."
We parted, and I returned to the palace and told Sapt and Fritz what I had done. Sapt had a few faults to find and a few grumbles to utter. This was merely what I expected, for Sapt liked to be consulted beforehand, not informed afterward; on the whole, he approved of my plans, and his spirits rose high as the hour of action drew nearer and nearer. Fritz, too, was ready; though he, poor fellow, risked more than Sapt did, for he was a lover, and his happiness hung in the scale. Yet how I envied him! For the triumphant issue which would crown him with happiness and unite him to his mistress, the success for which we were
