"Like a crown better, eh?" suggested the Colonel.
Rudolf laughed as he asked:
"Well, what are my orders?"
"Ride round by the moat to the road at the back; then through the forest to Hofbau; you know your way after that. You mustn't reach Strelsau till it's dark. Then, if you want a shelter"
"To Fritz von Tarlenheim's, yes! From there I shall go straight to the address."
"Aye. And Rudolf!"
"Yes?"
"Make an end of him this time."
"Please God. But if he goes to the lodge? He will unless Rischenheim stops him."
"I'll be there in case, but I think Rischenheim will stop him."
"If he comes here?"
"Young Bernenstein will die before he allows him to reach the King."
"Sapt!"
"Aye?"
"Be kind to her."
"Bless the man, yes!"
"Good-bye."
"And good-luck."
At a swift canter Rudolf darted round the drive that led from the stables, by the moat, to the old forest road behind; five minutes brought him within the shelter of
