Helsing had hardly left the house when Rudolf called Bernenstein back, and with him my wife. Helga hastened to the Queen, who was still sorely agitated; Rudolf drew Bernenstein aside, and exchanged with him all their news. Mr. Rassendyll was much disturbed at finding that no tidings had come from Colonel Sapt and myself, but his apprehension was greatly increased on learning the untoward accident by which the King himself had been at the lodge the night before. Indeed he was utterly in the dark; where the King was, where Rupert, where we were, he did not know. And he was here in Strelsau, known as the King to half-a-dozen people or more, protected only by their promises, liable at any moment to be exposed by the coming of the King himself, or even by a message from him.
Yet in face of all perplexities, perhaps even the more because of the darkness in which he was enveloped, Rudolf held firm to his purpose. There were two things that seemed plain. If Rupert had escaped the trap and was still alive with the letter on him, Rupert must be found; here was the first task. That accomplished, there remained for Rudolf himself nothing save to disappear as quietly and secretly as he had come, trusting that his presence could be concealed from the man whose name he had usurped. Nay, if need were, the King must be told
