At a word, a sign, a hint, a gesture, a motion, as God lives, I'll put a bullet through your head, and a thousand kings shan't stop me. Rudolf, get behind the curtain. If there's an alarm you must jump through the window into the moat and swim for it."
"All right," said Rudolf Rassendyll. "I can read my letter there."
"Burn it, you fool!"
"When I've read it I'll eat it, if you like, but not before."
Bernenstein looked in again.
"Quick, quick! The man will be back," he whispered.
"Bernenstein, did you hear what I said to the Count?"
"Yes, I heard."
"Then you know your part. Now, gentlemen, to the King."
"Well," said an angry voice outside, "I wondered how long I was to be kept waiting."
Rudolf Rassendyll skipped behind the curtain. Sapt's revolver slipped into a handy pocket Rischenheim stood with arms dangling by his side and his waistcoat half unbuttoned. Young Bernenstein was bowing low on the threshold, and protesting that the King's servant had but just gone, and that they were on the point of waiting on his Majesty. Then the King walked in, pale and full-bearded.
