Sapt advanced his hand toward the rose, but, with a quick movement, I shut mine down upon it.
"That's mine," I said, "not yours—nor the king's either."
"We struck a good blow for the king to-night," said he.
I turned on him fiercely.
"What's to prevent me striking a blow for myself?" I said.
He nodded his head.
"I know what's in your mind," he said. "Yes, lad; but you're bound in honor."
"Have you left me any honor?"
"Oh, come! to play a little trick on a girl——"
"You can spare me that. Colonel Sapt, if you would not have me utterly a villain—if you would not have your king rot in Zenda, while Michael and I play for the great stake outside—— You follow me?"
"Aye, I follow you."
"We must act, and quickly! You saw to-night—you heard to-night——"
"I did," said he.
