ing their horses half a mile off, they were to steal up to the entrance and hold themselves in readiness for the opening of the door. If the door were not opened by two they were to send Fritz von Tarlenheim round to the other side of the castle. I would meet him there if I were alive, and we would consult whether to storm the castle or not. If I were not there they were to return with all speed to Tarlenheim, rouse the marshal, and march in force on Zenda. For if not there I should be dead; and I knew that the king would not be alive five minutes after I had ceased to breathe.
I must now leave Sapt and his friends, and relate how I myself proceeded on this eventful night. I went out on the good horse which had carried me, on the night of the coronation, back from the shooting lodge to Strelsau. I carried a revolver in the saddle and my sword. I was covered with a large cloak, and under this I wore a warm, tight-fitting woolen jersey, a pair of knicker-bockers, thick stockings, and light canvas shoes, I had rubbed myself thoroughly with oil, and I carried a large flask of whisky. The night was
