 CHAPTER XVII of Rupert of Hentzau Rupert of Hentzau Taken from the Memoirs of Fritz von Tallenheim by Anthony Hope CHAPTER XVII YOUNG Rupert and the Play Actor Though rises often before my mind the picture of young Rupert, standing where Rischenheim left him, awaiting the return of his messenger, and watching for some sign that he should declare to Strelzau the death of its king, which his own hand had wrought, his image is one that memory holds clear and distinct, though time may blur the shape of greater and better men, and the position in which he was that morning gives play enough to the imagination. Save for Rischenheim, a broken reed, and Bauer, who was gone, non-new where, he stood alone against a kingdom which he had robbed of its head, and a band of resolute men who would know no rest and no security so long as he lived. For protection he had only a quick brain, his courage, and his secret, yet he could not fly, he was without resources till his cousin furnished them, and at any moment his opponents might find themselves able to declare the king's death, and raise the city in hue and cry after him. Such men do not repent, but it may be that he regretted the enterprise which had led him on so far and forced on him a deed so momentous. Yet to those who knew him it seems more likely that the smile broadened on his firm full lips as he looked down on the unconscious city. Well, I dare say he would have been too much for me, but I wish I had been the man to find him there. He would not have had it so, for I believe that he asked no better than to cross swords again with Rudolf Rassendil and set his fortunes on the issue. Down below the old woman was cooking a stew for her dinner, now and then grumbling to herself that the count of Lutzau-Rischenheim was so long away and bower the rascal drunk in some pot-house. The kitchen door stood open, and through it could be seen the girl Rosa, busily scrubbing the tiled floor. Her colour was high, and her eyes bright. From time to time she paused in her task, and raising her head seemed to listen, for the time at which the king needed her was past, but the king had not come. How little the old woman knew for whom she listened. All her talk had been of bower, why bower did not come, and what could have befallen him. It was grand to hold the king's secret for him, and she would hold it with her life, for he had been kind and gracious to her, and he was her man of all the men in Straussau. Bower was a stumpy fellow. The count of Hentzau was handsome, handsome was the devil, but the king was her man, and the king had trusted her. She would die before hurt should come to him. There were wheels in the street, quick rolling wheels. They seemed to stop a few doors away, then to roll on again past the house. The girl's head was raised. The old woman, engrossed in her stewing, took no heed. The girl's straining ear caught a rapid step outside. Then it came, the knock, the sharp knock, followed by five light ones. The old woman heard now, dropping her spoon into the pot. She lifted the mess off the fire, and turning round, saying, There's a rug at last. Open the door for him, Rosa. Before she spoke, Rosa had darted down the passage. The door opened and shut again. The old woman waddled to the threshold of the kitchen. The passage and the shop were dark behind the closed shutters, but the figure by the girl's side was taller than Bower's. Oh, there! cried Mother Holf sharply. The shop shut to-day. You can't come in. But I am in, came the answer, and Rudolph stepped towards her. The girl followed a pace behind. Her hands clasped, and her eyes a light with excitement. Don't you know me? asked Rudolph, standing opposite the old woman and smiling down on her. There, in the dim light of the low roof passage, Mother Holf was fairly puzzled. She knew the story of Mr. Ascendale. She knew that he was again in Ruritania. It was no surprise to her that he should be in Strelso, but she did not know that Rupert had killed the king, and she had not seen the king close at hand since his illness, and his beard impaired what had been a perfect likeness. In fine she could not tell whether it were indeed the king who spoke to her or his counterfeit. Who are you? she asked, curt and blunt in her confusion. The girl broke in with an amused laugh. Why, it's the—she paused. Perhaps the king's identity was a secret. Rudolph nodded to her. Tell her who I am, said he. Why, mother, it's the king! whispered Rosa, laughing and blushing. The king, mother. I, if the king's alive, I'm the king, said Rudolph. I suppose he wanted to find out how much the old woman knew. She made no answer, but stared up at his face. In her bewilderment she forgot to ask how he had learnt the signal that gained him admission. I've come to see the count of Hentzau, Rudolph continued. Take me to him at once. The old woman was across his path in a moment. All defiant, arms a Kimbo. Now many can see the count. He's not here. She blurted out. What? Can't the king see him? Not even the king? King! she cried, peering at him. Are you the king? Rosa burst out laughing. Mother, you must have seen the king a hundred times, she laughed. The king, or his ghost, what does it matter? said Rudolph lightly. The old woman drew back with an appearance of sudden alarm. His ghost? Is he? His ghost rang out in the girl's merry laugh. Why, here's the king himself, mother. You don't look much like a ghost, sir. Mother Holf's face was livid now, and her eyes staring fixedly. Perhaps it shot into her brain that something had happened to the king, and that this man had come because of it. This man, who was indeed the image, and might have been the spirit of the king, she leaned against the doorpost, her broad bosom heaving under her scanty stuff gown. Yet still, was it not the king? God help us! she muttered in fear and bewilderment. He helps us, never fear, said Rudolph Rassendil, where is Count Rupert? The girl had caught alarm from her mother's agitation. She's upstairs in the attic at the top of the house, sir. She whispered in frightened tones, with a glance that fled from her mother's terrified face to Rudolph's set eyes and steady smile. What she said was enough for him. He slipped by the old woman, and began to mount the stairs. The two watched him. Mother Holf, as though fascinated, the girl, alarmed, but still triumphant, she had done what the king bade her. Rudolph turned the corner of the first landing, and disappeared from their sight. The old woman, swearing and muttering, stumbled back into her kitchen, set her stew on the fire and began to stir it, her eyes set on the flames and careless of the pot. The girl watched her mother for a moment, wondering how she could think of the stew, not guessing that she turned the spoon without a thought of what she did. Then she began to crawl quickly but noiselessly out the staircase, in the track of Rudolph Rassendil. She looked back once. The old woman stirred with a monotonous circular movement of her fat arm. Rosa, bent half-double, skimmed upstairs till she came in sight of the king, whom she was so proud to serve. He was on the top landing now, outside the door of a large attic, where Rupert of Hentzauer was lodged. She saw him lay his hand on the latch of the door. His other hand rested in the pocket of his coat. From the room no sound came. Rupert may have heard the step outside and stood motionless to listen. Rudolph opened the door and walked in. The girl darted breathlessly out the remaining steps and, coming to the door, just as it swung back on the latch, crouched down by it, listening to what passed within, catching glimpses of forms and movements through the chinks of the crazy hinge and the crevices where the wood of the panel sprung and left a narrow eye-hole for her absorbed gazing. Rupert of Hentzauer had no thought of ghosts. The men he killed lay still where they fell and slept where they were buried, and he had no wonder at the sight of Rudolph Rassendill. It told him no more than that Ryschenheim's errand had fallen out ill, at which he was not surprised, and that his old enemy was again in his path, at which, as I verily believe, he was more glad than sorry. As Rudolph entered he had been half way between window and table. He came forward to the table now, and stood leaning the points of two fingers on the unpolished, dirty white deal. Ah! the play-actor! said he, with a gleam of his teeth and a toss of his curls, while his second hand, like Mr. Rassendill's, rested in the pocket of his coat. Mr. Rassendill himself has confessed that in the old days it went against the grain with him when Rupert called him a play-actor. He was a little older now, and his temper more difficult to stir. Yes, the play-actor! he answered, smiling, with a shorter part this time, though. What part to-day isn't it the old one? The king with the paste-board crown? asked Rupert, sitting down at the table. Faith, we shall do handsomely in ruritania. You have a paste-board crown, and I, humble man, though I am, have given the other one a heavenly crown. What a brave show! But perhaps I tell you news. No. I know what you've done. I take no credit. It was more the dogs doing than mine, said Rupert carelessly. However, there it is, and dead he is, and there's an end of it. What's your business, play-actor? At the repetition of this last word, to her so mysterious, the girl outside pressed her eyes more eagerly to the chink, and strained her ears to listen more sedulously. And what did the count mean by the other one and a heavenly crown? Why not call me king? asked Rudolph. They call you that in stroll, sir? Those that know I'm here. And they are. Some few score. And thus, said Rupert, waving an arm towards the window, the town is quiet, and the flags fly. You've been waiting to see them lowered. A man likes to have some notice taken of what he has done, Rupert complained. However, I can get them lowered when I will. By telling your news, would that be good for yourself? Forgive me, not that way. Since the king has two lives, it is but nature that he should have two deaths. And when he has undergone the second, I shall live at peace, my friend, on a certain source of income that I possess. He tapped his breast-pocket with a slight, defined laugh. In these days, said he, even queens must be careful about their letters. We live in moral times. You don't share the responsibility for it, said Rudolph, smiling. I make my little protest. But what's your business play actor for I think you're rather tiresome? Rudolph grew grave. He advanced towards the table, and spoke in low, serious tones. My lord, you're alone in this matter now. Rischenheim is a prisoner, your rogue bar I encountered last night, and broke his head. Ah, you did! You have what you know of in your hands. If you yield, on my honour I will save your life. You don't desire my blood, then? Most forgiving play actor. So much that I dare not fail to offer you life, answered Rudolph Rassendel. Come, sir, your plan has failed. Give up the letter. Rupert looked at him thoughtfully. You'll see me safe off if I give it to you, he asked. I'll prevent your death, yes, and I'll see you safe. Where to? To a fortress where a trustworthy gentleman will guard you. Oh, for how long, my dear friend? I hope for many years, my dear Count. In fact, I suppose, as long as heaven leaves you to the world, Count, it's impossible to set you free. That's the offer, then. The extreme limit of indulgence, answered Rudolph. Rupert burst into a laugh, half of defiance, yet touched with the ring of true amusement. Then he let a cigarette and sat, puffing and smiling. I should wrong you by straining your kindness so far, said he, and in wanton insolence, seeking again to show Mr. Rassendel the mean esteem in which he held him, and the weariness his presence was. He raised his arms and stretched them above his head, as a man does in the fatigue of tedium. Hey, ho! he yawned. But he had overshot the mark this time. With a sudden swift bound Rudolph was upon him. His hands gripped Rupert's wrists, and with his greater strength he bent back the Count's pliant body till trunk and head lay flat on the table. Neither man spoke, their eyes met, each heard the other's breathing, and felt the vapour of it in his face. The girl outside had seen the movement of Rudolph's figure, but her cranny did not serve her to show her the two where they were now. She knelt on her knees in ignorant suspense. Slowly, and with a patient force, Rudolph began to work his enemy's arms towards one another. Rupert had read his design in his eyes, and resisted with tense muscles. It seemed as though his arms must crack, but at last they moved, inch by inch they were driven closer. Now the elbows almost touched, now the wrists joined in reluctant contact. The sweat broke out on the Count's brow, and stood in large drops on Rudolph's. Now the wrists were side by side, and slowly the long sinewy fingers of Rudolph's right hand that held one wrist already in their vise began to creep round the other. The grip seemed to have half-numbed Rupert's arms, and his struggles grew fainter. Round both wrists the sinewy fingers climbed and coiled, gradually and timidly the grasp of the other hand was relaxed and withdrawn. Would the one hold both? With a great spasm of effort Rupert put it to the proof. The smile that bent Mr. Rassendill's lips gave the answer. He could hold both. With one hand he could hold both, not for long, no, but for an instant. And then in the instant his left hand, free at last, shot to the breast of the Count's coat. It was the same that he had worn at the hunting lodge, and was ragged and torn from the boar-hound's teeth. Rudolph tore it further open, and his hand dashed in. God's curse on you! snarled Rupert of Hentzow. But Mr. Rassendill still smiled. Then he drew out a letter. A glance at it showed him the Queen's seal. As he glanced Rupert made another effort. The one hand, wear it out, gave way, and Mr. Rassendill had no more than time to spring away, holding his prize. The next moment he had his revolver in his hand, not too soon, but Rupert of Hentzow's barrel faced him, and they stood thus, opposite to one another, with no more than three or four feet between the mouths of their weapons. There is indeed much that may be said against Rupert of Hentzow. The truth about him well-nigh forbidding that charity of judgment which we are taught to observe towards all men. But neither I nor any man who knew him ever found in him a shrinking from danger or a fear of death. It was no feeling such as these, but rather a cool calculation of chances that now stayed his hand. Even if he were victorious in the duel, and both did not die, yet the noise of the firearms would greatly decrease his chances of escape. Moreover, he was a noted swordsman, and convinced that he was Mr. Rassendill's superior in that exercise. The steel offered him at once a better prospect for victory, and more hope of a safe fight. So he did not pull his trigger, but maintaining his aim the while said, I'm not a street bully, and I don't excel in rough and tumble. Will you fight now like a gentleman, as a pair of blades in the case yonder? Mr. Rassendill, in his turn, was keenly alive to the peril that still hung over the Queen. To kill Rupert would not save her if he himself also were shot and left dead, or so helpless that he could not destroy the letter. And while Rupert's revolver was at his heart, he could not tear it up, nor reach the fire that burnt on the other side of the room. Nor did he fear the result of a trial with steel, for he had kept himself in practice and improved his skill since the days when he first came to Strelza. As you will, said he, provided we settle the matter here and now, the manner is the same to me. Put your revolver on the table then, and I'll lay mine by the side of it. I beg your pardon, smiled rude of, but you must lay yours down first. I'm to trust you, it seems, but you won't trust me. Precisely. You know that you can trust me. You know that I can't trust you. A sudden flush swept over Rupert of Hentsau's face. There were moments when he saw in the mirror of another's face or words the estimation in which honourable men held him, and I believe that he hated Mr. Rassendill most fiercely, not for thwarting his enterprise, but because he had more power than any other man to show him that picture. His brows knit in a frown, and his lips shut tight. Aye, but though you weren't far, you'll destroy the letter, he sneered. I know your fine distinctions. Again, I beg your pardon. You know very well that although all Strelza were at the door, I wouldn't touch the letter. With an angry mutterdoth Rupert flung his revolver on the table. Rudolph came forward and laid his bite. Then he took up both, and crossing to the mantelpiece, laid them there. Between them he placed the queen's letter. A bright blaze burned in the grate. It needed but the slightest motion of his hand to set the letter beyond all danger. But he placed it carefully on the mantelpiece, and with a slight smile on his face turned to Rupert, saying, Now shall we resume the bout that Fritz von Tallenheim interrupted in the forest of Zender? All this while they had been speaking in subdued accents, resolution in one, anger in the other, keeping the voice in even, deliberate loners. The girl outside caught only a word here and there, but now suddenly the flash of steel gleamed on her eyes through the crevice of the hinge. She gave a sudden gasp, and pressing her face closer to the opening, listened and looked, for Rupert of Hentzau had taken the swords from their case and put them on the table. With a slight bow, Rudolph took one, and the two assumed their positions. Suddenly Rupert lowered his point. The frown vanished from his face, and he spoke in his usual bantering tone. By the way, said he, perhaps we are letting our feelings run away with us. Have you more of a mind now to be king of Rorytania? If so, I am ready to be the most faithful of your subjects. You honour me, Count. They provided, of course, that I am one of the most favoured and the richest. Come. Come, the fool is dead now. He lived like a fool, and he died like a fool. The place is empty. The dead man has no rights and suffers no wrongs. Damn it, that's good law, isn't it? Take his place and his wife. You can pay my price then. Or are you still so virtuous? Faith? How little some men learn from the world they live in if I had your chance. Come, Count, you would be the last man to trust Rupert of Hentzau if I made it worth his while. But he is a man who would take the pay and betray his associate. Again Rupert flushed when he next spoke. His voice was hard, cold and low. By God, Rudolf Rassendill, said he, I'll kill you here and now. I ask no better than that you should try. And then I'll proclaim that woman for what she is in all trellisire. A smile came on his lips as he watched Rudolf's face. Guard yourself, my lord, said Mr. Rassendill. I for no better than that a man I am ready for you. For Rudolf's blade had touched his in warning. The steel jangled. The girl's pale face was at the crevice of the hinge. She heard the blade's cross again and again. Then one would run up the other with a sharp, grating slither. At times she caught a glimpse of a figure in quick forward lunge or rapid wary withdrawal. Her brain was almost paralyzed. Ignorant of the mind and heart of young Rupert, she could not conceive that he tried to kill the king. Yet the word she had caught sounded like words of men quarrelling, and she could not persuade herself that the gentleman fenced only for past time. They were not speaking now, but she heard their hard breathing and the movement of their unresting feet on the bare boards of the floor. Then a cry rang out, clear and merry, with the fierce hope of triumph. Nearly, nearly! she knew the voice for Rupert of Hentzhouse, and it was the king who answered calmly, nearly isn't quite. Again she listened. They seemed to have paused for a moment, for there was no sound save of hard breathing and deep drawn pants of men who rest an instant in the midst of intense exertion. Then came again the clash and the slitherings, and one of them crossed into her view. She knew the tall figure and she saw the red hair, it was the king. Backward, step by step, he seemed to be driven, coming nearer and nearer to the door. At last there was no more than a foot between him and her. Only the crazy panel prevented her from putting out her hand to touch him. Again the voice of Rupert rang out in rich exultation, I have you now, say your prayers, king, Rudolph! Say your prayers! Then they fought. It was earnest, not play, and it was the king her king, her dear king who was in great peril of his life. For an instant she knelt, still watching. Then, with a low cry of terror, she turned and ran headlong down the steep stairs. Her mind could not tell what to do, but her heart cried out that she must do something for her king. Reaching the ground floor she ran with wide open eyes into the kitchen. The stew was on the hob. The old woman still held the spoon, but she had ceased to stir and fallen into a chair. He's killing the king! He's killing the king! cried Rosa, seizing her mother by the arm. Mother, what shall we do? He's killing the king! The old woman looked up with dull eyes and a stupid, cunning smile. They've been long, she said. There's no king here. Yes, yes, he's upstairs in the count's room. They're fighting. He and the count of Hentzer. Mother, count Rupert will kill! Leave them alone! He's the king! He's no king! muttered the old woman again. For an instant Rosa stood looking down on her in helpless despair. Then a light flashed in her eyes. I must call for help! she cried. The old woman seemed to spring to a sudden life. She jumped up and caught her daughter by the shoulder. Now, now! she whispered in quick accents. You don't now. Leave them alone, you fool! He's not our business. Leave them alone! Let me go, mother! Let me go! Mother, I must help the king! I'll not let you go, said Mother Hoff. But Rosa was young and strong. Her heart was fired with terror for the king's danger. I must go! she cried. And she flung her mother's grasp off from her, so that the old woman was thrown back into her chair, and the spoon fell from her hand and clattered on the tiles. But Rosa turned and fled down the passage and threw the shop. The bolts delayed her trembling fingers for an instant. Then she flung the door wide. A new amazement filled her eyes at the sight of the eager crowd before the house. Then her eyes fell on me, where I stood between the Lieutenant and Rischenheim. And she uttered her wild cry, Help the king! With one bound I was by her side and in the house, while Bernenstein cried, Quaker! from behind. End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18 of Rupert of Hentzau This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please go to LibriVox.org Recording by Andy Mentor Rupert of Hentzau Taken from the Memoirs of Fritz von Tallenheim by Anthony Hope Chapter 18 The Triumph of the King The thing that men call presages, presentiments, and so forth, are, to my mind, for the most part, idle nuttings. Sometimes it is only that probable events cast before them a natural shadow which superstitious fancy twists into a heaven-sent warning. Often the same desire that gives conception works fulfilment and the dreamer sees in the result of his own act and will a mysterious accomplishment independent of his effort. Yet when I observe thus calmly and with good sense on the matter to the constable of Zender he shakes his head and answers a battered old frasendale new from the first that he would come again to Saur and engage young Rupert point to point. Else why did he practice with the foils so as to be a better swordsman the second time that he was the first? Maint God do anything that Fritz von Tallenheim can't understand? A pretty notion on my life. And he goes off grumbling. Well, be it inspiration or be it delusion, and the difference stands often on a hair's breadth. I am glad that Rudolf had it. And once grows rusty it is everything short of impossible to put the fine polish on his skill again. Mr. Rassendale had strength will, coolness and of course courage. None would have availed had not his eye been in perfect familiarity with its work and his hand obeyed it as readily as the bolt slips in a well-oiled groove. As the thing stood a lithogility and unmatched dash of young Rupert for him. He was in deadly peril when the girl Rosa ran down to bring him aid. His practised skill was able to maintain his defence. He sought to do no more but endured Rupert's fiery attack and wily feints in an almost motionless stillness. Almost, I say, for the slight turns of wrist that seemed nothing or everything and served here to keep his skin whole and his life in him. Rupert himself saw it in his eyes and dwelt on it when he likely painted the scene for me when they're dawned on Rupert of Hentzo the knowledge that he could not break down his enemy's guard. Surprise, chagrin, amusement or something like it seemed blended in his look. He could not make out how he was caught and checked in every effort meeting it seemed a barrier of iron impregnable in rest. His quick brain grasped skill were not the greater the victory would not be his for his endurance was less he was younger and his frame was not so closely knit pleasure had taken its tithe from him perhaps a good cause goes for something. Even while he almost pressed Rudolph against the panel of the door he seemed to know that his measure of success was full but what the hand could not compass the head might contrive in quickly conceived strategy he began to give pause in his attack nay, he retreated a step or two no scruples hampered his devices no code of honour limited the means he would employ backing before his opponent he seemed to Rudolph to be faint hearted he was baffled but seemed despairing he was weary but played a more complete fatigue Rudolph advanced pressing and attacking only to meet a defence as perfect as his own they were in the middle of the room now close by the table Rupert as though he had eyes in the back of his head skirted around avoiding it by a narrow inch his breathing was quick and distressed gasped tumbling over gasp but still his eye was alert and his hand unearing he had but a few moments more effort left in him it was enough if he could reach his goal and perpetrate the trick on which his mind fertile in every base device was set for it was towards the mantelpiece that his retreat, seeming forced in truth so deliberate, led him there was the letter there lay the revolvers the time to think of risks was gone by the time to boggle over what honour allowed or for bad had never come to Rupert of Hentza if he could not win by force and skill he would win by guile and by treachery to the test that he had himself invited the revolvers lay on the mantelpiece he meant to possess himself of one if he could gain an instant in which to snatch it the device that he adopted was nicely chosen it was too late to call a rest or ask for breathing space Mr. Rassendill was not blind to the advantage he had won and chivalry would have turned to folly had it allowed such indulgence Rupert was hard by the mantelpiece now the sweat was pouring from his face and his breast seemed like to burst in the effort after breath yet he had enough strength for his purpose he must have slackened his hold on his weapon for when Rudolph's blade next struck it it flew from his hand twirled out of a nervous grasp and slid along the floor Rupert stood disarmed and Rudolph motionless pick it up said Mr. Rassendill never thinking there had been a trick ah, and you'll trust me while I do it you young fool don't you know me yet and Rudolph lowering his blade rested its point on the floor while with his left hand he indicated Rupert's weapon yet something warned him it may be there came a look in Rupert's eyes perhaps a scorn for his enemy's simplicity perhaps a pure triumph in the graceless navery Rudolph stood waiting you swear you won't touch me while I pick it up asked Rupert shrinking back a little and thereby getting an inch or two nearer the mantelpiece you'll have my promise pick it up I won't wait any longer you won't kill me unarmed cried Rupert in alarmed scandalised expostulation no, but the speech went unfinished unless a sudden cry were its ending and as he cried Rudolph Rassendill dropping his sword on the ground sprang forward for Rupert's hand had shot out behind him the whole trick flashed on Rudolph and he sprang flinging his long arms round Rupert but Rupert had the revolver in his hand in all likelihood the two neither heard nor he did though it seemed to me that the creaks and groans of the old stairs were loud enough to wake the dead for now Rosa had given the alarm Bernstein and I or I and Bernstein I was first and therefore may put myself first had rushed up hard behind us came Rischenheim and hot on his heels a score of fellows pushing and shouldering and trampling we in front had a fair start and gained the stairs unimpeded Rischenheim was caught in the ruck and gulfed in the stormy tossing group that struggled for the first footing on the steps yet soon they were after us and we heard them reach the first landing as we sped up to the last there was a confused din through all the house and now to echo muffled and vague through the walls from the street without I was conscious of it although I paid no heed to anything but reaching the room where the king where Rudolf was now I was there Bernstein hanging to my heels the door did not hold us a second I was in he after me he slammed the door and set his back against it just as the rush of feet flooded the highest flight of stairs and at the moment a revolver shot rang clear and loud the lieutenant and I stood still he against the door I apace further into the room the sight we saw was enough to arrest us with its strange interest the smoke of the shot was curling about but neither man seemed wounded the revolver was in Rupert's hand and its muzzle smoked but Rupert was jammed against the wall just by the side of the mantelpiece with one hand Rudolf had pinned his left arm higher than his head with the other he held his right wrist I drew slowly nearer if Rudolf were unarmed I could fairly enforce a truce and put them on inequality yet though Rudolf was unarmed I did nothing the sight of his face stopped me he was very pale and his lips were set but it was his eyes that caught my gaze for they were glad and merciless I had never seen him look thus before I turned from him to young Hentzau's face Rupert's teeth were biting his underlip the sweat dropped and the veins swelled large and blue on his forehead his eyes were set on Rudolf Rassendil fascinated I drew nearer then I saw what passed inch by inch Rupert's arm curved the elbow bent the hand that had pointed almost straight from him and at Mr. Rassendil I looked away from both towards the window but his motion did not stop it followed the line of a circle now it was on Rupert's arm still it moved and quicker now for the power of resistance grew less Rupert was beaten he felt it and knew it and I read the knowledge in his eyes I stepped up to Rudolf Rassendil he heard or felt me and turned his eyes for an instant I do not know what my face said but he shook his head and turned back to Rupert the revolver held still in the man's own hand was at his heart the motion ceased the point was reached I looked again at Rupert now his face was easier there was a slight smile on his lips he flung back his comely head and rested thus against the wainscotting his eyes asked a question of Rudolf Rassendil I turned my gaze to where the answer was to come for Rudolf made non-inwards by the swiftest of movements he shifted his grasp from Rupert's wrist and pounced on his hand now his forefinger rested on Rupert's and Rupert's was on the trigger I am no soft heart but I laid a hand on his shoulder he took no heed I dared do no more Rupert glanced at me I caught his look but what could I say to him again my eyes were riveted on Rudolf's finger now it was crooked round Rupert's seeming like a man who strangles another I will not say more he smiled to the last his proud head which had never been for shame did not bend for fear there was a sudden tightening in the pressure of that crooked forefinger a flash, a noise he was held up against the wall for an instant by Rudolf's hand when that was removed it looked all head and knees but hot on the sound of the discharge came a shout and an oath from Bernstein he was hurled away from the door and through it burst Rischenheim and the whole score after him they were jostling one another and crying out to know what past and where the king was high over the voices coming from the back of the throng I heard the cry of the girl Rosa but as soon as they were in the room the same spell that had fastened the activity imposed its numbing power on them also only Rischenheim gave a sudden sob and ran forward to where his cousin lay the rest stood staring for a moment Rudolf eyed them then without a word he turned his back he put out the right hand with which he had just killed Rupert of Hentzau and took the letter from the mantelpiece he glanced at the envelope then he opened the letter writing banished any last doubt he had he tore the letter across and again in four pieces and yet again in smaller fragments then he sprinkled the morsels of paper into the blaze of the fire I believe that every eye in the room followed them and watched till they curled and crinkled into black wafery ashes thus at last the queen's letter was safe when he had thus set the seal on his task he turned round to us again he paid no heed to Rischenheim who was crouching down by the body of Rupert but he looked at Bernstein and me and then at the people behind us he waited a moment before he spoke then his utterance was not only calm but also very slow so that he seemed to be choosing his words carefully gentlemen said he a full account of this matter will be rendered by myself in due time for the present it must suffice to say that this gentleman who lies here dead sought an interview with me on private business I came here to find him desiring as he professed to desire privacy and here he tried to kill me the result of his attempt you see I bowed low Bernstein did the like and all the rest followed our example a full account shall be given said Rudolf now all leave me except the count of Tollenheim and Lieutenant von Bernstein most unwillingly with gaping mouths and wonderstruck eyes the throng filed out of the door Rischenheim rose to his feet you stay if you like said Rudolf and the count knelt again by his kinsman seeing the rough bedsteads by the wall of the attic Rischenheim on the shoulder and pointed to one of them together we lifted Rupert of Hentzau the revolver was still in his hand but Bernstein disengaged it from his grasp then Rischenheim and I laid him down disposing his body decently and spreading over it his riding cloak still spotted with the mud gathered on his midnight expedition to the hunting lodge his face looked much as before in death as in life he was the handsomest fellow in all Ruritania I wager that many tender hearts ate and many bright eyes were dimmed for him when the news of his guilt and death went forth there are ladies still in Straussau who wear his trinkets in an ashamed devotion that cannot forget well even I, who had every cause to hate and scorn him set the hair smooth on his brow while Rischenheim was sobbing like a child and young Bernstein rested his head on his arm as he lent on the mantelpiece and would not look at the dead Rudolph alone seemed not to heed him or think of him his eyes had lost their unnatural look of joy and were now calm and tranquil he took his own revolver from the mantelpiece and put it in his pocket laying Rupert's neatly where his had been then he turned to me and said come let us go to the queen and tell her that the letter is beyond reach of hurt moved by some impulse I walked to the window and put my head out I was seen from below and a great shout greeted me the crowd before the doors grew every moment the people flocking from all quarters would soon multiply to a hundred fold for such news as had been carried from the attic by twenty wondering tongues spread like a forest fire it would be through Straussau in a few minutes through the kingdom in an hour through Europe in but little longer Rupert was dead and the letter was safe but what will we to tell that great concourse concerning their king a queer feeling of helpless perplexity came over me and found vent in a foolish laugh Bernstein was by my side he also looked out and turned again with an eager face you'll have a royal progress to your palace Mr. Rudolf Rassendill Mr. Rassendill made no answer but coming to me took my arm we went out leaving Rischenheim by the body I did not think of him Bernstein probably thought that he would keep his pledge given to the queen for he followed us immediately and without demure there was nobody outside the door the house was very quiet and the tumult from the street reached us only in a muffled roar came to the foot of the stairs we found the two women mother Holf stood on the threshold of the kitchen looking amazed and terrified Rosa was clinging to her but as soon as Rudolf came in sight the girl sprang forward and flung herself on her knees before him pouring out incoherent thanks to heaven for his safety he bent down and spoke to her in a whisper she looked up with a flush of pride on her face he glanced at his hands but he wore no ring save that which the queen had given him long ago then he disengaged his chain and took his gold watch from his pocket turning it over he showed me the monogram R. R. Rudolf's rex he whispered with a whimsical smile and pressed the watch into the girl's hand saying keep this to remind you of me she laughed and sobbed as she caught it with one hand while with the other she held his you must let go he said gently I have much to do I took her by the arm and induced her to rise Rudolf released passed on to where the old woman stood he spoke to her in a stern and distinct voice I don't know he said how far you are a party to the plot that was hatched in your house for the present I am content not to know for it is no pleasure to me to detect disloyalty or to punish an old woman but take care the first word you speak the first act you do against me the king will bring it certain and swift punishment if you trouble me I won't spare you in spite of traitors I am still king looking hard in her face her lip quivered and her eyes fell yes he repeated I am king in Strelso keep your hands out of mischief and your tongue quiet she made no answer he passed on I was following but as I went by her the old woman clutched my arm in God's name who is he she whispered are you mad I asked don't you know the king when he speaks to you and you'd best remember what he said he has servants who'll do his orders she let me go and fell back a step young Bernstein smiled at her he at least found more pleasure than anxiety in our position thus then we left them the old woman terrified amazed doubtful the girl with ruddy cheeks and shining eyes clasping in her two hands it seemed like that the king himself had given her Bernstein had more presence of mind than I he ran forward got in front of both of us and flung the door open then bowing very low he stood aside to let Rudolph pass the street was full from end to end now and a mighty shout of welcome rose from thousands of throats hats and handkerchiefs were waved in mad exultation and triumphant loyalty the kings of the kings' escape had flashed through the city and all were there to do him honour they had seized some gentleman's land down taken out the horses the carriage stood now before the doors of the house Rudolph had waited a moment on the threshold lifting his hat once or twice his face was perfectly calm and I saw no trembling in his hands in an instant a dozen arms took gentle hold of him and impelled him forward he mounted into the carriage Bernstein and I followed with bare heads and sat on the back seat facing him the people were round as thick as bees and it seemed as though we could not move without crushing somebody yet presently the wheels turned and they began to drag us away at a slow walk Rudolph kept raising his hat bowing now to the right now to left but once as he turned his eyes met ours in spite of what was behind we all three smiled I wish they'd go a little quicker said Rudolph in a whisper as he conquered his smile and turned again to acknowledge the loyal greetings of his subjects but what did they know of any need for haste they did not know what stood on the turn of the next few hours nor the momentous question that pressed for instant decision so far from hurrying they lengthened our ride by many pauses they kept us before the cathedral we ran and got the joy-bells set bringing we were stopped to receive improvised bouquets from the hands of pretty girls and impetuous handshaking from enthusiastic loyalists through it all Rudolph kept his composure and seemed to play his part with native kingliness I heard Bernstein whisper by God we must stick to it at last we came in sight of the palace of Sturre many officers and soldiers were about I saw the Chancellor's carriage standing near the portico and a dozen other handsome equipages were waiting till they could approach our human horses drew us slowly up to the entrance Helsing was on the steps and ran down to the carriage greeting the king with passionate fervour the shouts of the crowd grew louder still but suddenly a stillness fell on them it lasted but an instant and was the prelude to a deafening roar I was looking at Rudolph and saw his head turn suddenly and his eyes grow bright I looked where his eyes had gone there on the top step of the broad marble flight stood the queen pale as the marble itself stretching out her hands towards Rudolph the people had seen her she it was whom this last rapturous chair greeted my wife stood close behind her on the back others of her ladies Bernstein and I sprang out with the last salute to the people Rudolph followed us he walked up to the highest step but one and there fell on one knee and kissed the queen's hand I was by him and when he looked up in her face I heard him say all's well he's dead and the letter burnt she raised him with her hand her lips moved but it seemed as though she could find no words to speak she put her arm through his and thus they stood for an instant fronting all Strelso again the cheers rang out and young Bernstein sprang forward waving his helmet and crying like a man possessed God save the king I was carried away by his enthusiasm and followed his lead all the people took up the cry with boundless fervour and thus we all high and low in Strelso that afternoon hailed Mr. Rassendill for our king there had been no such zeal since Henry the lion came back from his wars a hundred and fifty years ago and yet observed old Helsing at my elbow agitators say there is no enthusiasm for the house of Elfberg he took a pinch of snuff in scornful satisfaction young Bernstein interrupted his ministering with a short laugh but fell to his task again in a moment I had recovered my senses by now and stood panting looking down on the crowd it was growing dusk and the faces became blurred into a white sea yet suddenly I seemed to discern one glaring up at me from the middle of the crowd the pale face of a man with a bandage about his head I caught Bernstein's arm and whispered Bower pointing with my finger as the face was but even as I pointed it was gone though it seemed impossible for a man to move in that press yet it was gone it had come like a cynic's warning across the scene of mop triumph and went swiftly as it had come leaving behind it a reminder of our peril I felt suddenly sick at heart and almost cried out to the people to have done with their silly shouting at last we got away to the writers who made their way to the door and sought to offer their congratulations it could not disperse the crowd that hung persistently and contentedly about ringing us in the palace with a living fence we still heard their jests and cheers when we were alone in the small saloon that opens on the gardens my wife and I had come here at Rudolph's request Bernstein had assumed the duty of guarding the door evening was now falling fast and it grew dark the garden was quiet the distant noise of the crowd through its stillness into greater relief Rudolph told us there the story of his struggle with Rupert of Hentzau in the attic of the old house dwelling on it as lightly as he could the queen stood by his chair she would not let him rise when he finished by telling how he had burnt her letter she stooped suddenly and kissed him on the brow then she looked straight across at Helga almost defiantly but Helga ran to her and caught her in her arms Rudolph Rassendill sat with his head resting on his hand he looked up once at the two women then he caught my eye and beckoned me to come to him I approached him, but for several moments he did not speak again he motioned to me and resting my hand on the arm of his chair I bent my head close down to his he glanced again at the queen seeming afraid that she would hear what he wished to say Fritz he whispered at last as soon as it's fairly dark I must get away Bernstein will come with me you must stay here where can you go to the lodge I must meet Zapp and arrange matters with him I did not understand what plan he had in his head or what scheme he could contrive but at the moment my mind was not directed to such matters on the sight before my eyes and the queen I whispered in answer to him low as my voice was she heard it she turned to us with a sudden startled movement still holding Helga's hand her eyes searched our faces and she knew in an instant of what we had been speaking a little longer still she stood, gazing at us then suddenly she sprang forward and threw herself on her knees before Rudolph lifted and resting on his shoulders she forgot our presence and everything in the world saved her great dread of losing him again not again Rudolph my darling not again Rudolph I can't bear it again then she dropped her head on his knees and sobbed he raised his hand and gently stroked the gleaming hair but he did not look at her he gazed out at the garden which grew dark and dreary his lips were tight set and his face pale and drawn I watched him for a moment then I drew my wife away and we sat down at a table some way off from outside still came the cheers and tumult of the joyful excited crowd within there was no sound but the queen stifled sobbing Rudolph caressed her shining hair and gazed into the night with sad, sad eyes she raised her head into his face you'll break my heart she said end of chapter 18 chapter 19 of Rupert of Hentza this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please go to LibriVox.org recording by Andy Minter Rupert of Hentza taken from the memoirs of Fritz von Tallenheim by Anthony Hope chapter 19 for Our Love and Her Honour Rupert of Hentza was dead that was the thought which among all our perplexities came back to me carrying with it a wonderful relief to those who have not learned in fighting against him the height of his audacity and the reach of his designs it may well seem incredible that his death should breed comfort at a moment when the future was still so dark and uncertain yet to me it was so great a thing that I could hardly bring myself to the conviction that we had done with him true he was dead but could he not strike a blow at us even from beyond the gulf such were the half superstitious thoughts that forced their way into my mind as I stood looking out at the crowd which obstinately encircled the front of the palace I was alone Rudolph was with the Queen my wife was resting Bernstein had sat down to a meal for which I could find no appetite by an effort I freed myself from my fancies and tried to concentrate my brain on the facts of our position we were ringed round with difficulties to solve them was beyond my power but I knew where my wish would lay I had no desire to find means by which Rudolph Rassendil should escape unknown from Strelso the King although dead be again in death the King and the Queen be left desolate on her mournful and solitary throne it might be that a brain more astute than mine could bring all this to pass my imagination would have none of it but dwelt lovingly on the reign of him who was now King in Strelso declaring that to give the kingdom such a ruler would be a splendid fraud and prove a stroke so bold as to defy detection against it stood only the suspicions of Mother Hoff fear or money would close her lips and the knowledge of Bower Bower's mouth also could be shut I and should be before we were many days older my reverie led me far I saw the future years unroll before me in the fair record of a great King's sovereignty it seemed to me that by the violence and bloodshed we had passed through fate for once penitent was but writing the mistake made when Rudolph was not born a King for a long while I stood thus musing and dreaming I was roused by the sound of the door opening and closing turning I saw the Queen she was alone and came towards me with timid steps she looked out for a moment on the square and the people but drew back suddenly in apparent fear lest they should see her then she sat down and turned her face towards mine I read in her eyes something of the conflict of emotions which possessed her she seemed at once to deprecate my disapproval and ask my sympathy she prayed me to be gentle to her fault and kind to her happiness self-reproach shadowed her joy but the golden gleam of it strayed through I looked eagerly at her this would not have been her bearing had she come from a last farewell for the radiance was there however much dimmed by sorrow and by fearfulness Fritz she began softly I am wicked so wicked won't God punish me for my gladness I fear I paid little heed to her trouble though I can understand it well enough now gladness I cried in a low voice then you've persuaded him she smiled at me for an instant I mean you've agreed I stammered her eyes again sought mine and she said in a whisper some day not now oh not now now would be too much but some day Fritz if God will not deal too hardly with me I shall be his Fritz I was intent on my vision not on hers I wanted him king she did not care what he was so that he was hers so that he should not leave her he'll take the throne I cried triumphantly no no no not the throne he's going away going away I could not keep the dismay out of my voice yes now but not forever it will be long oh so long but I can bear it she stopped still looking up at me with eyes that implored pardon and sympathy I don't understand said I bluntly and I fear gruffly also you were right she said I did persuade him he wanted to go away again as he went before ought I to have let him yes yes but I couldn't Fritz hadn't I done enough you don't know what I've endured more still he will go now and the time will be very long but at last we shall be together there is pity in God we shall be together at last if he goes now how can he come back he will not come back I shall go to him I shall give up the throne and go to him some day when I can be spared from here when I've done my work I was aghast at this shattering of my vision yet I could not be hard to her I said nothing but took her hand and pressed it you wanted him to be king she whispered with all my heart madam said I he wouldn't Fritz no and I shouldn't dare to do that either I fell back on the practical difficulties but how can he go I asked I don't know but he knows how to plan we fell again into silence her eyes grew more calm and seemed to look forward in patient hope to the time when her happiness should come to her I felt like a man suddenly robbed of the exaltation of wine and sunk to dull apathy I don't see how he can go I said sullenly she did not answer me a moment later the door again opened Rudolph came in Bernstein both wore riding boots and cloaks I saw on Bernstein's face just such a look of disappointment as I knew must be on mine Rudolph seemed calm and even happy he walked straight up to the queen the horses will be ready in a few minutes he said gently then turning to me he asked you know what we're going to do Fritz not I sigh I answered calmly not I sigh he repeated in a half merry half sad mockery then he came between Bernstein and me and passed his arms through ours you two villains he said you two unscrupulous villains here you are as rough as bears because I won't be a thief why have I killed young Rupert and left you rogues alive I felt the friendly pressure of his hand on my arm with every word from his lips and every moment of his presence my sorrow grew keener that he would not stay Bernstein looked across at me and shrugged his shoulders despairingly Rudolph gave a little laugh you won't forgive me for not being as great a rogue won't you? he asked well I found nothing to say but I took my arm out of his and clasped his hand he gripped mine hard that's old Fritz he said and he caught hold of Bernstein's hand which the lieutenant yielded with some reluctance now for the plan said he Bernstein and I set out at once for the lodge yes publicly as publicly as we can I shall ride right through the people there showing myself to as many as will look at me and letting it be known to everybody where I'm going we shall get there quite early tomorrow before it's light then we shall find you know what we shall find Zap too and he'll put the finishing touches to our plan for us hello what's that there was a sudden fresh shouting from the large crowd that still lingered outside the palace I ran to the window and saw commotion in the midst of them I flung the sash up then I heard a well known loud strident voice make way you rascals make way I turned round again full of excitement it zapped himself I said he's riding like mad through the crowd and your servants just behind him my god what's happened why have they left the lodge cried Bernstein the queen looked up in startled alarm and rising to her feet came and passed her arm through Rudolph's thus we all stood listening to the people good-naturedly cheering Zap whom they had recognized and bantering James whom they took for a servant of the constables the minutes seemed very long as we waited in utter perplexity almost in consternation the same thought was in the mind of all of us silently imparted by one to another in the glances we exchanged what could have brought them from their guard of the great secret save its discovery they would never have left their post while the fulfilment of their trust was possible by some mishap unforeseen chance the king's body must have been discovered then the king's death was known and the news of it might at any moment astonish and bewilder the city at last the door was flung open and a servant announced the constable of Zender zapped was covered with dust and mud and James who entered close on his heels was in no better plight evidently they had ridden hard and furiously indeed they were still panting the most perfunctory bow to the queen came straight to where Rudolph stood is he dead? he asked without preface yes, Rupert is dead answered Mr. Rassendill I killed him and the letter I burnt it and Rischenheim the queen struck in the count of Lutzau Rischenheim will say and do nothing against me she said with his brows a little well, and Bauer he asked Bauer's at large, I answered eh well, it's only Bauer said the constable seeming tolerably well pleased then his eyes fell on Rudolph and Bernstein he stretched out his hand and pointed to their riding-boots ridder away so late at night he asked first together to the lodge to find you then I alone to the frontier said Mr. Rassendill one thing at a time the frontier will wait what does your majesty want with me at the lodge I want to contrive that I shall no longer be your majesty said Rudolph Zapp flung himself into a chair and took off his gloves come, tell me what's happened today in the Strelzau he said we gave a short and hurried account he listened with few signs of approval or disapproval but I thought I saw a gleam in his eyes when I described how all the city had hailed Rudolph as its king and the queen received him as her husband before the eyes of all again the hope and vision shattered by Rudolph's calm resolution inspired me Zapp said little but he had the air of a man with some news in reserve he seemed to be comparing what we told him with something already known to him but unknown to us the little servant stood all the while in respectful stillness by the door but I could see by a glance at his alert face that he followed the whole scene with keen attention at the end of the story Rudolph turned to Zapp and your secret is it safe? he asked eh, it's safe enough nobody has seen what you had to hide no and nobody knows that the king is dead answered Zapp then what brings you here? eh, the same thing that was about to bring you to the lodge the need of a meeting between yourself and me, sir but the lodge is it left unguarded? a lodge is safe enough said Colonel Zapp unquestionably there was a secret a new secret hidden behind the curt words and brusque manner I could restrain myself no longer and sprang forward, saying what is it? tell us, Constable he looked at me then glanced at Mr. Rassendill I should like to hear your plan first he said to Rudolph how do you mean to account for your presence alive in the city today when the king has lain dead in the shooting-box since last night we drew close together as Rudolph began his answer Zapp to loan lay back in his chair the queen also had resumed her seat she seemed to pay little heed to what we said I think that she was still engrossed with the struggle and tumult in her own soul the sin of which she accused herself and the joy to which her whole being sprang in a greeting which would not be abashed were at strife between themselves but joined hands to exclude from her mind any other thought in an hour I must be gone from here began Rudolph if you wish that it's easy observed Colonel Zapp come Zapp to be reasonable smiled Mr. Rassendill early tomorrow we, you and I I also asked the Colonel yes, you, Bernstein and I will be at the lodge that's not impossible though I have had nearly enough writing Rudolph fixed his eyes firmly on Zapp's you see he said the king reaches his hunting lodge early in the morning I follow you, sir and what happens there, Zapp does he shoot himself accidentally well that happens sometimes or doesn't assassin kill him hey, but you've made the best assassin unavailable even at this moment I could not help smiling at the old fellow's surly wit and Rudolph's amused tolerance of it or does his faithful attendant Herbert shoot him all right, make poor Herbert a murderer oh no, by accident and then in remorse kill himself it's very pretty but doctors have awkward views as to when a man can have shot himself my good constable doctors have palms as well as ideas if you fill the one you supply the other I think now both plans are good suppose we choose the latter what then why then, by tomorrow at mid-day the news flashes through Ruritania yes, and through Europe that the king miraculously preserved today praise be to God interjected Colonel Zapp and young Bernstein laughed has met a tragic end it will occasion great grief said Zapp meanwhile I am safe over the frontier ah, you're quite safe absolutely and in the afternoon of tomorrow you and Bernstein will set out for Strelso bringing with you the body of the king and Rudolph after a pause whispered you must shave his face and if the doctors want to talk about how long he's been dead they have as I say, palms Zapp sat silently for a while apparently considering the scheme it was risky enough in all conscience but success had made Rudolph bold and he had learned how slow suspicion is if a deception be bold enough it is only lightly fraught that had detected well, what do you say? asked Mr. Rassendill I observed that he said nothing to Zapp of what the queen and he had determined to do afterwards Zapp wrinkled his forehead I saw him glance at James and the slightest, briefest smile showed on James' face it's dangerous, of course pursued Rudolph, but I believe that when they see the king's body that's the point interrupted Zapp they can't see the king's body Rudolph looked at him with some surprise then speaking in a low voice unless the queen should hear and be distressed he went on you must prepare it, you know bring it here in a shell only a few officials need see the face Zapp rose to his feet and stood facing Mr. Rassendill that plan is a pretty one but it breaks down at one point said he in a strange voice even harsher than his was want to be I was on fire with excitement for I would have staked my life now that he had some strange tidings for us there is no body said he Mr. Rassendill's composure gave way he sprang forward catching Zapp by the arm nobody, what do you mean? he exclaimed Zapp cast another glance at James and then began in an even mechanical voice as though he were reading a lesson he had learnt or playing a part that habit made familiar that poor fellow Herbert carelessly left a candle burning where the oil and the wood were kept he said that afternoon about six James and I laid down for a nap after our meal and about seven James came to my side and roused me my room was full of smoke the lodge was ablaze I darted out of bed the fire had made too much headway we could not hope to quench it we had but one thought he suddenly paused and looked at James but one thought to save our companion said James gravely but one thought to save our companion we rushed to the door of the room where he was I opened the door and tried to enter it was certain death James tried but fell back again I rushed in James pulled me back it was but another death we had to save ourselves we gained the open air the lodge was a sheet of flame we could do nothing but stand watching till the swiftly burning ward blackened our ashes and the flames died down as we watched we knew that all in the cottage must be dead what could we do at last James started off in the hope of getting help he found a party of charcoal burners and they came with him the flames were burned down now we and they approached the charred ruins everything was in ashes but he lowered his voice and they found what seemed with a body of Boris the Hound in another room was a charred corpse whose hunting-horn melted to a molten mass told us that it had been her but the forester and there was another corpse almost shapeless utterly unrecognisable we saw it the charcoal burners saw it then more peasants came round drawn by the sight of the flames none could tell who it was only I and James knew and we mounted our horses and have ridden here to tell the king Zapt finished his lesson or his story a sob burst from the queen and she hid her face in her hands Bernon Stein and I amazed at this strange tale scarcely understanding whether it were jest or earnest stood staring stupidly at Zapt then I overcome by the strange thing I was far foolish by the bizarre mingling of comedy and impressiveness in Zapt's rendering of it plucked him by the sleeve and asked with something between the laugh and the gasp who had that other corpse been constable he turned his small keen eyes on me in persistent gravity and unflinching effrontery I missed a rassan deal a friend of the kings who with his servant James was awaiting his majesties and he returned from Streltshire his servant here is ready to start for England to tell Mr. Rassan Dill's relatives the news the queen had begun to listen before now her eyes were fixed on Zapt and she had stretched out one arm to him as if imploring him to read her his riddle but a few words had in truth declared his device plainly enough in all its simplicity Rudolph Rassan Dill was dead his body burnt to a cinder and the king was alive whole and on his throne in Streltshire thus had Zapt caught from James the servant the infection of his madness and had fulfilled in action the strange imagination which the little man had unfolded to him in order to pass their idle hours at the lodge suddenly Mr. Rassan Dill spoke in clear short tones this is all a lie Zapt said he and his lips curled in contemptuous amusement it's no lie that the lodge is burnt and the body's in it and that half a hundred of the peasants know it and that no man could tell the body for the kings as for the rest it is a lie but I think the truth in it is enough to serve the two men stood facing one another with defiant eyes Rudolph had caught the meaning of the great and audacious trick which Zapt and his companion had played it was impossible now to bring the king's body to Streltshire it seemed no less impossible to declare that the man burnt in the lodge was the king thus Zapt had forced Rudolph's hand he had been inspired by the same vision as we and endowed with more unshrinking boldness but when I saw how Rudolph looked at him I did not know but that they would go from the queen's presence set on a deadly quarrel Mr. Rassan Dill however you're all bent on having me a rascal he said coldly Fritz and Bernstein here urge me you Zapt try to force me James there is in the plot for all I know I suggested it sir said James not defiantly or with disrespect but as if in simple dutiful obedience to his master's implied question as I thought all of you well I won't be forced I see now that there is no way out of this affair save one that one I'll follow we none of us spoke but waited till he should be pleased to continue of the queen's letter I need say nothing and will say nothing he pursued but I will tell them that I'm not the king but Rudolph Rassan Dill and that I played the king only in order to serve the queen and punish Rupert of Hentzow that will serve and it will cut this net of zap straw about my limbs he spoke firmly and coldly so that when I looked at him I was amazed to see how his lips twitched and that his forehead was moist with sweat then I understood what a sudden swift and fearful struggle he had suffered and how the great temptation had rung and tortured him before he, victorious, had set the thing behind him I went to him and clasped his hand this action of mine seemed to soften him zap zap he said you almost made a rogue of me zap did not respond to his gentle mood he had been pacing angrily up and down the room now he stopped abruptly before Rudolph and pointed with his finger at the queen I make a rogue of you he exclaimed and what do you make of our queen whom we all serve what does this truth you will tell what do you make of her haven't I heard how she greeted you before all strelts out her husband and her love will they believe that she didn't know her husband ah you may show yourself you may say they didn't know you will they believe she didn't was the king's ring on your finger where is it and how comes Mr. Rassentill to be at Fritz von Tarlinheim for hours with the queen when the king is at his hunting lodge and two men besides to save a word against her and you you'll be the man to set every tongue in strelts out talking and every finger pointing in suspicion at her Rudolph made no answer when zap had first uttered the queen's name he had drawn near and let his hand fall over the back of her chair she put hers up to meet it and so they remained but I saw that Rudolph's face had gone very pale hey, your friends pursued zap for we've stood by you as we've stood by the queen by God we have Fritz and young Bernon sign here and I if this truth's told who'll believe that we were loyal to the king that we didn't know that we weren't accomplices in the tricking of the king maybe in his murder ah Rudolph Rassentill God preserve me from a conscience that won't let me be true to the woman I love or the friends who love me I had never seen the old fellow so moved he carried me with him as he carried Bernon's time I know now that we were too ready to be convinced rather that born along by our passionate desire we needed no convincing at all his excited appeal seemed to us an argument at least the danger to the queen on which he dwelt was real and true and great then a sudden change came over him he caught Rudolph's hand and spoke to him again in a low broken voice an unwanted softness transforming his harsh tones lad he said don't say no here's the finest lady alive sick for her lover and the finest country in the world sick for its true king and the best friends by heaven the best friends man ever had sick to call you master I know nothing about your conscience but this I know the king's dead and the place is empty and I don't see what almighty god sent you here for unless it was to fill it come lad for our love and her honour while he was alive I'd have killed you sooner than let you take it he is dead now for our love and her honour lad I do not know what thoughts passed in Mr. Rassendoll's mind his face was set and rigid he made no sign when Zap finished but stood as he was motionless for a long while then he slowly bent his head and looked down into the queen's eyes for a while she sat looking back into his then carried away by the wild hope of immediate joy and by her love for him and her pride in the place he was offered and through herself at his feet crying yes, yes for my sake Rudolf, for my sake are you two against me my queen he murmured caressing her ruddy hair end of chapter 19 chapter 20 of Rupert of Hentza this is a Librivox recording all Librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please go to Librivox.org recording by Andy Minter Rupert of Hentza taken from the memoirs of Fritz von Tallenheim by Anthony Hope chapter 20 The Decision of Heaven we were half mad that night Zap and Bernstein and I the things seemed to have got into our blood and have become part of ourselves for us it was inevitable nay, it was done Zap visited himself in preparing the account of the fire at the hunting lodge it was to be communicated to the journals and it told with much circumstantiality how Rudolf Rassendil had come to visit the king with James his servant and the king being summoned unexpectedly to the capital had been awaiting his Majesty's return when he met his fate there was a short history of Rudolf a glancing reference to his family a dignified expression of condolence with his relatives to whom the king was sending messages of deepest regret by the hands of Mr Rassendil's servant at another table young Bernstein was drawing up under the Constable's direction a narrative of Rupert of Hentza's attempt on the king's life and the king's courage in defending himself the count eager to return so it ran had persuaded the king to meet him by declaring that he held a state document of great importance and of a most secret nature the king with his habitual fearlessness had gone alone but only to refuse with scorn Count Rupert's terms enraged at this unfavorable reception the audacious criminal had made a sudden attack on the king with what issue all knew he had met his own death while the king perceiving from a glance at the document that it compromised well-known persons had with the nobility which marked him destroyed it unread before the eyes of those who were rushing into his rescue eyes applied suggestions and improvements and engrossed in contriving how to blind curious eyes we forgot the real and permanent difficulties of the thing we had resolved upon for us they did not exist that met every objection by declaring that the thing had been done once and could be done again Bernstein and I were not behind him in confidence we would guard the secret with brain and hand and life even as we had guarded and kept the secret of the queen's letter which would now go with Rupert of hence out of his grave Bauer we could catch and silence nay, who would listen to such a tale from such a man who was ours the old woman would keep her doubts between her teeth for her own sake to his own land and his own people Rudolph must be dead while the king of Ruritania would stand before all Europe recognised, unquestioned, unassailed true, he must marry the queen again Zabt was ready with the means and would hear nothing of the difficulty and risk in finding a hand to perform the necessary ceremony if we quailed in our courage we had but to look at the alternative and find recompense for the perils of what we meant to undertake by a consideration of the desperate risk involved in abandoning it persuaded that the substitution of Rudolph for the king was the only thing that would serve our turn we asked no longer whether it were possible but sought only the means to make it safe and more safe but Rudolph himself had not spoken at Zabt's appeal and the queen's imploring cry and shaken but not overcome him he had wavered but he was not won yet there was no talk of impossibility or peril in his mouth any more than in ours those were not what gave him pause the score on which he hesitated was whether the thing should be done not whether it could our appeals were not to brace a failing courage but to cajole a sturdy sense of honour and the imposture distasteful so soon as it seemed to serve a personal end to serve the king he had played the king in old days but he did not love to play the king when the profit of it was to be his own hence he was unmoved till his care for the fair fame of the queen and the love of his friends joined to buffet his resolution then he faltered but he had not fallen yet Colonel Zabt did all though he had given his assent and watched the last hours in which his flight from Strelso were possible go quickly by with more than equanimity why hurry Rudolph's resolve every moment shut him closer in the trap of an inevitable choice with every hour that he was called the king it became more impossible for him to bear any other name all his days therefore Zabt let Mr. Rassendale doubt and struggle while he himself wrote his story and laid his long-headed plans and now and then James the little servant came in and went out sedate and smug but with a quiet satisfaction gleaming in his eyes he had made a story for a pastime and it was being translated into history he at least would bear his part in it unflinchingly before now the queen had left us persuaded to lie down and try to rest till the matter should be settled stilled by Rudolph's gentle rebuke she had urged him no more in words but there was an entreaty in her eyes stronger than any spoken prayer and a piteousness in the lingering of her hand in his harder to resist than ten thousands had positions at last he had led her from the room and commended her to Helga's care then returning to us he stood silent a little while we also were silent zapped sitting and looking up at him with his brows knit and his teeth restlessly chewing the moustache on his lip well lad he said at last briefly putting the great question Rudolph walked to the window and seemed to lose himself for a moment in the contemplation of the quiet night there were no more than a few stragglers in the street now the moon shone white and clear on the empty square he would like to walk up and down outside and think it over he said turning to us and as Bernstein sprang up to accompany him he added no, alone yes do zapped with a glance at the clock whose hands were now hard on two o'clock take your time lad take your time Rudolph looked at him and broke into a smile I'm not your dupe old zapped said he shaking his head trust me if I decide to get away I'll get away be at what a clock it will yes confound ya Grin Colonel zapped so he left us and then came that long time of scheming and planning and most persistent eye-shutting in which occupations an hour wore its life away Rudolph had not passed out of the porch and we suppose that he had betaken himself to the gardens there to fight his battle old zapped having done his work suddenly turned talkative that moon there he said pointing his square thick forefinger at the window is a mighty untrustworthy lady I've known her wake of villains conscience before now I've known her to send the lovers to sleep laughed young Bernstein rising from his table stretching himself and lighting a cigar aye she's apt to take a man out of what he is pursued old zapped said a quiet man near her and he dreams of a battle an ambitious fellow after ten minutes of her will ask nothing better than to muse all his life away I don't trust her fritz I wish the night were dark what will she do to Rudolph Rassendale I asked falling in with the old fellow's whimsical mood he will see the queen's face in hers cried Bernstein he may see gods said zapped and he shook himself as though an unwelcome thought had found its way to his mind and lips a pause fellow on us born of the colonel's last remark we looked one another in the face at last zapped brought his hand down on the table with a bang I'll not go back he said solemnly almost fiercely nor I said Bernstein drawing himself up nor you, Tarlannheim no I also go on, I answered then again there was a moment's silence she may make a man soft as a sponge reflected zapped starting again or hard as a bar of steel I should feel safer if the night were dark I looked at her often from my tent and from bare ground and I know her she got me a decoration and once she came near to making me turntail have nothing to do with her young Bernstein I'll keep my eyes for beauties nearer at hand said Bernstein whose volatile temper soon threw off a serious mood there's a chance for you now Rupert of Hentz has gone said Zapp, grimly as he spoke there was a knock at the door when it opened James entered the count of Lutzau Rischenheim begs to be allowed to speak with the king said James we expect his majesty every moment beg the count to enter zapped answered and when Rischenheim came in he went on motioning the count to a chair we are talking, my lord of the influence of the moon on the careers of men what are you going to do what have you decided burst out Rischenheim impatiently we decide nothing answered zapped then what has the king decided the king decides nothing, my lord she decides and the old fellow pointed again through the window towards the moon at this moment he makes or un-makes a king but I can't tell you which what of your cousin you know that my cousin's dead yes I know that what of him though sir said Rischenheim with some dignity since he is dead let him rest in peace it is not for us to judge him he may well wish it were for my heaven I believe I should let the rogue off said colonel zapped and I don't think his judge will God forgive him I loved him said Rischenheim yes and many have loved him his servants loved him sir friend Bauer for example yes Bauer loved him there is Bauer I hope he's gone to hell with his loved master grunted zapped but he had the grace to lower his voice and shield his mouth with his hand so that Rischenheim did not hear we don't know where he is I answered I am come said Rischenheim to put my services in all respects at the queen's disposal and at the king's asked zapped I had the king's but the king is dead therefore long live the king struck in young Bernenstein if there should be a king began zapped you'll do that interrupted Rischenheim in breathless agitation she's deciding said colonel zapped and again he pointed to the moon but she's a plaguey long time about it remarked Lieutenant von Bernenstein Rischenheim sat silent for a moment his face was pale and when he spoke his voice trembled but his words were resolute enough I gave my honour to the queen and even in that I will serve her if she commands me Bernenstein sprang forward and caught him by the hand that's what I like said he and damned the moon colonel his sentence was hardly out of his mouth when the door opened and to our astonishment the queen entered Helga was just behind her her clasped hands and frightened eyes seemed to protest that their coming was against her will she was clad in a long white robe and her hair hung on her shoulders being but loosely bound with a ribbon her air showed great agitation and without any greeting or notice of the rest she walked quickly across the room to me the dream fritz she said it has come again Helga persuaded me to lie down and I was very tired so at last I fell asleep then it came I saw him fritz they all called him king as they did today but they did not cheer they were quiet and looked at him with sad faces I could not hear what they said they spoke in hushed voices I heard nothing more than the king the king and he seemed to hear not even that he lay still he was lying on something something covered with hanging stuff I couldn't see what it was quite still his face was so pale and he didn't hear them say the king fritz fritz he looked as if he were dead where is he where have you let him go she turned from me and her eyes flashed over the rest where is he why aren't you with him she demanded with a sudden change of tone why aren't you round him you should be between him and danger ready to give your life for his indeed gentlemen you take your duty lightly it might be that there was little reason in her words there appeared to be no danger threatening him and after all he was not our king much as we desired to make him such yet we did not think of any such matter we were abashed before her reproof and took her indignation as deserved we hung our heads and zapped shame betrayed itself in the dogged sulleness of his answer he has chosen to go walking madame and to go alone he ordered us I say he ordered us not to come surely we are right to obey him the sarcastic inflection of his voice conveyed his opinion of the queen's extravagance obey him yes you couldn't go with him if he forbade you but you should follow him you should keep him in sight this much she spoke in proud tones and with a disdainful manner but then came a sudden return to her former bearing hands towards me wailing fritz where is he is he safe find him for me fritz find him I'll find him for you if he's above ground madame I cried for her appeal touched me to the heart he's no further off than the gardens grumbled old zapped still resentful of the queen's reproof and scornful of the woman's agitation he was also out of temper with Rudolph himself because the moon took so long in deciding whether she would make or un-make a king the gardens she cried then let us look for him oh you've let him walk in the gardens alone what should harm the fellow muttered zapped she did not hear him for she had swept out of the room Helga went with her and we all followed zapped behind the rest of us still very surly I heard him grumbling away as we ran downstairs and having passed along the great corridor we came to the small saloon that opened on the gardens there were no servants about but we encountered a night-watchman and Bernstein snatched the lantern from the astonished man's hand save for the dim light thus furnished the room was dark but outside the windows the moon streamed brightly down on the broad gravel walk on the formal flower beds and the great trees in the gardens the queen made straight for the window I followed her everything flung the window open stood by her the air was sweet and the breeze struck with grateful coolness on my face I saw that zapped had come near and stood on the other side of the queen my wife and the others were behind looking out where our shoulders left space there in the bright moonlight on the far side of the broad terrace close by the line of tall trees that fringed its edge we saw Rudolph Rassendill up and down with his hands behind his back and his eyes fixed on the arbiter of his fate on her who was to make him a king or send him a fugitive from Strelsove there he is madam said zapped save enough the queen did not answer zapped said no more and of the rest none of us spoke we stood watching him as he struggled with his great issue the greater surely has seldom fallen born in a private station yet I could read little of it on the face that the rays of white light displayed so clearly although they turned his healthy tints to a dull grey and gave unnatural sharpness to his features against the deep background of black foliage I heard the queen's quick breathing but there was scarcely another sound I saw her clutch her gun and pull it away a little from her throat save for that, none in the group moved the lantern's light was too dim to force notice from Mr. Rassendale unconscious of our presence he wrestled with fate and that night in the gardens suddenly the faintest exclamation came from zapped he put his hand back and beckoned to Bernstein the young man handed his lantern to the constable who set it close to the side of the window frame the queen absolutely engrossed in her lover saw nothing but I perceived what had caught zapped's attention there were scores on the paint and indentations in the wood just at the edge of the panel and near the lock I glanced at zapped who nodded his head it looked very much as though somebody had tried to force the door that night employing a knife which had dented the woodwork and scratched the paint the least thing was enough to alarm us standing where we stood and the constable's face was full of suspicion who had sought an entrance it could be no trained and practised housebreaker he would have had better tools but now our attention was again diverted Rudolph stopped short he still looked for a moment at the sky then his glance dropped to the ground at his feet a second later he jerked his head it was bare and I saw the dark red hair stir with the movement like a man who has settled something which caused him a puzzle in an instant we knew by the quick intuition of contagious emotion that the question had found its answer he was by now king or fugitive the lady of the skies had given her decision the thrill ran through us I felt the queen draw herself together at my side I felt the muscles of Rischenheim's arm which rested against my shoulder grow rigid and taut zapped's face was full of eagerness and he gnawed his moustache silently we gathered closer to one another at last we could bear the suspense no longer with one look at the queen and another at me zapped stepped on to the gravel he would go and learn the answer thus the unendurable strain that had stretched us like tortured men on a rack would be relieved the queen did not answer his glance nor even seemed to see that he had moved her eyes were still all for Mr. Rassendill her thoughts buried in his for her happiness was in his hands and lay poised on the issue of that decision whose momentousness held her hand that decision whose momentousness held him for a moment motionless on the path often I seemed to see him as he stood there tall straight and stately the king a man's fancy paints when he reads of great monarchs who flourished long ago in the springtime of the world zapped's step crunched on the gravel Rudolph heard it and turned his head he saw zapped and he saw me also behind zapped he smiled composedly and brightly but he did not move from where he was he held out both hands towards the constable and caught him in their double grasp still smiling down in his face I was no nearer to reading his decision though I saw that he had reached the resolution that was immovable and gave peace to his soul if he meant to go on he would go on now on to the end without a backward look or a falter of his foot if he had chosen the other way he could not start without a murmur or a hesitation the queen's quick-breathing had ceased she seemed like a statue but Rishonheim moved impatiently as though he could no longer endure the waiting zapped's voice came harsh and grating well he cried Rish is it to be backward or forward Rudolph pressed his hands and looked into his eyes the queen caught my arm her rigid limbs seemed to give way and she would have fallen if I had not supported her at the same instant a man sprang out of the dark line of tall trees directly behind Mr. Ascendil Bernstein uttered a loud startled cry and rushed forward pushing the queen herself violently out of his path his hand flew to his side and he ripped the heavy cavalry sword that belonged to his uniform of the cuirassiers of the guard from its sheath a flash in the moonlight but its flash was quenched in a brighter short blaze a shot rang out through the quiet gardens Mr. Ascendil did not lose his hold of zapped's hands but he sank slowly onto his knees zapped seemed paralysed again Bernstein cried out it was a name this time BOWER BY GOD BOWER he cried in an instant he was across the path and by the trees now he missed we saw the great sword flash high above Bernstein's head and heard it whistle through the air it crashed on the crown of Bower's head and he fell like a log to the ground with his skull split the queens hold on me relaxed she sank into Rischenheim's arms I ran forward and knelt by Mr. Ascendil he still held zapped's hands and by their help buoyed himself up but when he saw me he let go of them back against me his head resting on my chest he moved his lips but seemed unable to speak he was shot through the back Bower had avenged the master whom he loved and was gone to meet him there was a sudden stir from inside the palace shutters were flung back and windows thrown open the group we made stood clean cut plainly visible in the moonlight a moment later there was a rush of eager feet and we were surrounded by officers and servants Bernstein stood by me now leaning on his sword zapped had not uttered a word his face was distorted with horror and bitterness Rudolph's eyes were closed and his head lay back against me a man has shot the king said I in bold stupid explanation all at once I found James Mr. Ascendil's servant by me I have sent for doctors my lord he said come let us carry him in let us carry him in he zapped and I lifted Rudolph and bore him across the gravel terrace and into the little saloon we passed the queen she was leaning on Rischenheim's arm and held my wife's hand we laid Rudolph down on a couch outside I heard Bernstein say pick up that fellow and carry him somewhere out of sight then he also came in followed by a crowd he sent them all to the door all alone waiting for the surgeon the queen came up Rischenheim still supporting her Rudolph Rudolph she whispered very softly he opened his eyes and his lips bent in a smile she flung herself on her knees and kissed his hand passionately the surgeon will be here directly said I Rudolph's eyes had been on the queen as I spoke he looked up at me smiled again and shook his head I turned away when the surgeon came zapped and I assisted him in his examination the queen had been led away and we were alone the examination was very short then we carried Rudolph to a bed the nearest chance to be in Bernstein's room there we laid him and there all that could be done for him was done all this time we had asked more questions of the surgeon and he had given no information we knew too well to ask we had all seen men die before now and the look on the face was familiar to us two or three more doctors the most eminent in Strelzow came now having been hastily summoned it was their right to be called but for all the good they were they might have been left to sleep the night out in their beds we had a little group at the end of the room and talked for a few minutes in low tones James lifted his master's head and gave him a drink of water Rudolph swallowed it with difficulty then I saw him feebly press James' hand for the little man's face was full of sorrow as his master smiled the servant mustered a smile in answer I crossed over to the doctors well gentlemen I asked they looked at one another then the greatest of them said gravely the king may live an hour count fritz should you not send for a priest I went straight back to Rudolph Rassendill his eyes greeted me and questioned me he was a man and I played no silly tricks with him I bent down and said an hour they think Rudolph he made one restless movement whether of pain or protest I do not know then he spoke very low slowly and with difficulty then they can go and when I spoke of a priest he shook his head I went back to them and asked if anything more could be done the answer was nothing but I could not prevail further than to get all save one sent into an adjoining room he who remained seated himself at a table some way off Rudolph's eyes had closed again held zapped who had not once spoken since the shot was fired raised a haggard face to mine we'd better fetch her to him he said hoarsely I nodded my head zapped went while I stayed by him Bernonstein came to him bent down and kissed his hand the young fellow who had born himself with such reckless courage and dash throughout the affair was quite unmanned now and the tears were rolling down his face I could have been in much the same plight but I would not before Mr. Rassendale he smiled at Bernonstein then he said to me is she coming Fritz yes she's coming sire I answered he noticed the style of my address a faint amused gleam shot into his languid eyes well for an hour then he murmured and lay back on his pillows she came dry-eyed calm and queenly we all drew back and she knelt down by his bed holding his hand in her two hands presently the hand stirred she let it go then knowing well what he wanted she raised it herself and placed it on her head while she bowed her face to the bed for the last time over the gleaming hair that he had loved so well she rose past her arm about his shoulders and kissed his lips her face rested close to his and he seemed to speak to her but we could not have heard the words even if we would so they remained for a long while the doctor came and felt his pulse retreating afterwards with close shut lips we drew a little nearer for we knew that he would not belong with us now suddenly strength seemed to come upon him he raised himself in his bed and spoke in distinct tones God has decided he said I've tried to do the right thing through it all zapped and Bernstein and Ewell Fritz shake my hand no, don't kiss it we've done with pretense now we shook his hand as he badass then he took the queen's hand again she knew his mind and moved it to his lips in life and in death my sweet queen he murmured and thus he fell asleep end of chapter 20