And he was here in Strelsau, known as the king to half a dozen people or more, protected only by their promises, liable at any moment to be exposed by the coming of the king himself, or even by a message from him.
Yet, in face of all perplexities, perhaps even the more because of the darkness in which he was enveloped, Rudolf held firm to his purpose.
There were two things that seemed plain.

If Rupert had escaped the trap and was still alive with the letter on him, Rupert must be found; here was the first task.

That accomplished, there remained for Rudolf himself nothing save to disappear as quietly and secretly as he had come, trusting that his presence could be concealed from the man whose name he had usurped.

Nay, if need were, the king must be told that Rudolf Rassendyll had played a trick on the chancellor, and, having enjoyed his pleasure, was gone again.

Everything could, in the last resort, be told, save that which touched the queen's honor.
At this moment the message which I despatched from the station at Hofbau reached my house.