Give him five minutes with the king, and the mischief's done! Very well, then; Sapt must keep Rupert at bay while I tackle Rischenheim.

As soon as you can move, go to Strelsau, and let Sapt know where you are." "But if you're seen, if you're found out ?" "Better I than the queen's letter," said he.

Then he laid his hand on my arm and said, quite quietly, "If the letter gets to the king, I and I only can do what must be done." I did not know what he meant; perhaps it was that he would carry off the queen sooner than leave her alone after her letter was known; but there was another possible meaning that I, a loyal subject, dared not inquire into.

Yet I made no answer, for I was above all and first of all the queen's servant.

Still I cannot believe that he meant harm to the king.
"Come, Fritz," he cried, "don't look so glum.