A copy of a letter of her Majesty's--" "Of the queen's ?" "Yes, sire.

It is addressed to--" Rischenheim paused.
"Well, my lord, to whom ?" "To a Mr.Rudolf Rassendyll." Now Rudolf played his part well.

He did not feign indifference, but allowed his voice to tremble with emotion as he stretched out his hand and said in a hoarse whisper, "Give it me, give it me." Rischenheim's eyes sparkled.

His shot had told: the king's attention was his; the coats of the dogs were forgotten.

Plainly he had stirred the suspicions and jealousy of the king.
"My cousin," he continued, "conceives it his duty to lay the letter before your Majesty.