The dogs had been more interesting.
Rischenheim looked at Sapt.

The revolver was in its place; Bernenstein coughed again.

Yet he saw a chance.
"Your pardon, sire," said he, "but we are not alone." The king lifted his eyebrows.
"Is the business so private ?" he asked.
"I should prefer to tell it to your Majesty alone," pleaded the count.
Now Sapt was resolved not to leave Rischenheim alone with the king, for, although the count, being robbed of his evidence could do little harm concerning the letter, he would doubtless tell the king that Rudolf Rassendyll was in the castle.

He leant now over the king's shoulder, and said with a sneer: "Messages from Rupert of Hentzau are too exalted matters for my poor ears, it seems." The king flushed red.
"Is that your business, my lord ?" he asked Rischenheim sternly.
"Your Majesty does not know what my cousin--" "It is the old plea ?" interrupted the king.

"He wants to come back?
Is that all, or is there anything else ?" A moment's silence followed the king's words.