Will your Majesty go on ?" And Bernenstein took another step.
"You're determined I shall," said the king with a laugh, and he let the young officer lead him away.
Inside the room, Rischenheim stood with his back against the door.
He was panting for breath, and his face was flushed and working with excitement.

Opposite to him stood Sapt, revolver in hand.
"Till you get to heaven, my lord," said the constable, "you'll never be nearer to it than you were in that moment.

If you had opened the door, I'd have shot you through the head." As he spoke there came a knock at the door.
"Open it," he said brusquely to Rischenheim.

With a muttered curse the count obeyed him.

A servant stood outside with a telegram on a salver.
"Take it," whispered Sapt, and Rischenheim put out his hand.
"Your pardon, my lord, but this has arrived for you," said the man respectfully.
"Take it," whispered Sapt again.
"Give it me," muttered Rischenheim confusedly; and he took the envelope.
The servant bowed and shut the door.
"Open it," commanded Sapt.
"God's curse on you!" cried Rischenheim in a voice that choked with passion.
"Eh?
Oh, you can have no secrets from so good a friend as I am, my lord.
Be quick and open it." The count began to open it.
"If you tear it up, or crumple it, I'll shoot you," said Sapt quietly.
"You know you can trust my word.