The knock was repeated urgently.
"We must open," said Sapt.

"Behind the curtain with you, Rudolf." The queen sat down, and Sapt piled a heap of papers before her, that it might seem as though he and she transacted business.

But his precautions were interrupted by a hoarse, eager, low cry from outside, "Quick! in God's name, quick!" They knew the voice for Bernenstein's.

The queen sprang up, Rudolf came out, Sapt turned the key.

The lieutenant entered, hurried, breathless, pale.
"Well ?" asked Sapt.
"He has got away ?" cried Rudolf, guessing in a moment the misfortune that had brought Bernenstein back.
"Yes, he's got away.