Suppose Rupert comes here with Rischenheim!" The idea was new, but the event was by no means unlikely.
"But you'll be here, Constable," urged Bernenstein, "and Fritz von Tarlenheim will arrive in an hour." "Ay, young man," said Sapt, nodding his head; "but when I fight Rupert of Hentzau, I like to have a man to spare," and he grinned broadly, being no whit afraid of what Bernenstein might think of his courage.

"Now go and get him a hat," he added, and the lieutenant ran off on the errand.
But the queen cried: "Are you sending Rudolf alone, then--alone against two ?" "Yes, madam, if I may command the campaign," said Sapt.

"I take it he should be equal to the task." He could not know the feelings of the queen's heart.

She dashed her hand across her eyes, and turned in mute entreaty to Rudolf Rassendyll.
"I must go," he said softly.

"We can't spare Bernenstein, and I mustn't stay here." She said no more.