In five minutes I was on a fresh horse, in six I was clear of the castle, heading back fast as I could go for the hunting-lodge.
Even now Hermann remembers the grip I gave him--though doubtless he has long spent the pieces of gold.
When I reached the end of this second journey, I came in for the obsequies of Boris.

James was just patting the ground under the tree with a mattock when I rode up; Sapt was standing by, smoking his pipe.
The boots of both were stained and sticky with mud.

I flung myself from my saddle and blurted out my news.

The constable snatched at his letter with an oath; James leveled the ground with careful accuracy; I do not remember doing anything except wiping my forehead and feeling very hungry.
"Good Lord, she's gone after him!" said Sapt, as he read.

Then he handed me the letter.
I will not set out what the queen wrote.