CHAPTER 1
The Rassendylls—With a Word on the Elphbergs
I wonder when in the world youre going to do anything Rudolf said my brothers wife
My dear Rose I answered laying down my eggspoon why in the world should I do anything My position is a comfortable one I have an income nearly sufficient for my wants no ones income is ever quite sufficient you know I enjoy an enviable social position I am brother to Lord Burlesdon and brotherinlaw to that charming lady his countess Behold it is enough
You are nineandtwenty she observed and youve done nothing but—
Knock about It is true Our family doesnt need to do things
This remark of mine rather annoyed Rose for everybody knows and therefore there can be no harm in referring to the fact) that, pretty and accomplished as she herself is her family is hardly of the same standing as the Rassendylls Besides her attractions she possessed a large fortune and my brother Robert was wise enough not to mind about her ancestry Ancestry is in fact a matter concerning which the next observation of Roses has some truth
Good families are generally worse than any others she said
Upon this I stroked my hair I knew quite well what she meant
Im so glad Roberts is black she cried
At this moment Robert who rises at seven and works before breakfast came in He glanced at his wife her cheek was slightly flushed he patted it caressingly
Whats the matter my dear he asked
She objects to my doing nothing and having red hair said I in an injured tone
Oh of course he cant help his hair admitted Rose
It generally crops out once in a generation said my brother So does the nose Rudolf has got them both
I wish they didnt crop out said Rose still flushed
I rather like them myself said I and rising I bowed to the portrait of Countess Amelia
My brothers wife uttered an exclamation of impatience
I wish youd take that picture away Robert said she
My dear he cried
Good heavens I added
Then it might be forgotten she continued
Hardly—with Rudolf about said Robert shaking his head
Why should it be forgotten I asked
Rudolf exclaimed my brothers wife blushing very prettily
I laughed and went on with my egg At least I had shelved the question of what if anything I ought to do And by way of closing the discussion—and also I must admit of exasperating my strict little sisterinlaw a trifle more—I observed
I rather like being an Elphberg myself
When I read a story I skip the explanations yet the moment I begin to write one I find that I must have an explanation For it is manifest that I must explain why my sisterinlaw was vexed with my nose and hair and why I ventured to call myself an Elphberg For eminent as I must protest the Rassendylls have been for many generations yet participation in their blood of course does not at first sight justify the boast of a connection with the grander stock of the Elphbergs or a claim to be one of that Royal House For what relationship is there between Ruritania and Burlesdon between the Palace at Strelsau or the Castle of Zenda and Number 305 Park Lane W
Well then—and I must premise that I am going perforce to rake up the very scandal which my dear Lady Burlesdon wishes forgotten—in the year 1733 George II sitting then on the throne peace reigning for the moment and the King and the Prince of Wales being not yet at loggerheads there came on a visit to the English Court a certain prince who was afterwards known to history as Rudolf the Third of Ruritania The prince was a tall handsome young fellow marked maybe marred it is not for me to say by a somewhat unusually long sharp and straight nose and a mass of darkred hair—in fact the nose and the hair which have stamped the Elphbergs time out of mind He stayed some months in England where he was most courteously received yet in the end he left rather under a cloud For he fought a duel it was considered highly well bred of him to waive all question of his rank with a nobleman well known in the society of the day not only for his own merits but as the husband of a very beautiful wife In that duel Prince Rudolf received a severe wound and recovering therefrom was adroitly smuggled off by the Ruritanian ambassador who had found him a pretty handful The nobleman was not wounded in the duel but the morning being raw and damp on the occasion of the meeting he contracted a severe chill and failing to throw it off he died some six months after the departure of Prince Rudolf without having found leisure to adjust his relations with his wife—who after another two months bore an heir to the title and estates of the family of Burlesdon This lady was the Countess Amelia whose picture my sisterinlaw wished to remove from the drawingroom in Park Lane and her husband was James fifth Earl of Burlesdon and twentysecond Baron Rassendyll both in the peerage of England and a Knight of the Garter As for Rudolf he went back to Ruritania married a wife and ascended the throne whereon his progeny in the direct line have sat from then till this very hour—with one short interval And finally if you walk through the picture galleries at Burlesdon among the fifty portraits or so of the last century and a half you will find five or six including that of the sixth earl distinguished by long sharp straight noses and a quantity of darkred hair these five or six have also blue eyes whereas among the Rassendylls dark eyes are the commoner
That is the explanation and I am glad to have finished it the blemishes on honourable lineage are a delicate subject and certainly this heredity we hear so much about is the finest scandalmonger in the world it laughs at discretion and writes strange entries between the lines of the Peerages
It will be observed that my sisterinlaw with a want of logic that must have been peculiar to herself since we are no longer allowed to lay it to the charge of her sex treated my complexion almost as an offence for which I was responsible hastening to assume from that external sign inward qualities of which I protest my entire innocence and this unjust inference she sought to buttress by pointing to the uselessness of the life I had led Well be that as it may I had picked up a good deal of pleasure and a good deal of knowledge I had been to a German school and a German university and spoke German as readily and perfectly as English I was thoroughly at home in French I had a smattering of Italian and enough Spanish to swear by I was I believe a strong though hardly fine swordsman and a good shot I could ride anything that had a back to sit on and my head was as cool a one as you could find for all its flaming cover If you say that I ought to have spent my time in useful labour I am out of Court and have nothing to say save that my parents had no business to leave me two thousand pounds a year and a roving disposition
The difference between you and Robert said my sisterinlaw who often bless her speaks on a platform and oftener still as if she were on one is that he recognizes the duties of his position and you see the opportunities of yours
To a man of spirit my dear Rose I answered opportunities are duties
Nonsense said she tossing her head and after a moment she went on Now heres Sir Jacob Borrodaile offering you exactly what you might be equal to
A thousand thanks I murmured
Hes to have an Embassy in six months and Robert says he is sure that hell take you as an attache Do take it Rudolf—to please me
Now when my sisterinlaw puts the matter in that way wrinkling her pretty brows twisting her little hands and growing wistful in the eyes all on account of an idle scamp like myself for whom she has no natural responsibility I am visited with compunction Moreover I thought it possible that I could pass the time in the position suggested with some tolerable amusement Therefore I said
My dear sister if in six months time no unforeseen obstacle has arisen and Sir Jacob invites me hang me if I dont go with Sir Jacob
Oh Rudolf how good of you I am glad
Wheres he going to
He doesnt know yet but its sure to be a good Embassy
Madame said I for your sake Ill go if its no more than a beggarly Legation When I do a thing I dont do it by halves
My promise then was given but six months are six months and seem an eternity and inasmuch as they stretched between me and my prospective industry I suppose attaches are industrious but I know not for I never became attache to Sir Jacob or anybody else I cast about for some desirable mode of spending them And it occurred to me suddenly that I would visit Ruritania It may seem strange that I had never visited that country yet but my father in spite of a sneaking fondness for the Elphbergs which led him to give me his second son the famous Elphberg name of Rudolf had always been averse from my going and since his death my brother prompted by Rose had accepted the family tradition which taught that a wide berth was to be given to that country But the moment Ruritania had come into my head I was eaten up with a curiosity to see it After all red hair and long noses are not confined to the House of Elphberg and the old story seemed a preposterously insufficient reason for debarring myself from acquaintance with a highly interesting and important kingdom one which had played no small part in European history and might do the like again under the sway of a young and vigorous ruler such as the new King was rumoured to be My determination was clinched by reading in The Times that Rudolf the Fifth was to be crowned at Strelsau in the course of the next three weeks and that great magnificence was to mark the occasion At once I made up my mind to be present and began my preparations But inasmuch as it has never been my practice to furnish my relatives with an itinerary of my journeys and in this case I anticipated opposition to my wishes I gave out that I was going for a ramble in the Tyrol—an old haunt of mine—and propitiated Roses wrath by declaring that I intended to study the political and social problems of the interesting community which dwells in that neighbourhood
Perhaps I hinted darkly there may be an outcome of the expedition
What do you mean she asked
Well said I carelessly there seems a gap that might be filled by an exhaustive work on—
Oh will you write a book she cried clapping her hands That would be splendid wouldnt it Robert
Its the best of introductions to political life nowadays observed my brother who has by the way introduced himself in this manner several times over Burlesdon on Ancient Theories and Modern Facts and The Ultimate Outcome by a Political Student are both works of recognized eminence
I believe you are right Bob my boy said I
Now promise youll do it said Rose earnestly
No I wont promise but if I find enough material I will
Thats fair enough said Robert
Oh material doesnt matter she said pouting
But this time she could get no more than a qualified promise out of me To tell the truth I would have wagered a handsome sum that the story of my expedition that summer would stain no paper and spoil not a single pen And that shows how little we know what the future holds for here I am fulfilling my qualified promise and writing as I never thought to write a book—though it will hardly serve as an introduction to political life and has not a jot to do with the Tyrol
Neither would it I fear please Lady Burlesdon if I were to submit it to her critical eye—a step which I have no intention of taking
CHAPTER 2
Concerning the Colour of Mens Hair
It was a maxim of my Uncle Williams that no man should pass through Paris without spending fourandtwenty hours there My uncle spoke out of a ripe experience of the world and I honoured his advice by putting up for a day and a night at The Continental on my way to—the Tyrol I called on George Featherly at the Embassy and we had a bit of dinner together at Durands and afterwards dropped in to the Opera and after that we had a little supper and after that we called on Bertram Bertrand a versifier of some repute and Paris correspondent to The Critic He had a very comfortable suite of rooms and we found some pleasant fellows smoking and talking It struck me however that Bertram himself was absent and in low spirits and when everybody except ourselves had gone I rallied him on his moping preoccupation He fenced with me for a while but at last flinging himself on a sofa he exclaimed
Very well have it your own way I am in love—infernally in love
Oh youll write the better poetry said I by way of consolation
He ruffled his hair with his hand and smoked furiously George Featherly standing with his back to the mantelpiece smiled unkindly
If its the old affair said he you may as well throw it up Bert Shes leaving Paris tomorrow
I know that snapped Bertram
Not that it would make any difference if she stayed pursued the relentless George She flies higher than the paper trade my boy
Hang her said Bertram
It would make it more interesting for me I ventured to observe if I knew who you were talking about
Antoinette Mauban said George
De Mauban growled Bertram
Oho said I passing by the question of the de You dont mean to say Bert—
Cant you let me alone
Wheres she going to I asked for the lady was something of a celebrity
George jingled his money smiled cruelly at poor Bertram and answered pleasantly
Nobody knows By the way Bert I met a great man at her house the other night—at least about a month ago Did you ever meet him—the Duke of Strelsau
Yes I did growled Bertram
An extremely accomplished man I thought him
It was not hard to see that Georges references to the duke were intended to aggravate poor Bertrams sufferings so that I drew the inference that the duke had distinguished Madame de Mauban by his attentions She was a widow rich handsome and according to repute ambitious It was quite possible that she as George put it was flying as high as a personage who was everything he could be short of enjoying strictly royal rank for the duke was the son of the late King of Ruritania by a second and morganatic marriage and halfbrother to the new King He had been his fathers favourite and it had occasioned some unfavourable comment when he had been created a duke with a title derived from no less a city than the capital itself His mother had been of good but not exalted birth
Hes not in Paris now is he I asked
Oh no Hes gone back to be present at the Kings coronation a ceremony which I should say hell not enjoy much But Bert old man dont despair He wont marry the fair Antoinette—at least not unless another plan comes to nothing Still perhaps she— He paused and added with a laugh Royal attentions are hard to resist—you know that dont you Rudolf
Confound you said I and rising I left the hapless Bertram in Georges hands and went home to bed
The next day George Featherly went with me to the station where I took a ticket for Dresden
Going to see the pictures asked George with a grin
George is an inveterate gossip and had I told him that I was off to Ruritania the news would have been in London in three days and in Park Lane in a week I was therefore about to return an evasive answer when he saved my conscience by leaving me suddenly and darting across the platform Following him with my eyes I saw him lift his hat and accost a graceful fashionably dressed woman who had just appeared from the bookingoffice She was perhaps a year or two over thirty tall dark and of rather full figure As George talked I saw her glance at me and my vanity was hurt by the thought that muffled in a fur coat and a neckwrapper for it was a chilly April day and wearing a soft travelling hat pulled down to my ears I must be looking very far from my best A moment later George rejoined me
Youve got a charming travelling companion he said Thats poor Bert Bertrands goddess Antoinette de Mauban and like you shes going to Dresden—also no doubt to see the pictures Its very queer though that she doesnt at present desire the honour of your acquaintance
I didnt ask to be introduced I observed a little annoyed
Well I offered to bring you to her but she said Another time Never mind old fellow perhaps therell be a smash and youll have a chance of rescuing her and cutting out the Duke of Strelsau
No smash however happened either to me or to Madame de Mauban I can speak for her as confidently as for myself for when after a nights rest in Dresden I continued my journey she got into the same train Understanding that she wished to be let alone I avoided her carefully but I saw that she went the same way as I did to the very end of my journey and I took opportunities of having a good look at her when I could do so unobserved
As soon as we reached the Ruritanian frontier where the old officer who presided over the Custom House favoured me with such a stare that I felt surer than before of my Elphberg physiognomy I bought the papers and found in them news which affected my movements For some reason which was not clearly explained and seemed to be something of a mystery the date of the coronation had been suddenly advanced and the ceremony was to take place on the next day but one The whole country seemed in a stir about it and it was evident that Strelsau was thronged Rooms were all let and hotels overflowing there would be very little chance of my obtaining a lodging and I should certainly have to pay an exorbitant charge for it I made up my mind to stop at Zenda a small town fifty miles short of the capital and about ten from the frontier My train reached there in the evening I would spend the next day Tuesday in a wander over the hills which were said to be very fine and in taking a glance at the famous Castle and go over by train to Strelsau on the Wednesday morning returning at night to sleep at Zenda
Accordingly at Zenda I got out and as the train passed where I stood on the platform I saw my friend Madame de Mauban in her place clearly she was going through to Strelsau having with more providence than I could boast secured apartments there I smiled to think how surprised George Featherly would have been to know that she and I had been fellow travellers for so long
I was very kindly received at the hotel—it was really no more than an inn—kept by a fat old lady and her two daughters They were good quiet people and seemed very little interested in the great doings at Strelsau The old ladys hero was the duke for he was now under the late Kings will master of the Zenda estates and of the Castle which rose grandly on its steep hill at the end of the valley a mile or so from the inn The old lady indeed did not hesitate to express regret that the duke was not on the throne instead of his brother
We know Duke Michael said she He has always lived among us every Ruritanian knows Duke Michael But the King is almost a stranger he has been so much abroad not one in ten knows him even by sight
And now chimed in one of the young women they say he has shaved off his beard so that no one at all knows him
Shaved his beard exclaimed her mother Who says so
Johann the dukes keeper He has seen the King
Ah yes The King sir is now at the dukes huntinglodge in the forest here from here he goes to Strelsau to be crowned on Wednesday morning
I was interested to hear this and made up my mind to walk next day in the direction of the lodge on the chance of coming across the King The old lady ran on garrulously
Ah and I wish he would stay at his hunting—that and wine and one thing more are all he loves they say—and suffer our duke to be crowned on Wednesday That I wish and I dont care who knows it
Hush mother urged the daughters
Oh theres many to think as I do cried the old woman stubbornly
I threw myself back in my deep armchair and laughed at her zeal
For my part said the younger and prettier of the two daughters a fair buxom smiling wench I hate Black Michael A red Elphberg for me mother The King they say is as red as a fox or as—
And she laughed mischievously as she cast a glance at me and tossed her head at her sisters reproving face
Many a man has cursed their red hair before now muttered the old lady—and I remembered James fifth Earl of Burlesdon
But never a woman cried the girl
Ay and women when it was too late was the stern answer reducing the girl to silence and blushes
How comes the King here I asked to break an embarrassed silence It is the dukes land here you say
The duke invited him sir to rest here till Wednesday The duke is at Strelsau preparing the Kings reception
Then theyre friends
None better said the old lady
But my rosy damsel tossed her head again she was not to be repressed for long and she broke out again
Ay they love one another as men do who want the same place and the same wife
The old woman glowered but the last words pricked my curiosity and I interposed before she could begin scolding
What the same wife too Hows that young lady
All the world knows that Black Michael—well then mother the duke—would give his soul to marry his cousin the Princess Flavia and that she is to be the queen
Upon my word said I I begin to be sorry for your duke But if a man will be a younger son why he must take what the elder leaves and be as thankful to God as he can and thinking of myself I shrugged my shoulders and laughed And then I thought also of Antoinette de Mauban and her journey to Strelsau
Its little dealing Black Michael has with— began the girl braving her mothers anger but as she spoke a heavy step sounded on the floor and a gruff voice asked in a threatening tone
Who talks of Black Michael in his Highnesss own burgh
The girl gave a little shriek half of fright—half I think of amusement
Youll not tell of me Johann she said
See where your chatter leads said the old lady
The man who had spoken came forward
We have company Johann said my hostess and the fellow plucked off his cap A moment later he saw me and to my amazement he started back a step as though he had seen something wonderful
What ails you Johann asked the elder girl This is a gentleman on his travels come to see the coronation
The man had recovered himself but he was staring at me with an intense searching almost fierce glance
Good evening to you said I
Good evening sir he muttered still scrutinizing me and the merry girl began to laugh as she called—
See Johann it is the colour you love He started to see your hair sir Its not the colour we see most of here in Zenda
I crave your pardon sir stammered the fellow with puzzled eyes I expected to see no one
Give him a glass to drink my health in and Ill bid you good night and thanks to you ladies for your courtesy and pleasant conversation
So speaking I rose to my feet and with a slight bow turned to the door The young girl ran to light me on the way and the man fell back to let me pass his eyes still fixed on me The moment I was by he started a step forward asking
Pray sir do you know our King
I never saw him said I I hope to do so on Wednesday
He said no more but I felt his eyes following me till the door closed behind me My saucy conductor looking over her shoulder at me as she preceded me upstairs said
Theres no pleasing Master Johann for one of your colour sir
He prefers yours maybe I suggested
I meant sir in a man she answered with a coquettish glance
What asked I taking hold of the other side of the candlestick does colour matter in a man
Nay but I love yours—its the Elphberg red
Colour in a man said I is a matter of no more moment than that—and I gave her something of no value
God send the kitchen door be shut said she
Amen said I and left her
In fact however as I now know colour is sometimes of considerable moment to a man
CHAPTER 3
A Merry Evening with a Distant Relative
I was not so unreasonable as to be prejudiced against the dukes keeper because he disliked my complexion and if I had been his most civil and obliging conduct as it seemed to me to be next morning would have disarmed me Hearing that I was bound for Strelsau he came to see me while I was breakfasting and told me that a sister of his who had married a welltodo tradesman and lived in the capital had invited him to occupy a room in her house He had gladly accepted but now found that his duties would not permit of his absence He begged therefore that if such humble though as he added clean and comfortable lodgings would satisfy me I would take his place He pledged his sisters acquiescence and urged the inconvenience and crowding to which I should be subject in my journeys to and from Strelsau the next day I accepted his offer without a moments hesitation and he went off to telegraph to his sister while I packed up and prepared to take the next train But I still hankered after the forest and the huntinglodge and when my little maid told me that I could by walking ten miles or so through the forest hit the railway at a roadside station I decided to send my luggage direct to the address which Johann had given take my walk and follow to Strelsau myself Johann had gone off and was not aware of the change in my plans but as its only effect was to delay my arrival at his sisters for a few hours there was no reason for troubling to inform him of it Doubtless the good lady would waste no anxiety on my account
I took an early luncheon and having bidden my kind entertainers farewell promising to return to them on my way home I set out to climb the hill that led to the Castle and thence to the forest of Zenda Half an hours leisurely walking brought me to the Castle It had been a fortress in old days and the ancient keep was still in good preservation and very imposing Behind it stood another portion of the original castle and behind that again and separated from it by a deep and broad moat which ran all round the old buildings was a handsome modern chateau erected by the last king and now forming the country residence of the Duke of Strelsau The old and the new portions were connected by a drawbridge and this indirect mode of access formed the only passage between the old building and the outer world but leading to the modern chateau there was a broad and handsome avenue It was an ideal residence when Black Michael desired company he could dwell in his chateau if a fit of misanthropy seized him he had merely to cross the bridge and draw it up after him it ran on rollers and nothing short of a regiment and a train of artillery could fetch him out I went on my way glad that poor Black Michael though he could not have the throne or the princess had at least as fine a residence as any prince in Europe
Soon I entered the forest and walked on for an hour or more in its cool sombre shade The great trees enlaced with one another over my head and the sunshine stole through in patches as bright as diamonds and hardly bigger I was enchanted with the place and finding a felled treetrunk propped my back against it and stretching my legs out gave myself up to undisturbed contemplation of the solemn beauty of the woods and to the comfort of a good cigar And when the cigar was finished and I had I suppose inhaled as much beauty as I could I went off into the most delightful sleep regardless of my train to Strelsau and of the fastwaning afternoon To remember a train in such a spot would have been rank sacrilege Instead of that I fell to dreaming that I was married to the Princess Flavia and dwelt in the Castle of Zenda and beguiled whole days with my love in the glades of the forest—which made a very pleasant dream In fact I was just impressing a fervent kiss on the charming lips of the princess when I heard and the voice seemed at first a part of the dream someone exclaim in rough strident tones
Why the devils in it Shave him and hed be the King
The idea seemed whimsical enough for a dream by the sacrifice of my heavy moustache and carefully pointed imperial I was to be transformed into a monarch I was about to kiss the princess again when I arrived very reluctantly at the conclusion that I was awake
I opened my eyes and found two men regarding me with much curiosity Both wore shooting costumes and carried guns One was rather short and very stoutly built with a big bulletshaped head a bristly grey moustache and small paleblue eyes a trifle bloodshot The other was a slender young fellow of middle height dark in complexion and bearing himself with grace and distinction I set the one down as an old soldier the other for a gentleman accustomed to move in good society but not unused to military life either It turned out afterwards that my guess was a good one
The elder man approached me beckoning the younger to follow He did so courteously raising his hat I rose slowly to my feet
Hes the height too I heard the elder murmur as he surveyed my six feet two inches of stature Then with a cavalier touch of the cap he addressed me
May I ask your name
As you have taken the first step in the acquaintance gentlemen said I with a smile suppose you give me a lead in the matter of names
The young man stepped forward with a pleasant smile
This said he is Colonel Sapt and I am called Fritz von Tarlenheim we are both in the service of the King of Ruritania
I bowed and baring my head answered
I am Rudolf Rassendyll I am a traveller from England and once for a year or two I held a commission from her Majesty the Queen
Then we are all brethren of the sword answered Tarlenheim holding out his hand which I took readily
Rassendyll Rassendyll muttered Colonel Sapt then a gleam of intelligence flitted across his face
By Heaven he cried youre of the Burlesdons
My brother is now Lord Burlesdon said I
Thy head betrayeth thee he chuckled pointing to my uncovered poll Why Fritz you know the story
The young man glanced apologetically at me He felt a delicacy which my sisterinlaw would have admired To put him at his ease I remarked with a smile
Ah the story is known here as well as among us it seems
Known cried Sapt If you stay here the deuce a man in all Ruritania will doubt of it—or a woman either
I began to feel uncomfortable Had I realized what a very plainly written pedigree I carried about with me I should have thought long before I visited Ruritania However I was in for it now
At this moment a ringing voice sounded from the wood behind us
Fritz Fritz where are you man
Tarlenheim started and said hastily
Its the King
Old Sapt chuckled again
Then a young man jumped out from behind the trunk of a tree and stood beside us As I looked at him I uttered an astonished cry and he seeing me drew back in sudden wonder Saving the hair on my face and a manner of conscious dignity which his position gave him saving also that he lacked perhaps half an inch—nay less than that but still something—of my height the King of Ruritania might have been Rudolf Rassendyll and I Rudolf the King
For an instant we stood motionless looking at one another Then I bared my head again and bowed respectfully The King found his voice and asked in bewilderment
Colonel—Fritz—who is this gentleman
I was about to answer when Colonel Sapt stepped between the King and me and began to talk to his Majesty in a low growl The King towered over Sapt and as he listened his eyes now and again sought mine I looked at him long and carefully The likeness was certainly astonishing though I saw the points of difference also The Kings face was slightly more fleshy than mine the oval of its contour the least trifle more pronounced and as I fancied his mouth lacking something of the firmness or obstinacy which was to be gathered from my closeshutting lips But for all that and above all minor distinctions the likeness rose striking salient wonderful
Sapt ceased speaking and the King still frowned Then gradually the corners of his mouth began to twitch his nose came down as mine does when I laugh his eyes twinkled and behold he burst into the merriest fit of irrepressible laughter which rang through the woods and proclaimed him a jovial soul
Well met cousin he cried stepping up to me clapping me on the back and laughing still You must forgive me if I was taken aback A man doesnt expect to see double at this time of day eh Fritz
I must pray pardon sire for my presumption said I I trust it will not forfeit your Majestys favour
By Heaven youll always enjoy the Kings countenance he laughed whether I like it or not and sir I shall very gladly add to it what services I can Where are you travelling to
To Strelsau sire—to the coronation
The King looked at his friends he still smiled though his expression hinted some uneasiness But the humorous side of the matter caught him again
Fritz Fritz he cried a thousand crowns for a sight of brother Michaels face when he sees a pair of us and the merry laugh rang out again
Seriously observed Fritz von Tarlenheim I question Mr Rassendylls wisdom in visiting Strelsau just now
The King lit a cigarette
Well Sapt said he questioningly
He mustnt go growled the old fellow
Come colonel you mean that I should be in Mr Rassendylls debt if—
Oh ay wrap it up in the right way said Sapt hauling a great pipe out of his pocket
Enough sire said I Ill leave Ruritania today
No by thunder you shant—and thats sans phrase as Sapt likes it For you shall dine with me tonight happen what will afterwards Come man you dont meet a new relation every day
We dine sparingly tonight said Fritz von Tarlenheim
Not we—with our new cousin for a guest cried the King and as Fritz shrugged his shoulders he added Oh Ill remember our early start Fritz
So will I—tomorrow morning said old Sapt pulling at his pipe
O wise old Sapt cried the King Come Mr Rassendyll—by the way what name did they give you
Your Majestys I answered bowing
Well that shows they werent ashamed of us he laughed Come then cousin Rudolf Ive got no house of my own here but my dear brother Michael lends us a place of his and well make shift to entertain you there and he put his arm through mine and signing to the others to accompany us walked me off westerly through the forest
We walked for more than half an hour and the King smoked cigarettes and chattered incessantly He was full of interest in my family laughed heartily when I told him of the portraits with Elphberg hair in our galleries and yet more heartily when he heard that my expedition to Ruritania was a secret one
You have to visit your disreputable cousin on the sly have you said he
Suddenly emerging from the wood we came on a small and rude huntinglodge It was a onestorey building a sort of bungalow built entirely of wood As we approached it a little man in a plain livery came out to meet us The only other person I saw about the place was a fat elderly woman whom I afterwards discovered to be the mother of Johann the dukes keeper
Well is dinner ready Josef asked the King
The little servant informed us that it was and we soon sat down to a plentiful meal The fare was plain enough the King ate heartily Fritz von Tarlenheim delicately old Sapt voraciously I played a good knife and fork as my custom is the King noticed my performance with approval
Were all good trenchermen we Elphbergs said he But what—were eating dry Wine Josef wine man Are we beasts to eat without drinking Are we cattle Josef
At this reproof Josef hastened to load the table with bottles
Remember tomorrow said Fritz
Ay—tomorrow said old Sapt
The King drained a bumper to his Cousin Rudolf as he was gracious—or merry—enough to call me and I drank its fellow to the Elphberg Red whereat he laughed loudly
Now be the meat what it might the wine we drank was beyond all price or praise and we did it justice Fritz ventured once to stay the Kings hand
What cried the King Remember you start before I do Master Fritz—you must be more sparing by two hours than I
Fritz saw that I did not understand
The colonel and I he explained leave here at six we ride down to Zenda and return with the guard of honour to fetch the King at eight and then we all ride together to the station
Hang that same guard growled Sapt
Oh its very civil of my brother to ask the honour for his regiment said the King Come cousin you need not start early Another bottle man
I had another bottle—or rather a part of one for the larger half travelled quickly down his Majestys throat Fritz gave up his attempts at persuasion from persuading he fell to being persuaded and soon we were all of us as full of wine as we had any right to be The King began talking of what he would do in the future old Sapt of what he had done in the past Fritz of some beautiful girl or other and I of the wonderful merits of the Elphberg dynasty We all talked at once and followed to the letter Sapts exhortation to let the morrow take care of itself
At last the King set down his glass and leant back in his chair
I have drunk enough said he
Far be it from me to contradict the King said I
Indeed his remark was most absolutely true—so far as it went
While I yet spoke Josef came and set before the King a marvellous old wickercovered flagon It had lain so long in some darkened cellar that it seemed to blink in the candlelight
His Highness the Duke of Strelsau bade me set this wine before the King when the King was weary of all other wines and pray the King to drink for the love that he bears his brother
Well done Black Michael said the King Out with the cork Josef Hang him Did he think Id flinch from his bottle
The bottle was opened and Josef filled the Kings glass The King tasted it Then with a solemnity born of the hour and his own condition he looked round on us
Gentlemen my friends—Rudolf my cousin tis a scandalous story Rudolf on my honour everything is yours to the half of Ruritania But ask me not for a single drop of this divine bottle which I will drink to the health of that—that sly knave my brother Black Michael
And the King seized the bottle and turned it over his mouth and drained it and flung it from him and laid his head on his arms on the table
And we drank pleasant dreams to his Majesty—and that is all I remember of the evening Perhaps it is enough
CHAPTER 4
The King Keeps His Appointment
Whether I had slept a minute or a year I knew not I awoke with a start and a shiver my face hair and clothes dripped water and opposite me stood old Sapt a sneering smile on his face and an empty bucket in his hand On the table by him sat Fritz von Tarlenheim pale as a ghost and black as a crow under the eyes
I leapt to my feet in anger
Your joke goes too far sir I cried
Tut man weve no time for quarrelling Nothing else would rouse you Its five oclock
Ill thank you Colonel Sapt— I began again hot in spirit though I was uncommonly cold in body
Rassendyll interrupted Fritz getting down from the table and taking my arm look here
The King lay full length on the floor His face was red as his hair and he breathed heavily Sapt the disrespectful old dog kicked him sharply He did not stir nor was there any break in his breathing I saw that his face and head were wet with water as were mine
Weve spent half an hour on him said Fritz
He drank three times what either of you did growled Sapt
I knelt down and felt his pulse It was alarmingly languid and slow We three looked at one another
Was it drugged—that last bottle I asked in a whisper
I dont know said Sapt
We must get a doctor
Theres none within ten miles and a thousand doctors wouldnt take him to Strelsau today I know the look of it Hell not move for six or seven hours yet
But the coronation I cried in horror
Fritz shrugged his shoulders as I began to see was his habit on most occasions
We must send word that hes ill he said
I suppose so said I
Old Sapt who seemed as fresh as a daisy had lit his pipe and was puffing hard at it
If hes not crowned today said he Ill lay a crown hes never crowned
But heavens why
The whole nations there to meet him half the army—ay and Black Michael at the head Shall we send word that the Kings drunk
That hes ill said I in correction
Ill echoed Sapt with a scornful laugh They know his illnesses too well Hes been ill before
Well we must chance what they think said Fritz helplessly Ill carry the news and make the best of it
Sapt raised his hand
Tell me said he Do you think the King was drugged
I do said I
And who drugged him
That damned hound Black Michael said Fritz between his teeth
Ay said Sapt that he might not come to be crowned Rassendyll here doesnt know our pretty Michael What think you Fritz has Michael no king ready Has half Strelsau no other candidate As Gods alive man the thrones lost if the King show himself not in Strelsau today I know Black Michael
We could carry him there said I
And a very pretty picture he makes sneered Sapt
Fritz von Tarlenheim buried his face in his hands The King breathed loudly and heavily Sapt stirred him again with his foot
The drunken dog he said but hes an Elphberg and the son of his father and may I rot in hell before Black Michael sits in his place
For a moment or two we were all silent then Sapt knitting his bushy grey brows took his pipe from his mouth and said to me
As a man grows old he believes in Fate Fate sent you here Fate sends you now to Strelsau
I staggered back murmuring Good God
Fritz looked up with an eager bewildered gaze
Impossible I muttered I should be known
Its a risk—against a certainty said Sapt If you shave Ill wager youll not be known Are you afraid
Sir
Come lad there there but its your life you know if youre known—and mine—and Fritzs here But if you dont go I swear to you Black Michael will sit tonight on the throne and the King lie in prison or his grave
The King would never forgive it I stammered
Are we women Who cares for his forgiveness
The clock ticked fifty times and sixty and seventy times as I stood in thought Then I suppose a look came over my face for old Sapt caught me by the hand crying
Youll go
Yes Ill go said I and I turned my eyes on the prostrate figure of the King on the floor
Tonight Sapt went on in a hasty whisper we are to lodge in the Palace The moment they leave us you and I will mount our horses—Fritz must stay there and guard the Kings room—and ride here at a gallop The King will be ready—Josef will tell him—and he must ride back with me to Strelsau and you ride as if the devil were behind you to the frontier
I took it all in in a second and nodded my head
Theres a chance said Fritz with his first sign of hopefulness
If I escape detection said I
If were detected said Sapt Ill send Black Michael down below before I go myself so help me heaven Sit in that chair man
I obeyed him
He darted from the room calling Josef Josef In three minutes he was back and Josef with him The latter carried a jug of hot water soap and razors He was trembling as Sapt told him how the land lay and bade him shave me
Suddenly Fritz smote on his thigh
But the guard Theyll know theyll know
Pooh We shant wait for the guard Well ride to Hofbau and catch a train there When they come the birdll be flown
But the King
The King will be in the winecellar Im going to carry him there now
If they find him
They wont How should they Josef will put them off
But—
Sapt stamped his foot
Were not playing he roared My God dont I know the risk If they do find him hes no worse off than if he isnt crowned today in Strelsau
So speaking he flung the door open and stooping put forth a strength I did not dream he had and lifted the King in his hands And as he did so the old woman Johann the keepers mother stood in the doorway For a moment she stood then she turned on her heel without a sign of surprise and clattered down the passage
Has she heard cried Fritz
Ill shut her mouth said Sapt grimly and he bore off the King in his arms
For me I sat down in an armchair and as I sat there halfdazed Josef clipped and scraped me till my moustache and imperial were things of the past and my face was as bare as the Kings And when Fritz saw me thus he drew a long breath and exclaimed—
By Jove we shall do it
It was six oclock now and we had no time to lose Sapt hurried me into the Kings room and I dressed myself in the uniform of a colonel of the Guard finding time as I slipped on the Kings boots to ask Sapt what he had done with the old woman
She swore shed heard nothing said he but to make sure I tied her legs together and put a handkerchief in her mouth and bound her hands and locked her up in the coalcellar next door to the King Josef will look after them both later on
Then I burst out laughing and even old Sapt grimly smiled
I fancy said he that when Josef tells them the King is gone theyll think it is because we smelt a rat For you may swear Black Michael doesnt expect to see him in Strelsau today
I put the Kings helmet on my head Old Sapt handed me the Kings sword looking at me long and carefully
Thank God he shaved his beard he exclaimed
Why did he I asked
Because Princess Flavia said he grazed her cheek when he was graciously pleased to give her a cousinly kiss Come though we must ride
Is all safe here
Nothings safe anywhere said Sapt but we can make it no safer
Fritz now rejoined us in the uniform of a captain in the same regiment as that to which my dress belonged In four minutes Sapt had arrayed himself in his uniform Josef called that the horses were ready We jumped on their backs and started at a rapid trot The game had begun What would the issue of it be
The cool morning air cleared my head and I was able to take in all Sapt said to me He was wonderful Fritz hardly spoke riding like a man asleep but Sapt without another word for the King began at once to instruct me most minutely in the history of my past life of my family of my tastes pursuits weaknesses friends companions and servants He told me the etiquette of the Ruritanian Court promising to be constantly at my elbow to point out everybody whom I ought to know and give me hints with what degree of favour to greet them
By the way he said youre a Catholic I suppose
Not I I answered
Lord hes a heretic groaned Sapt and forthwith he fell to a rudimentary lesson in the practices and observances of the Romish faith
Luckily said he you wont be expected to know much for the Kings notoriously lax and careless about such matters But you must be as civil as butter to the Cardinal We hope to win him over because he and Michael have a standing quarrel about their precedence
We were by now at the station Fritz had recovered nerve enough to explain to the astonished station master that the King had changed his plans The train steamed up We got into a firstclass carriage and Sapt leaning back on the cushions went on with his lesson I looked at my watch—the Kings watch it was of course It was just eight
I wonder if theyve gone to look for us I said
I hope they wont find the King said Fritz nervously and this time it was Sapt who shrugged his shoulders
The train travelled well and at halfpast nine looking out of the window I saw the towers and spires of a great city
Your capital my liege grinned old Sapt with a wave of his hand and leaning forward he laid his finger on my pulse A little too quick said he in his grumbling tone
Im not made of stone I exclaimed
Youll do said he with a nod We must say Fritz here has caught the ague Drain your flask Fritz for heavens sake boy
Fritz did as he was bid
Were an hour early said Sapt Well send word forward for your Majestys arrival for therell be no one here to meet us yet And meanwhile—
Meanwhile said I the Kingll be hanged if he doesnt have some breakfast
Old Sapt chuckled and held out his hand
Youre an Elphberg every inch of you said he Then he paused and looking at us said quietly God send we may be alive tonight
Amen said Fritz von Tarlenheim
The train stopped Fritz and Sapt leapt out uncovered and held the door for me I choked down a lump that rose in my throat settled my helmet firmly on my head and Im not ashamed to say it breathed a short prayer to God Then I stepped on the platform of the station at Strelsau
A moment later all was bustle and confusion men hurrying up hats in hand and hurrying off again men conducting me to the buffet men mounting and riding in hot haste to the quarters of the troops to the Cathedral to the residence of Duke Michael Even as I swallowed the last drop of my cup of coffee the bells throughout all the city broke out into a joyful peal and the sound of a military band and of men cheering smote upon my ear
King Rudolf the Fifth was in his good city of Strelsau And they shouted outside—
God save the King
Old Sapts mouth wrinkled into a smile
God save em both he whispered Courage lad and I felt his hand press my knee
CHAPTER 5
The Adventures of an Understudy
With Fritz von Tarlenheim and Colonel Sapt close behind me I stepped out of the buffet on to the platform The last thing I did was to feel if my revolver were handy and my sword loose in the scabbard A gay group of officers and high dignitaries stood awaiting me at their head a tall old man covered with medals and of military bearing He wore the yellow and red ribbon of the Red Rose of Ruritania—which by the way decorated my unworthy breast also
Marshal Strakencz whispered Sapt and I knew that I was in the presence of the most famous veteran of the Ruritanian army
Just behind the Marshal stood a short spare man in flowing robes of black and crimson
The Chancellor of the Kingdom whispered Sapt
The Marshal greeted me in a few loyal words and proceeded to deliver an apology from the Duke of Strelsau The duke it seemed had been afflicted with a sudden indisposition which made it impossible for him to come to the station but he craved leave to await his Majesty at the Cathedral I expressed my concern accepted the Marshals excuses very suavely and received the compliments of a large number of distinguished personages No one betrayed the least suspicion and I felt my nerve returning and the agitated beating of my heart subsiding But Fritz was still pale and his hand shook like a leaf as he extended it to the Marshal
Presently we formed procession and took our way to the door of the station Here I mounted my horse the Marshal holding my stirrup The civil dignitaries went off to their carriages and I started to ride through the streets with the Marshal on my right and Sapt who as my chief aidedecamp was entitled to the place on my left The city of Strelsau is partly old and partly new Spacious modern boulevards and residential quarters surround and embrace the narrow tortuous and picturesque streets of the original town In the outer circles the upper classes live in the inner the shops are situated and behind their prosperous fronts lie hidden populous but wretched lanes and alleys filled with a povertystricken turbulent and in large measure criminal class These social and local divisions corresponded as I knew from Sapts information to another division more important to me The New Town was for the King but to the Old Town Michael of Strelsau was a hope a hero and a darling
The scene was very brilliant as we passed along the Grand Boulevard and on to the great square where the Royal Palace stood Here I was in the midst of my devoted adherents Every house was hung with red and bedecked with flags and mottoes The streets were lined with raised seats on each side and I passed along bowing this way and that under a shower of cheers blessings and waving handkerchiefs The balconies were full of gaily dressed ladies who clapped their hands and curtsied and threw their brightest glances at me A torrent of red roses fell on me one bloom lodged in my horses mane and I took it and stuck it in my coat The Marshal smiled grimly I had stolen some glances at his face but he was too impassive to show me whether his sympathies were with me or not
The red rose for the Elphbergs Marshal said I gaily and he nodded
I have written gaily and a strange word it must seem But the truth is that I was drunk with excitement At that moment I believed—I almost believed—that I was in very truth the King and with a look of laughing triumph I raised my eyes to the beautyladen balconies again and then I started For looking down on me with her handsome face and proud smile was the lady who had been my fellow traveller—Antoinette de Mauban and I saw her also start and her lips moved and she leant forward and gazed at me And I collecting myself met her eyes full and square while again I felt my revolver Suppose she had cried aloud Thats not the King
Well we went by and then the Marshal turning round in his saddle waved his hand and the Cuirassiers closed round us so that the crowd could not come near me We were leaving my quarter and entering Duke Michaels and this action of the Marshals showed me more clearly than words what the state of feeling in the town must be But if Fate made me a King the least I could do was to play the part handsomely
Why this change in our order Marshal said I
The Marshal bit his white moustache
It is more prudent sire he murmured
I drew rein
Let those in front ride on said I till they are fifty yards ahead But do you Marshal and Colonel Sapt and my friends wait here till I have ridden fifty yards And see that no one is nearer to me I will have my people see that their King trusts them
Sapt laid his hand on my arm I shook him off The Marshal hesitated
Am I not understood said I and biting his moustache again he gave the orders I saw old Sapt smiling into his beard but he shook his head at me If I had been killed in open day in the streets of Strelsau Sapts position would have been a difficult one
Perhaps I ought to say that I was dressed all in white except my boots I wore a silver helmet with gilt ornaments and the broad ribbon of the Rose looked well across my chest I should be paying a poor compliment to the King if I did not set modesty aside and admit that I made a very fine figure So the people thought for when I riding alone entered the dingy sparsely decorated sombre streets of the Old Town there was first a murmur then a cheer and a woman from a window above a cookshop cried the old local saying
If hes red hes right whereat I laughed and took off my helmet that she might see that I was of the right colour and they cheered me again at that
It was more interesting riding thus alone for I heard the comments of the crowd
He looks paler than his wont said one
Youd look pale if you lived as he does was the highly disrespectful retort
Hes a bigger man than I thought said another
So he had a good jaw under that beard after all commented a third
The pictures of him arent handsome enough declared a pretty girl taking great care that I should hear No doubt it was mere flattery
But in spite of these signs of approval and interest the mass of the people received me in silence and with sullen looks and my dear brothers portrait ornamented most of the windows—which was an ironical sort of greeting to the King I was quite glad that he had been spared the unpleasant sight He was a man of quick temper and perhaps he would not have taken it so placidly as I did
At last we were at the Cathedral Its great grey front embellished with hundreds of statues and boasting a pair of the finest oak doors in Europe rose for the first time before me and the sudden sense of my audacity almost overcame me Everything was in a mist as I dismounted I saw the Marshal and Sapt dimly and dimly the throng of gorgeously robed priests who awaited me And my eyes were still dim as I walked up the great nave with the pealing of the organ in my ears I saw nothing of the brilliant throng that filled it I hardly distinguished the stately figure of the Cardinal as he rose from the archiepiscopal throne to greet me Two faces only stood out side by side clearly before my eyes—the face of a girl pale and lovely surmounted by a crown of the glorious Elphberg hair for in a woman it is glorious and the face of a man whose fullblooded red cheeks black hair and dark deep eyes told me that at last I was in presence of my brother Black Michael And when he saw me his red cheeks went pale all in a moment and his helmet fell with a clatter on the floor Till that moment I believe that he had not realized that the King was in very truth come to Strelsau
Of what followed next I remember nothing I knelt before the altar and the Cardinal anointed my head Then I rose to my feet and stretched out my hand and took from him the crown of Ruritania and set it on my head and I swore the old oath of the King and if it were a sin may it be forgiven me I received the Holy Sacrament there before them all Then the great organ pealed out again the Marshal bade the heralds proclaim me and Rudolf the Fifth was crowned King of which imposing ceremony an excellent picture hangs now in my diningroom The portrait of the King is very good
Then the lady with the pale face and the glorious hair her train held by two pages stepped from her place and came to where I stood And a herald cried
Her Royal Highness the Princess Flavia
She curtsied low and put her hand under mine and raised my hand and kissed it And for an instant I thought what I had best do Then I drew her to me and kissed her twice on the cheek and she blushed red and—then his Eminence the Cardinal Archbishop slipped in front of Black Michael and kissed my hand and presented me with a letter from the Pope—the first and last which I have received from that exalted quarter
And then came the Duke of Strelsau His step trembled I swear and he looked to the right and to the left as a man looks who thinks on flight and his face was patched with red and white and his hand shook so that it jumped under mine and I felt his lips dry and parched And I glanced at Sapt who was smiling again into his beard and resolutely doing my duty in that station of life to which I had been marvellously called I took my dear Michael by both hands and kissed him on the cheek I think we were both glad when that was over
But neither in the face of the princess nor in that of any other did I see the least doubt or questioning Yet had I and the King stood side by side she could have told us in an instant or at least on a little consideration But neither she nor anyone else dreamed or imagined that I could be other than the King So the likeness served and for an hour I stood there feeling as weary and blase as though I had been a king all my life and everybody kissed my hand and the ambassadors paid me their respects among them old Lord Topham at whose house in Grosvenor Square I had danced a score of times Thank heaven the old man was as blind as a bat and did not claim my acquaintance
Then back we went through the streets to the Palace and I heard them cheering Black Michael but he Fritz told me sat biting his nails like a man in a reverie and even his own friends said that he should have made a braver show I was in a carriage now side by side with the Princess Flavia and a rough fellow cried out
And whens the wedding and as he spoke another struck him in the face crying Long live Duke Michael and the princess coloured—it was an admirable tint—and looked straight in front of her
Now I felt in a difficulty because I had forgotten to ask Sapt the state of my affections or how far matters had gone between the princess and myself Frankly had I been the King the further they had gone the better should I have been pleased For I am not a slowblooded man and I had not kissed Princess Flavias cheek for nothing These thoughts passed through my head but not being sure of my ground I said nothing and in a moment or two the princess recovering her equanimity turned to me
Do you know Rudolf said she you look somehow different today
The fact was not surprising but the remark was disquieting
You look she went on more sober more sedate youre almost careworn and I declare youre thinner Surely its not possible that youve begun to take anything seriously
The princess seemed to hold of the King much the same opinion that Lady Burlesdon held of me
I braced myself up to the conversation
Would that please you I asked softly
Oh you know my views said she turning her eyes away
Whatever pleases you I try to do I said and as I saw her smile and blush I thought that I was playing the Kings hand very well for him So I continued and what I said was perfectly true
I assure you my dear cousin that nothing in my life has affected me more than the reception Ive been greeted with today
She smiled brightly but in an instant grew grave again and whispered
Did you notice Michael
Yes said I adding he wasnt enjoying himself
Do be careful she went on You dont—indeed you dont—keep enough watch on him You know—
I know said I that he wants what Ive got
Yes Hush
Then—and I cant justify it for I committed the King far beyond what I had a right to do—I suppose she carried me off my feet—I went on
And perhaps also something which I havent got yet but hope to win some day
This was my answer Had I been the King I should have thought it encouraging
Havent you enough responsibilities on you for one day cousin
Bang bang Blare blare We were at the Palace Guns were firing and trumpets blowing Rows of lackeys stood waiting and handing the princess up the broad marble staircase I took formal possession as a crowned King of the House of my ancestors and sat down at my own table with my cousin on my right hand on her other side Black Michael and on my left his Eminence the Cardinal Behind my chair stood Sapt and at the end of the table I saw Fritz von Tarlenheim drain to the bottom his glass of champagne rather sooner than he decently should
I wondered what the King of Ruritania was doing
CHAPTER 6
The Secret of a Cellar
We were in the Kings dressingroom—Fritz von Tarlenheim Sapt and I I flung myself exhausted into an armchair Sapt lit his pipe He uttered no congratulations on the marvellous success of our wild risk but his whole bearing was eloquent of satisfaction The triumph aided perhaps by good wine had made a new man of Fritz
What a day for you to remember he cried Gad Id like to be King for twelve hours myself But Rassendyll you mustnt throw your heart too much into the part I dont wonder Black Michael looked blacker than ever—you and the princess had so much to say to one another
How beautiful she is I exclaimed
Never mind the woman growled Sapt Are you ready to start
Yes said I with a sigh
It was five oclock and at twelve I should be no more than Rudolf Rassendyll I remarked on it in a joking tone
Youll be lucky observed Sapt grimly if youre not the late Rudolf Rassendyll By Heaven I feel my head wobbling on my shoulders every minute youre in the city Do you know friend that Michael has had news from Zenda He went into a room alone to read it—and he came out looking like a man dazed
Im ready said I this news making me none the more eager to linger
Sapt sat down
I must write us an order to leave the city Michaels Governor you know and we must be prepared for hindrances You must sign the order
My dear colonel Ive not been bred a forger
Out of his pocket Sapt produced a piece of paper
Theres the Kings signature he said and here he went on after another search in his pocket is some tracing paper If you cant manage a Rudolf in ten minutes why—I can
Your education has been more comprehensive than mine said I You write it
And a very tolerable forgery did this versatile hero produce
Now Fritz said he the King goes to bed He is upset No one is to see him till nine oclock tomorrow You understand—no one
I understand answered Fritz
Michael may come and claim immediate audience Youll answer that only princes of the blood are entitled to it
Thatll annoy Michael laughed Fritz
You quite understand asked Sapt again If the door of this room is opened while were away youre not to be alive to tell us about it
I need no schooling colonel said Fritz a trifle haughtily
Here wrap yourself in this big cloak Sapt continued to me and put on this flat cap My orderly rides with me to the huntinglodge tonight
Theres an obstacle I observed The horse doesnt live that can carry me forty miles
Oh yes he does—two of him one here—one at the lodge Now are you ready
Im ready said I
Fritz held out his hand
In case said he and we shook hands heartily
Damn your sentiment growled Sapt Come along
He went not to the door but to a panel in the wall
In the old Kings time said he I knew this way well
I followed him and we walked as I should estimate near two hundred yards along a narrow passage Then we came to a stout oak door Sapt unlocked it We passed through and found ourselves in a quiet street that ran along the back of the Palace gardens A man was waiting for us with two horses One was a magnificent bay up to any weight the other a sturdy brown Sapt signed to me to mount the bay Without a word to the man we mounted and rode away The town was full of noise and merriment but we took secluded ways My cloak was wrapped over half my face the capacious flat cap hid every lock of my telltale hair By Sapts directions I crouched on my saddle and rode with such a round back as I hope never to exhibit on a horse again Down a long narrow lane we went meeting some wanderers and some roisterers and as we rode we heard the Cathedral bells still clanging out their welcome to the King It was halfpast six and still light At last we came to the city wall and to a gate
Have your weapon ready whispered Sapt We must stop his mouth if he talks
I put my hand on my revolver Sapt hailed the doorkeeper The stars fought for us A little girl of fourteen tripped out
Please sir fathers gone to see the King
Hed better have stayed here said Sapt to me grinning
But he said I wasnt to open the gate sir
Did he my dear said Sapt dismounting Then give me the key
The key was in the childs hand Sapt gave her a crown
Heres an order from the King Show it to your father Orderly open the gate
I leapt down Between us we rolled back the great gate led our horses out and closed it again
I shall be sorry for the doorkeeper if Michael finds out that he wasnt there Now then lad for a canter We mustnt go too fast while were near the town
Once however outside the city we ran little danger for everybody else was inside merrymaking and as the evening fell we quickened our pace my splendid horse bounding along under me as though I had been a feather It was a fine night and presently the moon appeared We talked little on the way and chiefly about the progress we were making
I wonder what the dukes despatches told him said I once
Ay I wonder responded Sapt
We stopped for a draught of wine and to bait our horses losing half an hour thus I dared not go into the inn and stayed with the horses in the stable Then we went ahead again and had covered some fiveandtwenty miles when Sapt abruptly stopped
Hark he cried
I listened Away far behind us in the still of the evening—it was just halfpast nine—we heard the beat of horses hoofs The wind blowing strong behind us carried the sound I glanced at Sapt
Come on he cried and spurred his horse into a gallop When we next paused to listen the hoofbeats were not audible and we relaxed our pace Then we heard them again Sapt jumped down and laid his ear to the ground
There are two he said Theyre only a mile behind Thank God the road curves in and out and the winds our way
We galloped on We seemed to be holding our own We had entered the outskirts of the forest of Zenda and the trees closing in behind us as the track zigged and zagged prevented us seeing our pursuers and them from seeing us
Another halfhour brought us to a divide of the road Sapt drew rein
To the right is our road he said To the left to the Castle Each about eight miles Get down
But theyll be on us I cried
Get down he repeated brusquely and I obeyed The wood was dense up to the very edge of the road We led our horses into the covert bound handkerchiefs over their eyes and stood beside them
You want to see who they are I whispered
Ay and where theyre going he answered
I saw that his revolver was in his hand
Nearer and nearer came the hoofs The moon shone out now clear and full so that the road was white with it The ground was hard and we had left no traces
Here they come whispered Sapt
Its the duke
I thought so he answered
It was the duke and with him a burly fellow whom I knew well and who had cause to know me afterwards—Max Holf brother to Johann the keeper and bodyservant to his Highness They were up to us the duke reined up I saw Sapts finger curl lovingly towards the trigger I believe he would have given ten years of his life for a shot and he could have picked off Black Michael as easily as I could a barndoor fowl in a farmyard I laid my hand on his arm He nodded reassuringly he was always ready to sacrifice inclination to duty
Which way asked Black Michael
To the Castle your Highness urged his companion There we shall learn the truth
For an instant the duke hesitated
I thought I heard hoofs said he
I think not your Highness
Why shouldnt we go to the lodge
I fear a trap If all is well why go to the lodge If not its a snare to trap us
Suddenly the dukes horse neighed In an instant we folded our cloaks close round our horses heads and holding them thus covered the duke and his attendant with our revolvers If they had found us they had been dead men or our prisoners
Michael waited a moment longer Then he cried
To Zenda then and setting spurs to his horse galloped on
Sapt raised his weapon after him and there was such an expression of wistful regret on his face that I had much ado not to burst out laughing
For ten minutes we stayed where we were
You see said Sapt theyve sent him news that all is well
What does that mean I asked
God knows said Sapt frowning heavily But its brought him from Strelsau in a rare puzzle
Then we mounted and rode as fast as our weary horses could lay their feet to the ground For those last eight miles we spoke no more Our minds were full of apprehension All is well What did it mean Was all well with the King
At last the lodge came in sight Spurring our horses to a last gallop we rode up to the gate All was still and quiet Not a soul came to meet us We dismounted in haste Suddenly Sapt caught me by the arm
Look there he said pointing to the ground
I looked down At my feet lay five or six silk handkerchiefs torn and slashed and rent I turned to him questioningly
Theyre what I tied the old woman up with said he Fasten the horses and come along
The handle of the door turned without resistance We passed into the room which had been the scene of last nights bout It was still strewn with the remnants of our meal and with empty bottles
Come on cried Sapt whose marvellous composure had at last almost given way
We rushed down the passage towards the cellars The door of the coalcellar stood wide open
They found the old woman said I
You might have known that from the handkerchiefs he said
Then we came opposite the door of the winecellar It was shut It looked in all respects as it had looked when we left it that morning
Come its all right said I
A loud oath from Sapt rang out His face turned pale and he pointed again at the floor From under the door a red stain had spread over the floor of the passage and dried there Sapt sank against the opposite wall I tried the door It was locked
Wheres Josef muttered Sapt
Wheres the King I responded
Sapt took out a flask and put it to his lips I ran back to the diningroom and seized a heavy poker from the fireplace In my terror and excitement I rained blows on the lock of the door and I fired a cartridge into it It gave way and the door swung open
Give me a light said I but Sapt still leant against the wall
He was of course more moved than I for he loved his master Afraid for himself he was not—no man ever saw him that but to think what might lie in that dark cellar was enough to turn any mans face pale I went myself and took a silver candlestick from the diningtable and struck a light and as I returned I felt the hot wax drip on my naked hand as the candle swayed to and fro so that I cannot afford to despise Colonel Sapt for his agitation
I came to the door of the cellar The red stain turning more and more to a dull brown stretched inside I walked two yards into the cellar and held the candle high above my head I saw the full bins of wine I saw spiders crawling on the walls I saw too a couple of empty bottles lying on the floor and then away in the corner I saw the body of a man lying flat on his back with his arms stretched wide and a crimson gash across his throat I walked to him and knelt down beside him and commended to God the soul of a faithful man For it was the body of Josef the little servant slain in guarding the King
I felt a hand on my shoulders and turning saw Sapt eyes glaring and terrorstruck beside me
The King My God the King he whispered hoarsely
I threw the candles gleam over every inch of the cellar
The King is not here said I
CHAPTER 7
His Majesty Sleeps in Strelsau
I put my arm round Sapts waist and supported him out of the cellar drawing the battered door close after me For ten minutes or more we sat silent in the diningroom Then old Sapt rubbed his knuckles into his eyes gave one great gasp and was himself again As the clock on the mantelpiece struck one he stamped his foot on the floor saying
Theyve got the King
Yes said I alls well as Black Michaels despatch said What a moment it must have been for him when the royal salutes fired at Strelsau this morning I wonder when he got the message
It must have been sent in the morning said Sapt They must have sent it before news of your arrival at Strelsau reached Zenda—I suppose it came from Zenda
And hes carried it about all day I exclaimed Upon my honour Im not the only man whos had a trying day What did he think Sapt
What does that matter What does he think lad now
I rose to my feet
We must get back I said and rouse every soldier in Strelsau We ought to be in pursuit of Michael before midday
Old Sapt pulled out his pipe and carefully lit it from the candle which guttered on the table
The King may be murdered while we sit here I urged
Sapt smoked on for a moment in silence
That cursed old woman he broke out She must have attracted their attention somehow I see the game They came up to kidnap the King and—as I say—somehow they found him If you hadnt gone to Strelsau you and I and Fritz had been in heaven by now
And the King
Who knows where the King is now he asked
Come lets be off said I but he sat still And suddenly he burst into one of his grating chuckles
By Jove weve shaken up Black Michael
Come come I repeated impatiently
And well shake him up a bit more he added a cunning smile broadening on his wrinkled weatherbeaten face and his teeth working on an end of his grizzled moustache Ay lad well go back to Strelsau The King shall be in his capital again tomorrow
The King
The crowned King
Youre mad I cried
If we go back and tell the trick we played what would you give for our lives
Just what theyre worth said I
And for the Kings throne Do you think that the nobles and the people will enjoy being fooled as youve fooled them Do you think theyll love a King who was too drunk to be crowned and sent a servant to personate him
He was drugged—and Im no servant
Mine will be Black Michaels version
He rose came to me and laid his hand on my shoulder
Lad he said if you play the man you may save the King yet Go back and keep his throne warm for him
But the duke knows—the villains he has employed know—
Ay but they cant speak roared Sapt in grim triumph
Weve got em How can they denounce you without denouncing themselves This is not the King because we kidnapped the King and murdered his servant Can they say that
The position flashed on me Whether Michael knew me or not he could not speak Unless he produced the King what could he do And if he produced the King where was he For a moment I was carried away headlong but in an instant the difficulties came strong upon me
I must be found out I urged
Perhaps but every hours something Above all we must have a King in Strelsau or the city will be Michaels in fourandtwenty hours and what would the Kings life be worth then—or his throne Lad you must do it
Suppose they kill the King
Theyll kill him if you dont
Sapt suppose they have killed the King
Then by heaven youre as good an Elphberg as Black Michael and you shall reign in Ruritania But I dont believe they have nor will they kill him if youre on the throne Will they kill him to put you in
It was a wild plan—wilder even and more hopeless than the trick we had already carried through but as I listened to Sapt I saw the strong points in our game And then I was a young man and I loved action and I was offered such a hand in such a game as perhaps never man played yet
I shall be found out I said
Perhaps said Sapt Come to Strelsau We shall be caught like rats in a trap if we stay here
Sapt I cried Ill try it
Well played said he I hope theyve left us the horses Ill go and see
We must bury that poor fellow said I
No time said Sapt
Ill do it
Hang you he grinned I make you a King and—Well do it Go and fetch him while I look to the horses He cant lie very deep but I doubt if hell care about that Poor little Josef He was an honest bit of a man
He went out and I went to the cellar I raised poor Josef in my arms and bore him into the passage and thence towards the door of the house Just inside I laid him down remembering that I must find spades for our task At this instant Sapt came up
The horses are all right theres the own brother to the one that brought you here But you may save yourself that job
Ill not go before hes buried
Yes you will
Not I Colonel Sapt not for all Ruritania
You fool said he Come here
He drew me to the door The moon was sinking but about three hundred yards away coming along the road from Zenda I made out a party of men There were seven or eight of them four were on horseback and the rest were walking and I saw that they carried long implements which I guessed to be spades and mattocks on their shoulders
Theyll save you the trouble said Sapt Come along
He was right The approaching party must beyond doubt be Duke Michaels men come to remove the traces of their evil work I hesitated no longer but an irresistible desire seized me
Pointing to the corpse of poor little Josef I said to Sapt
Colonel we ought to strike a blow for him
Youd like to give him some company eh But its too risky work your Majesty
I must have a slap at em said I
Sapt wavered
Well said he its not business you know but youve been good boy—and if we come to grief why hang me itll save us lot of thinking Ill show you how to touch them
He cautiously closed the open chink of the door
Then we retreated through the house and made our way to the back entrance Here our horses were standing A carriagedrive swept all round the lodge
Revolver ready asked Sapt
No steel for me said I
Gad youre thirsty tonight chuckled Sapt So be it
We mounted drawing our swords and waited silently for a minute or two Then we heard the tramp of men on the drive the other side of the house They came to a stand and one cried
Now then fetch him out
Now whispered Sapt
Driving the spurs into our horses we rushed at a gallop round the house and in a moment we were among the ruffians Sapt told me afterwards that he killed a man and I believe him but I saw no more of him With a cut I split the head of a fellow on a brown horse and he fell to the ground Then I found myself opposite a big man and I was half conscious of another to my right It was too warm to stay and with a simultaneous action I drove my spurs into my horse again and my sword full into the big mans breast His bullet whizzed past my ear—I could almost swear it touched it I wrenched at the sword but it would not come and I dropped it and galloped after Sapt whom I now saw about twenty yards ahead I waved my hand in farewell and dropped it a second later with a yell for a bullet had grazed my finger and I felt the blood Old Sapt turned round in the saddle Someone fired again but they had no rifles and we were out of range Sapt fell to laughing
Thats one to me and two to you with decent luck said he Little Josef will have company
Ay theyll be a partie carree said I My blood was up and I rejoiced to have killed them
Well a pleasant nights work to the rest said he I wonder if they noticed you
The big fellow did as I stuck him I heard him cry The King
Good good Oh well give Black Michael some work before weve done
Pausing an instant we made a bandage for my wounded finger which was bleeding freely and ached severely the bone being much bruised Then we rode on asking of our good horses all that was in them The excitement of the fight and of our great resolve died away and we rode in gloomy silence Day broke clear and cold We found a farmer just up and made him give us sustenance for ourselves and our horses I feigning a toothache muffled my face closely Then ahead again till Strelsau lay before us It was eight oclock or nearing nine and the gates were all open as they always were save when the dukes caprice or intrigues shut them We rode in by the same way as we had come out the evening before all four of us—the men and the horses—wearied and jaded The streets were even quieter than when we had gone everyone was sleeping off last nights revelry and we met hardly a soul till we reached the little gate of the Palace There Sapts old groom was waiting for us
Is all well sir he asked
Alls well said Sapt and the man coming to me took my hand to kiss
The Kings hurt he cried
Its nothing said I as I dismounted I caught my finger in the door
Remember—silence said Sapt Ah but my good Freyler I do not need to tell you that
The old fellow shrugged his shoulders
All young men like to ride abroad now and again why not the King said he and Sapts laugh left his opinion of my motives undisturbed
You should always trust a man observed Sapt fitting the key in the lock just as far as you must
We went in and reached the dressingroom Flinging open the door we saw Fritz von Tarlenheim stretched fully dressed on the sofa He seemed to have been sleeping but our entry woke him He leapt to his feet gave one glance at me and with a joyful cry threw himself on his knees before me
Thank God sire thank God youre safe he cried stretching his hand up to catch hold of mine
I confess that I was moved This King whatever his faults made people love him For a moment I could not bear to speak or break the poor fellows illusion But tough old Sapt had no such feeling He slapped his hand on his thigh delightedly
Bravo lad cried he We shall do
Fritz looked up in bewilderment I held out my hand
Youre wounded sire he exclaimed
Its only a scratch said I but— I paused
He rose to his feet with a bewildered air Holding my hand he looked me up and down and down and up Then suddenly he dropped my hand and reeled back
Wheres the King Wheres the King he cried
Hush you fool hissed Sapt Not so loud Heres the King
A knock sounded on the door Sapt seized me by the hand
Here quick to the bedroom Off with your cap and boots Get into bed Cover everything up
I did as I was bid A moment later Sapt looked in nodded grinned and introduced an extremely smart and deferential young gentleman who came up to my bedside bowing again and again and informed me that he was of the household of the Princess Flavia and that her Royal Highness had sent him especially to enquire how the Kings health was after the fatigues which his Majesty had undergone yesterday
My best thanks sir to my cousin said I and tell her Royal Highness that I was never better in my life
The King added old Sapt who I began to find loved a good lie for its own sake has slept without a break all night
The young gentleman he reminded me of Osric in Hamlet bowed himself out again The farce was over and Fritz von Tarlenheims pale face recalled us to reality—though in faith the farce had to be reality for us now
Is the King dead he whispered
Please God no said I But hes in the hands of Black Michael
CHAPTER 8
A Fair Cousin and a Dark Brother
A real kings life is perhaps a hard one but a pretended kings is I warrant much harder On the next day Sapt instructed me in my duties—what I ought to do and what I ought to know—for three hours then I snatched breakfast with Sapt still opposite me telling me that the King always took white wine in the morning and was known to detest all highly seasoned dishes Then came the Chancellor for another three hours and to him I had to explain that the hurt to my finger we turned that bullet to happy account prevented me from writing—whence arose great todo hunting of precedents and so forth ending in my making my mark and the Chancellor attesting it with a superfluity of solemn oaths Then the French ambassador was introduced to present his credentials here my ignorance was of no importance as the King would have been equally raw to the business we worked through the whole corps diplomatique in the next few days a demise of the Crown necessitating all this bother
Then at last I was left alone I called my new servant we had chosen to succeed poor Josef a young man who had never known the King had a brandyandsoda brought to me and observed to Sapt that I trusted that I might now have a rest Fritz von Tarlenheim was standing by
By heaven he cried we waste time Arent we going to throw Black Michael by the heels
Gently my son gently said Sapt knitting his brows It would be a pleasure but it might cost us dear Would Michael fall and leave the King alive
And I suggested while the King is here in Strelsau on his throne what grievance has he against his dear brother Michael
Are we to do nothing then
Were to do nothing stupid growled Sapt
In fact Fritz said I I am reminded of a situation in one of our English plays—The Critic—have you heard of it Or if you like of two men each covering the other with a revolver For I cant expose Michael without exposing myself—
And the King put in Sapt
And hang me if Michael wont expose himself if he tries to expose me
Its very pretty said old Sapt
If Im found out I pursued I will make a clean breast of it and fight it out with the duke but at present Im waiting for a move from him
Hell kill the King said Fritz
Not he said Sapt
Half of the Six are in Strelsau said Fritz
Only half Youre sure asked Sapt eagerly
Yes—only half
Then the Kings alive for the other three are guarding him cried Sapt
Yes—youre right exclaimed Fritz his face brightening If the King were dead and buried theyd all be here with Michael You know Michaels back colonel
I know curse him
Gentlemen gentlemen said I who are the Six
I think youll make their acquaintance soon said Sapt They are six gentlemen whom Michael maintains in his household they belong to him body and soul There are three Ruritanians then theres a Frenchman a Belgian and one of your countrymen
Theyd all cut a throat if Michael told them said Fritz
Perhaps theyll cut mine I suggested
Nothing more likely agreed Sapt Who are here Fritz
De Gautet Bersonin and Detchard
The foreigners Its as plain as a pikestaff Hes brought them and left the Ruritanians with the King thats because he wants to commit the Ruritanians as deep as he can
They were none of them among our friends at the lodge then I asked
I wish they had been said Sapt wistfully They had been not six but four by now
I had already developed one attribute of royalty—a feeling that I need not reveal all my mind or my secret designs even to my intimate friends I had fully resolved on my course of action I meant to make myself as popular as I could and at the same time to show no disfavour to Michael By these means I hoped to allay the hostility of his adherents and make it appear if an open conflict came about that he was ungrateful and not oppressed
Yet an open conflict was not what I hoped for
The Kings interest demanded secrecy and while secrecy lasted I had a fine game to play in Strelsau Michael should not grow stronger for delay
I ordered my horse and attended by Fritz von Tarlenheim rode in the grand new avenue of the Royal Park returning all the salutes which I received with punctilious politeness Then I rode through a few of the streets stopped and bought flowers of a pretty girl paying her with a piece of gold and then having attracted the desired amount of attention for I had a trail of half a thousand people after me I rode to the residence of the Princess Flavia and asked if she would receive me This step created much interest and was met with shouts of approval The princess was very popular and the Chancellor himself had not scrupled to hint to me that the more I pressed my suit and the more rapidly I brought it to a prosperous conclusion the stronger should I be in the affection of my subjects The Chancellor of course did not understand the difficulties which lay in the way of following his loyal and excellent advice However I thought I could do no harm by calling and in this view Fritz supported me with a cordiality that surprised me until he confessed that he also had his motives for liking a visit to the princesss house which motive was no other than a great desire to see the princesss ladyinwaiting and bosom friend the Countess Helga von Strofzin
Etiquette seconded Fritzs hopes While I was ushered into the princesss room he remained with the countess in the antechamber in spite of the people and servants who were hanging about I doubt not that they managed a teteatete but I had no leisure to think of them for I was playing the most delicate move in all my difficult game I had to keep the princess devoted to me—and yet indifferent to me I had to show affection for her—and not feel it I had to make love for another and that to a girl who—princess or no princess—was the most beautiful I had ever seen Well I braced myself to the task made no easier by the charming embarrassment with which I was received How I succeeded in carrying out my programme will appear hereafter
You are gaining golden laurels she said You are like the prince in Shakespeare who was transformed by becoming king But Im forgetting you are King sire
I ask you to speak nothing but what your heart tells you—and to call me nothing but my name
She looked at me for a moment
Then Im glad and proud Rudolf said she Why as I told you your very face is changed
I acknowledged the compliment but I disliked the topic so I said
My brother is back I hear He made an excursion didnt he
Yes he is here she said frowning a little
He cant stay long from Strelsau it seems I observed smiling Well we are all glad to see him The nearer he is the better
The princess glanced at me with a gleam of amusement in her eyes
Why cousin Is it that you can—
See better what hes doing Perhaps said I And why are you glad
I didnt say I was glad she answered
Some people say so for you
There are many insolent people she said with delightful haughtiness
Possibly you mean that I am one
Your Majesty could not be she said curtseying in feigned deference but adding mischievously after a pause Unless that is—
Well unless what
Unless you tell me that I mind a snap of my fingers where the Duke of Strelsau is
Really I wished that I had been the King
You dont care where cousin Michael—
Ah cousin Michael I call him the Duke of Strelsau
You call him Michael when you meet him
Yes—by the orders of your father
I see And now by mine
If those are your orders
Oh decidedly We must all be pleasant to our dear Michael
You order me to receive his friends too I suppose
The Six
You call them that too
To be in the fashion I do But I order you to receive no one unless you like
Except yourself
I pray for myself I could not order
As I spoke there came a cheer from the street The princess ran to the window
It is he she cried It is—the Duke of Strelsau
I smiled but said nothing She returned to her seat For a few moments we sat in silence The noise outside subsided but I heard the tread of feet in the anteroom I began to talk on general subjects This went on for some minutes I wondered what had become of Michael but it did not seem to be for me to interfere All at once to my great surprise Flavia clasping her hands asked in an agitated voice
Are you wise to make him angry
What Who How am I making him angry
Why by keeping him waiting
My dear cousin I dont want to keep him—
Well then is he to come in
Of course if you wish it
She looked at me curiously
How funny you are she said Of course no one could be announced while I was with you
Here was a charming attribute of royalty
An excellent etiquette I cried But I had clean forgotten it and if I were alone with someone else couldnt you be announced
You know as well as I do I could be because I am of the Blood and she still looked puzzled
I never could remember all these silly rules said I rather feebly as I inwardly cursed Fritz for not posting me up But Ill repair my fault
I jumped up flung open the door and advanced into the anteroom Michael was sitting at a table a heavy frown on his face Everyone else was standing save that impudent young dog Fritz who was lounging easily in an armchair and flirting with the Countess Helga He leapt up as I entered with a deferential alacrity that lent point to his former nonchalance I had no difficulty in understanding that the duke might not like young Fritz
I held out my hand Michael took it and I embraced him Then I drew him with me into the inner room
Brother I said if I had known you were here you should not have waited a moment before I asked the princess to permit me to bring you to her
He thanked me but coldly The man had many qualities but he could not hide his feelings A mere stranger could have seen that he hated me and hated worse to see me with Princess Flavia yet I am persuaded that he tried to conceal both feelings and further that he tried to persuade me that he believed I was verily the King I did not know of course but unless the King were an impostor at once cleverer and more audacious than I and I began to think something of myself in that role Michael could not believe that And if he didnt how he must have loathed paying me deference and hearing my Michael and my Flavia
Your hand is hurt sire he observed with concern
Yes I was playing a game with a mongrel dog I meant to stir him and you know brother such have uncertain tempers
He smiled sourly and his dark eyes rested on me for a moment
But is there no danger from the bite cried Flavia anxiously
None from this said I If I gave him a chance to bite deeper it would be different cousin
But surely he has been destroyed said she
Not yet Were waiting to see if his bite is harmful
And if it is asked Michael with his sour smile
Hell be knocked on the head brother said I
You wont play with him any more urged Flavia
Perhaps I shall
He might bite again
Doubtless hell try said I smiling
Then fearing Michael would say something which I must appear to resent for though I might show him my hate I must seem to be full of favour I began to compliment him on the magnificent condition of his regiment and of their loyal greeting to me on the day of my coronation Thence I passed to a rapturous description of the huntinglodge which he had lent me But he rose suddenly to his feet His temper was failing him and with an excuse he said farewell However as he reached the door he stopped saying
Three friends of mine are very anxious to have the honour of being presented to you sire They are here in the antechamber
I joined him directly passing my arm through his The look on his face was honey to me We entered the antechamber in fraternal fashion Michael beckoned and three men came forward
These gentlemen said Michael with a stately courtesy which to do him justice he could assume with perfect grace and ease are the loyalest and most devoted of your Majestys servants and are my very faithful and attached friends
On the last ground as much as the first said I I am very pleased to see them
They came one by one and kissed my hand—De Gautet a tall lean fellow with hair standing straight up and waxed moustache Bersonin the Belgian a portly man of middle height with a bald head though he was not far past thirty and last the Englishman Detchard a narrowfaced fellow with closecut fair hair and a bronzed complexion He was a finely made man broad in the shoulder and slender in the hips A good fighter but a crooked customer I put him down for I spoke to him in English with a slight foreign accent and I swear the fellow smiled though he hid the smile in an instant
So Mr Detchard is in the secret thought I
Having got rid of my dear brother and his friends I returned to make my adieu to my cousin She was standing at the door I bade her farewell taking her hand in mine
Rudolf she said very low be careful wont you
Of what
You know—I cant say But think what your life is to—
Well to—
To Ruritania
Was I right to play the part or wrong to play the part I know not evil lay both ways and I dared not tell her the truth
Only to Ruritania I asked softly
A sudden flush spread over her incomparable face
To your friends too she said
Friends
And to your cousin she whispered and loving servant
I could not speak I kissed her hand and went out cursing myself
Outside I found Master Fritz quite reckless of the footmen playing at catscradle with the Countess Helga
Hang it said he we cant always be plotting Love claims his share
Im inclined to think he does said I and Fritz who had been by my side dropped respectfully behind
CHAPTER 9
A New Use for a Teatable
If I were to detail the ordinary events of my daily life at this time they might prove instructive to people who are not familiar with the inside of palaces if I revealed some of the secrets I learnt they might prove of interest to the statesmen of Europe I intend to do neither of these things I should be between the Scylla of dullness and the Charybdis of indiscretion and I feel that I had far better confine myself strictly to the underground drama which was being played beneath the surface of Ruritanian politics I need only say that the secret of my imposture defied detection I made mistakes I had bad minutes it needed all the tact and graciousness whereof I was master to smooth over some apparent lapses of memory and unmindfulness of old acquaintances of which I was guilty But I escaped and I attribute my escape as I have said before most of all to the very audacity of the enterprise It is my belief that given the necessary physical likeness it was far easier to pretend to be King of Ruritania than it would have been to personate my nextdoor neighbour One day Sapt came into my room He threw me a letter saying
Thats for you—a womans hand I think But Ive some news for you first
Whats that
The Kings at the Castle of Zenda said he
How do you know
Because the other half of Michaels Six are there I had enquiries made and theyre all there—Lauengram Krafstein and young Rupert Hentzau three rogues too on my honour as fine as live in Ruritania
Well
Well Fritz wants you to march to the Castle with horse foot and artillery
And drag the moat I asked
That would be about it grinned Sapt and we shouldnt find the Kings body then
You think its certain hes there
Very probable Besides the fact of those three being there the drawbridge is kept up and no one goes in without an order from young Hentzau or Black Michael himself We must tie Fritz up
Ill go to Zenda said I
Youre mad
Some day
Oh perhaps Youll very likely stay there though if you do
That may be my friend said I carelessly
His Majesty looks sulky observed Sapt Hows the love affair
Damn you hold your tongue I said
He looked at me for a moment then he lit his pipe It was quite true that I was in a bad temper and I went on perversely
Wherever I go Im dodged by half a dozen fellows
I know you are I send em he replied composedly
What for
Well said Sapt puffing away it wouldnt be exactly inconvenient for Black Michael if you disappeared With you gone the old game that we stopped would be played—or hed have a shot at it
I can take care of myself
De Gautet Bersonin and Detchard are in Strelsau and any one of them lad would cut your throat as readily—as readily as I would Black Michaels and a deal more treacherously Whats the letter
I opened it and read it aloud
If the King desires to know what it deeply concerns the King to know let him do as this letter bids him At the end of the New Avenue there stands a house in large grounds The house has a portico with a statue of a nymph on it A wall encloses the garden there is a gate in the wall at the back At twelve oclock tonight if the King enters alone by that gate turns to the right and walks twenty yards he will find a summerhouse approached by a flight of six steps If he mounts and enters he will find someone who will tell him what touches most dearly his life and his throne This is written by a faithful friend He must be alone If he neglects the invitation his life will be in danger Let him show this to no one or he will ruin a woman who loves him Black Michael does not pardon
No observed Sapt as I ended but he can dictate a very pretty letter
I had arrived at the same conclusion and was about to throw the letter away when I saw there was more writing on the other side
Hallo theres some more
If you hesitate the writer continued consult Colonel Sapt—
Eh exclaimed that gentleman genuinely astonished Does she take me for a greater fool than you
I waved to him to be silent
Ask him what woman would do most to prevent the duke from marrying his cousin and therefore most to prevent him becoming king And ask if her name begins with—A
I sprang to my feet Sapt laid down his pipe
Antoinette de Mauban by heaven I cried
How do you know asked Sapt
I told him what I knew of the lady and how I knew it He nodded
Its so far true that shes had a great row with Michael said he thoughtfully
If she would she could be useful I said
I believe though that Michael wrote that letter
So do I but I mean to know for certain I shall go Sapt
No I shall go said he
You may go as far as the gate
I shall go to the summerhouse
Im hanged if you shall
I rose and leant my back against the mantelpiece
Sapt I believe in that woman and I shall go
I dont believe in any woman said Sapt and you shant go
I either go to the summerhouse or back to England said I
Sapt began to know exactly how far he could lead or drive and when he must follow
Were playing against time I added Every day we leave the King where he is there is fresh risk Every day I masquerade like this there is fresh risk Sapt we must play high we must force the game
So be it he said with a sigh
To cut the story short at halfpast eleven that night Sapt and I mounted our horses Fritz was again left on guard our destination not being revealed to him It was a very dark night I wore no sword but I carried a revolver a long knife and a bullseye lantern We arrived outside the gate I dismounted Sapt held out his hand
I shall wait here he said If I hear a shot Ill—
Stay where you are its the Kings only chance You mustnt come to grief too
Youre right lad Good luck
I pressed the little gate It yielded and I found myself in a wild sort of shrubbery There was a grassgrown path and turning to the right as I had been bidden I followed it cautiously My lantern was closed the revolver was in my hand I heard not a sound Presently a large dark object loomed out of the gloom ahead of me It was the summerhouse Reaching the steps I mounted them and found myself confronted by a weak rickety wooden door which hung upon the latch I pushed it open and walked in A woman flew to me and seized my hand
Shut the door she whispered
I obeyed and turned the light of my lantern on her She was in evening dress arrayed very sumptuously and her dark striking beauty was marvellously displayed in the glare of the bullseye The summerhouse was a bare little room furnished only with a couple of chairs and a small iron table such as one sees in a tea garden or an openair cafe
Dont talk she said Weve no time Listen I know you Mr Rassendyll I wrote that letter at the dukes orders
So I thought said I
In twenty minutes three men will be here to kill you
Three—the three
Yes You must be gone by then If not tonight youll be killed—
Or they will
Listen listen When youre killed your body will be taken to a low quarter of the town It will be found there Michael will at once arrest all your friends—Colonel Sapt and Captain von Tarlenheim first—proclaim a state of siege in Strelsau and send a messenger to Zenda The other three will murder the King in the Castle and the duke will proclaim either himself or the princess—himself if he is strong enough Anyhow hell marry her and become king in fact and soon in name Do you see
Its a pretty plot But why madame do you—
Say Im a Christian—or say Im jealous My God shall I see him marry her Now go but remember—this is what I have to tell you—that never by night or by day are you safe Three men follow you as a guard Is it not so Well three follow them Michaels three are never two hundred yards from you Your life is not worth a moment if ever they find you alone Now go Stay the gate will be guarded by now Go down softly go past the summerhouse on for a hundred yards and youll find a ladder against the wall Get over it and fly for your life
And you I asked
I have my game to play too If he finds out what I have done we shall not meet again If not I may yet—But never mind Go at once
But what will you tell him
That you never came—that you saw through the trick
I took her hand and kissed it
Madame said I you have served the King well tonight Where is he in the Castle
She sank her voice to a fearful whisper I listened eagerly
Across the drawbridge you come to a heavy door behind that lies—Hark Whats that
There were steps outside
Theyre coming Theyre too soon Heavens theyre too soon and she turned pale as death
They seem to me said I to be in the nick of time
Close your lantern See theres a chink in the door Can you see them
I put my eye to the chink On the lowest step I saw three dim figures I cocked my revolver Antoinette hastily laid her hand on mine
You may kill one said she But what then
A voice came from outside—a voice that spoke perfect English
Mr Rassendyll it said
I made no answer
We want to talk to you Will you promise not to shoot till weve done
Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr Detchard I said
Never mind names
Then let mine alone
All right sire Ive an offer for you
I still had my eye to the chink The three had mounted two steps more three revolvers pointed full at the door
Will you let us in We pledge our honour to observe the truce
Dont trust them whispered Antoinette
We can speak through the door said I
But you might open it and fire objected Detchard and though we should finish you you might finish one of us Will you give your honour not to fire while we talk
Dont trust them whispered Antoinette again
A sudden idea struck me I considered it for a moment It seemed feasible
I give my honour not to fire before you do said I but I wont let you in Stand outside and talk
Thats sensible he said
The three mounted the last step and stood just outside the door I laid my ear to the chink I could hear no words but Detchards head was close to that of the taller of his companions De Gautet I guessed
Hm Private communications thought I Then I said aloud
Well gentlemen whats the offer
A safeconduct to the frontier and fifty thousand pounds English
No no whispered Antoinette in the lowest of whispers They are treacherous
That seems handsome said I reconnoitring through the chink They were all close together just outside the door now
I had probed the hearts of the ruffians and I did not need Antoinettes warning They meant to rush me as soon as I was engaged in talk
Give me a minute to consider said I and I thought I heard a laugh outside
I turned to Antoinette
Stand up close to the wall out of the line of fire from the door I whispered
What are you going to do she asked in fright
Youll see said I
I took up the little iron table It was not very heavy for a man of my strength and I held it by the legs The top protruding in front of me made a complete screen for my head and body I fastened my closed lantern to my belt and put my revolver in a handy pocket Suddenly I saw the door move ever so slightly—perhaps it was the wind perhaps it was a hand trying it outside
I drew back as far as I could from the door holding the table in the position that I have described Then I called out
Gentlemen I accept your offer relying on your honour If you will open the door—
Open it yourself said Detchard
It opens outwards said I Stand back a little gentlemen or I shall hit you when I open it
I went and fumbled with the latch Then I stole back to my place on tiptoe
I cant open it I cried The latch has caught
Tut Ill open it cried Detchard Nonsense Bersonin why not Are you afraid of one man
I smiled to myself An instant later the door was flung back The gleam of a lantern showed me the three close together outside their revolvers levelled With a shout I charged at my utmost pace across the summerhouse and through the doorway Three shots rang out and battered into my shield Another moment and I leapt out and the table caught them full and square and in a tumbling swearing struggling mass they and I and that brave table rolled down the steps of the summerhouse to the ground below Antoinette de Mauban shrieked but I rose to my feet laughing aloud
De Gautet and Bersonin lay like men stunned Detchard was under the table but as I rose he pushed it from him and fired again I raised my revolver and took a snap shot I heard him curse and then I ran like a hare laughing as I went past the summerhouse and along by the wall I heard steps behind me and turning round I fired again for luck The steps ceased
Please God said I she told me the truth about the ladder for the wall was high and topped with iron spikes
Yes there it was I was up and over in a minute Doubling back I saw the horses then I heard a shot It was Sapt He had heard us and was battling and raging with the locked gate hammering it and firing into the keyhole like a man possessed He had quite forgotten that he was not to take part in the fight Whereat I laughed again and said as I clapped him on the shoulder
Come home to bed old chap Ive got the finest teatable story that ever you heard
He started and cried Youre safe and wrung my hand But a moment later he added
And what the devil are you laughing at
Four gentlemen round a teatable said I laughing still for it had been uncommonly ludicrous to see the formidable three altogether routed and scattered with no more deadly weapon than an ordinary teatable
Moreover you will observe that I had honourably kept my word and not fired till they did
CHAPTER 10
A Great Chance for a Villain
It was the custom that the Prefect of Police should send every afternoon a report to me on the condition of the capital and the feeling of the people the document included also an account of the movements of any persons whom the police had received instructions to watch Since I had been in Strelsau Sapt had been in the habit of reading the report and telling me any items of interest which it might contain On the day after my adventure in the summerhouse he came in as I was playing a hand of ecarte with Fritz von Tarlenheim
The report is rather full of interest this afternoon he observed sitting down
Do you find I asked any mention of a certain fracas
He shook his head with a smile
I find this first he said His Highness the Duke of Strelsau left the city so far as it appears suddenly accompanied by several of his household His destination is believed to be the Castle of Zenda but the party travelled by road and not by train MM De Gautet Bersonin and Detchard followed an hour later the lastnamed carrying his arm in a sling The cause of his wound is not known but it is suspected that he has fought a duel probably incidental to a love affair
That is remotely true I observed very well pleased to find that I had left my mark on the fellow
Then we come to this pursued Sapt Madame de Mauban whose movements have been watched according to instructions left by train at midday She took a ticket for Dresden—
Its an old habit of hers said I
The Dresden train stops at Zenda An acute fellow this And finally listen to this The state of feeling in the city is not satisfactory The King is much criticized you know hes told to be quite frank for taking no steps about his marriage From enquiries among the entourage of the Princess Flavia her Royal Highness is believed to be deeply offended by the remissness of his Majesty The common people are coupling her name with that of the Duke of Strelsau and the duke gains much popularity from the suggestion I have caused the announcement that the King gives a ball tonight in honour of the princess to be widely diffused and the effect is good
That is news to me said I
Oh the preparations are all made laughed Fritz Ive seen to that
Sapt turned to me and said in a sharp decisive voice
You must make love to her tonight you know
I think it is very likely I shall if I see her alone said I Hang it Sapt you dont suppose I find it difficult
Fritz whistled a bar or two then he said Youll find it only too easy Look here I hate telling you this but I must The Countess Helga told me that the princess had become most attached to the King Since the coronation her feelings have undergone a marked development Its quite true that she is deeply wounded by the Kings apparent neglect
Heres a kettle of fish I groaned
Tut tut said Sapt I suppose youve made pretty speeches to a girl before now Thats all she wants
Fritz himself a lover understood better my distress He laid his hand on my shoulder but said nothing
I think though pursued that coldblooded old Sapt that youd better make your offer tonight
Good heavens
Or any rate go near it and I shall send a semiofficial to the papers
Ill do nothing of the sort—no more will you said I I utterly refuse to take part in making a fool of the princess
Sapt looked at me with his small keen eyes A slow cunning smile passed over his face
All right lad all right said he We mustnt press you too hard Soothe her down a bit if you can you know Now for Michael
Oh damn Michael said I Hell do tomorrow Here Fritz come for a stroll in the garden
Sapt at once yielded His rough manner covered a wonderful tact—and as I came to recognize more and more a remarkable knowledge of human nature Why did he urge me so little about the princess Because he knew that her beauty and my ardour would carry me further than all his arguments—and that the less I thought about the thing the more likely was I to do it He must have seen the unhappiness he might bring on the princess but that went for nothing with him Can I say confidently that he was wrong If the King were restored the princess must turn to him either knowing or not knowing the change And if the King were not restored to us It was a subject that we had never yet spoken of But I had an idea that in such a case Sapt meant to seat me on the throne of Ruritania for the term of my life He would have set Satan himself there sooner than that pupil of his Black Michael
The ball was a sumptuous affair I opened it by dancing a quadrille with Flavia then I waltzed with her Curious eyes and eager whispers attended us We went in to supper and half way through I half mad by then for her glance had answered mine and her quick breathing met my stammered sentences—I rose in my place before all the brilliant crowd and taking the Red Rose that I wore flung the ribbon with its jewelled badge round her neck In a tumult of applause I sat down I saw Sapt smiling over his wine and Fritz frowning The rest of the meal passed in silence neither Flavia nor I could speak Fritz touched me on the shoulder and I rose gave her my arm and walked down the hall into a little room where coffee was served to us The gentlemen and ladies in attendance withdrew and we were alone
The little room had French windows opening on the gardens The night was fine cool and fragrant Flavia sat down and I stood opposite her I was struggling with myself if she had not looked at me I believe that even then I should have won my fight But suddenly involuntarily she gave me one brief glance—a glance of question hurriedly turned aside a blush that the question had ever come spread over her cheek and she caught her breath Ah if you had seen her I forgot the King in Zenda I forgot the King in Strelsau She was a princess—and I an impostor Do you think I remembered that I threw myself on my knee and seized her hands in mine I said nothing Why should I The soft sounds of the night set my wooing to a wordless melody as I pressed my kisses on her lips
She pushed me from her crying suddenly
Ah is it true or is it only because you must
Its true I said in low smothered tones—true that I love you more than life—or truth—or honour
She set no meaning to my words treating them as one of loves sweet extravagances She came close to me and whispered
Oh if you were not the King Then I could show you how I love you How is it that I love you now Rudolf
Now
Yes—just lately I—I never did before
Pure triumph filled me It was I—Rudolf Rassendyll—who had won her I caught her round the waist
You didnt love me before I asked
She looked up into my face smiling as she whispered
It must have been your Crown I felt it first on the Coronation Day
Never before I asked eagerly
She laughed low
You speak as if you would be pleased to hear me say Yes to that she said
Would Yes be true
Yes I just heard her breathe and she went on in an instant Be careful Rudolf be careful dear He will be mad now
What Michael If Michael were the worst—
What worse is there
There was yet a chance for me Controlling myself with a mighty effort I took my hands off her and stood a yard or two away I remember now the note of the wind in the elm trees outside
If I were not the King I began if I were only a private gentleman—
Before I could finish her hand was in mine
If you were a convict in the prison of Strelsau you would be my King she said
And under my breath I groaned God forgive me and holding her hand in mine I said again
If I were not the King—
Hush hush she whispered I dont deserve it—I dont deserve to be doubted Ah Rudolf does a woman who marries without love look on the man as I look on you
And she hid her face from me
For more than a minute we stood there together and I even with my arm about her summoned up what honour and conscience her beauty and the toils that I was in had left me
Flavia I said in a strange dry voice that seemed not my own I am not—
As I spoke—as she raised her eyes to me—there was a heavy step on the gravel outside and a man appeared at the window A little cry burst from Flavia as she sprang back from me My halffinished sentence died on my lips Sapt stood there bowing low but with a stern frown on his face
A thousand pardons sire said he but his Eminence the Cardinal has waited this quarter of an hour to offer his respectful adieu to your Majesty
I met his eye full and square and I read in it an angry warning How long he had been a listener I knew not but he had come in upon us in the nick of time
We must not keep his Eminence waiting said I
But Flavia in whose love there lay no shame with radiant eyes and blushing face held out her hand to Sapt She said nothing but no man could have missed her meaning who had ever seen a woman in the exultation of love A sour yet sad smile passed over the old soldiers face and there was tenderness in his voice as bending to kiss her hand he said
In joy and sorrow in good times and bad God save your Royal Highness
He paused and added glancing at me and drawing himself up to military erectness
But before all comes the King—God save the King
And Flavia caught at my hand and kissed it murmuring
Amen Good God Amen
We went into the ballroom again Forced to receive adieus I was separated from Flavia everyone when they left me went to her Sapt was out and in of the throng and where he had been glances smiles and whispers were rife I doubted not that true to his relentless purpose he was spreading the news that he had learnt To uphold the Crown and beat Black Michael—that was his one resolve Flavia myself—ay and the real King in Zenda were pieces in his game and pawns have no business with passions Not even at the walls of the Palace did he stop for when at last I handed Flavia down the broad marble steps and into her carriage there was a great crowd awaiting us and we were welcomed with deafening cheers What could I do Had I spoken then they would have refused to believe that I was not the King they might have believed that the King had run mad By Sapts devices and my own ungoverned passion I had been forced on and the way back had closed behind me and the passion still drove me in the same direction as the devices seduced me I faced all Strelsau that night as the King and the accepted suitor of the Princess Flavia
At last at three in the morning when the cold light of dawning day began to steal in I was in my dressingroom and Sapt alone was with me I sat like a man dazed staring into the fire he puffed at his pipe Fritz was gone to bed having almost refused to speak to me On the table by me lay a rose it had been in Flavias dress and as we parted she had kissed it and given it to me
Sapt advanced his hand towards the rose but with a quick movement I shut mine down upon it
Thats mine I said not yours—nor the Kings either
We struck a good blow for the King tonight said he
I turned on him fiercely
Whats to prevent me striking a blow for myself I said
He nodded his head
I know whats in your mind he said Yes lad but youre bound in honour
Have you left me any honour
Oh come to play a little trick on a girl—
You can spare me that Colonel Sapt if you would not have me utterly a villain—if you would not have your King rot in Zenda while Michael and I play for the great stake outside—You follow me
Ay I follow you
We must act and quickly You saw tonight—you heard—tonight—
I did said he
Your cursed acuteness told you what I should do Well leave me here a week—and theres another problem for you Do you find the answer
Yes I find it he answered frowning heavily But if you did that youd have to fight me first—and kill me
Well and if I had—or a score of men I tell you I could raise all Strelsau on you in an hour and choke you with your lies—yes your mad lies—in your mouth
Its gospel truth he said—thanks to my advice you could
I could marry the princess and send Michael and his brother together to—
Im not denying it lad said he
Then in Gods name I cried stretching out my hands to him let us go to Zenda and crush this Michael and bring the King back to his own again The old fellow stood and looked at me for full a minute
And the princess he said
I bowed my head to meet my hands and crushed the rose between my fingers and my lips
I felt his hand on my shoulder and his voice sounded husky as he whispered low in my ear
Before God youre the finest Elphberg of them all But I have eaten of the Kings bread and I am the Kings servant Come we will go to Zenda
And I looked up and caught him by the hand And the eyes of both of us were wet
CHAPTER 11
Hunting a Very Big Boar
The terrible temptation which was assailing me will now be understood I could so force Michaels hand that he must kill the King I was in a position to bid him defiance and tighten my grasp on the crown—not for its own sake but because the King of Ruritania was to wed the Princess Flavia What of Sapt and Fritz Ah but a man cannot be held to write down in cold blood the wild and black thoughts that storm his brain when an uncontrolled passion has battered a breach for them Yet unless he sets up as a saint he need not hate himself for them He is better employed as it humbly seems to me in giving thanks that power to resist was vouchsafed to him than in fretting over wicked impulses which come unsought and extort an unwilling hospitality from the weakness of our nature
It was a fine bright morning when I walked unattended to the princesss house carrying a nosegay in my hand Policy made excuses for love and every attention that I paid her while it riveted my own chains bound closer to me the people of the great city who worshipped her I found Fritzs inamorata the Countess Helga gathering blooms in the garden for her mistresss wear and prevailed on her to take mine in their place The girl was rosy with happiness for Fritz in his turn had not wasted his evening and no dark shadow hung over his wooing save the hatred which the Duke of Strelsau was known to bear him
And that she said with a mischievous smile your Majesty has made of no moment Yes I will take the flowers shall I tell you sire what is the first thing the princess does with them
We were talking on a broad terrace that ran along the back of the house and a window above our heads stood open
Madame cried the countess merrily and Flavia herself looked out I bared my head and bowed She wore a white gown and her hair was loosely gathered in a knot She kissed her hand to me crying
Bring the King up Helga Ill give him some coffee
The countess with a gay glance led the way and took me into Flavias morningroom And left alone we greeted one another as lovers are wont Then the princess laid two letters before me One was from Black Michael—a most courteous request that she would honour him by spending a day at his Castle of Zenda as had been her custom once a year in the summer when the place and its gardens were in the height of their great beauty I threw the letter down in disgust and Flavia laughed at me Then growing grave again she pointed to the other sheet
I dont know who that comes from she said Read it
I knew in a moment There was no signature at all this time but the handwriting was the same as that which had told me of the snare in the summerhouse it was Antoinette de Maubans
I have no cause to love you it ran but God forbid that you should fall into the power of the duke Accept no invitations of his Go nowhere without a large guard—a regiment is not too much to make you safe Show this if you can to him who reigns in Strelsau
Why doesnt it say the King asked Flavia leaning over my shoulder so that the ripple of her hair played on my cheek Is it a hoax
As you value life and more than life my queen I said obey it to the very letter A regiment shall camp round your house today See that you do not go out unless well guarded
An order sire she asked a little rebellious
Yes an order madame—if you love me
Ah she cried and I could not but kiss her
You know who sent it she asked
I guess said I It is from a good friend—and I fear an unhappy woman You must be ill Flavia and unable to go to Zenda Make your excuses as cold and formal as you like
So you feel strong enough to anger Michael she said with a proud smile
Im strong enough for anything while you are safe said I
Soon I tore myself away from her and then without consulting Sapt I took my way to the house of Marshal Strakencz I had seen something of the old general and I liked and trusted him Sapt was less enthusiastic but I had learnt by now that Sapt was best pleased when he could do everything and jealousy played some part in his views As things were now I had more work than Sapt and Fritz could manage for they must come with me to Zenda and I wanted a man to guard what I loved most in all the world and suffer me to set about my task of releasing the King with a quiet mind
The Marshal received me with most loyal kindness To some extent I took him into my confidence I charged him with the care of the princess looking him full and significantly in the face as I bade him let no one from her cousin the duke approach her unless he himself were there and a dozen of his men with him
You may be right sire said he shaking his grey head sadly I have known better men than the duke do worse things than that for love
I could quite appreciate the remark but I said
Theres something beside love Marshal Loves for the heart is there nothing my brother might like for his head
I pray that you wrong him sire
Marshal Im leaving Strelsau for a few days Every evening I will send a courier to you If for three days none comes you will publish an order which I will give you depriving Duke Michael of the governorship of Strelsau and appointing you in his place You will declare a state of siege Then you will send word to Michael that you demand an audience of the King—You follow me
Ay sire
—In twentyfour hours If he does not produce the King I laid my hand on his knee then the King is dead and you will proclaim the next heir You know who that is
The Princess Flavia
And swear to me on your faith and honour and by the fear of the living God that you will stand by her to the death and kill that reptile and seat her where I sit now
On my faith and honour and by the fear of God I swear it And may Almighty God preserve your Majesty for I think that you go on an errand of danger
I hope that no life more precious than mine may be demanded said I rising Then I held out my hand to him
Marshal I said in days to come it may be—I know not—that you will hear strange things of the man who speaks to you now Let him be what he may and who he may what say you of the manner in which he has borne himself as King in Strelsau
The old man holding my hand spoke to me man to man
I have known many of the Elphbergs said he and I have seen you And happen what may you have borne yourself as a wise King and a brave man ay and you have proved as courteous a gentleman and as gallant a lover as any that have been of the House
Be that my epitaph said I when the time comes that another sits on the throne of Ruritania
God send a far day and may I not see it said he
I was much moved and the Marshals worn face twitched I sat down and wrote my order
I can hardly yet write said I my finger is stiff still
It was in fact the first time that I had ventured to write more than a signature and in spite of the pains I had taken to learn the Kings hand I was not yet perfect in it
Indeed sire he said it differs a little from your ordinary handwriting It is unfortunate for it may lead to a suspicion of forgery
Marshal said I with a laugh what use are the guns of Strelsau if they cant assuage a little suspicion
He smiled grimly and took the paper
Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim go with me I continued
You go to seek the duke he asked in a low tone
Yes the duke and someone else of whom I have need and who is at Zenda I replied
I wish I could go with you he cried tugging at his white moustache Id like to strike a blow for you and your crown
I leave you what is more than my life and more than my crown said I because you are the man I trust more than all other in Ruritania
I will deliver her to you safe and sound said he and failing that I will make her queen
We parted and I returned to the Palace and told Sapt and Fritz what I had done Sapt had a few faults to find and a few grumbles to utter This was merely what I expected for Sapt liked to be consulted beforehand not informed afterwards but on the whole he approved of my plans and his spirits rose high as the hour of action drew nearer and nearer Fritz too was ready though he poor fellow risked more than Sapt did for he was a lover and his happiness hung in the scale Yet how I envied him For the triumphant issue which would crown him with happiness and unite him to his mistress the success for which we were bound to hope and strive and struggle meant to me sorrow more certain and greater than if I were doomed to fail He understood something of this for when we were alone save for old Sapt who was smoking at the other end of the room he passed his arm through mine saying
Its hard for you Dont think I dont trust you I know you have nothing but true thoughts in your heart
But I turned away from him thankful that he could not see what my heart held but only be witness to the deeds that my hands were to do
Yet even he did not understand for he had not dared to lift his eyes to the Princess Flavia as I had lifted mine
Our plans were now all made even as we proceeded to carry them out and as they will hereafter appear The next morning we were to start on the hunting excursion I had made all arrangements for being absent and now there was only one thing left to do—the hardest the most heartbreaking As evening fell I drove through the busy streets to Flavias residence I was recognized as I went and heartily cheered I played my part and made shift to look the happy lover In spite of my depression I was almost amused at the coolness and delicate hauteur with which my sweet lover received me She had heard that the King was leaving Strelsau on a hunting expedition
I regret that we cannot amuse your Majesty here in Strelsau she said tapping her foot lightly on the floor I would have offered you more entertainment but I was foolish enough to think—
Well what I asked leaning over her
That just for a day or two after—after last night—you might be happy without much gaiety and she turned pettishly from me as she added I hope the boars will be more engrossing
Im going after a very big boar said I and because I could not help it I began to play with her hair but she moved her head away
Are you offended with me I asked in feigned surprise for I could not resist tormenting her a little I had never seen her angry and every fresh aspect of her was a delight to me
What right have I to be offended True you said last night that every hour away from me was wasted But a very big boar thats a different thing
Perhaps the boar will hunt me I suggested Perhaps Flavia hell catch me
She made no answer
You are not touched even by that danger
Still she said nothing and I stealing round found her eyes full of tears
You weep for my danger
Then she spoke very low
This is like what you used to be but not like the King—the King I—I have come to love
With a sudden great groan I caught her to my heart
My darling I cried forgetting everything but her did you dream that I left you to go hunting
What then Rudolf Ah youre not going—
Well it is hunting I go to seek Michael in his lair
She had turned very pale
So you see sweet I was not so poor a lover as you thought me I shall not be long gone
You will write to me Rudolf
I was weak but I could not say a word to stir suspicion in her
Ill send you all my heart every day said I
And youll run no danger
None that I need not
And when will you be back Ah how long will it be
When shall I be back I repeated
Yes yes Dont be long dear dont be long I shant sleep while youre away
I dont know when I shall be back said I
Soon Rudolf soon
God knows my darling But if never—
Hush hush and she pressed her lips to mine
If never I whispered you must take my place youll be the only one of the House then You must reign and not weep for me
For a moment she drew herself up like a very queen
Yes I will she said I will reign I will do my part though all my life will be empty and my heart dead yet Ill do it
She paused and sinking against me again wailed softly
Come soon come soon
Carried away I cried loudly
As God lives I—yes I myself—will see you once more before I die
What do you mean she exclaimed with wondering eyes but I had no answer for her and she gazed at me with her wondering eyes
I dared not ask her to forget she would have found it an insult I could not tell her then who and what I was She was weeping and I had but to dry her tears
Shall a man not come back to the loveliest lady in all the wide world said I A thousand Michaels should not keep me from you
She clung to me a little comforted
You wont let Michael hurt you
No sweetheart
Or keep you from me
No sweetheart
Nor anyone else
And again I answered
No sweetheart
Yet there was one—not Michael—who if he lived must keep me from her and for whose life I was going forth to stake my own And his figure—the lithe buoyant figure I had met in the woods of Zenda—the dull inert mass I had left in the cellar of the huntinglodge—seemed to rise doubleshaped before me and to come between us thrusting itself in even where she lay pale exhausted fainting in my arms and yet looking up at me with those eyes that bore such love as I have never seen and haunt me now and will till the ground closes over me—and who knows perhaps beyond
CHAPTER 12
I Receive a Visitor and Bait a Hook
About five miles from Zenda—on the opposite side from that on which the Castle is situated there lies a large tract of wood It is rising ground and in the centre of the demesne on the top of the hill stands a fine modern chateau the property of a distant kinsman of Fritzs the Count Stanislas von Tarlenheim Count Stanislas himself was a student and a recluse He seldom visited the house and had on Fritzs request very readily and courteously offered me its hospitality for myself and my party This then was our destination chosen ostensibly for the sake of the boarhunting for the wood was carefully preserved and boars once common all over Ruritania were still to be found there in considerable numbers really because it brought us within striking distance of the Duke of Strelsaus more magnificent dwelling on the other side of the town A large party of servants with horses and luggage started early in the morning we followed at midday travelling by train for thirty miles and then mounting our horses to ride the remaining distance to the chateau
We were a gallant party Besides Sapt and Fritz I was accompanied by ten gentlemen every one of them had been carefully chosen and no less carefully sounded by my two friends and all were devotedly attached to the person of the King They were told a part of the truth the attempt on my life in the summerhouse was revealed to them as a spur to their loyalty and an incitement against Michael They were also informed that a friend of the Kings was suspected to be forcibly confined within the Castle of Zenda His rescue was one of the objects of the expedition but it was added the Kings main desire was to carry into effect certain steps against his treacherous brother as to the precise nature of which they could not at present be further enlightened Enough that the King commanded their services and would rely on their devotion when occasion arose to call for it Young wellbred brave and loyal they asked no more they were ready to prove their dutiful obedience and prayed for a fight as the best and most exhilarating mode of showing it
Thus the scene was shifted from Strelsau to the chateau of Tarlenheim and Castle of Zenda which frowned at us across the valley I tried to shift my thoughts also to forget my love and to bend all my energies to the task before me It was to get the King out of the Castle alive Force was useless in some trick lay the chance and I had already an inkling of what we must do But I was terribly hampered by the publicity which attended my movements Michael must know by now of my expedition and I knew Michael too well to suppose that his eyes would be blinded by the feint of the boarhunt He would understand very well what the real quarry was That however must be risked—that and all it might mean for Sapt no less than myself recognized that the present state of things had become unendurable And there was one thing that I dared to calculate on—not as I now know without warrant It was this—that Black Michael would not believe that I meant well by the King He could not appreciate—I will not say an honest man for the thoughts of my own heart have been revealed—but a man acting honestly He saw my opportunity as I had seen it as Sapt had seen it he knew the princess—nay and I declare that a sneaking sort of pity for him invaded me in his way he loved her he would think that Sapt and Fritz could be bribed so the bribe was large enough Thinking thus would he kill the King my rival and my danger Ay verily that he would with as little compunction as he would kill a rat But he would kill Rudolf Rassendyll first if he could and nothing but the certainty of being utterly damned by the release of the King alive and his restoration to the throne would drive him to throw away the trump card which he held in reserve to baulk the supposed game of the impudent impostor Rassendyll Musing on all this as I rode along I took courage
Michael knew of my coming sure enough I had not been in the house an hour when an imposing Embassy arrived from him He did not quite reach the impudence of sending my wouldbe assassins but he sent the other three of his famous Six—the three Ruritanian gentlemen—Lauengram Krafstein and Rupert Hentzau A fine strapping trio they were splendidly horsed and admirably equipped Young Rupert who looked a daredevil and could not have been more than twentytwo or twentythree took the lead and made us the neatest speech wherein my devoted subject and loving brother Michael of Strelsau prayed me to pardon him for not paying his addresses in person and further for not putting his Castle at my disposal the reason for both of these apparent derelictions being that he and several of his servants lay sick of scarlet fever and were in a very sad and also a very infectious state So declared young Rupert with an insolent smile on his curling upper lip and a toss of his thick hair—he was a handsome villain and the gossip ran that many a lady had troubled her heart for him already
If my brother has scarlet fever said I he is nearer my complexion than he is wont to be my lord I trust he does not suffer
He is able to attend to his affairs sire
I hope all beneath your roof are not sick What of my good friends De Gautet Bersonin and Detchard I heard the last had suffered a hurt
Lauengram and Krafstein looked glum and uneasy but young Ruperts smile grew broader
He hopes soon to find a medicine for it sire he answered
And I burst out laughing for I knew what medicine Detchard longed for—it is called Revenge
You will dine with us gentlemen I asked
Young Rupert was profuse in apologies They had urgent duties at the Castle
Then said I with a wave of my hand to our next meeting gentlemen May it make us better acquainted
We will pray your Majesty for an early opportunity quoth Rupert airily and he strode past Sapt with such jeering scorn on his face that I saw the old fellow clench his fist and scowl black as night
For my part if a man must needs be a knave I would have him a debonair knave and I liked Rupert Hentzau better than his longfaced closeeyed companions It makes your sin no worse as I conceive to do it a la mode and stylishly
Now it was a curious thing that on this first night instead of eating the excellent dinner my cooks had prepared for me I must needs leave my gentlemen to eat it alone under Sapts presiding care and ride myself with Fritz to the town of Zenda and a certain little inn that I knew of There was little danger in the excursion the evenings were long and light and the road this side of Zenda well frequented So off we rode with a groom behind us I muffled myself up in a big cloak
Fritz said I as we entered the town theres an uncommonly pretty girl at this inn
How do you know he asked
Because Ive been there said I
Since— he began
No Before said I
But theyll recognize you
Well of course they will Now dont argue my good fellow but listen to me Were two gentlemen of the Kings household and one of us has a toothache The other will order a private room and dinner and further a bottle of the best wine for the sufferer And if he be as clever a fellow as I take him for the pretty girl and no other will wait on us
What if she wont objected Fritz
My dear Fritz said I if she wont for you she will for me
We were at the inn Nothing of me but my eyes was visible as I walked in The landlady received us two minutes later my little friend ever I fear me on the lookout for such guests as might prove amusing made her appearance Dinner and the wine were ordered I sat down in the private room A minute later Fritz came in
Shes coming he said
If she were not I should have to doubt the Countess Helgas taste
She came in I gave her time to set the wine down—I didnt want it dropped Fritz poured out a glass and gave it to me
Is the gentleman in great pain the girl asked sympathetically
The gentleman is no worse than when he saw you last said I throwing away my cloak
She started with a little shriek Then she cried
It was the King then I told mother so the moment I saw his picture Oh sir forgive me
Faith you gave me nothing that hurt much said I
But the things we said
I forgive them for the thing you did
I must go and tell mother
Stop said I assuming a graver air We are not here for sport tonight Go and bring dinner and not a word of the King being here
She came back in a few minutes looking grave yet very curious
Well how is Johann I asked beginning my dinner
Oh that fellow sir—my lord King I mean
Sir will do please How is he
We hardly see him now sir
And why not
I told him he came too often sir said she tossing her head
So he sulks and stays away
Yes sir
But you could bring him back I suggested with a smile
Perhaps I could said she
I know your powers you see said I and she blushed with pleasure
Its not only that sir that keeps him away Hes very busy at the Castle
But theres no shooting on now
No sir but hes in charge of the house
Johann turned housemaid
The little girl was brimming over with gossip
Well there are no others said she Theres not a woman there—not as a servant I mean They do say—but perhaps its false sir
Lets have it for what its worth said I
Indeed Im ashamed to tell you sir
Oh see Im looking at the ceiling
They do say there is a lady there sir but except for her theres not a woman in the place And Johann has to wait on the gentlemen
Poor Johann He must be overworked Yet Im sure he could find half an hour to come and see you
It would depend on the time sir perhaps
Do you love him I asked
Not I sir
And you wish to serve the King
Yes sir
Then tell him to meet you at the second milestone out of Zenda tomorrow evening at ten oclock Say youll be there and will walk home with him
Do you mean him harm sir
Not if he will do as I bid him But I think Ive told you enough my pretty maid See that you do as I bid you And mind no one is to know that the King has been here
I spoke a little sternly for there is seldom harm in infusing a little fear into a womans liking for you and I softened the effect by giving her a handsome present Then we dined and wrapping my cloak about my face with Fritz leading the way we went downstairs to our horses again
It was but halfpast eight and hardly yet dark the streets were full for such a quiet little place and I could see that gossip was all agog With the King on one side and the duke on the other Zenda felt itself the centre of all Ruritania We jogged gently through the town but set our horses to a sharper pace when we reached the open country
You want to catch this fellow Johann asked Fritz
Ay and I fancy Ive baited the hook right Our little Delilah will bring our Samson It is not enough Fritz to have no women in a house though brother Michael shows some wisdom there If you want safety you must have none within fifty miles
None nearer than Strelsau for instance said poor Fritz with a lovelorn sigh
We reached the avenue of the chateau and were soon at the house As the hoofs of our horses sounded on the gravel Sapt rushed out to meet us
Thank God youre safe he cried Have you seen anything of them
Of whom I asked dismounting
He drew us aside that the grooms might not hear
Lad he said to me you must not ride about here unless with half a dozen of us You know among our men a tall young fellow Bernenstein by name
I knew him He was a fine strapping young man almost of my height and of light complexion
He lies in his room upstairs with a bullet through his arm
The deuce he does
After dinner he strolled out alone and went a mile or so into the wood and as he walked he thought he saw three men among the trees and one levelled a gun at him He had no weapon and he started at a run back towards the house But one of them fired and he was hit and had much ado to reach here before he fainted By good luck they feared to pursue him nearer the house
He paused and added
Lad the bullet was meant for you
It is very likely said I and its first blood to brother Michael
I wonder which three it was said Fritz
Well Sapt I said I went out tonight for no idle purpose as you shall hear But theres one thing in my mind
Whats that he asked
Why this I answered That I shall ill requite the very great honours Ruritania has done me if I depart from it leaving one of those Six alive—neither with the help of God will I
And Sapt shook my hand on that
CHAPTER 13
An Improvement on Jacobs Ladder
In the morning of the day after that on which I swore my oath against the Six I gave certain orders and then rested in greater contentment than I had known for some time I was at work and work though it cannot cure love is yet a narcotic to it so that Sapt who grew feverish marvelled to see me sprawling in an armchair in the sunshine listening to one of my friends who sang me amorous songs in a mellow voice and induced in me a pleasing melancholy Thus was I engaged when young Rupert Hentzau who feared neither man nor devil and rode through the demesne—where every tree might hide a marksman for all he knew—as though it had been the park at Strelsau cantered up to where I lay bowing with burlesque deference and craving private speech with me in order to deliver a message from the Duke of Strelsau I made all withdraw and then he said seating himself by me
The King is in love it seems
Not with life my lord said I smiling
It is well he rejoined Come we are alone Rassendyll—
I rose to a sitting posture
Whats the matter he asked
I was about to call one of my gentlemen to bring your horse my lord If you do not know how to address the King my brother must find another messenger
Why keep up the farce he asked negligently dusting his boot with his glove
Because it is not finished yet and meanwhile Ill choose my own name
Oh so be it Yet I spoke in love for you for indeed you are a man after my own heart
Saving my poor honesty said I maybe I am But that I keep faith with men and honour with women maybe I am my lord
He darted a glance at me—a glance of anger
Is your mother dead said I
Ay shes dead
She may thank God said I and I heard him curse me softly Well whats the message I continued
I had touched him on the raw for all the world knew he had broken his mothers heart and flaunted his mistresses in her house and his airy manner was gone for the moment
The duke offers you more than I would he growled A halter for you sire was my suggestion But he offers you safeconduct across the frontier and a million crowns
I prefer your offer my lord if I am bound to one
You refuse
Of course
I told Michael you would and the villain his temper restored gave me the sunniest of smiles The fact is between ourselves he continued Michael doesnt understand a gentleman
I began to laugh
And you I asked
I do he said Well well the halter be it
Im sorry you wont live to see it I observed
Has his Majesty done me the honour to fasten a particular quarrel on me
I would you were a few years older though
Oh God gives years but the devil gives increase laughed he I can hold my own
How is your prisoner I asked
The K—
Your prisoner
I forgot your wishes sire Well he is alive
He rose to his feet I imitated him Then with a smile he said
And the pretty princess Faith Ill wager the next Elphberg will be red enough for all that Black Michael will be called his father
I sprang a step towards him clenching my hand He did not move an inch and his lip curled in insolent amusement
Go while your skins whole I muttered He had repaid me with interest my hit about his mother
Then came the most audacious thing I have known in my life My friends were some thirty yards away Rupert called to a groom to bring him his horse and dismissed the fellow with a crown The horse stood near I stood still suspecting nothing Rupert made as though to mount then he suddenly turned to me his left hand resting in his belt his right outstretched Shake hands he said
I bowed and did as he had foreseen—I put my hands behind me Quicker than thought his left hand darted out at me and a small dagger flashed in the air he struck me in the left shoulder—had I not swerved it had been my heart With a cry I staggered back Without touching the stirrup he leapt upon his horse and was off like an arrow pursued by cries and revolver shots—the last as useless as the first—and I sank into my chair bleeding profusely as I watched the devils brat disappear down the long avenue My friends surrounded me and then I fainted
I suppose that I was put to bed and there lay unconscious or half conscious for many hours for it was night when I awoke to my full mind and found Fritz beside me I was weak and weary but he bade me be of good cheer saying that my wound would soon heal and that meanwhile all had gone well for Johann the keeper had fallen into the snare we had laid for him and was even now in the house
And the queer thing is pursued Fritz that I fancy hes not altogether sorry to find himself here He seems to think that when Black Michael has brought off his coup witnesses of how it was effected—saving of course the Six themselves—will not be at a premium
This idea argued a shrewdness in our captive which led me to build hopes on his assistance I ordered him to be brought in at once Sapt conducted him and set him in a chair by my bedside He was sullen and afraid but to say truth after young Ruperts exploit we also had our fears and if he got as far as possible from Sapts formidable sixshooter Sapt kept him as far as he could from me Moreover when he came in his hands were bound but that I would not suffer
I need not stay to recount the safeguards and rewards we promised the fellow—all of which were honourably observed and paid so that he lives now in prosperity though where I may not mention and we were the more free inasmuch as we soon learnt that he was rather a weak man than a wicked and had acted throughout this matter more from fear of the duke and of his own brother Max than for any love of what was done But he had persuaded all of his loyalty and though not in their secret counsels was yet by his knowledge of their dispositions within the Castle able to lay bare before us the very heart of their devices And here in brief is his story
Below the level of the ground in the Castle approached by a flight of stone steps which abutted on the end of the drawbridge were situated two small rooms cut out of the rock itself The outer of the two had no windows but was always lighted with candles the inner had one square window which gave upon the moat In the outer room there lay always day and night three of the Six and the instructions of Duke Michael were that on any attack being made on the outer room the three were to defend the door of it so long as they could without risk to themselves But so soon as the door should be in danger of being forced then Rupert Hentzau or Detchard for one of these two was always there should leave the others to hold it as long as they could and himself pass into the inner room and without more ado kill the King who lay there welltreated indeed but without weapons and with his arms confined in fine steel chains which did not allow him to move his elbow more than three inches from his side Thus before the outer door were stormed the King would be dead And his body For his body would be evidence as damning as himself
Nay sir said Johann his Highness has thought of that While the two hold the outer room the one who has killed the King unlocks the bars in the square window they turn on a hinge The window now gives no light for its mouth is choked by a great pipe of earthenware and this pipe which is large enough to let pass through it the body of a man passes into the moat coming to an end immediately above the surface of the water so that there is no perceptible interval between water and pipe The King being dead his murderer swiftly ties a weight to the body and dragging it to the window raises it by a pulley for lest the weight should prove too great Detchard has provided one till it is level with the mouth of the pipe He inserts the feet in the pipe and pushes the body down Silently without splash or sound it falls into the water and thence to the bottom of the moat which is twenty feet deep thereabouts This done the murderer cries loudly Alls well and himself slides down the pipe and the others if they can and the attack is not too hot run to the inner room and seeking a moments delay bar the door and in their turn slide down And though the King rises not from the bottom they rise and swim round to the other side where the orders are for men to wait them with ropes to haul them out and horses And here if things go ill the duke will join them and seek safety by riding but if all goes well they will return to the Castle and have their enemies in a trap That sir is the plan of his Highness for the disposal of the King in case of need But it is not to be used till the last for as we all know he is not minded to kill the King unless he can before or soon after kill you also sir Now sir I have spoken the truth as God is my witness and I pray you to shield me from the vengeance of Duke Michael for if after he knows what I have done I fall into his hands I shall pray for one thing out of all the world—a speedy death and that I shall not obtain from him
The fellows story was rudely told but our questions supplemented his narrative What he had told us applied to an armed attack but if suspicions were aroused and there came overwhelming force—such for instance as I the King could bring—the idea of resistance would be abandoned the King would be quietly murdered and slid down the pipe And—here comes an ingenious touch—one of the Six would take his place in the cell and on the entrance of the searchers loudly demand release and redress and Michael being summoned would confess to hasty action but he would say the man had angered him by seeking the favour of a lady in the Castle this was Antoinette de Mauban and he had confined him there as he conceived he as Lord of Zenda had right to do But he was now on receiving his apology content to let him go and so end the gossip which to his Highnesss annoyance had arisen concerning a prisoner in Zenda and had given his visitors the trouble of this enquiry The visitors baffled would retire and Michael could at his leisure dispose of the body of the King
Sapt Fritz and I in my bed looked round on one another in horror and bewilderment at the cruelty and cunning of the plan Whether I went in peace or in war openly at the head of a corps or secretly by a stealthy assault the King would be dead before I could come near him If Michael were stronger and overcame my party there would be an end But if I were stronger I should have no way to punish him no means of proving any guilt in him without proving my own guilt also On the other hand I should be left as King ah for a moment my pulse quickened and it would be for the future to witness the final struggle between him and me He seemed to have made triumph possible and ruin impossible At the worst he would stand as well as he had stood before I crossed his path—with but one man between him and the throne and that man an impostor at best there would be none left to stand against him I had begun to think that Black Michael was over fond of leaving the fighting to his friends but now I acknowledged that the brains if not the arms of the conspiracy were his
Does the King know this I asked
I and my brother answered Johann put up the pipe under the orders of my Lord of Hentzau He was on guard that day and the King asked my lord what it meant Faith he answered with his airy laugh its a new improvement on the ladder of Jacob whereby as you have read sire men pass from the earth to heaven We thought it not meet that your Majesty should go in case sire you must go by the common route So we have made you a pretty private passage where the vulgar cannot stare at you or incommode your passage That sire is the meaning of that pipe And he laughed and bowed and prayed the Kings leave to replenish the Kings glass—for the King was at supper And the King though he is a brave man as are all of his House grew red and then white as he looked on the pipe and at the merry devil who mocked him Ah sir and the fellow shuddered it is not easy to sleep quiet in the Castle of Zenda for all of them would as soon cut a mans throat as play a game at cards and my Lord Rupert would choose it sooner for a pastime than any other—ay sooner than he would ruin a woman though that he loves also
The man ceased and I bade Fritz take him away and have him carefully guarded and turning to him I added
If anyone asks you if there is a prisoner in Zenda you may answer Yes But if any asks who the prisoner is do not answer For all my promises will not save you if any man here learns from you the truth as to the prisoner of Zenda Ill kill you like a dog if the thing be so much as breathed within the house
Then when he was gone I looked at Sapt
Its a hard nut said I
So hard said he shaking his grizzled head that as I think this time next year is like to find you still King of Ruritania and he broke out into curses on Michaels cunning
I lay back on my pillows
There seems to me I observed to be two ways by which the King can come out of Zenda alive One is by treachery in the dukes followers
You can leave that out said Sapt
I hope not I rejoined because the other I was about to mention is—by a miracle from heaven
CHAPTER 14
A Night Outside the Castle
It would have surprised the good people of Ruritania to know of the foregoing talk for according to the official reports I had suffered a grievous and dangerous hurt from an accidental spearthrust received in the course of my sport I caused the bulletins to be of a very serious character and created great public excitement whereby three things occurred first I gravely offended the medical faculty of Strelsau by refusing to summon to my bedside any of them save a young man a friend of Fritzs whom we could trust secondly I received word from Marshal Strakencz that my orders seemed to have no more weight than his and that the Princess Flavia was leaving for Tarlenheim under his unwilling escort news whereat I strove not to be glad and proud and thirdly my brother the Duke of Strelsau although too well informed to believe the account of the origin of my sickness was yet persuaded by the reports and by my seeming inactivity that I was in truth incapable of action and that my life was in some danger This I learnt from the man Johann whom I was compelled to trust and send back to Zenda where by the way Rupert Hentzau had him soundly flogged for daring to smirch the morals of Zenda by staying out all night in the pursuits of love This from Rupert Johann deeply resented and the dukes approval of it did more to bind the keeper to my side than all my promises
On Flavias arrival I cannot dwell Her joy at finding me up and well instead of on my back and fighting with death makes a picture that even now dances before my eyes till they grow too dim to see it and her reproaches that I had not trusted even her must excuse the means I took to quiet them In truth to have her with me once more was like a taste of heaven to a damned soul the sweeter for the inevitable doom that was to follow and I rejoiced in being able to waste two whole days with her And when I had wasted two days the Duke of Strelsau arranged a huntingparty
The stroke was near now For Sapt and I after anxious consultations had resolved that we must risk a blow our resolution being clinched by Johanns news that the King grew peaked pale and ill and that his health was breaking down under his rigorous confinement Now a man—be he king or no king—may as well die swiftly and as becomes a gentleman from bullet or thrust as rot his life out in a cellar That thought made prompt action advisable in the interests of the King from my own point of view it grew more and more necessary For Strakencz urged on me the need of a speedy marriage and my own inclinations seconded him with such terrible insistence that I feared for my resolution I do not believe that I should have done the deed I dreamt of but I might have come to flight and my flight would have ruined the cause And—yes I am no saint ask my little sisterinlaw and worse still might have happened
It is perhaps as strange a thing as has ever been in the history of a country that the Kings brother and the Kings personator in a time of profound outward peace near a placid undisturbed country town under semblance of amity should wage a desperate war for the person and life of the King Yet such was the struggle that began now between Zenda and Tarlenheim When I look back on the time I seem to myself to have been half mad Sapt has told me that I suffered no interference and listened to no remonstrances and if ever a King of Ruritania ruled like a despot I was in those days the man Look where I would I saw nothing that made life sweet to me and I took my life in my hand and carried it carelessly as a man dangles an old glove At first they strove to guard me to keep me safe to persuade me not to expose myself but when they saw how I was set there grew up among them—whether they knew the truth or not—a feeling that Fate ruled the issue and that I must be left to play my game with Michael my own way
Late next night I rose from table where Flavia had sat by me and conducted her to the door of her apartments There I kissed her hand and bade her sleep sound and wake to happy days Then I changed my clothes and went out Sapt and Fritz were waiting for me with six men and the horses Over his saddle Sapt carried a long coil of rope and both were heavily armed I had with me a short stout cudgel and a long knife Making a circuit we avoided the town and in an hour found ourselves slowly mounting the hill that led to the Castle of Zenda The night was dark and very stormy gusts of wind and spits of rain caught us as we breasted the incline and the great trees moaned and sighed When we came to a thick clump about a quarter of a mile from the Castle we bade our six friends hide there with the horses Sapt had a whistle and they could rejoin us in a few moments if danger came but up to now we had met no one I hoped that Michael was still off his guard believing me to be safe in bed However that might be we gained the top of the hill without accident and found ourselves on the edge of the moat where it sweeps under the road separating the Old Castle from it A tree stood on the edge of the bank and Sapt silently and diligently set to make fast the rope I stripped off my boots took a pull at a flask of brandy loosened the knife in its sheath and took the cudgel between my teeth Then I shook hands with my friends not heeding a last look of entreaty from Fritz and laid hold of the rope I was going to have a look at Jacobs Ladder
Gently I lowered myself into the water Though the night was wild the day had been warm and bright and the water was not cold I struck out and began to swim round the great walls which frowned above me I could see only three yards ahead I had then good hopes of not being seen as I crept along close under the damp mossgrown masonry There were lights from the new part of the Castle on the other side and now and again I heard laughter and merry shouts I fancied I recognized young Rupert Hentzaus ringing tones and pictured him flushed with wine Recalling my thoughts to the business in hand I rested a moment If Johanns description were right I must be near the window now Very slowly I moved and out of the darkness ahead loomed a shape It was the pipe curving from the window to the water about four feet of its surface were displayed it was as big round as two men I was about to approach it when I saw something else and my heart stood still The nose of a boat protruded beyond the pipe on the other side and listening intently I heard a slight shuffle—as of a man shifting his position Who was the man who guarded Michaels invention Was he awake or was he asleep I felt if my knife were ready and trod water as I did so I found bottom under my feet The foundations of the Castle extended some fifteen inches making a ledge and I stood on it out of water from my armpits upwards Then I crouched and peered through the darkness under the pipe where curving it left a space
There was a man in the boat A rifle lay by him—I saw the gleam of the barrel Here was the sentinel He sat very still I listened he breathed heavily regularly monotonously By heaven he slept Kneeling on the shelf I drew forward under the pipe till my face was within two feet of his He was a big man I saw It was Max Holf the brother of Johann My hand stole to my belt and I drew out my knife Of all the deeds of my life I love the least to think of this and whether it were the act of a man or a traitor I will not ask I said to myself It is war—and the Kings life is the stake And I raised myself from beneath the pipe and stood up by the boat which lay moored by the ledge Holding my breath I marked the spot and raised my arm The great fellow stirred He opened his eyes—wide wider He grasped in terror at my face and clutched at his rifle I struck home And I heard the chorus of a lovesong from the opposite bank
Leaving him where he lay a huddled mass I turned to Jacobs Ladder My time was short This fellows turn of watching might be over directly and relief would come Leaning over the pipe I examined it from the end near the water to the topmost extremity where it passed or seemed to pass through the masonry of the wall There was no break in it no chink Dropping on my knees I tested the under side And my breath went quick and fast for on this lower side where the pipe should have clung close to the masonry there was a gleam of light That light must come from the cell of the King I set my shoulder against the pipe and exerted my strength The chink widened a very very little and hastily I desisted I had done enough to show that the pipe was not fixed in the masonry at the lower side
Then I heard a voice—a harsh grating voice
Well sire if you have had enough of my society I will leave you to repose but I must fasten the little ornaments first
It was Detchard I caught the English accent in a moment
Have you anything to ask sire before we part
The Kings voice followed It was his though it was faint and hollow—different from the merry tones I had heard in the glades of the forest
Pray my brother said the King to kill me I am dying by inches here
The duke does not desire your death sire—yet sneered Detchard when he does behold your path to heaven
The King answered
So be it And now if your orders allow it pray leave me
May you dream of paradise said the ruffian
The light disappeared I heard the bolts of the door run home And then I heard the sobs of the King He was alone as he thought Who dares mock at him
I did not venture to speak to him The risk of some exclamation escaping him in surprise was too great I dared do nothing that night and my task now was to get myself away in safety and to carry off the carcass of the dead man To leave him there would tell too much Casting loose the boat I got in The wind was blowing a gale now and there was little danger of oars being heard I rowed swiftly round to where my friends waited I had just reached the spot when a loud whistle sounded over the moat behind me
Hullo Max I heard shouted
I hailed Sapt in a low tone The rope came down I tied it round the corpse and then went up it myself
Whistle you too I whispered for our men and haul in the line No talk now
They hauled up the body Just as it reached the road three men on horseback swept round from the front of the Castle We saw them but being on foot ourselves we escaped their notice But we heard our men coming up with a shout
The devil but its dark cried a ringing voice
It was young Rupert A moment later shots rang out Our people had met them I started forward at a run Sapt and Fritz following me
Thrust thrust cried Rupert again and a loud groan following told that he himself was not behindhand
Im done Rupert cried a voice Theyre three to one Save yourself
I ran on holding my cudgel in my hand Suddenly a horse came towards me A man was on it leaning over his shoulder
Are you cooked too Krafstein he cried
There was no answer
I sprang to the horses head It was Rupert Hentzau
At last I cried
For we seemed to have him He had only his sword in his hand My men were hot upon him Sapt and Fritz were running up I had outstripped them but if they got close enough to fire he must die or surrender
At last I cried
Its the playactor cried he slashing at my cudgel He cut it clean in two and judging discretion better than death I ducked my head and I blush to tell it scampered for my life The devil was in Rupert Hentzau for he put spurs to his horse and I turning to look saw him ride full gallop to the edge of the moat and leap in while the shots of our party fell thick round him like hail With one gleam of moonlight we should have riddled him with balls but in the darkness he won to the corner of the Castle and vanished from our sight
The deuce take him grinned Sapt
Its a pity said I that hes a villain Whom have we got
We had Lauengram and Krafstein they lay dead and concealment being no longer possible we flung them with Max into the moat and drawing together in a compact body rode off down the hill And in our midst went the bodies of three gallant gentlemen Thus we travelled home heavy at heart for the death of our friends sore uneasy concerning the King and cut to the quick that young Rupert had played yet another winning hand with us
For my own part I was vexed and angry that I had killed no man in open fight but only stabbed a knave in his sleep And I did not love to hear Rupert call me a playactor
CHAPTER 15
I Talk with a Tempter
Ruritania is not England or the quarrel between Duke Michael and myself could not have gone on with the extraordinary incidents which marked it without more public notice being directed to it Duels were frequent among all the upper classes and private quarrels between great men kept the old habit of spreading to their friends and dependents Nevertheless after the affray which I have just related such reports began to circulate that I felt it necessary to be on my guard The death of the gentlemen involved could not be hidden from their relatives I issued a stern order declaring that duelling had attained unprecedented licence the Chancellor drew up the document for me and very well he did it and forbidding it save in the gravest cases I sent a public and stately apology to Michael and he returned a deferential and courteous reply to me for our one point of union was—and it underlay all our differences and induced an unwilling harmony between our actions—that we could neither of us afford to throw our cards on the table He as well as I was a playactor and hating one another we combined to dupe public opinion Unfortunately however the necessity for concealment involved the necessity of delay the King might die in his prison or even be spirited off somewhere else it could not be helped For a little while I was compelled to observe a truce and my only consolation was that Flavia most warmly approved of my edict against duelling and when I expressed delight at having won her favour prayed me if her favour were any motive to me to prohibit the practice altogether
Wait till we are married said I smiling
Not the least peculiar result of the truce and of the secrecy which dictated it was that the town of Zenda became in the daytime—I would not have trusted far to its protection by night—a sort of neutral zone where both parties could safely go and I riding down one day with Flavia and Sapt had an encounter with an acquaintance which presented a ludicrous side but was at the same time embarrassing As I rode along I met a dignified looking person driving in a twohorsed carriage He stopped his horses got out and approached me bowing low I recognized the Head of the Strelsau Police
Your Majestys ordinance as to duelling is receiving our best attention he assured me
If the best attention involved his presence in Zenda I determined at once to dispense with it
Is that what brings you to Zenda Prefect I asked
Why no sire I am here because I desired to oblige the British Ambassador
Whats the British Ambassador doing dans cette galere said I carelessly
A young countryman of his sire—a man of some position—is missing His friends have not heard from him for two months and there is reason to believe that he was last seen in Zenda
Flavia was paying little attention I dared not look at Sapt
What reason
A friend of his in Paris—a certain M Featherly—has given us information which makes it possible that he came here and the officials of the railway recollect his name on some luggage
What was his name
Rassendyll sire he answered and I saw that the name meant nothing to him But glancing at Flavia he lowered his voice as he went on It is thought that he may have followed a lady here Has your Majesty heard of a certain Madame de Mauban
Why yes said I my eye involuntarily travelling towards the Castle
She arrived in Ruritania about the same time as this Rassendyll
I caught the Prefects glance he was regarding me with enquiry writ large on his face
Sapt said I I must speak a word to the Prefect Will you ride on a few paces with the princess And I added to the Prefect Come sir what do you mean
He drew close to me and I bent in the saddle
If he were in love with the lady he whispered Nothing has been heard of him for two months and this time it was the eye of the Prefect which travelled towards the Castle
Yes the lady is there I said quietly But I dont suppose Mr Rassendyll—is that the name—is
The duke he whispered does not like rivals sire
Youre right there said I with all sincerity But surely you hint at a very grave charge
He spread his hands out in apology I whispered in his ear
This is a grave matter Go back to Strelsau—
But sire if I have a clue here
Go back to Strelsau I repeated Tell the Ambassador that you have a clue but that you must be left alone for a week or two Meanwhile Ill charge myself with looking into the matter
The Ambassador is very pressing sir
You must quiet him Come sir you see that if your suspicions are correct it is an affair in which we must move with caution We can have no scandal Mind you return tonight
He promised to obey me and I rode on to rejoin my companions a little easier in my mind Enquiries after me must be stopped at all hazards for a week or two and this clever official had come surprisingly near the truth His impression might be useful some day but if he acted on it now it might mean the worse to the King Heartily did I curse George Featherly for not holding his tongue
Well asked Flavia have you finished your business
Most satisfactorily said I Come shall we turn round We are almost trenching on my brothers territory
We were in fact at the extreme end of the town just where the hills begin to mount towards the Castle We cast our eyes up admiring the massive beauty of the old walls and we saw a cortege winding slowly down the hill On it came
Let us go back said Sapt
I should like to stay said Flavia and I reined my horse beside hers
We could distinguish the approaching party now There came first two mounted servants in black uniforms relieved only by a silver badge These were followed by a car drawn by four horses on it under a heavy pall lay a coffin behind it rode a man in plain black clothes carrying his hat in his hand Sapt uncovered and we stood waiting Flavia keeping by me and laying her hand on my arm
It is one of the gentlemen killed in the quarrel I expect she said
I beckoned to a groom
Ride and ask whom they escort I ordered
He rode up to the servants and I saw him pass on to the gentleman who rode behind
Its Rupert of Hentzau whispered Sapt
Rupert it was and directly afterwards waving to the procession to stand still Rupert trotted up to me He was in a frockcoat tightly buttoned and trousers He wore an aspect of sadness and he bowed with profound respect Yet suddenly he smiled and I smiled too for old Sapts hand lay in his left breastpocket and Rupert and I both guessed what lay in the hand inside the pocket
Your Majesty asks whom we escort said Rupert It is my dear friend Albert of Lauengram
Sir said I no one regrets the unfortunate affair more than I My ordinance which I mean to have obeyed is witness to it
Poor fellow said Flavia softly and I saw Ruperts eyes flash at her Whereat I grew red for if I had my way Rupert Hentzau should not have defiled her by so much as a glance Yet he did it and dared to let admiration be seen in his look
Your Majestys words are gracious he said I grieve for my friend Yet sire others must soon lie as he lies now
It is a thing we all do well to remember my lord I rejoined
Even kings sire said Rupert in a moralizing tone and old Sapt swore softly by my side
It is true said I How fares my brother my lord
He is better sire
I am rejoiced
He hopes soon to leave for Strelsau when his health is secured
He is only convalescent then
There remain one or two small troubles answered the insolent fellow in the mildest tone in the world
Express my earnest hope said Flavia that they may soon cease to trouble him
Your Royal Highnesss wish is humbly my own said Rupert with a bold glance that brought a blush to Flavias cheek
I bowed and Rupert bowing lower backed his horse and signed to his party to proceed With a sudden impulse I rode after him He turned swiftly fearing that even in the presence of the dead and before a ladys eyes I meant him mischief
You fought as a brave man the other night I said Come you are young sir If you will deliver your prisoner alive to me you shall come to no hurt
He looked at me with a mocking smile but suddenly he rode nearer to me
Im unarmed he said and our old Sapt there could pick me off in a minute
Im not afraid said I
No curse you he answered Look here I made you a proposal from the duke once
Ill hear nothing from Black Michael said I
Then hear one from me He lowered his voice to a whisper Attack the Castle boldly Let Sapt and Tarlenheim lead
Go on said I
Arrange the time with me
I have such confidence in you my lord
Tut Im talking business now Sapt there and Fritz will fall Black Michael will fall—
What
—Black Michael will fall like the dog he is the prisoner as you call him will go by Jacobs Ladder—ah you know that—to hell Two men will be left—I Rupert Hentzau and you the King of Ruritania
He paused and then in a voice that quivered with eagerness added
Isnt that a hand to play—a throne and your princess And for me say a competence and your Majestys gratitude
Surely I exclaimed while youre above ground hell wants its master
Well think it over he said And look you it would take more than a scruple or two to keep me from yonder girl and his evil eye flashed again at her I loved
Get out of my reach said I and yet in a moment I began to laugh for the very audacity of it
Would you turn against your master I asked
He swore at Michael for being what the offspring of a legal though morganatic union should not be called and said to me in an almost confidential and apparently friendly tone
He gets in my way you know Hes a jealous brute Faith I nearly stuck a knife into him last night he came most cursedly mal a propos
My temper was well under control now I was learning something
A lady I asked negligently
Ay and a beauty he nodded But youve seen her
Ah was it at a teaparty when some of your friends got on the wrong side of the table
What can you expect of fools like Detchard and De Gautet I wish Id been there
And the duke interferes
Well said Rupert meditatively thats hardly a fair way of putting it perhaps I want to interfere
And she prefers the duke
Ay the silly creature Ah well you think about my plan and with a bow he pricked his horse and trotted after the body of his friend
I went back to Flavia and Sapt pondering on the strangeness of the man Wicked men I have known in plenty but Rupert Hentzau remains unique in my experience And if there be another anywhere let him be caught and hanged out of hand So say I
Hes very handsome isnt he said Flavia
Well of course she didnt know him as I did yet I was put out for I thought his bold glances would have made her angry But my dear Flavia was a woman and so—she was not put out On the contrary she thought young Rupert very handsome—as beyond question the ruffian was
And how sad he looked at his friends death said she
Hell have better reason to be sad at his own observed Sapt with a grim smile
As for me I grew sulky unreasonable it was perhaps for what better business had I to look at her with love than had even Ruperts lustful eyes And sulky I remained till as evening fell and we rode up to Tarlenheim Sapt having fallen behind in case anyone should be following us Flavia riding close beside me said softly with a little halfashamed laugh
Unless you smile Rudolf I cry Why are you angry
It was something that fellow said to me said I but I was smiling as we reached the door and dismounted
There a servant handed me a note it was unaddressed
Is it for me I asked
Yes sire a boy brought it
I tore it open
Johann carries this for me I warned you once In the name of God and if you are a man rescue me from this den of murderers—A de M
I handed it to Sapt but all that the tough old soul said in reply to this piteous appeal was
Whose fault brought her there
Nevertheless not being faultless myself I took leave to pity Antoinette de Mauban
CHAPTER 16
A Desperate Plan
As I had ridden publicly in Zenda and had talked there with Rupert Hentzau of course all pretence of illness was at an end I marked the effect on the garrison of Zenda they ceased to be seen abroad and any of my men who went near the Castle reported that the utmost vigilance prevailed there Touched as I was by Madame de Maubans appeal I seemed as powerless to befriend her as I had proved to help the King Michael bade me defiance and although he too had been seen outside the walls with more disregard for appearances than he had hitherto shown he did not take the trouble to send any excuse for his failure to wait on the King Time ran on in inactivity when every moment was pressing for not only was I faced with the new danger which the stir about my disappearance brought on me but great murmurs had arisen in Strelsau at my continued absence from the city They had been greater but for the knowledge that Flavia was with me and for this reason I suffered her to stay though I hated to have her where danger was and though every day of our present sweet intercourse strained my endurance almost to breaking As a final blow nothing would content my advisers Strakencz and the Chancellor who came out from Strelsau to make an urgent representation to me save that I should appoint a day for the public solemnization of my betrothal a ceremony which in Ruritania is well nigh as binding and great a thing as the marriage itself And this—with Flavia sitting by me—I was forced to do setting a date a fortnight ahead and appointing the Cathedral in Strelsau as the place And this formal act being published far and wide caused great joy throughout the kingdom and was the talk of all tongues so that I reckoned there were but two men who chafed at it—I mean Black Michael and myself and but one who did not know of it—that one the man whose name I bore the King of Ruritania
In truth I heard something of the way the news was received in the Castle for after an interval of three days the man Johann greedy for more money though fearful for his life again found means to visit us He had been waiting on the duke when the tidings came Black Michaels face had grown blacker still and he had sworn savagely nor was he better pleased when young Rupert took oath that I meant to do as I said and turning to Madame de Mauban wished her joy on a rival gone Michaels hand stole towards his sword said Johann but not a bit did Rupert care for he rallied the duke on having made a better King than had reigned for years past in Ruritania And said he with a meaning bow to his exasperated master the devil sends the princess a finer man than heaven had marked out for her by my soul it does Then Michael harshly bade him hold his tongue and leave them but Rupert must needs first kiss madames hand which he did as though he loved her while Michael glared at him
This was the lighter side of the fellows news but more serious came behind and it was plain that if time pressed at Tarlenheim it pressed none the less fiercely at Zenda For the King was very sick Johann had seen him and he was wasted and hardly able to move There could be no thought of taking another for him now So alarmed were they that they had sent for a physician from Strelsau and the physician having been introduced into the Kings cell had come forth pale and trembling and urgently prayed the duke to let him go back and meddle no more in the affair but the duke would not and held him there a prisoner telling him his life was safe if the King lived while the duke desired and died when the duke desired—not otherwise And persuaded by the physician they had allowed Madame de Mauban to visit the King and give him such attendance as his state needed and as only a woman can give Yet his life hung in the balance and I was still strong and whole and free Wherefore great gloom reigned at Zenda and save when they quarrelled to which they were very prone they hardly spoke But the deeper the depression of the rest young Rupert went about Satans work with a smile in his eye and a song on his lip and laughed fit to burst said Johann because the duke always set Detchard to guard the King when Madame de Mauban was in the cell—which precaution was indeed not unwise in my careful brother Thus Johann told his tale and seized his crowns Yet he besought us to allow him to stay with us in Tarlenheim and not venture his head again in the lions den but we had need of him there and although I refused to constrain him I prevailed on him by increased rewards to go back and carry tidings to Madame de Mauban that I was working for her and that if she could she should speak one word of comfort to the King For while suspense is bad for the sick yet despair is worse still and it might be that the King lay dying of mere hopelessness for I could learn of no definite disease that afflicted him
And how do they guard the King now I asked remembering that two of the Six were dead and Max Holf also
Detchard and Bersonin watch by night Rupert Hentzau and De Gautet by day sir he answered
Only two at a time
Ay sir but the others rest in a room just above and are within sound of a cry or a whistle
A room just above I didnt know of that Is there any communication between it and the room where they watch
No sir You must go down a few stairs and through the door by the drawbridge and so to where the King is lodged
And that door is locked
Only the four lords have keys sir
I drew nearer to him
And have they keys of the grating I asked in a low whisper
I think sir only Detchard and Rupert
Where does the duke lodge
In the chateau on the first floor His apartments are on the right as you go towards the drawbridge
And Madame de Mauban
Just opposite on the left But her door is locked after she has entered
To keep her in
Doubtless sir
Perhaps for another reason
It is possible
And the duke I suppose has the key
Yes And the drawbridge is drawn back at night and of that too the duke holds the key so that it cannot be run across the moat without application to him
And where do you sleep
In the entrance hall of the chateau with five servants
Armed
They have pikes sir but no firearms The duke will not trust them with firearms
Then at last I took the matter boldly in my hands I had failed once at Jacobs Ladder I should fail again there I must make the attack from the other side
I have promised you twenty thousand crowns said I You shall have fifty thousand if you will do what I ask of you tomorrow night But first do those servants know who your prisoner is
No sir They believe him to be some private enemy of the dukes
And they would not doubt that I am the King
How should they he asked
Look to this then Tomorrow at two in the morning exactly fling open the front door of the chateau Dont fail by an instant
Shall you be there sir
Ask no questions Do what I tell you Say the hall is close or what you will That is all I ask of you
And may I escape by the door sir when I have opened it
Yes as quick as your legs will carry you One thing more Carry this note to madame—oh its in French you cant read it—and charge her for the sake of all our lives not to fail in what it orders
The man was trembling but I had to trust to what he had of courage and to what he had of honesty I dared not wait for I feared that the King would die
When the fellow was gone I called Sapt and Fritz to me and unfolded the plan that I had formed Sapt shook his head over it
Why cant you wait he asked
The King may die
Michael will be forced to act before that
Then said I the King may live
Well and if he does
For a fortnight I asked simply
And Sapt bit his moustache
Suddenly Fritz von Tarlenheim laid his hand on my shoulder
Let us go and make the attempt said he
I mean you to go—dont be afraid said I
Ay but do you stay here and take care of the princess
A gleam came into old Sapts eye
We should have Michael one way or the other then he chuckled whereas if you go and are killed with the King what will become of those of us who are left
They will serve Queen Flavia said I and I would to God I could be one of them
A pause followed Old Sapt broke it by saying sadly yet with an unmeant drollery that set Fritz and me laughing
Why didnt old Rudolf the Third marry your—greatgrandmother was it
Come said I it is the King we are thinking about
It is true said Fritz
Moreover I went on I have been an impostor for the profit of another but I will not be one for my own and if the King is not alive and on his throne before the day of betrothal comes I will tell the truth come what may
You shall go lad said Sapt
Here is the plan I had made A strong party under Sapts command was to steal up to the door of the chateau If discovered prematurely they were to kill anyone who found them—with their swords for I wanted no noise of firing If all went well they would be at the door when Johann opened it They were to rush in and secure the servants if their mere presence and the use of the Kings name were not enough At the same moment—and on this hinged the plan—a womans cry was to ring out loud and shrill from Antoinette de Maubans chamber Again and again she was to cry Help help Michael help and then to utter the name of young Rupert Hentzau Then as we hoped Michael in fury would rush out of his apartments opposite and fall alive into the hands of Sapt Still the cries would go on and my men would let down the drawbridge and it would be strange if Rupert hearing his name thus taken in vain did not descend from where he slept and seek to cross De Gautet might or might not come with him that must be left to chance
And when Rupert set his foot on the drawbridge There was my part for I was minded for another swim in the moat and lest I should grow weary I had resolved to take with me a small wooden ladder on which I could rest my arms in the water—and my feet when I left it I would rear it against the wall just by the bridge and when the bridge was across I would stealthily creep on to it—and then if Rupert or De Gautet crossed in safety it would be my misfortune not my fault They dead two men only would remain and for them we must trust to the confusion we had created and to a sudden rush We should have the keys of the door that led to the allimportant rooms Perhaps they would rush out If they stood by their orders then the Kings life hung on the swiftness with which we could force the outer door and I thanked God that not Rupert Hentzau watched but Detchard For though Detchard was a cool man relentless and no coward he had neither the dash nor the recklessness of Rupert Moreover he if any one of them really loved Black Michael and it might be that he would leave Bersonin to guard the King and rush across the bridge to take part in the affray on the other side
So I planned—desperately And that our enemy might be the better lulled to security I gave orders that our residence should be brilliantly lighted from top to bottom as though we were engaged in revelry and should so be kept all night with music playing and people moving to and fro Strakencz would be there and he was to conceal our departure if he could from Flavia And if we came not again by the morning he was to march openly and in force to the Castle and demand the person of the King if Black Michael were not there as I did not think he would be the Marshal would take Flavia with him as swiftly as he could to Strelsau and there proclaim Black Michaels treachery and the probable death of the King and rally all that there was honest and true round the banner of the princess And to say truth this was what I thought most likely to happen For I had great doubts whether either the King or Black Michael or I had more than a day to live Well if Black Michael died and if I the playactor slew Rupert Hentzau with my own hand and then died myself it might be that Fate would deal as lightly with Ruritania as could be hoped notwithstanding that she demanded the life of the King—and to her dealing thus with me I was in no temper to make objection
It was late when we rose from conference and I betook me to the princesss apartments She was pensive that evening yet when I left her she flung her arms about me and grew for an instant bashfully radiant as she slipped a ring on my finger I was wearing the Kings ring but I had also on my little finger a plain band of gold engraved with the motto of our family Nil Quae Feci This I took off and put on her and signed to her to let me go And she understanding stood away and watched me with dimmed eyes
Wear that ring even though you wear another when you are queen I said
Whatever else I wear this I will wear till I die and after said she as she kissed the ring
CHAPTER 17
Young Ruperts Midnight Diversions
The night came fine and clear I had prayed for dirty weather such as had favoured my previous voyage in the moat but Fortune was this time against me Still I reckoned that by keeping close under the wall and in the shadow I could escape detection from the windows of the chateau that looked out on the scene of my efforts If they searched the moat indeed my scheme must fail but I did not think they would They had made Jacobs Ladder secure against attack Johann had himself helped to fix it closely to the masonry on the under side so that it could not now be moved from below any more than from above An assault with explosives or a long battering with picks alone could displace it and the noise involved in either of these operations put them out of the question What harm then could a man do in the moat I trusted that Black Michael putting this query to himself would answer confidently None while even if Johann meant treachery he did not know my scheme and would doubtless expect to see me at the head of my friends before the front entrance to the chateau There I said to Sapt was the real danger And there I added you shall be Doesnt that content you
But it did not Dearly would he have liked to come with me had I not utterly refused to take him One man might escape notice to double the party more than doubled the risk and when he ventured to hint once again that my life was too valuable I knowing the secret thought he clung to sternly bade him be silent assuring him that unless the King lived through the night I would not live through it either
At twelve oclock Sapts command left the chateau of Tarlenheim and struck off to the right riding by unfrequented roads and avoiding the town of Zenda If all went well they would be in front of the Castle by about a quarter to two Leaving their horses half a mile off they were to steal up to the entrance and hold themselves in readiness for the opening of the door If the door were not opened by two they were to send Fritz von Tarlenheim round to the other side of the Castle I would meet him there if I were alive and we would consult whether to storm the Castle or not If I were not there they were to return with all speed to Tarlenheim rouse the Marshal and march in force to Zenda For if not there I should be dead and I knew that the King would not be alive five minutes after I ceased to breathe I must now leave Sapt and his friends and relate how I myself proceeded on this eventful night I went out on the good horse which had carried me on the night of the coronation back from the huntinglodge to Strelsau I carried a revolver in the saddle and my sword I was covered with a large cloak and under this I wore a warm tightfitting woollen jersey a pair of knickerbockers thick stockings and light canvas shoes I had rubbed myself thoroughly with oil and I carried a large flask of whisky The night was warm but I might probably be immersed a long while and it was necessary to take every precaution against cold for cold not only saps a mans courage if he has to die but impairs his energy if others have to die and finally gives him rheumatics if it be Gods will that he lives Also I tied round my body a length of thin but stout cord and I did not forget my ladder I starting after Sapt took a shorter route skirting the town to the left and found myself in the outskirts of the forest at about halfpast twelve I tied my horse up in a thick clump of trees leaving the revolver in its pocket in the saddle—it would be no use to me—and ladder in hand made my way to the edge of the moat Here I unwound my rope from about my waist bound it securely round the trunk of a tree on the bank and let myself down The Castle clock struck a quarter to one as I felt the water under me and began to swim round the keep pushing the ladder before me and hugging the Castle wall Thus voyaging I came to my old friend Jacobs Ladder and felt the ledge of the masonry under me I crouched down in the shadow of the great pipe—I tried to stir it but it was quite immovable—and waited I remember that my predominant feeling was neither anxiety for the King nor longing for Flavia but an intense desire to smoke and this craving of course I could not gratify
The drawbridge was still in its place I saw its airy slight framework above me some ten yards to my right as I crouched with my back against the wall of the Kings cell I made out a window two yards my side of it and nearly on the same level That if Johann spoke true must belong to the dukes apartments and on the other side in about the same relative position must be Madame de Maubans window Women are careless forgetful creatures I prayed that she might not forget that she was to be the victim of a brutal attempt at two oclock precisely I was rather amused at the part I had assigned to my young friend Rupert Hentzau but I owed him a stroke—for even as I sat my shoulder ached where he had with an audacity that seemed half to hide his treachery struck at me in the sight of all my friends on the terrace at Tarlenheim
Suddenly the dukes window grew bright The shutters were not closed and the interior became partially visible to me as I cautiously raised myself till I stood on tiptoe Thus placed my range of sight embraced a yard or more inside the window while the radius of light did not reach me The window was flung open and someone looked out I marked Antoinette de Maubans graceful figure and though her face was in shadow the fine outline of her head was revealed against the light behind I longed to cry softly Remember but I dared not—and happily for a moment later a man came up and stood by her He tried to put his arm round her waist but with a swift motion she sprang away and leant against the shutter her profile towards me I made out who the newcomer was it was young Rupert A low laugh from him made me sure as he leant forward stretching out his hand towards her
Gently gently I murmured Youre too soon my boy
His head was close to hers I suppose he whispered to her for I saw her point to the moat and I heard her say in slow and distinct tones
I had rather throw myself out of this window
He came close up to the window and looked out
It looks cold said he Come Antoinette are you serious
She made no answer so far as I heard and he smiting his hand petulantly on the windowsill went on in the voice of some spoilt child
Hang Black Michael Isnt the princess enough for him Is he to have everything What the devil do you see in Black Michael
If I told him what you say— she began
Well tell him said Rupert carelessly and catching her off her guard he sprang forward and kissed her laughing and crying Theres something to tell him
If I had kept my revolver with me I should have been very sorely tempted Being spared the temptation I merely added this new score to his account
Though faith said Rupert its little he cares Hes mad about the princess you know He talks of nothing but cutting the playactors throat
Didnt he indeed
And if I do it for him what do you think hes promised me
The unhappy woman raised her hands above her head in prayer or in despair
But I detest waiting said Rupert and I saw that he was about to lay his hand on her again when there was a noise of a door in the room opening and a harsh voice cried
What are you doing here sir
Rupert turned his back to the window bowed low and said in his loud merry tones Apologizing for your absence sir Could I leave the lady alone
The newcomer must be Black Michael I saw him directly as he advanced towards the window He caught young Rupert by the arm
The moat would hold more than the King said he with a significant gesture
Does your Highness threaten me asked Rupert
A threat is more warning than most men get from me
Yet observed Rupert Rudolf Rassendyll has been much threatened and yet lives
Am I in fault because my servants bungle asked Michael scornfully
Your Highness has run no risk of bungling sneered Rupert
It was telling the duke that he shirked danger as plain as ever I have heard a man told Black Michael had selfcontrol I dare say he scowled—it was a great regret to me that I could not see their faces better—but his voice was even and calm as he answered
Enough enough We mustnt quarrel Rupert Are Detchard and Bersonin at their posts
They are sir
I need you no more
Nay Im not oppressed with fatigue said Rupert
Pray sir leave us said Michael more impatiently In ten minutes the drawbridge will be drawn back and I presume you have no wish to swim to your bed
Ruperts figure disappeared I heard the door open and shut again Michael and Antoinette de Mauban were left together To my chagrin the duke laid his hand on the window and closed it He stood talking to Antoinette for a moment or two She shook her head and he turned impatiently away She left the window The door sounded again and Black Michael closed the shutters
De Gautet De Gautet man sounded from the drawbridge Unless you want a bath before your bed come along
It was Ruperts voice coming from the end of the drawbridge A moment later he and De Gautet stepped out on the bridge Ruperts arm was through De Gautets and in the middle of the bridge he detained his companion and leant over I dropped behind the shelter of Jacobs Ladder
Then Master Rupert had a little sport He took from De Gautet a bottle which he carried and put it to his lips
Hardly a drop he cried discontentedly and flung it in the moat
It fell as I judged from the sound and the circles on the water within a yard of the pipe And Rupert taking out his revolver began to shoot at it The first two shots missed the bottle but hit the pipe The third shattered the bottle I hoped that the young ruffian would be content but he emptied the other barrels at the pipe and one skimming over the pipe whistled through my hair as I crouched on the other side
Ware bridge a voice cried to my relief
Rupert and De Gautet cried A moment and ran across The bridge was drawn back and all became still The clock struck a quarterpast one I rose and stretched myself and yawned
I think some ten minutes had passed when I heard a slight noise to my right I peered over the pipe and saw a dark figure standing in the gateway that led to the bridge It was a man By the careless graceful poise I guessed it to be Rupert again He held a sword in his hand and he stood motionless for a minute or two Wild thoughts ran through me On what mischief was the young fiend bent now Then he laughed low to himself then he turned his face to the wall took a step in my direction and to my surprise began to climb down the wall In an instant I saw that there must be steps in the wall it was plain They were cut into or affixed to the wall at intervals of about eighteen inches Rupert set his foot on the lower one Then he placed his sword between his teeth turned round and noiselessly let himself into the water Had it been a matter of my life only I would have swum to meet him Dearly would I have loved to fight it out with him then and there—with steel on a fine night and none to come between us But there was the King I restrained myself but I could not bridle my swift breathing and I watched him with the intensest eagerness
He swam leisurely and quietly across There were more steps up on the other side and he climbed them When he set foot in the gateway standing on the drawnback bridge he felt in his pocket and took something out I heard him unlock the door I could hear no noise of its closing behind him He vanished from my sight
Abandoning my ladder—I saw I did not need it now—I swam to the side of the bridge and climbed half way up the steps There I hung with my sword in my hand listening eagerly The dukes room was shuttered and dark There was a light in the window on the opposite side of the bridge Not a sound broke the silence till halfpast one chimed from the great clock in the tower of the chateau
There were other plots than mine afoot in the Castle that night
CHAPTER 18
The Forcing of the Trap
The position wherein I stood does not appear very favourable to thought yet for the next moment or two I thought profoundly I had I told myself scored one point Be Rupert Hentzaus errand what it might and the villainy he was engaged on what it would I had scored one point He was on the other side of the moat from the King and it would be by no fault of mine if ever he set foot on the same side again I had three left to deal with two on guard and De Gautet in his bed Ah if I had the keys I would have risked everything and attacked Detchard and Bersonin before their friends could join them But I was powerless I must wait till the coming of my friends enticed someone to cross the bridge—someone with the keys And I waited as it seemed for half an hour really for about five minutes before the next act in the rapid drama began
All was still on the other side The dukes room remained inscrutable behind its shutters The light burnt steadily in Madame de Maubans window Then I heard the faintest faintest sound it came from behind the door which led to the drawbridge on the other side of the moat It but just reached my ear yet I could not be mistaken as to what it was It was made by a key being turned very carefully and slowly Who was turning it And of what room was it the key There leapt before my eyes the picture of young Rupert with the key in one hand his sword in the other and an evil smile on his face But I did not know what door it was nor on which of his favourite pursuits young Rupert was spending the hours of that night
I was soon to be enlightened for the next moment—before my friends could be near the chateau door—before Johann the keeper would have thought to nerve himself for his task—there was a sudden crash from the room with the lighted window It sounded as though someone had flung down a lamp and the window went dark and black At the same instant a cry rang out shrill in the night Help help Michael help and was followed by a shriek of utter terror
I was tingling in every nerve I stood on the topmost step clinging to the threshold of the gate with my right hand and holding my sword in my left Suddenly I perceived that the gateway was broader than the bridge there was a dark corner on the opposite side where a man could stand I darted across and stood there Thus placed I commanded the path and no man could pass between the chateau and the old Castle till he had tried conclusions with me
There was another shriek Then a door was flung open and clanged against the wall and I heard the handle of a door savagely twisted
Open the door In Gods name whats the matter cried a voice—the voice of Black Michael himself
He was answered by the very words I had written in my letter
Help Michael—Hentzau
A fierce oath rang out from the duke and with a loud thud he threw himself against the door At the same moment I heard a window above my head open and a voice cried Whats the matter and I heard a mans hasty footsteps I grasped my sword If De Gautet came my way the Six would be less by one more
Then I heard the clash of crossed swords and a tramp of feet and—I cannot tell the thing so quickly as it happened for all seemed to come at once There was an angry cry from madames room the cry of a wounded man the window was flung open young Rupert stood there sword in hand He turned his back and I saw his body go forward to the lunge
Ah Johann theres one for you Come on Michael
Johann was there then—come to the rescue of the duke How would he open the door for me For I feared that Rupert had slain him
Help cried the dukes voice faint and husky
I heard a step on the stairs above me and I heard a stir down to my left in the direction of the Kings cell But before anything happened on my side of the moat I saw five or six men round young Rupert in the embrasure of madames window Three or four times he lunged with incomparable dash and dexterity For an instant they fell back leaving a ring round him He leapt on the parapet of the window laughing as he leapt and waving his sword in his hand He was drunk with blood and he laughed again wildly as he flung himself headlong into the moat
What became of him then I did not see for as he leapt De Gautets lean face looked out through the door by me and without a seconds hesitation I struck at him with all the strength God had given me and he fell dead in the doorway without a word or a groan I dropped on my knees by him Where were the keys I found myself muttering The keys man the keys as though he had been yet alive and could listen and when I could not find them I—God forgive me—I believe I struck a dead mans face
At last I had them There were but three Seizing the largest I felt the lock of the door that led to the cell I fitted in the key It was right The lock turned I drew the door close behind me and locked it as noiselessly as I could putting the key in my pocket
I found myself at the top of a flight of steep stone stairs An oil lamp burnt dimly in the bracket I took it down and held it in my hand and I stood and listened
What in the devil can it be I heard a voice say
It came from behind a door that faced me at the bottom of the stairs
And another answered
Shall we kill him
I strained to hear the answer and could have sobbed with relief when Detchards voice came grating and cold
Wait a bit Therell be trouble if we strike too soon
There was a moments silence Then I heard the bolt of the door cautiously drawn back Instantly I put out the light I held replacing the lamp in the bracket
Its dark—the lamps out Have you a light said the other voice—Bersonins
No doubt they had a light but they should not use it It was come to the crisis now and I rushed down the steps and flung myself against the door Bersonin had unbolted it and it gave way before me The Belgian stood there sword in hand and Detchard was sitting on a couch at the side of the room In astonishment at seeing me Bersonin recoiled Detchard jumped to his sword I rushed madly at the Belgian he gave way before me and I drove him up against the wall He was no swordsman though he fought bravely and in a moment he lay on the floor before me I turned—Detchard was not there Faithful to his orders he had not risked a fight with me but had rushed straight to the door of the Kings room opened it and slammed it behind him Even now he was at his work inside
And surely he would have killed the King and perhaps me also had it not been for one devoted man who gave his life for the King For when I forced the door the sight I saw was this the King stood in the corner of the room broken by his sickness he could do nothing his fettered hands moved uselessly up and down and he was laughing horribly in halfmad delirium Detchard and the doctor were together in the middle of the room and the doctor had flung himself on the murderer pinning his hands to his sides for an instant Then Detchard wrenched himself free from the feeble grip and as I entered drove his sword through the hapless man Then he turned on me crying
At last
We were sword to sword By blessed chance neither he nor Bersonin had been wearing their revolvers I found them afterwards ready loaded on the mantelpiece of the outer room it was hard by the door ready to their hands but my sudden rush in had cut off access to them Yes we were man to man and we began to fight silently sternly and hard Yet I remember little of it save that the man was my match with the sword—nay and more for he knew more tricks than I and that he forced me back against the bars that guarded the entrance to Jacobs Ladder And I saw a smile on his face and he wounded me in the left arm
No glory do I take for that contest I believe that the man would have mastered me and slain me and then done his butchers work for he was the most skilful swordsman I have ever met but even as he pressed me hard the halfmad wasted wan creature in the corner leapt high in lunatic mirth shrieking
Its cousin Rudolf Cousin Rudolf Ill help you cousin Rudolf and catching up a chair in his hands he could but just lift it from the ground and hold it uselessly before him he came towards us Hope came to me Come on I cried Come on Drive it against his legs
Detchard replied with a savage thrust He all but had me
Come on Come on man I cried Come and share the fun
And the King laughed gleefully and came on pushing his chair before him
With an oath Detchard skipped back and before I knew what he was doing had turned his sword against the King He made one fierce cut at the King and the King with a piteous cry dropped where he stood The stout ruffian turned to face me again But his own hand had prepared his destruction for in turning he trod in the pool of blood that flowed from the dead physician He slipped he fell Like a dart I was upon him I caught him by the throat and before he could recover himself I drove my point through his neck and with a stifled curse he fell across the body of his victim
Was the King dead It was my first thought I rushed to where he lay Ay it seemed as if he were dead for he had a great gash across his forehead and he lay still in a huddled heap on the floor I dropped on my knees beside him and leant my ear down to hear if he breathed But before I could there was a loud rattle from the outside I knew the sound the drawbridge was being pushed out A moment later it rang home against the wall on my side of the moat I should be caught in a trap and the King with me if he yet lived He must take his chance to live or die I took my sword and passed into the outer room Who were pushing the drawbridge out—my men If so all was well My eye fell on the revolvers and I seized one and paused to listen in the doorway of the outer room To listen say I Yes and to get my breath and I tore my shirt and twisted a strip of it round my bleeding arm and stood listening again I would have given the world to hear Sapts voice For I was faint spent and weary And that wildcat Rupert Hentzau was yet at large in the Castle Yet because I could better defend the narrow door at the top of the stairs than the wider entrance to the room I dragged myself up the steps and stood behind it listening
What was the sound Again a strange one for the place and time An easy scornful merry laugh—the laugh of young Rupert Hentzau I could scarcely believe that a sane man would laugh Yet the laugh told me that my men had not come for they must have shot Rupert ere now if they had come And the clock struck halfpast two My God The door had not been opened They had gone to the bank They had not found me They had gone by now back to Tarlenheim with the news of the Kings death—and mine Well it would be true before they got there Was not Rupert laughing in triumph
For a moment I sank unnerved against the door Then I started up alert again for Rupert cried scornfully
Well the bridge is there Come over it And in Gods name lets see Black Michael Keep back you curs Michael come and fight for her
If it were a threecornered fight I might yet bear my part I turned the key in the door and looked out
CHAPTER 19
Face to Face in the Forest
For a moment I could see nothing for the glare of lanterns and torches caught me full in the eyes from the other side of the bridge But soon the scene grew clear and it was a strange scene The bridge was in its place At the far end of it stood a group of the dukes servants two or three carried the lights which had dazzled me three or four held pikes in rest They were huddled together their weapons were protruded before them their faces were pale and agitated To put it plainly they looked in as arrant a fright as I have seen men look and they gazed apprehensively at a man who stood in the middle of the bridge sword in hand Rupert Hentzau was in his trousers and shirt the white linen was stained with blood but his easy buoyant pose told me that he was himself either not touched at all or merely scratched There he stood holding the bridge against them and daring them to come on or rather bidding them send Black Michael to him and they having no firearms cowered before the desperate man and dared not attack him They whispered to one another and in the backmost rank I saw my friend Johann leaning against the portal of the door and stanching with a handkerchief the blood which flowed from a wound in his cheek
By marvellous chance I was master The cravens would oppose me no more than they dared attack Rupert I had but to raise my revolver and I sent him to his account with his sins on his head He did not so much as know that I was there I did nothing—why I hardly know to this day I had killed one man stealthily that night and another by luck rather than skill—perhaps it was that Again villain as the man was I did not relish being one of a crowd against him—perhaps it was that But stronger than either of these restrained feelings came a curiosity and a fascination which held me spellbound watching for the outcome of the scene
Michael you dog Michael If you can stand come on cried Rupert and he advanced a step the group shrinking back a little before him Michael you bastard Come on
The answer to his taunts came in the wild cry of a woman
Hes dead My God hes dead
Dead shouted Rupert I struck better than I knew and he laughed triumphantly Then he went on Down with your weapons there Im your master now Down with them I say
I believe they would have obeyed but as he spoke came new things First there arose a distant sound as of shouts and knockings from the other side of the chateau My heart leapt It must be my men come by a happy disobedience to seek me The noise continued but none of the rest seemed to heed it Their attention was chained by what now happened before their eyes The group of servants parted and a woman staggered on to the bridge Antoinette de Mauban was in a loose white robe her dark hair streamed over her shoulders her face was ghastly pale and her eyes gleamed wildly in the light of the torches In her shaking hand she held a revolver and as she tottered forward she fired it at Rupert Hentzau The ball missed him and struck the woodwork over my head
Faith madame laughed Rupert had your eyes been no more deadly than your shooting I had not been in this scrape—nor Black Michael in hell—tonight
She took no notice of his words With a wonderful effort she calmed herself till she stood still and rigid Then very slowly and deliberately she began to raise her arm again taking most careful aim
He would be mad to risk it He must rush on her chancing the bullet or retreat towards me I covered him with my weapon
He did neither Before she had got her aim he bowed in his most graceful fashion cried I cant kill where Ive kissed and before she or I could stop him laid his hand on the parapet of the bridge and lightly leapt into the moat
At that very moment I heard a rush of feet and a voice I knew—Sapts—cry God its the duke—dead Then I knew that the King needed me no more and throwing down my revolver I sprang out on the bridge There was a cry of wild wonder The King and then I like Rupert of Hentzau sword in hand vaulted over the parapet intent on finishing my quarrel with him where I saw his curly head fifteen yards off in the water of the moat
He swam swiftly and easily I was weary and half crippled with my wounded arm I could not gain on him For a time I made no sound but as we rounded the corner of the old keep I cried
Stop Rupert stop
I saw him look over his shoulder but he swam on He was under the bank now searching as I guessed for a spot that he could climb I knew there to be none—but there was my rope which would still be hanging where I had left it He would come to where it was before I could Perhaps he would miss it—perhaps he would find it and if he drew it up after him he would get a good start of me I put forth all my remaining strength and pressed on At last I began to gain on him for he occupied with his search unconsciously slackened his pace
Ah he had found it A low shout of triumph came from him He laid hold of it and began to haul himself up I was near enough to hear him mutter How the devil comes this here I was at the rope and he hanging in mid air saw me but I could not reach him
Hullo whos here he cried in startled tones
For a moment I believe he took me for the King—I dare say I was pale enough to lend colour to the thought but an instant later he cried
Why its the playactor How come you here man
And so saying he gained the bank
I laid hold of the rope but I paused He stood on the bank sword in hand and he could cut my head open or spit me through the heart as I came up I let go the rope
Never mind said I but as I am here I think Ill stay
He smiled down on me
These women are the deuce— he began when suddenly the great bell of the Castle started to ring furiously and a loud shout reached us from the moat
Rupert smiled again and waved his hand to me
I should like a turn with you but its a little too hot said he and he disappeared from above me
In an instant without thinking of danger I laid my hand to the rope I was up I saw him thirty yards off running like a deer towards the shelter of the forest For once Rupert Hentzau had chosen discretion for his part I laid my feet to the ground and rushed after him calling to him to stand He would not Unwounded and vigorous he gained on me at every step but forgetting everything in the world except him and my thirst for his blood I pressed on and soon the deep shades of the forest of Zenda engulfed us both pursued and pursuer
It was three oclock now and day was dawning I was on a long straight grass avenue and a hundred yards ahead ran young Rupert his curls waving in the fresh breeze I was weary and panting he looked over his shoulder and waved his hand again to me He was mocking me for he saw he had the pace of me I was forced to pause for breath A moment later Rupert turned sharply to the right and was lost from my sight
I thought all was over and in deep vexation sank on the ground But I was up again directly for a scream rang through the forest—a womans scream Putting forth the last of my strength I ran on to the place where he had turned out of my sight and turning also I saw him again But alas I could not touch him He was in the act of lifting a girl down from her horse doubtless it was her scream that I heard She looked like a small farmers or a peasants daughter and she carried a basket on her arm Probably she was on her way to the early market at Zenda Her horse was a stout well shaped animal Master Rupert lifted her down amid her shrieks—the sight of him frightened her but he treated her gently laughed kissed her and gave her money Then he jumped on the horse sitting sideways like a woman and then he waited for me I on my part waited for him
Presently he rode towards me keeping his distance however He lifted up his hand saying
What did you in the Castle
I killed three of your friends said I
What You got to the cells
Yes
And the King
He was hurt by Detchard before I killed Detchard but I pray that he lives
You fool said Rupert pleasantly
One thing more I did
And whats that
I spared your life I was behind you on the bridge with a revolver in my hand
No Faith I was between two fires
Get off your horse I cried and fight like a man
Before a lady said he pointing to the girl Fie your Majesty
Then in my rage hardly knowing what I did I rushed at him For a moment he seemed to waver Then he reined his horse in and stood waiting for me On I went in my folly I seized the bridle and I struck at him He parried and thrust at me I fell back a pace and rushed at him again and this time I reached his face and laid his cheek open and darted back almost before he could strike me He seemed almost dazed at the fierceness of my attack otherwise I think he must have killed me I sank on my knee panting expecting him to ride at me And so he would have done and then and there I doubt not one or both of us would have died but at the moment there came a shout from behind us and looking round I saw just at the turn of the avenue a man on a horse He was riding hard and he carried a revolver in his hand It was Fritz von Tarlenheim my faithful friend Rupert saw him and knew that the game was up He checked his rush at me and flung his leg over the saddle but yet for just a moment he waited Leaning forward he tossed his hair off his forehead and smiled and said Au revoir Rudolf Rassendyll
Then with his cheek streaming blood but his lips laughing and his body swaying with ease and grace he bowed to me and he bowed to the farmgirl who had drawn near in trembling fascination and he waved his hand to Fritz who was just within range and let fly a shot at him The ball came nigh doing its work for it struck the sword he held and he dropped the sword with an oath wringing his fingers and clapped his heels hard on his horses belly and rode away at a gallop
And I watched him go down the long avenue riding as though he rode for his pleasure and singing as he went for all there was that gash in his cheek
Once again he turned to wave his hand and then the gloom of thickets swallowed him and he was lost from our sight Thus he vanished—reckless and wary graceful and graceless handsome debonair vile and unconquered And I flung my sword passionately on the ground and cried to Fritz to ride after him But Fritz stopped his horse and leapt down and ran to me and knelt putting his arm about me And indeed it was time for the wound that Detchard had given me was broken forth afresh and my blood was staining the ground
Then give me the horse I cried staggering to my feet and throwing his arms off me And the strength of my rage carried me so far as where the horse stood and then I fell prone beside it And Fritz knelt by me again
Fritz I said
Ay friend—dear friend he said tender as a woman
Is the King alive
He took his handkerchief and wiped my lips and bent and kissed me on the forehead
Thanks to the most gallant gentleman that lives said he softly the King is alive
The little farmgirl stood by us weeping for fright and wideeyed for wonder for she had seen me at Zenda and was not I pallid dripping foul and bloody as I was—yet was not I the King
And when I heard that the King was alive I strove to cry Hurrah But I could not speak and I laid my head back in Fritzs arms and closed my eyes and I groaned and then lest Fritz should do me wrong in his thoughts I opened my eyes and tried to say Hurrah again But I could not And being very tired and now very cold I huddled myself close up to Fritz to get the warmth of him and shut my eyes again and went to sleep
CHAPTER 20
The Prisoner and the King
In order to a full understanding of what had occurred in the Castle of Zenda it is necessary to supplement my account of what I myself saw and did on that night by relating briefly what I afterwards learnt from Fritz and Madame de Mauban The story told by the latter explained clearly how it happened that the cry which I had arranged as a stratagem and a sham had come in dreadful reality before its time and had thus as it seemed at the moment ruined our hopes while in the end it had favoured them The unhappy woman fired I believe by a genuine attachment to the Duke of Strelsau no less than by the dazzling prospects which a dominion over him opened before her eyes had followed him at his request from Paris to Ruritania He was a man of strong passions but of stronger will and his cool head ruled both He was content to take all and give nothing When she arrived she was not long in finding that she had a rival in the Princess Flavia rendered desperate she stood at nothing which might give or keep for her her power over the duke As I say he took and gave not Simultaneously Antoinette found herself entangled in his audacious schemes Unwilling to abandon him bound to him by the chains of shame and hope yet she would not be a decoy nor at his bidding lure me to death Hence the letters of warning she had written Whether the lines she sent to Flavia were inspired by good or bad feeling by jealousy or by pity I do not know but here also she served us well When the duke went to Zenda she accompanied him and here for the first time she learnt the full measure of his cruelty and was touched with compassion for the unfortunate King From this time she was with us yet from what she told me I know that she still as women will loved Michael and trusted to gain his life if not his pardon from the King as the reward for her assistance His triumph she did not desire for she loathed his crime and loathed yet more fiercely what would be the prize of it—his marriage with his cousin Princess Flavia
At Zenda new forces came into play—the lust and daring of young Rupert He was caught by her beauty perhaps perhaps it was enough for him that she belonged to another man and that she hated him For many days there had been quarrels and ill will between him and the duke and the scene which I had witnessed in the dukes room was but one of many Ruperts proposals to me of which she had of course been ignorant in no way surprised her when I related them she had herself warned Michael against Rupert even when she was calling on me to deliver her from both of them On this night then Rupert had determined to have his will When she had gone to her room he having furnished himself with a key to it had made his entrance Her cries had brought the duke and there in the dark room while she screamed the men had fought and Rupert having wounded his master with a mortal blow had on the servants rushing in escaped through the window as I have described The dukes blood spurting out had stained his opponents shirt but Rupert not knowing that he had dealt Michael his death was eager to finish the encounter How he meant to deal with the other three of the band I know not I dare say he did not think for the killing of Michael was not premeditated Antoinette left alone with the duke had tried to stanch his wound and thus was she busied till he died and then hearing Ruperts taunts she had come forth to avenge him Me she had not seen nor did she till I darted out of my ambush and leapt after Rupert into the moat
The same moment found my friends on the scene They had reached the chateau in due time and waited ready by the door But Johann swept with the rest to the rescue of the duke did not open it nay he took a part against Rupert putting himself forward more bravely than any in his anxiety to avert suspicion and he had received a wound in the embrasure of the window Till nearly halfpast two Sapt waited then following my orders he had sent Fritz to search the banks of the moat I was not there Hastening back Fritz told Sapt and Sapt was for following orders still and riding at full speed back to Tarlenheim while Fritz would not hear of abandoning me let me have ordered what I would On this they disputed some few minutes then Sapt persuaded by Fritz detached a party under Bernenstein to gallop back to Tarlenheim and bring up the marshal while the rest fell to on the great door of the chateau For several minutes it resisted them then just as Antoinette de Mauban fired at Rupert of Hentzau on the bridge they broke in eight of them in all and the first door they came to was the door of Michaels room and Michael lay dead across the threshold with a swordthrust through his breast Sapt cried out at his death as I had heard and they rushed on the servants but these in fear dropped their weapons and Antoinette flung herself weeping at Sapts feet And all she cried was that I had been at the end of the bridge and leapt off What of the prisoner asked Sapt but she shook her head Then Sapt and Fritz with the gentlemen behind them crossed the bridge slowly warily and without noise and Fritz stumbled over the body of De Gautet in the way of the door They felt him and found him dead
Then they consulted listening eagerly for any sound from the cells below but there came none and they were greatly afraid that the Kings guards had killed him and having pushed his body through the great pipe had escaped the same way themselves Yet because I had been seen here they had still some hope thus indeed Fritz in his friendship told me and going back to Michaels body pushing aside Antoinette who prayed by it they found a key to the door which I had locked and opened the door The staircase was dark and they would not use a torch at first lest they should be more exposed to fire But soon Fritz cried The door down there is open See there is light So they went on boldly and found none to oppose them And when they came to the outer room and saw the Belgian Bersonin lying dead they thanked God Sapt saying Ay he has been here Then rushing into the Kings cell they found Detchard lying dead across the dead physician and the King on his back with his chair by him And Fritz cried Hes dead and Sapt drove all out of the room except Fritz and knelt down by the King and having learnt more of wounds and the sign of death than I he soon knew that the King was not dead nor if properly attended would die And they covered his face and carried him to Duke Michaels room and laid him there and Antoinette rose from praying by the body of the duke and went to bathe the Kings head and dress his wounds till a doctor came And Sapt seeing I had been there and having heard Antoinettes story sent Fritz to search the moat and then the forest He dared send no one else And Fritz found my horse and feared the worst Then as I have told he found me guided by the shout with which I had called on Rupert to stop and face me And I think a man has never been more glad to find his own brother alive than was Fritz to come on me so that in love and anxiety for me he thought nothing of a thing so great as would have been the death of Rupert Hentzau Yet had Fritz killed him I should have grudged it
The enterprise of the Kings rescue being thus prosperously concluded it lay on Colonel Sapt to secure secrecy as to the King ever having been in need of rescue Antoinette de Mauban and Johann the keeper who indeed was too much hurt to be wagging his tongue just now were sworn to reveal nothing and Fritz went forth to find—not the King but the unnamed friend of the King who had lain in Zenda and flashed for a moment before the dazed eyes of Duke Michaels servants on the drawbridge The metamorphosis had happened and the King wounded almost to death by the attacks of the gaolers who guarded his friend had at last overcome them and rested now wounded but alive in Black Michaels own room in the Castle There he had been carried his face covered with a cloak from the cell and thence orders issued that if his friend were found he should be brought directly and privately to the King and that meanwhile messengers should ride at full speed to Tarlenheim to tell Marshall Strakencz to assure the princess of the Kings safety and to come himself with all speed to greet the King The princess was enjoined to remain at Tarlenheim and there await her cousins coming or his further injunctions Thus the King would come to his own again having wrought brave deeds and escaped almost by a miracle the treacherous assault of his unnatural brother
This ingenious arrangement of my longheaded old friend prospered in every way save where it encountered a force that often defeats the most cunning schemes I mean nothing else than the pleasure of a woman For let her cousin and sovereign send what command he chose or Colonel Sapt chose for him and let Marshal Strakencz insist as he would the Princess Flavia was in no way minded to rest at Tarlenheim while her lover lay wounded at Zenda and when the Marshal with a small suite rode forth from Tarlenheim on the way to Zenda the princesss carriage followed immediately behind and in this order they passed through the town where the report was already rife that the King going the night before to remonstrate with his brother in all friendliness for that he held one of the Kings friends in confinement in the Castle had been most traitorously set upon that there had been a desperate conflict that the duke was slain with several of his gentlemen and that the King wounded as he was had seized and held the Castle of Zenda All of which talk made as may be supposed a mighty excitement and the wires were set in motion and the tidings came to Strelsau only just after orders had been sent thither to parade the troops and overawe the dissatisfied quarters of the town with a display of force
Thus the Princess Flavia came to Zenda And as she drove up the hill with the Marshal riding by the wheel and still imploring her to return in obedience to the Kings orders Fritz von Tarlenheim with the prisoner of Zenda came to the edge of the forest I had revived from my swoon and walked resting on Fritzs arm and looking out from the cover of the trees I saw the princess Suddenly understanding from a glance at my companions face that we must not meet her I sank on my knees behind a clump of bushes But there was one whom we had forgotten but who followed us and was not disposed to let slip the chance of earning a smile and maybe a crown or two and while we lay hidden the little farmgirl came by us and ran to the princess curtseying and crying
Madame the King is here—in the bushes May I guide you to him madame
Nonsense child said old Strakencz the King lies wounded in the Castle
Yes sir hes wounded I know but hes there—with Count Fritz—and not at the Castle she persisted
Is he in two places or are there two Kings asked Flavia bewildered And how should he be there
He pursued a gentleman madame and they fought till Count Fritz came and the other gentleman took my fathers horse from me and rode away but the King is here with Count Fritz Why madame is there another man in Ruritania like the King
No my child said Flavia softly I was told it afterwards and she smiled and gave the girl money I will go and see this gentleman and she rose to alight from the carriage
But at this moment Sapt came riding from the Castle and seeing the princess made the best of a bad job and cried to her that the King was well tended and in no danger
In the Castle she asked
Where else madame said he bowing
But this girl says he is yonder—with Count Fritz
Sapt turned his eyes on the child with an incredulous smile
Every fine gentleman is a King to such said he
Why hes as like the King as one pea to another madame cried the girl a little shaken but still obstinate
Sapt started round The old Marshals face asked unspoken questions Flavias glance was no less eloquent Suspicion spread quick
Ill ride myself and see this man said Sapt hastily
Nay Ill come myself said the princess
Then come alone he whispered
And she obedient to the strange hinting in his face prayed the Marshal and the rest to wait and she and Sapt came on foot towards where we lay Sapt waving to the farmgirl to keep at a distance And when I saw them coming I sat in a sad heap on the ground and buried my face in my hands I could not look at her Fritz knelt by me laying his hand on my shoulder
Speak low whatever you say I heard Sapt whisper as they came up and the next thing I heard was a low cry—half of joy half of fear—from the princess
It is he Are you hurt
And she fell on the ground by me and gently pulled my hands away but I kept my eyes to the ground
It is the King she said Pray Colonel Sapt tell me where lay the wit of the joke you played on me
We answered none of us we three were silent before her Regardless of them she threw her arms round my neck and kissed me Then Sapt spoke in a low hoarse whisper
It is not the King Dont kiss him hes not the King
She drew back for a moment then with an arm still round my neck she asked in superb indignation
Do I not know my love Rudolf my love
It is not the King said old Sapt again and a sudden sob broke from tenderhearted Fritz
It was the sob that told her no comedy was afoot
He is the King she cried It is the Kings face—the Kings ring—my ring It is my love
Your love madame said old Sapt but not the King The King is there in the Castle This gentleman—
Look at me Rudolf look at me she cried taking my face between her hands Why do you let them torment me Tell me what it means
Then I spoke gazing into her eyes
God forgive me madame I said I am not the King
I felt her hands clutch my cheeks She gazed at me as never mans face was scanned yet And I silent again saw wonder born and doubt grow and terror spring to life as she looked And very gradually the grasp of her hands slackened she turned to Sapt to Fritz and back to me then suddenly she reeled forward and fell in my arms and with a great cry of pain I gathered her to me and kissed her lips Sapt laid his hand on my arm I looked up in his face And I laid her softly on the ground and stood up looking on her cursing heaven that young Ruperts sword had spared me for this sharper pang
CHAPTER 21
If love were all
It was night and I was in the cell wherein the King had lain in the Castle of Zenda The great pipe that Rupert of Hentzau had nicknamed Jacobs Ladder was gone and the lights in the room across the moat twinkled in the darkness All was still the din and clash of strife were gone I had spent the day hidden in the forest from the time when Fritz had led me off leaving Sapt with the princess Under cover of dusk muffled up I had been brought to the Castle and lodged where I now lay Though three men had died there—two of them by my hand—I was not troubled by ghosts I had thrown myself on a pallet by the window and was looking out on the black water Johann the keeper still pale from his wound but not much hurt besides had brought me supper He told me that the King was doing well that he had seen the princess that she and he Sapt and Fritz had been long together Marshal Strakencz was gone to Strelsau Black Michael lay in his coffin and Antoinette de Mauban watched by him had I not heard from the chapel priests singing mass for him
Outside there were strange rumours afloat Some said that the prisoner of Zenda was dead some that he had vanished yet alive some that he was a friend who had served the King well in some adventure in England others that he had discovered the Dukes plots and had therefore been kidnapped by him One or two shrewd fellows shook their heads and said only that they would say nothing but they had suspicions that more was to be known than was known if Colonel Sapt would tell all he knew
Thus Johann chattered till I sent him away and lay there alone thinking not of the future but—as a man is wont to do when stirring things have happened to him—rehearsing the events of the past weeks and wondering how strangely they had fallen out And above me in the stillness of the night I heard the standards flapping against their poles for Black Michaels banner hung there halfmast high and above it the royal flag of Ruritania floating for one night more over my head Habit grows so quick that only by an effort did I recollect that it floated no longer for me
Presently Fritz von Tarlenheim came into the room I was standing then by the window the glass was opened and I was idly fingering the cement which clung to the masonry where Jacobs Ladder had been He told me briefly that the King wanted me and together we crossed the drawbridge and entered the room that had been Black Michaels
The King was lying there in bed our doctor from Tarlenheim was in attendance on him and whispered to me that my visit must be brief The King held out his hand and shook mine Fritz and the doctor withdrew to the window
I took the Kings ring from my finger and placed it on his
I have tried not to dishonour it sire said I
I cant talk much to you he said in a weak voice I have had a great fight with Sapt and the Marshal—for we have told the Marshal everything I wanted to take you to Strelsau and keep you with me and tell everyone of what you had done and you would have been my best and nearest friend Cousin Rudolf But they tell me I must not and that the secret must be kept—if kept it can be
They are right sire Let me go My work here is done
Yes it is done as no man but you could have done it When they see me again I shall have my beard on I shall—yes faith I shall be wasted with sickness They will not wonder that the King looks changed in face Cousin I shall try to let them find him changed in nothing else You have shown me how to play the King
Sire said I I can take no praise from you It is by the narrowest grace of God that I was not a worse traitor than your brother
He turned inquiring eyes on me but a sick man shrinks from puzzles and he had no strength to question me His glance fell on Flavias ring which I wore I thought he would question me about it but after fingering it idly he let his head fall on his pillow
I dont know when I shall see you again he said faintly almost listlessly
If I can ever serve you again sire I answered
His eyelids closed Fritz came with the doctor I kissed the Kings hand and let Fritz lead me away I have never seen the King since
Outside Fritz turned not to the right back towards the drawbridge but to the left and without speaking led me upstairs through a handsome corridor in the chateau
Where are we going I asked
Looking away from me Fritz answered
She has sent for you When it is over come back to the bridge Ill wait for you there
What does she want said I breathing quickly
He shook his head
Does she know everything
Yes everything
He opened a door and gently pushing me in closed it behind me I found myself in a drawingroom small and richly furnished At first I thought that I was alone for the light that came from a pair of shaded candles on the mantelpiece was very dim But presently I discerned a womans figure standing by the window I knew it was the princess and I walked up to her fell on one knee and carried the hand that hung by her side to my lips She neither moved nor spoke I rose to my feet and piercing the gloom with my eager eyes saw her pale face and the gleam of her hair and before I knew I spoke softly
Flavia
She trembled a little and looked round Then she darted to me taking hold of me
Dont stand dont stand No you mustnt Youre hurt Sit down—here here
She made me sit on a sofa and put her hand on my forehead
How hot your head is she said sinking on her knees by me Then she laid her head against me and I heard her murmur My darling how hot your head is
Somehow love gives even to a dull man the knowledge of his lovers heart I had come to humble myself and pray pardon for my presumption but what I said now was
I love you with all my heart and soul
For what troubled and shamed her Not her love for me but the fear that I had counterfeited the lover as I had acted the King and taken her kisses with a smothered smile
With all my life and heart said I as she clung to me Always from the first moment I saw you in the Cathedral There has been but one woman in the world to me—and there will be no other But God forgive me the wrong Ive done you
They made you do it she said quickly and she added raising her head and looking in my eyes It might have made no difference if Id known it It was always you never the King
I meant to tell you said I I was going to on the night of the ball in Strelsau when Sapt interrupted me After that I couldnt—I couldnt risk losing you before—before—I must My darling for you I nearly left the King to die
I know I know What are we to do now Rudolf
I put my arm round her and held her up while I said
I am going away tonight
Ah no no she cried Not tonight
I must go tonight before more people have seen me And how would you have me stay sweetheart except—
If I could come with you she whispered very low
My God said I roughly dont talk about that and I thrust her a little back from me
Why not I love you You are as good a gentleman as the King
Then I was false to all that I should have held by For I caught her in my arms and prayed her in words that I will not write to come with me daring all Ruritania to take her from me And for a while she listened with wondering dazzled eyes But as her eyes looked on me I grew ashamed and my voice died away in broken murmurs and stammerings and at last I was silent
She drew herself away from me and stood against the wall while I sat on the edge of the sofa trembling in every limb knowing what I had done—loathing it obstinate not to undo it So we rested a long time
I am mad I said sullenly
I love your madness dear she answered
Her face was away from me but I caught the sparkle of a tear on her cheek I clutched the sofa with my hand and held myself there
Is love the only thing she asked in low sweet tones that seemed to bring a calm even to my wrung heart If love were the only thing I would follow you—in rags if need be—to the worlds end for you hold my heart in the hollow of your hand But is love the only thing
I made no answer It gives me shame now to think that I would not help her
She came near me and laid her hand on my shoulder I put my hand up and held hers
I know people write and talk as if it were Perhaps for some Fate lets it be Ah if I were one of them But if love had been the only thing you would have let the King die in his cell
I kissed her hand
Honour binds a woman too Rudolf My honour lies in being true to my country and my House I dont know why God has let me love you but I know that I must stay
Still I said nothing and she pausing a while then went on
Your ring will always be on my finger your heart in my heart the touch of your lips on mine But you must go and I must stay Perhaps I must do what it kills me to think of doing
I knew what she meant and a shiver ran through me But I could not utterly fail her I rose and took her hand
Do what you will or what you must I said I think God shows His purposes to such as you My part is lighter for your ring shall be on my finger and your heart in mine and no touch save of your lips will ever be on mine So may God comfort you my darling
There struck on our ears the sound of singing The priests in the chapel were singing masses for the souls of those who lay dead They seemed to chant a requiem over our buried joy to pray forgiveness for our love that would not die The soft sweet pitiful music rose and fell as we stood opposite one another her hands in mine
My queen and my beauty said I
My lover and true knight she said Perhaps we shall never see one another again Kiss me my dear and go
I kissed her as she bade me but at the last she clung to me whispering nothing but my name and that over and over again—and again—and again and then I left her
Rapidly I walked down to the bridge Sapt and Fritz were waiting for me Under their directions I changed my dress and muffling my face as I had done more than once before I mounted with them at the door of the Castle and we three rode through the night and on to the breaking day and found ourselves at a little roadside station just over the border of Ruritania The train was not quite due and I walked with them in a meadow by a little brook while we waited for it They promised to send me all news they overwhelmed me with kindness—even old Sapt was touched to gentleness while Fritz was half unmanned I listened in a kind of dream to all they said Rudolf Rudolf Rudolf still rang in my ears—a burden of sorrow and of love At last they saw that I could not heed them and we walked up and down in silence till Fritz touched me on the arm and I saw a mile or more away the blue smoke of the train Then I held out a hand to each of them
We are all but halfmen this morning said I smiling But we have been men eh Sapt and Fritz old friends We have run a good course between us
We have defeated traitors and set the King firm on his throne said Sapt
Then Fritz von Tarlenheim suddenly before I could discern his purpose or stay him uncovered his head and bent as he used to do and kissed my hand and as I snatched it away he said trying to laugh
Heaven doesnt always make the right men kings
Old Sapt twisted his mouth as he wrung my hand
The devil has his share in most things said he
The people at the station looked curiously at the tall man with the muffled face but we took no notice of their glances I stood with my two friends and waited till the train came up to us Then we shook hands again saying nothing and both this time—and indeed from old Sapt it seemed strange—bared their heads and so stood still till the train bore me away from their sight So that it was thought some great man travelled privately for his pleasure from the little station that morning whereas in truth it was only I Rudolf Rassendyll an English gentleman a cadet of a good house but a man of no wealth nor position nor of much rank They would have been disappointed to know that Yet had they known all they would have looked more curiously still For be I what I might now I had been for three months a King which if not a thing to be proud of is at least an experience to have undergone Doubtless I should have thought more of it had there not echoed through the air from the towers of Zenda that we were leaving far away into my ears and into my heart the cry of a womans love—Rudolf Rudolf Rudolf
Hark I hear it now
CHAPTER 22
Present Past—and Future
The details of my return home can have but little interest I went straight to the Tyrol and spent a quiet fortnight—mostly on my back for a severe chill developed itself and I was also the victim of a nervous reaction which made me weak as a baby As soon as I had reached my quarters I sent an apparently careless postcard to my brother announcing my good health and prospective return That would serve to satisfy the inquiries as to my whereabouts which were probably still vexing the Prefect of the Police of Strelsau I let my moustache and imperial grow again and as hair comes quickly on my face they were respectable though not luxuriant by the time that I landed myself in Paris and called on my friend George Featherly My interview with him was chiefly remarkable for the number of unwilling but necessary falsehoods that I told and I rallied him unmercifully when he told me that he had made up his mind that I had gone in the track of Madame de Mauban to Strelsau The lady it appeared was back in Paris but was living in great seclusion—a fact for which gossip found no difficulty in accounting Did not all the world know of the treachery and death of Duke Michael Nevertheless George bade Bertram Bertrand be of good cheer for said he flippantly a live poet is better than a dead duke Then he turned on me and asked
What have you been doing to your moustache
To tell the truth I answered assuming a sly air a man now and then has reasons for wishing to alter his appearance But its coming on very well again
What Then I wasnt so far out If not the fair Antoinette there was a charmer
There is always a charmer said I sententiously
But George would not be satisfied till he had wormed out of me he took much pride in his ingenuity an absolutely imaginary loveaffair attended with the proper soupcon of scandal which had kept me all this time in the peaceful regions of the Tyrol In return for this narrative George regaled me with a great deal of what he called inside information known only to diplomatists as to the true course of events in Ruritania the plots and counterplots In his opinion he told me with a significant nod there was more to be said for Black Michael than the public supposed and he hinted at a wellfounded suspicion that the mysterious prisoner of Zenda concerning whom a good many paragraphs had appeared was not a man at all but here I had much ado not to smile a woman disguised as a man and that strife between the King and his brother for this imaginary ladys favour was at the bottom of their quarrel
Perhaps it was Madame de Mauban herself I suggested
No said George decisively Antoinette de Mauban was jealous of her and betrayed the duke to the King for that reason And to confirm what I say its well known that the Princess Flavia is now extremely cold to the King after having been most affectionate
At this point I changed the subject and escaped from Georges inspired delusions But if diplomatists never know anything more than they had succeeded in finding out in this instance they appear to me to be somewhat expensive luxuries
While in Paris I wrote to Antoinette though I did not venture to call upon her I received in return a very affecting letter in which she assured me that the Kings generosity and kindness no less than her regard for me bound her conscience to absolute secrecy She expressed the intention of settling in the country and withdrawing herself entirely from society Whether she carried out her designs I have never heard but as I have not met her or heard news of her up to this time it is probable that she did There is no doubt that she was deeply attached to the Duke of Strelsau and her conduct at the time of his death proved that no knowledge of the mans real character was enough to root her regard for him out of her heart
I had one more battle left to fight—a battle that would I knew be severe and was bound to end in my complete defeat Was I not back from the Tyrol without having made any study of its inhabitants institutions scenery fauna flora or other features Had I not simply wasted my time in my usual frivolous goodfornothing way That was the aspect of the matter which I was obliged to admit would present itself to my sisterinlaw and against a verdict based on such evidence I had really no defence to offer It may be supposed then that I presented myself in Park Lane in a shamefaced sheepish fashion On the whole my reception was not so alarming as I had feared It turned out that I had done not what Rose wished but—the next best thing—what she prophesied She had declared that I should make no notes record no observations gather no materials My brother on the other hand had been weak enough to maintain that a serious resolve had at length animated me
When I returned emptyhanded Rose was so occupied in triumphing over Burlesdon that she let me down quite easily devoting the greater part of her reproaches to my failure to advertise my friends of my whereabouts
Weve wasted a lot of time trying to find you she said
I know you have said I Half our ambassadors have led weary lives on my account George Featherly told me so But why should you have been anxious I can take care of myself
Oh it wasnt that she cried scornfully but I wanted to tell you about Sir Jacob Borrodaile You know hes got an Embassy—at least he will have in a month—and he wrote to say he hoped you would go with him
Wheres he going to
Hes going to succeed Lord Topham at Strelsau said she You couldnt have a nicer place short of Paris
Strelsau Hm said I glancing at my brother
Oh that doesnt matter exclaimed Rose impatiently Now you will go wont you
I dont know that I care about it
Oh youre too exasperating
And I dont think I can go to Strelsau My dear Rose would it be—suitable
Oh nobody remembers that horrid old story now
Upon this I took out of my pocket a portrait of the King of Ruritania It had been taken a month or two before he ascended the throne She could not miss my point when I said putting it into her hands
In case youve not seen or not noticed a picture of Rudolf V there he is Dont you think they might recall the story if I appeared at the Court of Ruritania
My sisterinlaw looked at the portrait and then at me
Good gracious she said and flung the photograph down on the table
What do you say Bob I asked
Burlesdon got up went to a corner of the room and searched in a heap of newspapers Presently he came back with a copy of the Illustrated London News Opening the paper he displayed a doublepage engraving of the Coronation of Rudolf V at Strelsau The photograph and the picture he laid side by side I sat at the table fronting them and as I looked I grew absorbed My eye travelled from my own portrait to Sapt to Strakencz to the rich robes of the Cardinal to Black Michaels face to the stately figure of the princess by his side Long I looked and eagerly I was roused by my brothers hand on my shoulder He was gazing down at me with a puzzled expression
Its a remarkable likeness you see said I I really think I had better not go to Ruritania
Rose though half convinced would not abandon her position
Its just an excuse she said pettishly You dont want to do anything Why you might become an ambassador
I dont think I want to be an ambassador said I
Its more than you ever will be she retorted
That is very likely true but it is not more than I have been
The idea of being an ambassador could scarcely dazzle me I had been a king
So pretty Rose left us in dudgeon and Burlesdon lighting a cigarette looked at me still with that curious gaze
That picture in the paper— he said
Well what of it It shows that the King of Ruritania and your humble servant are as like as two peas
My brother shook his head
I suppose so he said But I should know you from the man in the photograph
And not from the picture in the paper
I should know the photograph from the picture the pictures very like the photograph but—
Well
Its more like you said my brother
My brother is a good man and true—so that for all that he is a married man and mighty fond of his wife he should know any secret of mine But this secret was not mine and I could not tell it to him
I dont think its so much like me as the photograph said I boldly But anyhow Bob I wont go to Strelsau
No dont go to Strelsau Rudolf said he
And whether he suspects anything or has a glimmer of the truth I do not know If he has he keeps it to himself and he and I never refer to it And we let Sir Jacob Borrodaile find another attache
Since all these events whose history I have set down happened I have lived a very quiet life at a small house which I have taken in the country The ordinary ambitions and aims of men in my position seem to me dull and unattractive I have little fancy for the whirl of society and none for the jostle of politics Lady Burlesdon utterly despairs of me my neighbours think me an indolent dreamy unsociable fellow Yet I am a young man and sometimes I have a fancy—the superstitious would call it a presentiment—that my part in life is not yet altogether played that somehow and some day I shall mix again in great affairs I shall again spin policies in a busy brain match my wits against my enemies brace my muscles to fight a good fight and strike stout blows Such is the tissue of my thoughts as with gun or rod in hand I wander through the woods or by the side of the stream Whether the fancy will be fulfilled I cannot tell—still less whether the scene that led by memory I lay for my new exploits will be the true one—for I love to see myself once again in the crowded streets of Strelsau or beneath the frowning keep of the Castle of Zenda
Thus led my broodings leave the future and turn back on the past Shapes rise before me in long array—the wild first revel with the King the rush with my brave teatable the night in the moat the pursuit in the forest my friends and my foes the people who learnt to love and honour me the desperate men who tried to kill me And from amidst these last comes one who alone of all of them yet moves on earth though where I know not yet plans as I do not doubt wickedness yet turns womens hearts to softness and mens to fear and hate Where is young Rupert of Hentzau—the boy who came so nigh to beating me When his name comes into my head I feel my hand grip and the blood move quicker through my veins and the hint of Fate—the presentiment—seems to grow stronger and more definite and to whisper insistently in my ear that I have yet a hand to play with young Rupert therefore I exercise myself in arms and seek to put off the day when the vigour of youth must leave me
One break comes every year in my quiet life Then I go to Dresden and there I am met by my dear friend and companion Fritz von Tarlenheim Last time his pretty wife Helga came and a lusty crowing baby with her And for a week Fritz and I are together and I hear all of what falls out in Strelsau and in the evenings as we walk and smoke together we talk of Sapt and of the King and often of young Rupert and as the hours grow small at last we speak of Flavia For every year Fritz carries with him to Dresden a little box in it lies a red rose and round the stalk of the rose is a slip of paper with the words written Rudolf—Flavia—always And the like I send back by him That message and the wearing of the rings are all that now bind me and the Queen of Ruritania Far—nobler as I hold her for the act—she has followed where her duty to her country and her House led her and is the wife of the King uniting his subjects to him by the love they bear to her giving peace and quiet days to thousands by her selfsacrifice There are moments when I dare not think of it but there are others when I rise in spirit to where she ever dwells then I can thank God that I love the noblest lady in the world the most gracious and beautiful and that there was nothing in my love that made her fall short in her high duty
Shall I see her face again—the pale face and the glorious hair Of that I know nothing Fate has no hint my heart no presentiment I do not know In this world perhaps—nay it is likely—never And can it be that somewhere in a manner whereof our fleshbound minds have no apprehension she and I will be together again with nothing to come between us nothing to forbid our love That I know not nor wiser heads than mine But if it be never—if I can never hold sweet converse again with her or look upon her face or know from her her love why then this side the grave I will live as becomes the man whom she loves and for the other side I must pray a dreamless sleep