"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 can't 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.
"I'd 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.
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