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
lady's 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.
"I'm unarmed," he said; "and our old Sapt there could pick me off in a
minute."
"I'm not afraid," said I.
"No, curse you!" he answered. "Look here, I made you a proposal from the
duke once."
"I'll 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! I'm 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 'Jacob's 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:
"Isn't that a hand to play?--a throne and your princess! And for me, say
a competence and your Majesty's gratitude.
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