"Long and silky, that I despair of--"

"I have a most urgent and important matter," persisted Rischenheim in
agony.

Rudolf threw himself back in his chair with a peevish air. "Well, if you
must, you must. What is this great affair, Count? Let us have it over,
and then you can tell me about the dogs."

Rischenheim looked round the room. There was nobody; the curtains were
still; the king's left hand caressed his beardless chin; the right was
hidden from his visitor by the small table that stood between them.

"Sire, my cousin, the Count of Hentzau, has entrusted me with a
message."

Rudolf suddenly assumed a stern air.

"I can hold no communication, directly or indirectly, with the Count of
Hentzau," said he.

"Pardon me, sire, pardon me. A document has come into the count's hands
which is of vital importance to your Majesty."

"The Count of Hentzau, my lord, has incurred my heaviest displeasure."

"Sire, it is in the hopes of atoning for his offences that he has sent
me here to-day. There is a conspiracy against your Majesty's honor."

"By whom, my lord?" asked Rudolf, in cold and doubting tones.

"By those who are very near your Majesty's person and very high in your
Majesty's love."

"Name them."

"Sire, I dare not. You would not believe me. But your Majesty will
believe written evidence."

"Show it me, and quickly. We may be interrupted."

"Sire, I have a copy--"

"Oh, a copy, my lord?" sneered Rudolf.

"My cousin has the original, and will forward it at your Majesty's
command. A copy of a letter of her Majesty's--"

"Of the queen's?"

"Yes, sire. It is addressed to--" Rischenheim paused.

"Well, my lord, to whom?"

"To a Mr. Rudolf Rassendyll."

Now Rudolf played his part well. He did not feign indifference, but
allowed his voice to tremble with emotion as he stretched out his hand
and said in a hoarse whisper, "Give it me, give it me."

Rischenheim's eyes sparkled. His shot had told: the king's attention was
his; the coats of the dogs were forgotten. Plainly he had stirred the
suspicions and jealousy of the king.

"My cousin," he continued, "conceives it his duty to lay the letter
before your Majesty. He obtained it--"

"A curse on how he got it! Give it me!"

Rischenheim unbuttoned his coat, then his waistcoat. The head of a
revolver showed in a belt round his waist. He undid the flap of a pocket
in the lining of his waistcoat, and he began to draw out a sheet of
paper.

Bu