aph," 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 Marshal's 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 King's
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 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. 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:

"It's hard for you. Don't think I don't 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 witn