er calling me "my lord," for, save on formal occasions, she always
used to call me Fritz.

"His word of honor!" I grumbled. "In truth, madam--"

"He's right," said Rischenheim; "he's right."

"No, he's wrong," said the queen, smiling. "The count will keep his
word, given to me."

Rischenheim looked at her and seemed about to address her, but then he
turned to me, and said in a low tone:

"By Heaven, I will, Tarlenheim. I'll serve her in everything--"

"My lord," said she most graciously, and yet very sadly, "you lighten
the burden on me no less by your help than because I no longer feel your
honor stained through me. Come, we will go to the palace." And she went
to him, saying, "We will go together."

There was nothing for it but to trust him. I knew that I could not turn
her.

"Then I'll see if the carriage is ready," said I.

"Yes, do, Fritz," said the queen. But as I passed she stopped me for a
moment, saying in a whisper, "Show that you trust him."

I went and held out my hand to him. He took and pressed it.

"On my honor," he said.

Then I went out and found Bernenstein sitting on a bench in the hall.
The lieutenant was a diligent and watchful young man; he appeared to be
examining his revolver with sedulous care.

"You can put that away," said I rather peevishly--I had not fancied
shaking hands with Rischenheim. "He's not a prisoner any longer. He's
one of us now."

"The deuce he is!" cried Bernenstein, springing to his feet.

I told him briefly what had happened, and how the queen had won Rupert's
instrument to be her servant.

"I suppose he'll stick to it," I ended; and I thought he would, though I
was not eager for his help.

A light gleamed in Bernenstein's eyes, and I felt a tremble in the hand
that he laid on my shoulder.

"Then there's only Bauer now," he whispered. "If Rischenheim's with us,
only Bauer!"

I knew very well what he meant. With Rischenheim silent, Bauer was the
only man, save Rupert himself, who knew the truth, the only man who
threatened that great scheme which more and more filled our thoughts and
grew upon us with an increasing force of attraction as every obstacle
to it seemed to be cleared out of the way. But I would not look at
Bernenstein, fearing to acknowledge even with my eyes how my mind jumped
with his. He was bolder, or less scrupulous--which you will.

"Yes, if we can shut Bauer's mouth." he went on.

"The queen's waiting for the carriage," I interrupt