ful attendant, Herbert, shoot him?"

"What, make poor Herbert a murderer!"

"Oh, no! By accident--and then, in remorse, kill himself."

"That's very pretty. But doctors have awkward views as to when a man can
have shot himself."

"My good Constable, doctors have palms as well as ideas. If you fill the
one you supply the other."

"I think," said Sapt, "that both the plans are good. Suppose we choose
the latter, what then?"

"Why, then, by to-morrow at midday the news flashes through
Ruritania--yes, and through Europe--that the king, miraculously
preserved to-day--"

"Praise be to God!" interjected Colonel Sapt; and young Bernenstein
laughed.

"Has met a tragic end."

"It will occasion great grief," said Sapt.

"Meanwhile, I am safe over the frontier."

"Oh, you are quite safe?"

"Absolutely. And in the afternoon of to-morrow, you and Bernenstein
will set out for Strelsau, bringing with you the body of the king." And
Rudolf, after a pause, whispered, "You must shave his face. And if the
doctors want to talk about how long he's been dead, why, they have, as I
say, palms."

Sapt sat silent for a while, apparently considering the scheme. It was
risky enough in all conscience, but success had made Rudolf bold, and
he had learnt how slow suspicion is if a deception be bold enough. It is
only likely frauds that are detected.

"Well, what do you say?" asked Mr. Rassendyll. I observed that he
said nothing to Sapt of what the queen and he had determined to do
afterwards.

Sapt wrinkled his forehead. I saw him glance at James, and the
slightest, briefest smile showed on James's face.

"It's dangerous, of course," pursued Rudolf. "But I believe that when
they see the king's body--"

"That's the point," interrupted Sapt. "They can't see the king's body."

Rudolf looked at him with some surprise. Then speaking in a low voice,
lest the queen should hear and be distressed, he went on: "You must
prepare it, you know. Bring it here in a shell; only a few officials
need see the face."

Sapt rose to his feet and stood facing Mr. Rassendyll.

"The plan's a pretty one, but it breaks down at one point," said he in a
strange voice, even harsher than his was wont to be. I was on fire with
excitement, for I would have staked my life now that he had some strange
tidings for us. "There is no body," said he.

Even Mr. Rassendyll's composure gave way. He sprang forward, catching
Sapt by the arm.

"No body? What do you m