schenheim begs to be allowed to speak with the
king," said James.

"We expect his Majesty every moment. Beg the count to enter," Sapt
answered; and, when Rischenheim came in, he went on, motioning the count
to a chair: "We are talking, my lord, of the influence of the moon on
the careers of men."

"What are you going to do? What have you decided?" burst out Rischenheim
impatiently.

"We decide nothing," answered Sapt.

"Then what has Mr.--what has the king decided?"

"The king decides nothing, my lord. She decides," and the old fellow
pointed again through the window towards the moon. "At this moment
she makes or unmakes a king; but I can't tell you which. What of your
cousin?"

"You know that my cousin's dead."

"Yes, I know that. What of him, though?"

"Sir," said Rischenheim with some dignity, "since he is dead, let him
rest in peace. It is not for us to judge him."

"He may well wish it were. For, by Heaven, I believe I should let the
rogue off," said Colonel Sapt, "and I don't think his Judge will."

"God forgive him, I loved him," said Rischenheim. "Yes, and many have
loved him. His servants loved him, sir."

"Friend Bauer, for example?"

"Yes, Bauer loved him. Where is Bauer?"

"I hope he's gone to hell with his loved master," grunted Sapt, but he
had the grace to lower his voice and shield his mouth with his hand, so
that Rischenheim did not hear.

"We don't know where he is," I answered.

"I am come," said Rischenheim, "to put my services in all respects at
the queen's disposal."

"And at the king's?" asked Sapt.

"At the king's? But the king is dead."

"Therefore 'Long live the king!'" struck in young Bernenstein.

"If there should be a king--" began Sapt.

"You'll do that?" interrupted Rischenheim in breathless agitation.

"She is deciding," said Colonel Sapt, and again he pointed to the moon.

"But she's a plaguey long time about it," remarked Lieutenant von
Bernenstein.

Rischenheim sat silent for a moment. His face was pale, and when he
spoke his voice trembled. But his words were resolute enough.

"I gave my honor to the queen, and even in that I will serve her if she
commands me."

Bernenstein sprang forward and caught him by the hand. "That's what I
like," said he, "and damn the moon, colonel!" His sentence was hardly
out of his mouth when the door opened, and to our astonishment the queen
entered. Helga was just behind her; her clasped hands and frightened
eyes seemed