knows what that villain Rupert may attempt against me? And I
can't defend myself can I? I'm not Rudolf Rassendyll, am I?"

Thus, with a mixture of plaintiveness and malice, he scolded me.
At last I stood silent, waiting till he should be pleased to
dismiss me. At any rate I was thankful that he entertained no
suspicion as to my errand. Had I spoken a word of Mr. Rassendyll
he would not have let me go. He had fallen foul of me before on
learning that I was in communication with Rudolf; so completely
had jealousy destroyed gratitude in his breast. If he had known
what I carried, I do not think that he could have hated his
preserver more. Very likely some such feeling was natural enough;
it was none the less painful to perceive.

On leaving the king's presence, I sought out the Constable of
Zenda. He knew my errand; and, sitting down beside him, I told
him of the letter I carried, and arranged how to apprise him of
my fortune surely and quickly. He was not in a good humor that
day: the king had ruffled him also, and Colonel Sapt had no great
reserve of patience.

"If we haven't cut one another's throats before then, we shall
all be at Zenda by the time you arrive at Wintenberg," he said.
"The court moves there to-morrow, and I shall be there as long as
the king is."

He paused, and then added: "Destroy the letter if there's any
danger."

I nodded my head.