I did not know, but I thought that Rischenheim would go. It was a great risk for Rupert to trust himself in the kingdom, and he knew that the king would not easily be persuaded to receive him, however startling might be the business he professed as his errand. On the other hand, nothing was known against Rischenheim, while his rank would secure, and indeed entitle, him to an early audience. Therefore I concluded that Rischenheim would go with the letter, or, if Rupert would not let that out of his possession, with the news of the letter. “Or a copy,” suggested Rassendyll. “Well, Rischenheim or Rupert will be on his way by to-morrow morning, or is on his way to-night.” Again I tried to rise, for I was on fire to prevent the fatal consequences of my stupidity. Rudolf thrust me back in my chair, saying, “No, no.” Then he sat down at the table and took up the telegraph forms. “You and Sapt arranged a cipher, I suppose?” he asked. “Yes. You write the message, and I’ll put it into the cipher.” “This is what I’ve written: ‘Document lost. Let nobody see him if possible. Wire who asks.’ I don’t like to make it plainer: most ciphers can be read, you know.” “Not ours,” said I. “Well, but will that do?” asked Rudolf, with an unconvinced smile. “Yes, I think he’ll understand it.” And I wrote it again in the cipher; it was as much as I could do to hold the pen. The bell was rung again, and James appeared in an instant. “Send this,” said Rudolf. “The offices will be shut, sir.” “James, James!” “Very good, sir; but it may take an hour to get one open.” “I’ll give you half an hour. Have you money?” “Yes, sir.” “And now,” added Rudolf, turning to me, “you’d better go to bed.” I do not recollect what I answered, for my faintness came upon me again, and I remember only that Rudolf himself helped me into his own bed. I slept, but I do not think he so much as lay down on the sofa; chancing to awake once or twice, I heard him pacing about. But towards morning I slept heavily, and I did not know what he was doing then. At eight o’clock James entered and roused me. He said that a doctor was to be at the hotel in half an hour, but that Mr. Rassendyll would like to see me for a few minutes if I felt equal to business. I begged James to summon his master at once. Whether I were equal or unequal, the business had to be done.