“The horse’ll get you there to-night,” said Sapt. “Come along. Bernenstein, stay with the queen.” At the threshold Rudolf paused, and, turning his head, glanced once at Queen Flavia, who stood still as a statue, watching him go. Then he followed the constable, who brought him where the horse was. Sapt’s devices for securing freedom from observation had served well, and Rudolf mounted unmolested. “The hat doesn’t fit very well,” said Rudolf. “Like a crown better, eh?” suggested the colonel. Rudolf laughed as he asked, “Well, what are my orders?” “Ride round by the moat to the road at the back; then through the forest to Hofbau; you know your way after that. You mustn’t reach Strelsau till it’s dark. Then, if you want a shelter--” “To Fritz von Tarlenheim’s, yes! From there I shall go straight to the address.” “Ay. And--Rudolf!” “Yes?” “Make an end of him this time.” “Please God. But if he goes to the lodge? He will, unless Rischenheim stops him.” “I’ll be there in case--but I think Rischenheim will stop him.” “If he comes here?” “Young Bernenstein will die before he suffers him to reach the king.” “Sapt!” “Ay?” “Be kind to her.” “Bless the man, yes!” “Good-by.” “And good luck.” At a swift canter Rudolf darted round the drive that led from the stables, by the moat, to the old forest road behind; five minutes brought him within the shelter of the trees, and he rode on confidently, meeting nobody, save here and there a yokel, who, seeing a man ride hard with his head averted, took no more notice of him than to wish that he himself could ride abroad instead of being bound to work. Thus Rudolf Rassendyll set out again for the walls of Strelsau, through the forest of Zenda. And ahead of him, with an hour’s start, galloped the Count of Luzau-Rischenheim, again a man, and a man with resolution, resentment, and revenge in his heart. The game was afoot now; who could tell the issue of it? CHAPTER VII. THE MESSAGE OF SIMON THE HUNTSMAN