What could have brought them from their guard of the great secret, save its discovery?
They would never have left their post while the fulfilment of their trust was possible.

By some mishap, some unforeseen chance, the king's body must have been discovered.

Then the king's death was known, and the news of it might any moment astonish and bewilder the city.
At last the door was flung open, and a servant announced the Constable of Zenda.

Sapt was covered with dust and mud, and James, who entered close on his heels, was in no better plight.

Evidently they had ridden hard and furiously; indeed they were still panting.