"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.