The queen obeyed, and Rudolf followed her.
"Let nobody in, and don't say a word to anybody," whispered Sapt, as he entered, leaving Bernenstein outside.

The young man was half-dazed still, but he had sense to read the expression in the constable's eyes and to learn from it that he must give his life sooner than let the door be opened.

So with drawn sword he stood on guard.
It was eleven o'clock when the queen came, and midnight had struck from the great clock of the castle before the door opened again and Sapt came out.

His sword was not drawn, but he had his revolver in his hand.
He shut the door silently after him and began at once to talk in low, earnest, quick tones to Bernenstein.

Bernenstein listened intently and without interrupting.