The queen awaited the result of their deliberations in her apartments, ready to act as they directed, but determined to see Rudolf before he left the castle.

They conversed together in low tones.

Presently Sapt took paper and wrote.

This first message was to me, and it bade me come to Zenda that afternoon; another head and another pair of hands were sadly needed.

Then followed more deliberation; Rudolf took up the talking now, for his was the bold plan on which they consulted.