And the clock struck half-past two! My God! The door had not been opened! They had gone to the bank! They had not found me! They had gone by now back to Tarlenheim, with the news of the King's death--and mine.
Well, it would be true before they got there.

Was not Rupert laughing in triumph?
For a moment, I sank, unnerved, against the door.

Then I started up alert again, for Rupert cried scornfully: "Well, the bridge is there! Come over it! And in God's name, let's see Black Michael.

Keep back, you curs! Michael, come and fight for her!" If it were a three-cornered fight, I might yet bear my part.

I turned the key in the door and looked out..