"I would not urge you, sire, a moment beyond what you desire. I play but for your pleasure."
"Then my pleasure has been your profit," said the King with a vexed laugh, "for I believe I am stripped of my last crown. What is my debt?"
The Count, who had the whole sum reckoned on his tablets, took them out, and shewed the King the amount of the debt.
"I cannot pay it," said Rudolf. "I would play you again, to double the debt or wipe it out, but I have nothing of value enough to stake."
The desire which had been nursed for long in the Count's heart now saw the moment of its possible realisation.
He leant over the table, and, smoothing his beard with his hand, said gently:
"The amount is no more than half the value of your Majesty's Castle and demesne of Zenda."
The King started and forced a laugh.
"Aye, Zenda spoils the prospect from Festenburg, does it?" said he. "But I will not risk Zenda. An Elphberg without Zenda would seem like a man robbed of his wife. We have had it since we have
