West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1907-04-25

Chapter Rudolf Rassondyll. one Of whose am
ecstors was the natural son Of one OF the Elph-
ocrgs. the ruling house in the kingdom OF Ruri-
tania, determines 10 visit that country. u-RuJolt
has the rcd hair and ford complexion OF the Elph-
bcrgs. while his own family arc dark. on his
Journey toward Strelsau. tho capital of Kuritania.
Rudolf rides In the same train with "a beautiful
woman. Antoinette de Mauban. who is much ad-
mircd by n friend Of Rudolf. at present domicilcd
In Paris. The coronation Of the King OF Buutania
II near ut hand. and Rudolf therefore. instead of
going direct 10 Strelsau, stops at a small place
nearby, whore the duke. Black Michael, brother
OF the king. has his castle. ul-In the woods uoNt
day Rudolf meets Colonel Sapt and Fritz Won Tar
Ienheim. both In the service OF the king Of Euri-
tsnta. They comment on Rudolfs marvellous rc-
semblance 20 the king. whom Rudolph later meets
and by whom he Is entertained loo a hunting lodge
There the king. after drinking "A bottle Of liquor
sent by his brother. Black Michael. is stupehci.
lN-The next morning. the day set Tor the corona
.svn; tne King Is sun unconscious. fuE and Snpt
think that Black Michael is responsible FOR the
KING . condition and that II ths monarch does not
appear at the coronation his brother will seize the
rcins of government. They therefore decide 20
make Rudolf shave and accompany them 20 Strol-
sau IN the guise OF the king. The king is left In
the hunting lodge In charge Of "A man whois known
TO- be Discreet V-Rudolf Is crowned king of Ru-
ritania- VI-Rudolf, Sapt ard Fritz ride hurricd-
ly back to the hunting lodge 20 get the real King.
There they find Josef. who rad boon left 10 guard
the king. murdored, and the king gone. NII-Thc
fIincess fl2via of the royal blood sends to inquire
after the health of Rudolf. whom she supposcs 10
be the king. Rudolf has an interview with Prin-
cess f1avia, whom he finds very fascinating. The
populace Is pleased at the attention he shows her.
Tor she Is exceedingly popular. Kan attempt
sHaue y uccOy Rudolf 10 his death. With tho aid
OF an iron tea table, with which ne routs his ass
saiiants, he %contrives his escape. Tho real king is
renewed 70 be in stone room in the castle Of Black
michael, who will kill him as soon as he shall have
got rid OF Rudolf. X-Rudolf. at a hall given I'M
honor OF Princess Flavia. Is about to propose 10 her
when ne IS Interrupted 10y Sapt. who has been lis-
tening. Princess Flavia receives an anony-
nous letter (really from Antoincttc de Mauhan)
warning heragainst Black Michael. Black Michncl
Is thought 20 have tired OF Antoinette and 10 desire
TO marry Flavia. Rudolf and his friends set oil
ostensibly on a boar hunt in Zenda. but in reality
10 attack Black Michaels palace in Zcnda in the
hope OF rescuing the king. - Black Mi
shaeIs castle Rudolf receives "a visit from three Of
Michaels adherents, LauenRran. Krafstcin. and
Rupert Hentzau. Rudolf lays a plot 10 get Johann.
one OF MlehaeIs dependents. 10 transfer his allie
giance to him Hentzau. who. with
theresto Of Black hichaols advirers. OF course know
where the real king is. pays another visit 70 Ru-
doh and audaciously wounds him. Johann has
swallowed Rudolfs bait and reveals many OF the
secrets of the real kings place Of c~oncealmcnt and
condition MV-Rudof and his friends make an
unsuccessful attempt to rescue the king. They
are forced TO admire the debonair bravery and
eoolness OF young Rupert Hcntzau. NV-Rudolf
receives a letter from Antoinctte de Mauban asE-
ing him TO rescue her from this don ~ u,tty41gv.rp 30