Connecticut western news., 1920-07-15

"sBy heaven you'll always enjoy the kings countenance,' he laughed whether like 1t or not"
 All the good fellowship in the world, however, could not permit royal scan- dals of the past to be raked up at a coronation. Rudolf RassendyIl must not show his face at this moment in the capital of Rudolf of Rlritania. But by thunder" cried the king, ''you shan't leave Ruritania today. For you shall dine with me tonight, happen what will afterward."
 That was just the trouble, "happen what will afterward." One bottle lcd to another, until they were all as full of wine as they had any right to be. At last the king set down his glass tnf leaned back in his chair.
 "T have drunk enough said he.
 "'Far be 1t from me to contradict the king said I. Indeed, his remark was most absolutely true-so far as 1t went. But still another bottle-this from Black Michael, praying that he drink for the love that he bears his brother. Could the king refuse7 He could not. Was the wine drugged? The morning answered yes.
 "Tf he's not crowned today cried Sapt, I'll lay crown he's never crowned
 "fBy heavens, whyf
 "sThe whole nations there to meet him; half the army-aye, and Black Michael at the head-shall we send word that the kings drunkf
 "'That he's Ill., said I, in correction.
 "Tllr echoed Sapt, with a scornful laugh. They know his illness too we'll. He's been i'll beforel AS man grows old he believes in fate. Fate sent you here. Fate sends you now to Strelsau. You'll goT t
 "'Yes, I'll go,' said I. and I turned my eyes on the prostrate figure of the king.
 "'Tonight,' Sapt went on in nasty whisper, we are to lodge in the pal ace. The moment they leave us you and I will mount our horses and ride here at a gollop. The king will be ready, and he must ride back with me. to Strelsau, and you ride as If the devil were behind you to the from tier.'" .h -t-
 So began those wondrous days of adventure which saw the throne of Ruritania occupied by an Elphberg with all the traces of the stock, though not "of the blood" "The play actor" Rupert of Hentzau called him, when le came to know. the secret, but "as good an Elphberg as ever sat upon it," declared Sapt at the end. The wild ride to Strelsau, with Sapt nstructing the English Rudolf most in his past life, his family, lis tastes, pursuits, weaknesses, friends, companions and servants-as 2uritania knew them-the etiquette of he court, what would be expected at he coronation-and above all of the Princess Flavia.
 God save the kipss,' cried the peo- ,le after the corosrdtion' had been safe y managed
 God rave 'em bothl" whispered sapt as his mouth wrinkled into r1llle. ss.~
 But if things went well at Strelsau with Rudolf Rassendyll, now crowned IS Rudolf the Fifth of Ruritania and he accepted lover of the Princess Tlavia, fortune did not smile on the 'ther Rudolf at Zenda. For Black iichael had had word from there that leared' for him the mystery of the oronation. Riding as fast as horses ould lay feet to the ground, he seized ,oor Rudolf of Ruritania and held i'm prisoner. But then ensued pretty ass. s- .s'f
 Aye, but he can't speak," roared ;apt in grim triumph. ''We've got him. low can he denounce you without de himself? This is not the ing, because we have kidnapped the ing and murdered his servant Can le say that? Hang me if Michael von't expose himself, if he tries to xpose you"
 But the most difficult situation for ,yal gentleman-and that was Rudolf sassendyll-arose from the Princess 'lavia. "I had to keep the princess Ievoted to me-and yet indifferent to ne; had to show affection for her nd not feel 1t. had to make love or another; and that to a girl who 'rincess or no princess-was the most | I had ever seen. How I sue | eeded In carrying out my program Vill appear hereafter"
 How they fell in love, he with her | nd she with him, Is part of the story. | md how, forgetting self, he rescued | he king, and robbed himself of love | nd throne and almost life. When he lad fallen sorely wounded:
 Fritz" he called, ''is the king still | live?"
 Aye, friend-dear friend;" said he, ender as a woman, thanks to the | nost gallant gentleman that lives, the | ,ingsis alivew
 AlIs we'll that ends we'll. But of |