The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1920-07-09
URITANIA was not England, or
the quarrel between Duke MI
= nhaol md RndOlf RaSSpNdYll

- - chael and Rudolf Rassendyii
could not have gone on. with the re-
uarkable incidents which marked 1t,
without more public notice being d.
rected to 1t. 1t is perhaps as strange a
thing as has ever been In the history
Of country that the kings brother
and the kings personator, in time OF
profound peace. near placid, undis-
surbed country town, under semblance
If amity, should wage desperate war
tor the person and life of the king.
Yet such was the struggle between
Black Michael and Rudolf Rassendyll,
both Of the royal house Of Elphberg,
but Of very differing antecedents. The
,ne was well known to the royal pal
ace at Strelsau; the other was at
home at 3O5 Park lane, London. West.
The kinship between the two was quite
IN accident, dating from the year 1913,
Ehen dashing young prince. later
Known to fame as Rudolf the Third OF
Ruritania, paid visit to London.
There he was courteously entertained
and was great favorite with the
aides, especially Amelia. countess Of
Burlsdon, and Baroness Rassendyll. In
he end the prince left England rather
hastily under q cloud. but not before
ae had fought somewhat sanguinary
iuel with Countess Amelia's husband.
In the years since there have appeared
IT intervals in the family Of the Ras-
sendylls certain sons who have been
marked by the long. sharp, straight
,ose and the dark red hair Of the royal
house of Ruritania.
The years pass, many Of them, and
another Rudolf Of Elphberg is about
TO be crowned king Of Ruritania. The
same nose, the same red hair distin-
yuish him. The loyal hak Of the popu-
alton of Ruritania could not sleep at
aight till the coronation was safely
over. For the late king had left an
,ther son, by a second and morganatic
marriage, Black Michael, duke Of
Strelsau and lord Of Zenda. Though
Michael bore none Of the marks of the
Elphbergs, he had been his fathers
favorite. and he cast q longing eye or
the throne; all the cut-throats ant
olackguards of Ruritania seconded HI
wish, for Michael was a man aftel
their own hearts.
Curious that young Rudolf Rassen
1yll should be moved by an idle curl
,sity to witness the coronation Of Ru
iolf of Ruritania; still more curiou
hat he, too, should bear the familia
aose, the same red hair. So though
Colonel Sapt, aide to the king, ant
Fritz Won Tarlenheim. his close friend
- they came upon the young English
nan in the forest Of Zenda. maxim
lis way afoot to Strelsau. So. toe
bought the king when Ne appeared 4
moment later. But scandals Of tn
Dast can no more be concealed in Rur
ania than In England. As young Ra.
endyll later told tho tale. first tn
ding frowned. 'then gradually the col
sers Of his mouth began to witch. hi
lose came down Gas mine does when
augh). his eyes twinkled. and, behol'
se burst into the merriest At Of irr'
irresistible laughter, which rang throug
he woods and proclaimed him jovi,
Oul.
well met cousin! + b cried. stel
Ding w - ~, clapping me on II
sack, and laughing still. You mu'
1rgive me II was taken aback.
pan doesn't expect to see double [
Als time Of day. eh. Frit3r
II must pray pardon. sire, for u