The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1920-07-14


All the good fellowship in the world.
however. could not permit royal scan
dals Of the past to be raked up at a
co. nation. Rudolf Rassendyll must
not show his face at this moment in
the capital Of Rudolf Of Rvritania.
"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 VII afte.ward." One bottle led
to another, until they were all as full
of wine az they had any right to be.
At last the king set down his glass and
leaned back in his chair.
"T have drunk enough said he.
"'Far be it from me to contradict
the king said I. Indeed, his remark
was most absolutely true-s0 far a. It
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 drugged7
The morning answered yes.
"'If he's not crowned today. cried
Sapt. I'll lay a crown he's never
crowned
"By heavens. whyr
"aThe whole nations there to meet
him; half the army-aye, and Black
Michael at the head-shall we send
word that the kings drunkr
."'That he's ILL., said I. in correction.
"Tllr echoed Sapt, with q scornful
laugh. They know his illness too well.
He's been i'll before! As a man grows
old he believes in fate. Fate sent you
here. Fate sends you now to Strelsau.
You'll gor
".Yes, I'll co. said l, and I turned
my eyes on the PROSTATE figure OF the
king.
| "Tonight,' Sapt went on in hasty
| whisper, we are to lodge In the pal
ace. The nome It 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"
| 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" 1.-THE play actor"
Rupert of Hentzau called him. when
he 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
instructing the English Rudolf most
infinitely in his past life, his family.
his tastes, pursuits, weaknesses,
friends, companions and servants-as
Ruritania knew them-the etiquette OF
the court, what would be expected at
the cOronation-and above all Of the
Princess Flavia.
"God save the king" cried the peo-
pie after the coronation had been safe
ly managed.
"God save 'em BOTH" whispered
Sapt as his mouth wrinkled into a
smile.
But If things went well at Strelsau
with Rudolf Rassendyll. now crowned
as Rudolf the Fifth of Ruritania and
the accepted lover Of the Princess
Flavia, fortune did not smile on the
other Rudolf at Zenda. For Black
Michael had had word from there that
cleared for him the mystery Of the
coronation. Riding as fast as horses
could lay feet to the ground. he seized
poor Rudolf Of Ruritania and held
him prisoner. But then ensued a pretty
pass.
AYE. but he can't speak," roared
Sapt in grim triumph. "We've got him
How can he denounce you without de.
nouncing himself This Is not the
king. because we have kidnapped the
king and murdered his servant Can
he say that? Hang me II Michael
won't expose himself. II he tries tc
expose you"
|. But the most difficult situation for q
. loyal gentleman-andt that was Rudolf
Rassendyll-arose from the Princess
Flavia. II had to keep the princess
devoted to me-and yet Indifferent t.
me; had to show affection for her
and not feel 1t. had to make love
. for another: and that to a girl who
I princess or no princess-was the mos
beautiful had ever seen. How sue
!, ceeded In carrying out my program
will appear hereafter"
How they fell in love. he with hel
! and she with him. Is part Of the story
} And how, forgetting self. he rescued
r the king. and robbed himself Of love
and throne and almost life. When h
had fallen sorely wounded:
"Frits," he called. us the king still
allve7"
AYE. friend-dear friend: :" said he
!. tender as q woman. 'thanks to tn,
. most gallant gentleman that lives. tn
, king is alive!"
Airs well that ends well. But o.
the Princess Flavfa9
IF can never hold sweet c0nvers'
again with her. or look upon her face
, or know from her her love. Why. then