FACE TO FACE IN THE FOREST
Rassendyll sees that the other side of the bridge is full of Michael’s servants. They have pikes and lanterns in their hands and Rupert on the bridge, holding at bay. They were outside the castle and do not dare to attack Rupert. Rupert gets some bruise in this battle. Rupert says,
“Michael, you dog! Michael! If you can stand, come on!”
A woman’s cry is heard that,
“He is dead! My God, he’s dead!”
De Mauban takes revolver and fires at Rupert but fortunately he becomes safe he says,
“Faith Madame, had your eyes been no more deadly than your shooting I had not been in this scrape — nor Black Michael in hell— tonight.”
At the same time Sapt enters in the castle with his party. De Mauban determines to avenge the Michael’s death and fires at Rupert. As she takes mire deliberate aim for her shot Rupert dives into the moat and swims away. Rassendyll swims in the pursuit and chasses him. Rupert takes the way of the jungle. Wounded Rassendyll cannot overtake him but Rupert seizes a horse from a farm girl and rides back Rassendyll. Rassendyll attacks him fiercely enough to wound his face and tells him,
“I killed three of your friends. The king was hurt by Detchard before I killed Detchard, but I pray that he leaves.”
Rassendyll fights Rupert for a short time and Rupert wounds him but when Fritz comes with his party equipped with revolvers, Rupert fleas away saying him,
“Au revoir, Rudolf Rassendyll.”
Fritz tells Rassendyll that king is alive.
QUESTIONS
Q1. Why does De Mauban fire at Rupert?
Ans. She fires at Rupert because he kills Black Michael and she hates him.
Q2. Why does Rupert snatch horse with the girl?
Ans. Rupert snatches horse with the girl because he is tire and Rudolf Rassendyll chases him so he wants to save his life.
Q3. Why does Fritz not chase Rupert?
Ans. Fritz does not chase Rupert because the king is alive and he is to save the lives of both Rudolf Elphberg and Rudolf Rassendyll so he leaves Rupert.
