I TALK WITH A TEMPTER
The death of the gentlemen in the fight at Zenda cannot be kept concealed and the public explanation is that they died in a private quarrel. Rassendyll is embarrassed by the arrival in Zenda of the perfect of police who at the request of the British ambassador is investigating the disappearance of Mr. Rassendyll. He says,
“A young country men of his, sir— a man of some position—is missing. His friends have not heard from him for two months, and there is reason to believe that he was last seen in Zenda.”
The perfect knows that Rassendyll came in Ruritania in the same train in which De Mauban came. He is told that De Mauban is at Michael’s castle and fears that Michael out of jealousy may have kidnapped the missing Mr. Rassendyll. Rassendyll, using his powers as king, instructs the perfect to leave the matters to him for next few days and return to Strelsau, Rassendyll meets Rupert in the street of Zenda— neither side dare attack in such a public place. Rassendyll comes to know that Rupert and Micheal are enemies because both are attracted by De Mauban. Rupert makes a dishonest suggestions to Rassendyll’s anger and says,
“Attack the castle boldly. Let Sapt and Fritz lead. Black Michael will fall, like the dog he is; the prisoner, as you call him, will go by Jacob’s ladder — oh, you know that? — to hell. Two men will be left — I, Rupert and you, the king of Ruritania.”
Rassendyll says to him that will he disobey his master, Black Michael and Rupert says,
“He gets in my way, you know. He’s a jealous brute! Faith, I nearly stuck a knife into him last night; he came most cursedly malapropos!”
Immediately afterwards Rassendyll receives through Johan, a note from De Mauban, who begs to be rescued from Michael and his gang.
QUESTIONS
Q1. Why does Rassendyll deny of inquiry about him in front of ambassador?
Ans. Rudolf Rassendyll denies of inquiry because he wants to rescue the real king first.
Q2. What offer does Rupert give to Rassendyll?
Ans. Rupert offers him to attack the castle of Zenda. He says that in this battle he and Rassendyll will alive so he offers him to become the king of Ruritania and marry with Princess Flavia and requests for De Mauban’s and his life.
Q3. Why does De Mauban write a letter for help to Rassendyll?
Ans. She has been imprisoned in the same castle and there is no one who can rescue her so she writes a letter to Rassendyll to help her.
