THE KING KEEPS HIS APPOINTMENT
Rassendyll is awakened by water by Sapt. He sees Fritz is in trouble and his face pale as he says,
“As pale as ghost and black as a crow under the eyes.”
He is told that they due to old wine the king has become unconscious. They all try to awake the king but all their efforts go in vain. Sapt is suggested to call a doctor by Rudolf Rassendyll but Sapt says,
“There’s none within ten miles, and a thousand doctors wouldn’t take him to Strelsau today, I know the look of it. He’ll not move for six or seven hours yet.”
Fritz says that they should send a message that king is ill and is not able to come for coronation. Sapt says,
“If he is not crowned today, I’ll lay a crown he’s never crowned.”
Sapt makes Rudolf Rassendyll agree to impersonate as king. In the beginning Rudolf Rassendyll denies but agrees at last for the sake of king and for the people of Ruritania till king restores his health. Sapt says,
“Fate sent you here. Fate sends you to Strelsau.”
Then, Rassendyll disguises as king, they leave Rudolf Elphberg in wine cellar and Josef is given duty to guard the king. Rassendyll is shaved. Josef ‘s mother listens their talks and Fritz ties her with rope. During journey they come to know that Rudolf Rassendyll does not belong to Roman Catholic so Sapt keeps him inform about the sect of Roman Catholic and about the king’s habits. When they reach Strelsau they are welcomed with a vast crowd of people amid the slogans of
“God save the King, God save the King.”
While Sapt says,
“God save them both.”
QUESTIONS
Q1. Why does Rudolf Elphberg become unconscious?
Ans. Rudolf Elphberg is presented old red wine by Josef that is the special gift from his brother, Duke Michael. Rudolf Elphberg drinks the whole bottle of wine and due to old wine he loses his conscious and becomes unconscious and faint.
Q2. Who impersonate as king?
Ans. With the permission of Colonel Sapt and Fritz, Rudolf Rassendyll, who is very much resembled to Rudolf Elphberg, plays his role as king.
