Ender

The Prisoner of Zenda
Anthony Hope

1.- Plot: The Prisoner of Zenda tells the story of Rudolf Rassendyll, an English gentleman on visit for witness the wedding of the King in Ruritania. There, by reason of his resemblance to the King of Ruritania he becomes involved in saving the King’s Life and his throne from the King’s dastardly brother and his allies.

2.- Summary:

Rudolf Rassendyll’ssister-in-law, Rose, urges him to do something useful with his life. Lord Burlesdon, Rassendyll’s brother, tells Rassendyll that he has found him a job as an attaché to Sir Jacob Borrodaile, an ambassador to Ruritania. As the job will only start in six months, Rassendyll decides to attend the Coronation of King Rudolf the Fifth, which is to take place in Strelsau, Ruritania
Rassendyll leaves forRuritania by train. He meets his friend George in Paris. George tells him about Antoinette de Mauban who is also travelling to Ruritania on the same train. The Coronation has sbeen brought forward. Rassendyll is unable to get a room to stay in Strelsau. He decides to spend the night at an inn in Zenda, a small town about fifty miles from the capital. He hears about the King, Duke Michael/BlackMichael and Princess Flavia, and the fight for the throne. Johann, Duke Michael’s forest guard, tells Rassendyll that both Rassendyll and the King have red hair.
The next morning, Rassendyll takes a walk in the forest. He meets Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim. They serve King Rudold and are loyal to him. They tell him that he looks exactly like their king except that he has a beard. At thatmoment King Rudolf appears. He is stunned by the resemblance between himself and Rassendyll. The King invites Rassendyll to the hunting lodge where he is staying. They have dinner and a few drinks. Josef, a faithful servant of the King,walks in with a bottle of wine, a gift from Duke Michael. The King finishes the wine all by himself.
The next morning they discover that the King has been drugged.The drug was in the wine sent by Duke Michael. Since both the King and Rassendyll look alike, Sapt suggests that Rassendyll takes the place of the King and attends the Coronation. Fritz thinks it is a good idea too. Rassendyll agrees to take the King’s place.
Rassendyll shaves his beard and wears the King’s uniform. The King is hidded in a cellar and Josef is to look after him. The old woman whocooked or them is tied up and left in another cellar. They take the train to Strelsau. Several ministers and the head of the Army of  Ruritania are introduced to Rassendyll. No one realizes that he is not the real King. The Coronation procession begins
The people of the New Town give the King a rousing welcome. There is hardly any trouble in the Old Town. Rassendyll rides bravely down the streetsand wins the hearts of the townspeople. The procession stops at the Cathedral for the Coronation. Rassendyll is crowned King. Then Rassendyll meets Black Michael and Princess Flavia for the first time. The Princess tells him that she finds him rather different.
 Black Michael leaves for Senda. Both Sapt and Rassendyll also leave for Zenda .They use a secret passage to leave  the Palace. Theyride towards Zenda. Along the way they see Duke Michael and Max Holf [Johann’s brother] ride towards the Castle. At the lodge Rassendyll and Sapt find the cook missing and Josef dead. The King is missing too.
 
Sapt realizes that Duke Michael has captured the King. Sapt tells Rassendyll that he has to continue playing the part of the King until the King is saved. Eight of Black Michael’s men arriveto bury Josef’s body. Sapt and Rassendyll attack and kill three of them.A bullet hits Rassendyll’s hand injuring one of this fingers.

Rassendyll and Sapt reach Strelsau safely. Rassendyll carries out the King’s duties. Fritz informs them that Black Michael is back in Strelsau. Only three of Black Michael’s Famous Six are with him. Sapt believes that the King is alive and that the rest of the...