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SUMMARY

Chapter 1 (Rudolf Rassendyll)

The story unfolds with Rose (Rudolf Rassendyll`s sister-in-law), telling


Rassendyll that he needs to get himself a job.
Rudolf`s brother (Robert), finds an interesting job for him as an “attaché”
to Sir Jacob Borrodaile. Borrodaile will be the Ambassador of Ruritania in six
months` time.
Ruritania, located in central Europe is the only country, Rudolf has not
visited. So, he feels happy with the idea.
Rudolf decides to witness the coronation of King Rudolf the Fifth in
Strelsau, the capital of Ruritania.

Chapter 2 (Rassendyll Arrive in Zenda)

Rassendyll travels by train from London. The train stops at Paris, where
he meets his old friend, George.
Rassendyll sees Antoinette de Mauban, a rich widow, who is on her way
to Strelsau for the coronation.
Rassendyll notices that the customs officer stares at him. He thinks it is
because of his hair which looks flaming red.
The newspaper reports that the coronation date is postponed. The new
date is a day after tomorrow.
Strelsau is packed with people and there is no accommodation or lodging
available. Rassendyll decides to stop at Zenda, a small town, 50 miles away from
the capital.
Rassendyll learns about Duke Michael and the King is staying in the
Duke`s hunting lodge in Zenda while the Duke is making the necessary
coronation arrangement in Strelsau.
Johann, the Duke`s forest guard enters the inn and is astonished to see
Rassendyll. Rassendyll learns from the inn keeper`s daughter that the King`s hair
is of the exact colour with his. The royal family members of Ruritania have red
hair!

Chapter 3 (Rudolf Rassendyll Meets King Rudolf the Fifth)

Rassendyll goes for a walk and gets closer to the famous old castle of
Zenda. Rassendyll feels so carefree. He falls asleep after the tiring walk.
Rassendyll wakes up to find two men looking at him with deep interest.
They are Colonel Sapt and Fritz Von Tarlenheim, who serve the King of
Ruritania. Colonel Sapt informs Rassendyll that he resembles the King.
The Englishman (Rassendyll) comes face-to-face with the King of
Ruritania. Both of them look alike. They have the same physical characteristics-
red hair, long nose, blue eyes. They are of the same height too. The only
difference between the two is Rassendyll is bearded while the King is clean-
shaven.
Both Colonel Sapt and Fritz Von Tarlenheim inform that Rassendyll should
not go to Strelsau. His life would be in danger if he is seen in Strelsau.
The King invites Rassendyll for dinner. Black Michael sends a
complimentary bottle of wine and the King drinks it to the last drop.

Chapter 4 (Rassendyll Becomes Rudolf the Fifth)

Colonel Sapt splashes a bucket of water on Rassendyll to wake him up.


Rassendyll realize the King is drugged by Black Michael and is senseless.
The King is unfit to attend the coronation and Black Michael stands the
chance to be crowned as King of Ruritania.
Sapt and Fritz convince Rassendyll to take the place of the King and to be
crowned.
In the beginning, Rassendyll resists but both Sapt and Fritz coax him into
doing it.

Chapter 5 (Rassendyll Arrives in Strelsau to be Crowned)

Rassendyll`s beard is shaved to make him look alike Rudolf the Fifth.
Rassendyll puts on the King`s uniform and take the King`s sword and revolver.
Rassendyll, Sapt, Fritz ride trough the forest on their horses. Sapt
instructs Rassendyll, on how to behave like the King and what to do during the
coronation.
The board a special carriage at the railway station and heard for Strelsau.
They arrive at Strelsau and are welcomed by government and army officials. The
crowds cheer the King.

Chapter 6 (Rassendyll is Crowned King Rudolf the Fifth)

The coronation procession begins with bells ringing, bands playing and
people cheering.
Everyone is in high spirits in the New Town but there is dislike of the King
in the Old Town. The people in the Old Town prefer Duke Michael as King.
Rassendyll rides alone through the crowd in the Old Town to show that the
King trusts them. The cheering grows as the King passes through the Town.
The coronation takes place at the cathedral. The impersonating King
(Rassendyll) meets the beautiful Princess Flavia and the evil Duke Michael.
Rassendyll feels discomfort with Princess Flavia`s presence. She notices
a slight difference in the King. Rassendyll makes his presence in the palace.

Chapter 7 (Where is the King?)

Rassendyll and Sapt go through a secret passageway under the palace


into a quiet street. They leave Zenda on horses.
Sapt realizes that they are followed by Duke and Max Hoff (Johann`s
brother).
They reach the hunting lodge and find out that the old woman is gone and
Josef (the royal servant) is dead.
The real King is no longer in the lodge. He is missing!

Chapter 8 (Rassendyll Must Return to Strelsau as King)

Rassendyll urges Colonel Sapt to rescue the real King from Black Michael.
But Sapt remains calm and explains the situation to Rassendyll.
They must return to Strelsau at once and Rassendyll must continue to act
as the King. Otherwise, Black Michael will inform the people that the King is a
drunkard and he would be the next king.
Colonel Sapt explains further that as long as Rassendyll acts as the King
of Ruritania, the real king will remain safe.
Black Michael cannot kill the real king.
Rassendyll and Colonel Sapt teach a lesson to the group of eight
horsemen. They killed three of them.
Rassendyll`s finger is injured by a bullet.

Chapter 9 (The Famous Six)

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 the
Famous Six are with him.
Sapt believes that the King is alive and that the rest of the Famous Six are
guarding him.
Rassendyll leaves for an appointment with Princess Flavia.
Chapter 10 (Rassendyll Meets Black Michael)

Rassendyll visits Princess Flavia with Fritz. He is in love with her.


Black Duke shows up at Flavia`s house and shows his hatred towards
Rassendyll. Black Duke ask about the injury on Rassendyll`s finger.
The Black Duke introduces three of the Famous Six to Rassendyll. They
are a Belgian-Bersonin, a Frenchman-De Gautet, and an Englishman-Detchard.
Flava reminds Rassendyll to be extra careful as he is in constant danger.

Chapter 11 (A Kind of Tea-party)

The King is held a prisoner of Zenda castle. A careful plan is needed to


save him.
Antoinette de Mauban sends and important message to the King
(Rassendyll). She wants him to meet her.
Rassendyll goes to her house and she tells him of the plot to kill him and
his friends.
Rassendyll finds out the location of the real king of Zenda castle from
Antoinette de Mauban.
Rassendyll encounters three of the Famous Six. They try to kill him. He
escapes using a round iron tea-table as a shield.
A shoot-tea takes place between Detchard (Englisman) and Rassendyll.
Detchard is shot by Rassendyll and moans in pain.

Chapter 12 (The Marriage Will Shortly Take Place)

The people of Ruritania are angry with the King for not fixing his wedding
date.
Sapt tells Rassendyll to ask the Princess to marry the King. Rassendyll
feels uneasy as he is not the real king. He wishes to be honourable.
Rassendyll dances with Flavia and in the garden tell her that he loves her
with all his heart.
Flavia feels very happy that the King (Rassendyll) loves her.

Chapter 13 (Love or Honour)

Rassendyll is confused. He is torn between love and honour. On the one


hand, he loves Flava and on the other hand, his mission to save the rightful King
to the throne.
Rassendyll chooses to honour his word to save the King. Rassendyll is
determined to save the King and urges Colonel Sapt to start the rescue efforts
immediately.
He informs Flavia, who is deeply hurt by his hunting plans. Flavia reminds
him to be extra careful once she knows that the hunting trip is to get Black
Michael.
Rassendyll, Colonel Sapt, Fritz, and ten gentlemen leave Strelsau. They
reach the Castle of Tarlenheim which belongs to Fritz`s uncle. The castle is
located five miles from the Castle of Zenda.

Chapter 14 (Rassendyll Revisits the Inn in Zenda)

Black Michael knows of Rassendyll`s visit to Zenda and sends his


messengers to meet him.
Rassendyll visits the Inn in Zenda to meet the inn keeper`s daughter. The
girl in the inn recognizes Rassendyll. He asks her to help him. Rassendyll tells
her to get Johann to meet her at the bridge at ten o`clock at night.
Colonel Sapt meets Rassendyll and Fritz to inform them that one of the
ten gentlemen is nearly killed.
Rassendyll learns that the bullet is meant for him. He feels even worse
and knows that Ruritania would be peaceful if the six culprits with Black Michael
are no longer around.
Chapter 15 (Rassendyll Narrowly Escapes Death)

Rupert of Hentzau (one of the Famous Six) arrives to meet Rassendyll


with a message from Black Michael.
Rassendyll and Rupert`s discussion turns sour. Rupert tries to kill
Rassendyll by stabbing him with a dagger. Rassendyll moves quickly and is
struck on his left shoulder. Rupert escapes while Rassendyll feels weak as a lot
of blood is lost.
Rassendyll learns of Black Michael`s evil plot from Johann. If any attempt
is made to save the King, one of the Famous Six will kill the King and throw his
body into the moat. The body will be thrown into the moat through a pipe.
The King is held captive in the Castle of Zenda and Rassendyll needs to
work out a very good plan to rescue him.

Chapter 16 (Murder in the Moat)

Princess Flavia hearts that the King is ill and visits him in Castle
Tarlenheim. Rassendyll, Colonel Sapt, Fritz and six horsemen set out to the
Castle of Zenda.
Rassendyll swims across the moat to the wall of the old castle. He
examines yhe pipe to know if there is any way to get into the old castle.
Rassendyll kills Max Hoff, one of the Famous Six, while he is asleep. He is
also hears the King`s voice but is unable to get the King. The place is heavily
guarded. Rassendyll and Sapt hide Max Hoff`s body under some trees.
Rassendyll comforts Rupert of Hentzau but he escapes. Three of
Rassendyll`s and Black Michael`s men are killed in the clash.
Chapter 17 (Rupert of Hentzau and Madam De Mauban)

The Chief of Police of Ruritania informs the King that an Englishman


Rudolf Rassendyll is missing. He suspects that the person is a prisoner in the
Zenda Castle.
This makes matters more complicated. The situation is more dangerous
for Rassendyll. He orders the Chief of Police to return to Strelsau at once.
Rupert of Hentzau is present at a funeral procession informs Princess
Flavia that his friends is dead.
Rupert and Rassendyll have a serious discussion. Rassendyll offers to
pardon him if he helps to save the King. Rupert wants Rassendyll to order his
men to attack the castle. He wishes for Rassendyll`s men and Black Michael to
die. So, he will be rich and powerful.
Rassendyll receives a message from Madam Antoinette. She asks
Rassendyll to rescue her from the Castle in return for her favour.

Chapter 18 (Rassendyll Makes a Plan)

The wedding date is fixed. The King has to be rescued before the
wedding.
The Duke is furious about the news of the wedding. There are more
quarrels among Duke, Antoinette and Rupert of Hentzau.
The King is very ill. A doctor who is attending to the king is also a prisoner
at the Castle.
Rassendyll plans to rescue the King the next morning.

Chapter 19 (Rupert of Hentzau Also Makes a Plan)

Rassendyll, Sapt and Fritz carry out their plan to rescue the King.
Rassendyll sets out alone. He reaches Zenda Castle and climbs down into the
moat.
Rassendyll sees Rupert of Hentzau in Antoinette`s room. She is angry.
Black Michael comes into Antoinette`s room and Rupert leaves.
Rupert and De Gautet leave the Castle. Then Rassendyll sees Rupert in
the moat. Rupert swims in the direction of Antoinette`s room.

Chapter 20 (Rassendyll Fights Bravely to Save the King)

The light goes out in Antoinette`s window and a terrible scream is heard.
The Duke and Rupert start fighting in Antoinette`s room. Other men join in the
fight.
Rupert jumps out the window and into the moat. Rassendyll kills De
Gautet. He takes the keys from De Gautet and goes to save the King.
Rassendyll also kills Bersonin and Decthard. Rassendyll is wounded.

Chapter 21 (Danger for Rassendyll and Danger for Rupert of


Hentzau)

Duke Michael is dead and Rupert is pleased. Sapt and his party reach the
New Castle.
Antoinette shoots at Rupert but she misses. Rupert runs away. Rassendyll
though very weak and chases after Rupert.
Rassendyll attacks Rupert and he almost gets killed. Fritz reaches them in
time to save Rassendyll and Rupert escapes.

Chapter 22 (I Am Not the King)

The King is safe. Rassendyll gets he full story from Antoinette De Mauban
on what happened in the castle.
Fritz and Sapt inform the King of the situation in Zenda Castle. The
Princess, Marshal and guards arrives at Zenda to see the King.
Princess Flavia meets Rassendyll and finds out the truth. But she faints
upon hearing that Rassendyll is not the real king.

Chapter 23 (Honour Must Come Before Love)

Rassendyll meets the real King (Rudolf the Fifth). The King appreciates
Rassendyll`s efforts to save him and his kingdom.
Rassendyll meets Flavia and confesses his love for her. She does the
same. However, between love and honour, both choose honour.
Rassendyll keeps his word to save the King and country. While Princess
Flavia honours her country and knows of her duty towards her country.
Rassendyll, Sapt and Fritz ride through out the night and reach the border
of Ruritania. He leaves Ruritania.

Chapter 24 (The Adventure Is Over)

Rassendyll stays for a while in the Alps and goes back to England. He
declines the offer to be the “attaché” of Sir Jacob Borrodaile, Ambassador to
Ruritania.
He lives a quiet life in the country. He is still in love with Princess Flavia.
Once a year, Rassendyll travels to small town outside Ruritania to meet
Fritz and his wife. They talk about old times.
Every year, Queen Flava and Rassendyll exchange red roses. To
Rassendyll, Princess Flavia is the Queen of Ruritania – the Queen of his heart.

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