At the little inn in the forest I was informed I was just in time to see the coronation of the new king the next day.

The landlady and her daughter were very communicative, and, after the fashion of the simple, guileless stage peasant, instantly informed me what everybody was doing, and at once explained the situation.

She told me that the Grand Duke Michael--or Black Michael as he was called--himself aspired to the throne, as well as to the hand of the Princess Flirtia, but was hated by the populace, who preferred the young heir, Prince Rupert; because he had the hair and features of the dynasty of the S'helpburgs, "which," she added, "are singularly like your own." "But is red hair so very peculiar here ?" I asked.
"Among the Jews--yes, sire! I mean yes, SIR," she corrected herself.
"You seldom see a red-headed Jew." "The Jews!" I repeated in astonishment.
"Of course you know the S'helpburgs are descended directly from Solomon--and have indeed some of his matrimonial peculiarities," she said, blushing.
I was amazed--but recalled myself.

"But why do they call the Duke of Kohlslau Black Michael ?" I asked carelessly.
"Because he is nearly black, sir.

You see, when the great Prince Rupert went abroad in the old time he visited England, Scotland, and Africa.