ost Royal Mountain Man

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

The Alpine Mountains were one of the many attractions in Lilliland. People came from all over the world to hike and ski in the mountains. Most of them started in neighboring Switzerland and ended up in Lilliland where they enjoyed a retreat and spa to help them relax.

One day a stranger walked into Lilliland and he asked someone, “Where am I?” The resident said, “Lilliland.” The stranger asked, “Where is Lilliland located?” The resident said, “Next to Switzerland.” And his final question was, “Who am I?” For that answer the resident took him to the mountain rangers office.

Since the stranger was dressed in royal mountain gear, Professor Hamblin, the Baron’s chief advisor, was notified. A physician examined the man and it was determined that he had lost his memory and had amnesia. He was invited to the Baron’s castle for rest.

The Professor contacted his diplomatic service to see if any members of a royal family were missing. After a few days a report came back through diplomatic channels that Duke Alfred of a nearby country was on a hiking trip with friends in the Alpine Mountains and had been reported as missing.

An emissary was dispatched to Lilliland to see if it was, indeed, Duke Alfred. When the emissary arrived in Lilliland and was taken to the Baron’s castle, he was pleased to see that Duke Alfred was well taken care of and starting to regain his memory of what had happened to him while he was mountain climbing. He had a severe fall from one of the small cliffs and landed in a deep pile of snow below. No one saw him fall. He wandered around for hours and finally found a path toward Lilliland.

The Duke was so impressed with the fine hospitality that he enjoyed in Lilliland that he said he was going to send a present back from his country for all the people of Lilliland to enjoy, especially the young children that liked to play in the park. But that was all he would say about the gift so it would be a complete surprise for everyone.

The gift arrived and was assembled in the park for all the children to see, and ride, and enjoy. It was a carousel with horses that went up and down, and round and round to the beautiful music played by the calliope. As the Baron and Lady Angela watched, they said how wonderful a gift it was from Duke Alfred.