****************************************************** PR # 31546 We propose to observe a high-redshift (z=1.345) RASS selected quasar. This object shows a particular, extremely soft, x-ray spectrum and virtually no emission above 0.5 keV. Interpretation in terms of a s imple power law plus Galactic absorption model leads to an extremely high value of photon index (>6). An alternative scenario involving a bsorption on th eline of sight either intrinsic or intervening, provi des a more reasonable explanation for the observed spectrum.The disco very of several absorption lines in the optical spectrumm of RXJ 045 8.8-5411 corroborates the proposed interpretation. ASCA obs of the R XJ 0458.8-5411 will firmly establish the presence of absorp. features in the x-ray spectrum. We stress that this quasar would be the firs t in which succh features woul ******************************************************