"There is the King's Law," Civek said. "We decree bank robbery a crime, together with all other offenses against the county, state and country which are not specifically covered in Superior's statutes." "Retroactively?" Lynch asked. "Of course. We will now pronounce sentence. First, restitution of the money, except for ten per cent to the King's Bench. Second, indefinite paralysis for Negus. We'll straighten out his arms and legs so he'll take up less room. Third, probation for Hank Stacy here, with a warning to him to stay out of bad company. Court's adjourned." Civek wouldn't say where he'd got the costume or the coach-and-six or the paralyzing scepter. He refused to say where the two kangaroo-like creatures had taken him. He allowed his ermine to be fingered, holding the scepter out of reach, talked vaguely about better times to come now that Superior was a monarchy, then ordered his coach. By royal decree Hank Stacy, who had been inching toward the door, became royal coachman, commanded to serve out his probation in the king's custody. Stacy drove Civek home. No one seemed to remember who had been at the reins when the coach first appeared. IX Ed Clark was setting type for an extra when Don and Alis visited his shop. KING'S IN BUSINESS, the headline said. "You don't sound like a loyal subject," Don said. "Can't say I am," Clark admitted. "Guess I won't get to be a royal printer." "What's the story about?" Alis asked. "The splendid triumph of justice in court this morning?" "No. Everybody knows all about that already. I've got the inside story--what happens next. Just like _The New York Times_." "Where'd you get it?" Don asked. Clark winked. "Like Scotty Reston, I am not at liberty to divulge my sources. Let's just say it was learned authoritatively." "Well," Alis said, "what does happen next?" "'His Unconstitutional Majesty, King Hector I, will attempt to prop up his shaky monarchy by seeking an ambassador from the United States, the _Sentry_ learned today. Such recognition, if obtained, would be followed immediately by a demand for "foreign aid." "'It is the thesis of the self-proclaimed king--known until 24 hours ago as just plain Hector--that the satellite status of Superior, the traveling townoid, makes it a potentially effective arm of U. S. diplomacy. King Hector will point out to the State Department the benefits of bolstering Superior's economy, especially during its expected foray over Europe and, barring such misfortune as being shot down en route, into the Soviet domain. "'The King will not suggest in so many words that Superior would make a good spy platform, but the implication is there. It will also be implied that unless economic aid--which in plain English means food and fuel to keep Superior from starving and freezing to death--is forthcoming from the United States, Superior may choose the path of neutrality ...' "That's as far as I've got," Clark said.