“He has never shown it. He was cruel and unjust and selfish. He
treated us like vermin, and tried to exterminate us.”
“No one knows that better than I, unless it is Quizquiz himself. But
listen, and when you have heard my words you will understand; and,
understanding, you will agree that what we would do is for the best.”
Stanley then related how they had found Quizquiz in the crater, alone,
and with only a fragile bow and arrows, surrounded by strange and
terrible beasts, and of the courage he displayed in facing them; how he
had saved their lives when the tiger was about to spring upon them, and
how he had climbed to the ledge and voluntarily surrendered his crown
after acknowledging the wrongs of his past life. Finally, he told of
the months during which they had kept him under constant observation,
and of the decision they had reached regarding his future.
“Furthermore,” he concluded, “we have surrounded you with safeguards
for the future. The code of laws has been revised, and the
death-penalty abolished, so your lives are safe. Every person accused
of a crime or offense will be considered innocent until proven
guilty in a fair trial, by the regularly constituted court. The king
may suggest new laws, or changes in the existing ones, but unless
two-thirds of the representatives, chosen by the people, agree with
him they shall not be effective. But to all government there must be
a head. Quizquiz is your king by law and heritage. Respect him as such
and he will rule wisely and well in return for your devotion. We are
sure of this or we should not ask you to take him back.”
“Truly, the white man’s words are those of a god, and not of a mortal!”
Huascar exclaimed. “The things he says must be true, for have we not
had proof of his powers? To keep him here against his wishes would be
poor gratitude for his goodness--and, anyway, he would find a way to
leave us if he so desired. A great light is dawning upon me. Instead
of taking advantage of our helplessness, the men from the outer world
have made over our king and are giving him back to us. They could have
power and riches, but their unselfishness causes them to reject the
temptation. Let us kneel in gratitude and bless them.”
The words of Huascar had a magical effect, which only proves how easily
mobs are swayed provided there is a strong leader among them. As one
man the mass of people obeyed, and as they knelt Stanley spoke to them
for the last time:
“Receive your king with the acclamation that is due him,” he said.
Then Quizquiz advanced and extended his hands toward his people. The
roar that greeted him left no doubt in the minds of the Americans of
the success of their plan. So Ted came forward and placed the crimson
fringe on Quizquiz’s head; then he stepped back three paces, saluted
the new king smartly, and followed Stanley into the passage.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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