“So the king gave me to understand,” said Gorman, “He says his late subjects go about and plunder their neighbours impartially. They don’t mind a bit which side anybody is on so long as there is a decent chance of loot.” “The Megalians,” said Sir Bartholomew, “are a fighting race, and in the critical position of Balkan Affairs--a delicate equipoise--” He seemed taken with the phrase for he repeated it--“A remarkably delicate equipoise--the intervention of the Megalian Army would turn the scale and--I feel certain--decide the issue. All that is required to secure the action of the Megalians is the presence in the country of a leader, someone whom the people know and recognise, someone who can appeal to the traditional loyalty of a chivalrous race, in short----” “You can’t be thinking of the late king?” said Gorman. “They’re not the least loyal to him. They deposed him, you know. In fact by his account--I wasn’t there myself at the time--but he told me that they tried to hang him. He says that if they ever catch him they certainly will hang him. He doesn’t seem to have hit it off with them.” Sir Bartholomew waved these considerations aside. “An emotional and excitable people,” he said, “but, believe me, Mr. Gorman, warm-hearted, and capable of devotion to a trusted leader. They will rally round the king, if----” “I’m not at all sure,” said Gorman, “that the king will care about going there to be rallied round. It’s a risk, whatever you say.” “I appreciate that point,” said Sir Bartholomew. “Indeed it is just because I appreciate it so fully that I am asking for your advice and help, Mr. Gorman. You know the king. You are, I may say, his friend.” “Pretty nearly the only friend he has,” said Gorman. “Exactly. Now I, unfortunately--I fear that the king rather dislikes me.” “You weren’t at all civil to him when he offered you the Order of the Pink Vulture; but I don’t think he has any grudge against you on that account. He’s not the sort of man who bears malice. The real question is--what is the king to get out of it? What are you offering him?” “The Allies,” said Sir Bartholomew, “would recognise him as the King of Megalia, and--er--of course, support him.” “I don’t think he’d thank you for that,” said Gorman, “but you can try him if you like.” Sir Bartholomew, on reflection, was inclined to agree with Gorman. Mere recognition, though agreeable to any king, is unsubstantial, and the support suggested was evidently doubtful. “What else?” He spoke in a very confidential tone. “What other inducement would you suggest our offering? We are prepared to go a long way--to do a good deal----” “Unfortunately for you,” said Gorman, “the king is pretty well off at present. He got £6,000 three weeks ago out of Bilkins--the man who ran the egg swindle--and until that’s spent he won’t feel the need of money. If you could wait six weeks--I’m sure he’ll be on the rocks again in six weeks--and then offer a few thousand----”