Page:Roy Norton--The unknown Mr Kent.djvu/219

 "You leave Provarsk alone. He is doing just exactly what I foresaw, and what I want him to do."

For a moment they stared at each other, and the king was vexed.

"Come," said Kent seriously, "haven't I accomplished nearly everything I have undertaken? Have you lost by my suggestions? Think it over a minute, friend, before you reply."

The king did. Then, as abruptly it all recurred to him, his own desperate condition when first he met this man, the startling innovations, the progress they had made, their friendship, and above all, the strength and independence that this alien had taught him, he was ashamed of his own doubts. He made frank confession.

"Kent," the king said, "I'm still a—what you call a chump!"

"Nothing of the sort," remonstrated the American. "You're all right! Only you don't do things the way I do, and I think that when it comes to handling rogues, my way is better than yours. Now see here! This is what is going to happen. I am going to make our choice chancellor believe that he has it all his own way. Going to give him a lot more authority. Going to be blind and deaf, apparently. Don't you interfere. I'll let you know when I want you. Let him stir up his revolt. It can take but one course, that of [215]