Page:The world set free.djvu/200

 "When would you want to have this search?"

The ex-king was radiant. "We couldn't possibly do it until the day after to-morrow," he said.

"Just the capital?"

"Where else?" asked the ex-king, still more cheerfully.

"For my own part," said the ex-king confidentially, "I think the whole business ridiculous. Who would be such a fool as to hide atomic bombs? Nobody. Certain hanging if he's caught—certain, and almost certain blowing up if he isn't. But nowadays I have to take orders like the rest of the world. And here I am."

The king thought he had never met such detestable geniality. He glanced at Pestovitch, who nodded almost imperceptibly. It was well, anyhow, to have a fool to deal with. They might have sent a diplomatist. "Of course," said the king, "I recognise the overpowering force—and a kind of logic—in these orders from Brissago."

"I knew you would," said the ex-king, with an air of relief, "and so let us arrange"

They arranged with a certain informality. No Balkan aeroplane was to adventure into the air until the search was concluded, and meanwhile the fleets of the world government would soar and circle in the sky. The towns were to be placarded with offers of reward to any one who