“What is your pleasure regarding him?”
“Keep him prisoner—closely guarded. Feed him all he can eat and do not mistreat him in any way. He shall have a fair trial.”
“Why not have him brought here so we can keep him under observation and size him up?” Ted asked.
“I have no objection. Bring him to the palace. And now about the meeting: have all the nobles here to-morrow morning an hour after sunrise. Above all things, do not let out the secret that Quizquiz is here. That must remain absolutely unknown.”
Soncco, forgetting himself, bowed and departed. The two returned to their apartments and spent the day examining the wonders of the palace and in questioning Quizquiz.
The next day the council chamber was packed with the nobles who had been gathered together by Soncco. They formed a silent and expectant mass. It was their first official visit to the new sovereign they had chosen during the moment of darkness and terror when the eclipse had wiped out the light of the sun. Ted and Stanley felt the importance of the occasion. Their future might depend upon the way they handled the situation. They must impress the assembly favorably and more firmly establish their power over it. For these reasons they consented to use the thrones that stood at one end of the room, but were concealed from the assembly by heavy curtains.
Attendants drew aside the draperies slowly, and as the two Americans were revealed the nobles bowed low their heads in homage and reverence, nor did they raise them until Stanley spoke.
“Quizquiz is no longer king by reason of his desertion of his throne and because you, the nobility of the nation, have declared his reign at an end,” he said without rising. “By popular acclamation I have been chosen his successor.”
Not a sound interrupted the speech. All ears were strained so as not to lose a single word.
“My first and only desire in accepting the lofty office is to serve the people. This sounds strange to you. But the welfare and happiness of the nation must be brought about, and I shall work toward that end. In order to accomplish this it is only just and proper that the people should have a voice in their government through chosen representatives from the various districts. Theirs shall be the duty to meet and discuss the needs of the populace, and to advise the king of them, and to act with him in council. Therefore, the first step under the new régime is to secure these representatives.”