“Our work is finished. Therefore we shall return again to our own people.”
“And leave us to the mercy of Quizquiz the Tyrant? Never!”
“Wait! Quizquiz is the son of Huayna Capac, whom you all loved and venerated for his many noble qualities. Does it seem possible that the son of the Inca so justly beloved for his kindness, justice, and understanding should have inherited none of his father’s greatness?”
“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.