“What is all this about Prince Marcos?” asked Chick. “I don’t think I have ever got the story straight, in spite of all I’ve heard.”
“It can be told in a few words,” answered Nick. “Prince Marcos is the hereditary ruler of Joyalita, a small monarchy near the Caribbean Sea. He is a decent fellow, from all I’ve seen of him.”
“Yes, I understand that,” was Chick’s quiet comment.
“Well, there is a party of grafters in Joyalita who would like the country, such as it is, to be annexed to another one adjoining. That would probably throw Prince Marcos out, and his Cousin Miguel who has just got away from us on that boat, would be made provisional ruler.”
“I see. Miguel would get Marcos’ job. But what is this about Marcos wanting to get home by the eighteenth?”
“If he gets to Joyalita on or before that date, he will be able to use his power to prevent the annexation.”
“By a casting vote?” asked Chick.
“No. As head of the country and government, he won’t have to vote. His word controls the situation.”
“What they call a royal prerogative in Europe, eh?”
“Yes.”