“My loyalty was and is only to the right,” retorted Robert. “Your proposition doesn’t interest me.”
He almost forgot his personal fear as he realized with a thrill that Kharnov’s latest attack must have been successfully repulsed or he would not have made this offer.
“Beware! I am offering you your life.”
“I don’t care to buy it at that price.”
The emperor was patently more perplexed than angered by Robert’s rejection of his terms. His code did not permit of an understanding of anyone’s refusal of life for principle. He was concerned merely in deciding just what concession it was necessary to hold out to Robert in order to secure his acquiescence. A crafty thought occurred to him.
“You will also be given as many of the diamonds, so highly valued on your planet, as you can take with you. Does that interest you? Of course, I should require that two or three of my men accompany you while you were operating against the government’s enemies.”
An inspiration came to Robert. Once he got the Sphere in midair again—three or a dozen Martians—he might frighten them into submission and land within the city. It was worth trying anyway, and, if it failed, they could but take his life, which it seemed certain he would lose anyway if he flatly refused the emperor’s demand.
“You have the advantage of me,” he said finally. “I accept your terms. But my friend must accompany me to assist in the operation of the Sphere.”
“One of my men will assist you after you have instructed him. Your friend must remain a hostage till you have carried out your part of the contract. No harm shall come to him unless you fail.”
This put the matter in a different light. Here was an obstacle that would require real diplomacy to hurdle.