"It seems a sound chain of reasoning," he said. Then he turned to the Public Prosecutor. "Have you anything to urge against it?"
"Only that, if he wishes wrong, we can't detain him, because of the young lady's wish," said that official.
"Daniel come judgment," cried the Chancellor triumphantly. "Heads win, tails can't lose. Younger prisoner wish."
He turned to Fiona and whispered to her, "Mind he wishes right."
Fiona started to go over to the Urchin; instantly the guard crossed their spears before her.
"No interference allowed with anyone who is going to wish," said the officer.
Then she tried to call to him, and found that she could not speak. It was like a nightmare. She looked helplessly at the Chancellor; he nodded, and spelt on his fingers the word "think."
Then Fiona understood what he had meant by asking her if she had any influence over the Urchin. She knew that she had a good deal; and bits of conversations with her father came back into her mind. She had made one bad blunder, and she had to correct it as best she could; and without more ado she concentrated her whole mind on taking possession of the mind of the Urchin. Could it be done at all? And if so could it be done in time?
The King stretched out his sceptre, and there was silence.
"The younger prisoner is going to wish," said the King. "Officer!"