"Possibly I can return him to you," answered the professor. "I will try, at least, providing you will grant a request I have to make."
This dallying with the royal prerogative was not well received by his majesty, nor by those around him.
"What request would you make, in case I was inclined to receive it?" asked the king.
"I would have you bring out the Bolla and allow these two gentlemen to take it in their hands."
The king gave a start, and a look of consternation overspread the faces of those in his retinue.
"Where did you hear of the Bolla?" the king asked sharply.
"In the other kingdom, your majesty," the professor replied.
The king was silent a few moments.
"We will take that matter up later," said he finally. "From whence come you and your friends? That point has been bothering me for some little time."
"We come from another planet which is called the Earth," said Quinn.