"We'll find out whether you are or not," came from the king. "This is an important matter, and I shall take no man's word for anything. Ho, there!" and the word-box was leveled at some of the retainers; "bring an indexograph, varlets! We will settle this question of veracity here and now."
Some of the retainers scurried away and vanished inside the palace. Presently they reappeared with the indexograph.
The professor was backward in facing the test—strangely backward, as I thought, for a man so clear-minded and conscientious.
"The test is not necessary," he demurred.
"Your actions are far from being open and aboveboard," remarked the king. "You must submit."
The royal eye was on the machine as the professor was tried out. The ideograph told of a truthful mind, sadly perturbed. The royal word-box chattered mirthfully.
"You are afraid I can accomplish my purpose!" laughed his majesty. "You are worried about your planet! Such a state of mind merely enhances my determination, for you, if I mistake not, are a clever man. You would not feel worried if you did not believe I could accomplish what I have in mind. But be at peace, my dear sir. You shall in nowise suffer. I will make you ruler of one of the captured kingdoms."
This was no lure for the professor. He maintained an attitude of dignified silence, watching the king with steady eyes.
"A wise general," went on his majesty, "always looks over his ground, as well as he may, before going out to battle. That will be advisable in the case of my present campaign."
"What do you mean by that, your majesty?" queried the professor.