Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 44 — page 38: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE One thing you might do for me, Councillor,” I added. “I’m sure my brother will call a Council within the next hour or so. Be sure to attend it, and if you know of anyone else who might look on my recent doings without too much disapproval, urge him to attend also.” The old man shot me a shrewd look from under his bushy eyebrows. “‘I will,’’ he promised. “I will indeed.” After he had shuffled off, I sat for a long time, waiting. I pictured James stalking silently, unnoticed, about the palace. I wondered what he would say to Nara, and whether she would listen. I calculated that upon her re- action more than any other depended the success or failure of the plot. My next visitors were half a dozen young Argolan noble- men. Three of these were the boys I had spitted in the arm a few weeks previously. They stood in the doorway, shuf- fling their feet, and shouldering each other out of the way, and grinning. ‘*Well, gentlemen ?”’ I asked. “Do you come seeking further lessons ?” *““No, my lord,’’ one said. “‘The fact is...” he grinned, “We understand that the 37 LEVER AND THE FULCRUM King your brother might have, at present, some reason to be displeased with you...” “That is possible,” I ad- mitted. “That. being so,” the spokesman went on, “while you have recently taught us that we are not particularly expert swordsmen, there are quite a number of us here, and all very willing and eager to be of service to you.” ‘That is kind of you. Con- sidering the circumstances leading to my present trouble, it is also rather surprising.” *““Ha!”’ Another gave a bark of laughter. ‘“‘We have all at one time or another turned eyes in the direction of the Princess. No one had so entertained the court—or amused it—as you have.” “Thank you,” I told them. “You can do this for me. Wait outside the room where my brother will hold his . Council. When my robot enters, perhaps you will fol- low him? Once inside you can act as circumstances de- mand—a great deal of rattling of swords and stamping— you understand ?”’ They did, apparently. They prepared to leave, but at that moment the door opened of its own accord, and in tramped Captain Karan, in full comicloooks.conn