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Martin Hyde, the Duke's Messenger by John Masefield
page 39 of 255 (15%)

"I think that disposes of your argument, Lane," said the Duke,
with a smile.

"It's a supposition, sir, against a certainty. I've told you of a
military danger. Falk, there, only tells you of a bare, military
possibility."

"But it's as certain as anything can be," said the man with the
eyebrows. "You can see. That's just what must happen."

"It is what may happen if you wait for a year or two, your
Majesty," Lane replied. "But a newly crowned King is always
popular. I doubt if you will find public opinion so much on your
side, your Majesty. No for a year or two, till he's made himself
disliked. They've settled down now to this usurper. They'll
resent an interruption. The trades-men will resent an
interruption."

"I think you over-rate the difficulties, Lane," said Mr. Jermyn.

"Yes," said the Duke, "I'm a great believer in putting a matter
to the test. Much must necessarily be left to chance. If we wait,
we may not find public opinion turning against our enemies. We
may even lose the good opinion of the West by waiting. Besides,
by waiting, Lane, we should lose the extraordinary: help of
Argyle's diversion in the north."

"Yes," the others said in chorus. "We mustn't lose that. A rising
this early summer, when the roads are good. A rising as soon as
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