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