'Twere but a week later that, fully recovered and in perfect fettle, I
called my men together one morn as the sun rose. By that time I had
given them a sample of my brains through ordering a rearrangement of
their quarters such as made the same much more comfortable. Also, I had
dealt with one slight infraction of the rules in such a drastic fashion
that they knew I would brook no trifling. All told, 'tis hard to say
whether they thought the most of me or of Jon.

"Men," said I, as bluntly as I knew, "the emperor is an old man. And, as
ye know, he is disposed to be lenient toward the men of Klow; whereas,
ye and I well know that the louts are blackguards.

"Now, I will tell ye more. It has come to me lately that Klow is
plotting to attack us with strange weapons." I thought best, considering
their ignorance, not to give them my own reasons. "Of course I have told
the emperor of it; yet he will not act. He says to wait till we are
attacked."

I stopped and watched their faces. Sure enough; the idea fair made them
ache. Each and every one of these men was spoiling for a fight.

"Now, tell me; how would ye like to become the emperor's body-guard?" I
did not have to wait long; the light that flared in their faces told me
plainly. "And--how would ye like to have me for your emperor?"

At that their tongues were loosed, and I hindered them not. They yelled
for pure joy, and pressed about me like a pack of children. I saw that
the time was ripe for action.

"Up, then!" I roared, and, of course, led the way. We met the emperor's