The King's Talisman — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

THE KING’ S TALISMAN, 123 light. ‘‘'T’hese censors have obtained the affections of the people—they have insinuated themselves into the confidence of my subjects, and now, Nabal, they would use their influence against our peace. Let this thing be done openly —let it be done boldly. When you take them, proclaim it, if you will, that they are traitors—that they are conspira- tors! And if a man dares to even look resistance, cut him down.” | ‘Traitors! Conspirators! Moran and Velorus conspire against the city!” uttered the centurion, in blank amaze- ment. it ' ‘Ay, Nabal, they have been watched, and their temple -hath been locked against the citizens while they held secret converse with one whom I know to be plotting against the king. Is not that sufficient reason for their arrest? Go, centurion, and bring the censors hither as I have bid- den thee. ‘Take this signet, and let it be thine authority against all opposition.” As the king spoke he drew from his finger a massive ring and gave it to the officer. ‘The centurion received the token, and as he placed it upon his hand, the monarch added: ‘© Now go, good Nabal, and early on the morrow let me see thine errand done.” | The centurion bowed in token of acquiescence to his mon- arch’s command, and then withdrew from the apartment. Modad took several turns across the room after his officer had gone, and then casting one more look at his mutes, in which was a deal of threatening suspicion, he sought his rest for the night. Eomichooks.¢o