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THE DARK CHAMBER
75

is no need for the application of any sharp methods to lay it low. So here I do my obeisance to you all. If you kindly allow me to escape I shall not inflict my presence long on you.

Kanchi

Why should you escape? We will make you king of this place—let us carry our joke to its legitimate finish. Have you got any following?

"King"

I have. Every one who sees me in the streets flocks after me. When I had a meagre retinue at first every one regarded me with suspicion, but now with the increasing crowd their doubts are waning and dissolving. The crowd is being hypnotised by its own magnitude. I have not got to do anything now.