a hugeous great State, and I can’t always tell
the right thing to do, and I haven’t time for
all I want to do, and here’s the winter coming
on and all.’ He put half his beard into
his mouth, and it was as red as the gold of
his crown.

“‘I’m sorry, Daniel,’ says I. ‘I’ve done
all I could. I’ve drilled the men and shown
the people how to stack their oats better, and
I’ve brought in those tinware rifles from
Ghorband—but I know what you’re driving
at. I take it Kings always feel oppressed
that way.’

“‘There’s another thing too,’ says Dravot,
walking up and down. ‘The winter’s coming
and these people won’t be giving much
trouble, and if they do we can’t move about.
I want a wife.’

“‘For Gord’s sake leave the women alone!’
I says. ‘We’ve both got all the work we
can, though I am a fool. Remember the
Contrack, and keep clear o’ women.’

“‘The Contrack only lasted till such time
as we was Kings; and Kings we have been
these months past,’ says Dravot, weighing
his crown in his hand. ‘You go get a wife