Manchurian Books

Now remember, Sir Merchant, that what I tell you is in
confidence, and should you break faith with me, I will have you hanged
if I become Emperor, or slit your throat with my own sword if I don't."
"Go on. I shall tell no one."
"I said to my jailer: 'There are not half a dozen people in this world
who know me by sight, and among that half-dozen no Elector is included.
Outside the Palace at Frankfort I am acquainted with a sword maker or
two, and about a score of good fellows who are friends of theirs, but to
them I am merely a fencing-master. Now, seven hundred thalers a month
pass through your honest hands to mine, and will continue to do so. Your
son seems to be even more silent than yourself, and he is a young fellow
whom I suspect knows the difference between a thaler and a button on his
own coat. If you do what I wish, there will be some slight risk, but
think of the reward immediate and in future! At once you come into an
income of seven hundred thalers a month. If I am elected Emperor, I
shall ennoble you, and present you with the best post in the land.


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