Manchurian Books

"Look you here," he said, bending across the table. "There is, of
course, one chance in ten thousand that you are what you say. I have
never seen the signature of the Empress, and such a missive could easily
be forged by a scholar, which I take you to be. If, then, you wish to
convince me, I'll put before you a test which will be greatly to your
advantage, and which I will accept without the loophole."
"In Heaven's name, let's hear what it is."
"There is something that you cannot forge: the Great Seal of the Realm,
attached to all documents signed by the Emperor."
"I have had no dealings with my father for years," cried the young man.
"I have not even seen him these many months past. I can obtain the
signature of my mother to anything I like to write, but not that of my
father."
"Patience, patience," said the merchant, holding up his hand. "'Tis well
known that the Empress can bend the Emperor to her will when she chooses
to exert it. You see, in spite of all, I am quite taking it for granted
that you are the Prince, otherwise 'twere useless to waste time in this
talk.


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