Page 42 - The Gluckman Occasonal Number Nine

Only one man remained. He was younger than the others, and
wore the simple yet stylish garb of a student or unemployed musician.
As he advanced toward the royal platform, the princess suddenly
stopped fretting. This the king did not notice, his eyes being glued to
the final contestant.
The youth bowed to the ruler, and smiled at Princess Nollimay as
he straightened up. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I am Bartlett
Greenleaf.”
King Conundra frowned; the crowd clucked its tongue and wagged
its head. Who was this upstart? Was he looking, perhaps, for a free
ride out of the country?
“Young man,” bellowed the king, “you are not known to me. Have
you no position in society? No great achievements in the world of
affairs? No academic credentials? No credit report?”