M. Zanoff abruptly replied:  “Your Majesty knows that we have not come here to talk about the harvest, but of something far more important at present, namely, the policy of your Government, which is on the point of ruining our country.  We can on no account approve the policy that is anti-Russian.  If the Crown and M. Radoslavoff persist in their policy we shall not answer for the consequences.  We have not desired to seek out those responsible for the disaster of 1913, because other grave events have been precipitated.  But it was a disaster due to criminal folly.  It must not be repeated by an attack on Serbia by Bulgaria, as seems contemplated by M. Radoslavoff, and which according to all appearances, has the approval of your Majesty.  It would be a premeditated crime, and deserve to be punished.”

The King hesitated a moment, and then held out his hand to M. Zanoff, saying:  “All right.  At all events I thank you for your frankness.”  Then, approaching M. Stambulivski, he repeated to him his question about the harvest.

M. Stambulivski, as a simple peasant, at first allowed himself to be led into a discussion of this secondary matter, and had expressed the hope that the prohibition on the export of cereals would be removed, when he suddenly remembered, and said:  “But this is not the moment to speak of these things.  I again repeat to your Majesty that the country does not want a policy of adventure which cost it so dear in 1913.  It was your own policy too.  Before 1913 we thought you were a great diplomatist, but since then we have seen what fruits your diplomacy bears.  You took advantage of all the loopholes in the Constitution to direct the country according to your own views.  Your Ministers are nothing.  You alone are the author of this policy and you will have to bear the responsibility.”

The King replied frigidly, “The policy which I have decided to follow is that which I consider the best for the welfare of the country.”

“It is a policy which will only bring misfortune,” replied the sturdy Agrarian.  “It will lead to fresh catastrophes, and compromise not only the future of our country, but that of your dynasty, and may cost you your head.”

It was as bold a saying as ever was uttered before a King, and Ferdinand looked astonished at the peasant who was thus speaking to him.  He said, “Do not mind my head; it is already old.  Rather mind your own!” he added with a disdainful smile, and turned away.

M. Stambulivski retorted:  “My head matters little, Sire.  What matters more is the good of our country.”

The King paid no more attention to him, and took M. Gueshoff and M. Danoff apart, who again insisted on convoking the Chamber, and assured him that M. Radoslavoff’s government would be in a minority.  They also referred to the Premier’s oracular utterances.

“Ah!” said the King.  “Has Radoslavoff spoken to you, and what has he said?”