Read the excerpt from "Damon and Pythias." Narrator: When Pythias was brought before the king, he showed no fear. He stood straight and quiet before the throne.

King: (Hard, cruel) So, Pythias! They tell me you do not approve of the laws I make.

Pythias: I am not alone, your majesty, in thinking your laws are cruel. But you rule the people with such an iron hand that they dare not complain.

King: (Angry) But you have the daring to complain for them! Have they appointed you their champion?

Pythias: No, your majesty. I speak for myself alone. I have no wish to make trouble for anyone. But I am not afraid to tell you that the people are suffering under your rule. They want to have a voice in making the laws for themselves. You do not allow them to speak up for themselves.

King: In other words, you are calling me a tyrant! Well, you shall learn for yourself how a tyrant treats a rebel! Soldier! Throw this man into prison!

Which detail best supports the inference that the king is afraid that his people will rise up against him?

(A) "Have they appointed you their champion?"

(B)"They tell me you do not approve of the laws I make."

(C)"Well, you shall learn for yourself how a tyrant treats a rebel!"

(D)"In other words, you are calling me a tyrant!"