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Western and Russian envoys in odd alliance bullied and cajoled, but the coup leaders insisted on a new government more to their liking. Finally, the combined persuasion of the U.S., Russia, Great Britain, Canada, France, India and Australia paid off. Kouprasith announced that the junta would permit Souvanna to remain in office and that the coalition government would continue—though slightly enlarged and altered to meet the rightist demands for "greater stability." He did not explain just what alterations he had in mind. That decision having been reached, Kouprasith gulped a sleeping pill, and Siho went off to the Green Latrine nightclub to relax with a pair of lissome chippies.
Souvanna was persuaded to accept the terms. Still to be heard from, however, was Souvanna's halfbrother, Prince Souphanouvong, leader of the Pathet Lao. One of his spokesmen accused the junta of "sabotage" and indicated that the Pathet Lao was ready to make plenty of trouble. Souphanouvong could still refuse to stay in the modified government. If so, the demon under the Thai Dam temple may yet come forth.