` That will do nicely , ' thought the scoundrel , rubbing his hands . ` It will be quite easy to get the king to send my brother in search of her , and if he returns without finding her , his head will be the forfeit . Either way , he will be out of MY path . ' So he went at once to the Lord High Chamberlain and craved an audience of the king , to whom he declared he wished to tell some news of the highest importance . The king admitted him into the presence chamber without delay , and bade him state what he had to say , and to be quick about it . ` Oh , sire ! the Princess Bella-Flor -- ' answered the man , and then stopped as if afraid . ` What of the Princess Bella-Flor ? ' asked the king impatiently . ' I have heard -- it is whispered at court -- that your majesty desires to know where she lies in hiding . ' ' I would give half my kingdom to the man who will bring her to me , ' cried the king , eagerly . ` Speak on , knave ; has a bird of the air revealed to you the secret ? ' ` It is not I , but my brother , who knows , ' replied the traitor ; ` if your majesty would ask him -- ' But before the words were out of his mouth the king had struck a blow with his sceptre on a golden plate that hung on the wall . ` Order Jose to appear before me instantly , ' he shouted to the servant who ran to obey his orders , so great was the noise his majesty had made ; and when Jose entered the hall , wondering what in the world could be the matter , the king was nearly dumb from rage and excitement . ` Bring me the Princess Bella-Flor this moment , ' stammered he , ` for if you return without her I will have you drowned ! ' And without another word he left the hall , leaving Jose staring with surprise and horror . ` How can I find the Princess Bella-Flor when I have never even seen her ? ' thought he . ` But it is no use staying here , for I shall only be put to death . ' And he walked slowly to the stables to choose himself a horse .
There were rows upon rows of fine beasts with their names written in gold above their stalls , and XXXXX was looking uncertainly from one to the other , wondering which he should choose , when an old white horse turned its head and signed to him to approach .
Bella-Flor Jose death drowned knave left sceptre sire stables wall