Now , when this happened the younger brother had spent all the money he had inherited , and did not know how to make any for himself . He then bethought him of the king 's favourite , and went whining to the palace to beg that his brother , whom he had so ill-used , would give him his protection , and find him a place . The elder , who was always ready to help everyone spoke to the king on his behalf , and the next day the young man took up is work at court . Unfortunately , the new-comer was by nature spiteful and envious , and could not bear anyone to have better luck than himself . By dint of spying through keyholes and listening at doors , he learned that the king , old and ugly though he was , had fallen in love with the Princess Bella-Flor , who would have nothing to say to him , and had hidden herself in some mountain castle , no one knew where . ` 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 XXXXX staring with surprise and horror .
Bella-Flor Jose drowned keyholes knave majesty new-comer sceptre sire wall