"The Prince of Nagato has just entered the palace," she gasped; "I saw him pass by with a guard of soldiers. He was loaded with chains; his weapons had been taken from him."
At these words Fatkoura uttered a loud shriek, and fell to the floor.
"Can she be dead?" exclaimed Tika, in alarm, kneeling beside her mistress.
She put her ear to Fatkoura's breast. Her heart beat rapidly, but her eyes were shut; she was cold and motionless.
"What shall I do? what shall I do?" said Tika, not daring to call, her mistress having forbidden her to admit any of the servants apportioned to her by the Prince of Tosa.
The fainting-fit lasted a long time. When Fatkoura re-opened her eyes, it was day. She looked at Tika for a moment in surprise; but her memory soon returned. She rose abruptly.
"We must save him, Tika," she exclaimed, with feverish excitement; "we must get him out of this castle."
"Has she lost her mind?" thought Tika.
"Come," continued Fatkoura; "let us see if we can find out in what part of the palace he is confined."
"Are you in earnest, mistress? At this time of day? The sun has not yet drunk up the morning dews. We should be suspected if we were seen walking so early, especially as you have never once left your room since you came here."