"The Queen!" they cried; "they are carrying off the Queen!"
"What say you?" exclaimed the Prince, turning pale. "Then the Queen is not in the fortress?"
"She had no time to seek refuge there, she is at the summer-palace."
Without staying to hear more, 'Nagato sprang like an arrow in the direction of the palace, followed by such of his soldiers as were left,—scarcely fifty able-bodied men.
But they soon lost sight of the Prince; and, not knowing their way, went astray.
Nagato quickly reached the door of the summer-palace. Pages stood at the threshold.
"That way! that way!" they cried to the Prince, pointing to the road which led to the base of the mountains.
Nagato turned and put the spurs to his horse. Unfortunately the road was bordered by trees, and was very winding, so that he could see but a short distance before him. Nothing was visible. His horse reared, and sprang forward. To lighten its load, he throw away his gun.
After ten minutes of this mad race he saw the hind-quarters of a horse in a cloud of dust. The Prince was gaining ground; he soon saw a floating veil, and a man, who turned his head in alarm.
"What man is that who dares clasp her in his arms?" thought Nagato, gnashing his teeth.