But there was no answer, nor did he discover the little Queen's hiding-place till an uncontrollable sobbing guided him to the spot.
The child was crouching underneath the polished stove with which in happier days she had so often played. Rollo took the little maid in his arms.
"Do not be afraid," he whispered, "I, Rollo Blair, am your friend; I will either take you to your friends or lay down my life for you. Trust me!—Do what I tell you and all will be well!"
"Your voice sounds kind, though I cannot see your face," she whispered; "yes, I will go with you!"
He lifted her up on his left arm, while in his right hand he held the knife ready to be plunged to the hilt into any breast that withstood him.
One swift rush and they were without among the reeds.
"I will take you to your mother—I promise it," he said, "but first you must come through the town with me to the Hermitage of the good friars. The palace is surrounded with wicked men to-night. We cannot go back there, but to-morrow I will surely take you to your mother!"
"I do not want to go to my mother," whispered the little Queen, "only take me to my dear, dearest Doña Susana!"
And then it was that Rollo first realised that he had undertaken something beyond his power.