Her eyes grew wide in wonder; but before she could speak he turned to the Guard, saying: "By heaven's pleasure I came in time to prevent any harm, except the loss of a necklace my sister wore. For as I rode up, I saw a fellow stooping down by her and fumbling with the clasp of her necklace. He was one of your troop, and had ridden out behind her, and he must have carried her off by force: now he was endeavouring to rob her, and as I rode up to him he sprang away from her, holding her necklace in his hand: but I leapt down from my horse and ran at him, and he retreated in fear. Then I drew my sword, and drove him back to the edge of the bluff: and then I split his skull, and he fell into the river, still holding the necklace. But, thanks to God, the Princess is not hurt. Let search be made for the fellow's body, for perhaps the necklace will be still in his hand." But one cried, "How came they here?" "Ah, sister," said the King, fixing his eyes on Osra, "how came you here?" Reading in the King's eyes the answer that he would have, she said: "The trooper compelled me to come hither with him, and he threatened to kill me if I would not give him my necklace. But I refused: then he drew a knife and menaced me with it, and I fell into a swoon, and knew no more until I awoke and found you here; and now I see that my necklace is gone." "Bring her horse," the King commanded, "and ride in front and behind. We will return to the city at the best speed we may." Then he mounted the Princess on her horse, and rode by her side, supporting her with his arm: and the troopers were some way off in front and behind. But the Princess felt the pin again in her hair, and putting up her hand she pulled it out, and she said: "He has given me back my pin." "Of whom do you speak?" asked the King. "Of Lord Harry Culverhouse. Is he indeed dead, Rudolf?" "Are you indeed still dreaming?" answered the King with a laugh. "What had that fellow to do with Harry Culverhouse?" "But the pin?" she cried. "My wife set it in your hair, before you started, for she wished to replace the one you gave to Lord Harry." "She did not touch my hair to-day!" cried the Princess. "Aye, but she did," said he. The Princess suddenly fell to sobbing; and she said: "Tell me the truth, tell me the truth. Surely it was in truth Lord Harry Culverhouse?" Then Rudolf drew very close to her, and said softly: