Castelar used all his eloquence against the Italian candidate. “Who are these wretched Dukes of Savoy,” he said, “that run like hungry dogs in the wake of the coach of our Kings?” [Illustration: EMILIO CASTELAR] Courage was a great characteristic of young Prince Amadeus. When only twenty-one, in 1866, he saved a wounded soldier’s life by carrying him out of danger on his own mule, in one of the skirmishes during the struggle for Italy’s liberty. The young man’s calmness in the hour of danger was shown in 1867, when the boiler burst on the ship on which he was returning to Italy, after attending the function of the opening of the Suez Canal. The Count of Castiglione was killed, and the panic on board threatened more disaster. But Amadeus was cool and collected. He calmed the people and insisted on the sailors’ return to their several duties, and the ship was successfully brought back. Fortunately, the young Prince was allowed to marry the lady of his choice, who proved a devoted friend and companion in all the vicissitudes of their lives. When Signor Francisco Cassini, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, told King Victor Emmanuel whom his son wished to marry, the royal father said: “Do the young people love each other?” “They idolize each other,” returned the statesman. “Then very well; they shall be married,” was the reply. “It is not for me to stand in opposition to the sentiment of my son.” So the royal couple were married, and thus fate led to Princess Maria del Pozzo becoming Queen of Spain. Naturally, Amadeus was not attracted by all he heard of the country over which he was called to reign. However, when his father said, “Of course, it is very hot in Spain at this time, and by going there you would also run the risk of a disagreeable adventure, and perhaps even get a bit of lead in your ribs,” the natural courage of the Prince was stimulated, and he declared he would accept the invitation to the throne, come what may. As the new King of Spain’s wife had not recovered sufficiently from her recent confinement to travel, her husband went alone to Spain. Before starting for his new country, Amadeus said to his friends: “I go to fulfil an impossible mission. Spain, now divided into various parties, will unite against a foreign King, and I shall soon be obliged to return the crown they offered me.” [Illustration: AMADEUS OF SAVOY, DUKE OF AOSTA, AFTERWARDS KING OF SPAIN] However, the Italian Prince knew he had a valiant supporter in General Prim, who used all his oratory and influence to get the sympathy of his countrymen on the side of the new-comer. But, as we know, it was not the fate of the pioneer of Liberty to see the realization of the scheme which he had hoped would be for the welfare of the country, and on December 30, 1870, the day on which Amadeus landed on Spanish soil, Prim was foully murdered by Spaniards.