de of him were rows of majestic columns, surmounted by gold capitals,
and now and again he thought he saw the forms of lovely young maidens
flitting among the columns.

Just as he was approaching a richly carved fountain surrounded by sacred
palms, a maiden of surprising beauty seemed to be addressing a Moor in
most impassioned tones, as if claiming his indulgence; but when Pedro
got up to them he discovered that both were the work of the statuary.

At every step the surroundings became more magnificent, and the carved
ceiling was of such exquisite workmanship that it seemed rather the
work of the loom, being so like the finest lace, than of the sculptor.

At last he arrived at the end of this avenue of columns, and noticing a
door in front of him, he opened it, and found himself standing on a
marble quay, against which the sea waves were washing.

Scanning the vast expanse of water before him, he observed approaching
him the same beautiful ship he had seen in the morning.

When the ship came alongside the quay, a sailor sprung on shore, and
made her fast by a golden cable; then, addressing Pedro, he said--

"I am glad you have not kept us waiting, for our royal mistress is very
wishful to consult you, as one of her favourite doves has broken its
right wing, and if you cannot cure it, the princess will die of
starvation."

Pedro made no reply, but stepped on board the ship, which soon got under
way, and within a short time they were approaching the coast he knew so
well.

Having landed, Pedro saw the princess seated on the sand, nursing one of
her white pigeons.

"Pedro of Aragon," the princess exclaimed, "a stranger dared to enter
my royal father's garden, and in assisting to water the pinks he trod on
the wing of my favourite pigeon, and he has broken it."

"Senora," replied Pedro, "the intruder did probably seek you, and had no
idea of hurting the lovely bird."

"That matters not," continued the princess, "for my principal supporter
is wounded, and you must cure her. Cut out my heart, and steep this bird
in my warm blood, and when I am dead throw my body into the sea."

"How can I kill one so lovely?" asked Pedro. "I would rather die myself
than hurt you!"

"Then you do not care for me, or else you would do as I bid you,"
answered the princess.

"Princess, I cannot and will not kill you; but I will do anything else
you bid me," said Pedro.

"Well, then, since you will not kill me, I order you to tak