THE PALACE

At last they came to a great hall, full of people who seemed met for
some solemn purpose. At the door stood the Grand Chamberlain in lace
and velvet, holding in one hand his staff, and in the other an
hourglass at which he was gazing earnestly.

"What is this?" he said sternly, as the Captain approached with his
prisoners. "Do you not know that this is a moment of life and death?"

In a few whispered words the Captain explained matters.

The Chamberlain stared sullenly at John. "No more wizardry!" he said
at last. "We have had enough of that. The King has just passed
judgment on the sorcerer. In five minutes he is to die. The doctors
declare this to be the only hope for the Prince's life."

"Oh, let me see him! Let me see my good father!" begged John, clasping
his hands piteously. "I may yet save his life, I and these friends."

As he said this, John had a sudden thought. He fumbled in his bosom
for the silver Cross, and held it out with trembling hands so that the
Chamberlain could see it.

The man started back, turning pale and letting fall his staff of
office. "What does this mean?" he cried, "Who is this lad? How came
he by this token?"

Once more the Captain whispered to him. The Chamberlain looked wildly
at John, then at the hourglass, in which the last grains of sand had