brilliant sunlight into the comparative gloom of the corridor that led
to the kitchen. He had been two hours with the merchant, and it was now
the time of midday eating. Every one was hurrying to and fro, with no
time to heed anything that did not pertain to the business in hand, so
placing the bucket in a darkened embrasure, the intruder flung off the
gabardine beside it, and searching, found a back stair which he
ascended.

Once in the upper regions, he knew his way about, and proceeded directly
to his mother's room, being sure at this hour to find her within. On his
unannounced entrance the Empress gave utterance to an exclamation that
indicated dismay rather than pleasure, but she hurried forward to meet
and embrace him.

"Oh, Roland!" she cried, "what do you here? How came you to the Palace?"

"By way of the river. My boat is under the arch of the servants'
stairway, and I have not a moment to lose."

"How did you escape from Ehrenfels, and why have you come here? Surely
you know the Palace will be the first place searched for you?"

"There will be no search, mother. Take my word for it that no one is
aware of my absence from Ehrenfels but the custodian, and for the best
of reasons he dare not say a word. Do not be alarmed, I beg of you. I am
free by his permission, and shall return to the Castle before he needs
me. Indeed, mother, so far from jeopardizing my own safety, I am here to
preserve it."

He drew from under his belt Herr Goebel's parchment, and handed it to