While the Prince was in this suspense, a confused noise of voices
echoed through the distant vaults. As the sound approached, he
distinguished the clamours of some of his domestics, whom he had
dispersed through the castle in search of Isabella, calling out -

"Where is my Lord? where is the Prince?"

"Here I am," said Manfred, as they came nearer; "have you found the
Princess?"

The first that arrived, replied, "Oh, my Lord! I am glad we have
found you."

"Found me!" said Manfred; "have you found the Princess?"

"We thought we had, my Lord," said the fellow, looking terrified,
"but--"

"But, what?" cried the Prince; "has she escaped?"

"Jaquez and I, my Lord--"

"Yes, I and Diego," interrupted the second, who came up in still
greater consternation.

"Speak one of you at a time," said Manfred; "I ask you, where is
the Princess?"

"We do not know," said they both together; "but we are frightened