"Well," said the scoffer, "it is only by entering the cave that he can
possess the talisman."

"But if he penetrates to it, his power is lost."

"A pretty talisman," said the other. "It is only of use to anybody so
long as no one sees it. Were I the king I would hold it in my hands. And I
have counselled him to heed no graybeards, but to seize the treasure for
himself. I have offered to accompany him."

"May it please your lordship," said the eager Luis, "may I go with you?"

"Yes," said Don Alonzo de Carregas, turning to the ardent boy. "Where the
king goes I go, and where I go thou shalt be my companion. See, senors,"
he said, turning to the others, "how the ready faith of boyhood puts your
fears to shame. To his Majesty the terrors of this goblin cave are but a
jest which frightens the old and only rouses the young to courage. The
king may find the recesses of the cavern filled with gold and jewels; he
who goes with him may share them. This boy is my first recruit: who
follows?"

By this time a whole group of courtiers, young and old, had assembled
about Don Alonzo, and every man below thirty years was ready to pledge
himself to the enterprise. But the older courtiers and the archbishop
Oppas were beseeching the king to refrain. "Respect, O king," they said,
"the custom held sacred by twenty-seven of thy predecessors. Give us but
an estimate of the sum that may, in thy kingly mind, represent the wealth
that is within the cavern walls, and we will raise it on our own domains,
rather than see the sacred tradition set at nought." The king's only
answer was, "Follow me," Don Alonzo hastily sending the boy Luis to