“The nearer steps,” he said to himself, “offer the most feasible opportunity.  I’ll try them.”

He counted his money, for here was probably a case for bribery.  He found twenty-four gold pieces, and some loose silver.  Returning the coins to his pouch, he walked to the land, and proceeded up the river until he reached a wharf where small skiffs were to let.  One of these he engaged, and refusing the services of a waterman, stepped in, and drifted down the stream.  He detached sword and scabbard from his belt, removed the cloak and wrapped the weapon in it, placing the folded garment out of sight under the covering at the prow.  With his paddle he kept the boat close to the right bank, discovering an excellent place of concealment under the arch supporting the steps, through which the water flowed.  He waited by the steps for a few moments until a scullion in long gabardine came down and dipped his bucket in the swift current.

“Here, my fine fellow,” accosted Roland, “do you wish to earn a pair of gold pieces?” and he showed the yellow coins in the palm of his hand.

The menial’s eyes glistened, and he cast a rapid glance over his shoulder.

“Yes,” he replied breathlessly.

“Then leave your bucket where it is, and step into this wherry.”

The underling, again with a cautious look around, did as he was ordered.

“Now throw off that outer garment, and give it to me.”

Roland put it on over his own clothes, and flung his bonnet beside the cloak and sword, for the servant was bareheaded.

“Get under that archway, and keep out of sight until you hear me whistle.”

Taking the bucket, Roland mounted the steps, and strode out of the 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.”