Alfonso agreed to do so, and in a short time the king and his nephew rode forth, Bernardo’s heart full of joy at the thought of meeting the parent whom he had never yet seen. As they rode forward a train came from the opposite direction to meet them, in the midst a tall figure, clad in splendid attire and mounted on horseback.

But there was something in his aspect that struck Bernardo’s heart deep with dread. "God help me!" he exclaimed, "is that sightless and corpse-like figure the noble Count of Saldaña, my father?" "You wished to see him," coldly answered the king. "He is before you. Go and greet him." Bernardo did so, and reverently took the cold hand of his father to kiss it.

This method of argument was too forcible even for the obstinacy of Alfonso. His counsellors, finding the kingdom itself in danger, urged him to grant Bernardo’s request, and to yield him his father in return for his castle.