The intelligence brought back was astounding.

A civil war was raging in the city.

Boabdil had been brought from Guadix by the conspirators, the foremost of whom were the gallant race of the Abencerrages.

He had entered the Albaycin in triumph, and been hailed with rapture and proclaimed king in that populous quarter of the city.

Abul Cacim Vanegas, the vizier, at the head of the royal guards had attacked the rebels, and the noise which had alarmed the king was the din of fighting in the streets and squares.
Muley Abul Hassan hastened to descend to the Alhambra, confident that, ensconced in that formidable fortress, he could soon put an end to the rash commotion.