It was at this time that a most fortunate circumstance at once restored to him the confidence and affections of his people.

His stern uncle, El Zagal--once a rival for his crown, and whose daring valour, mature age, and military sagacity had won him a powerful party within the city--had been, some months since, conquered by Ferdinand; and, in yielding the possessions he held, had been rewarded with a barren and dependent principality.

His defeat, far from benefiting Boabdil, had exasperated the Moors against their king.

"For," said they, almost with one voice, "the brave El Zagal never would have succumbed had Boabdil properly supported his arms." And it was the popular discontent and rage at El Zagal's defeat which had indeed served Boabdil with a reasonable excuse for shutting himself in the strong fortress of the Alhambra.

It now happened that El Zagal, whose dominant passion was hatred of his nephew, and whose fierce nature chafed at its present cage, resolved in his old age to blast all his former fame by a signal treason to his country.