"But I do not like locked doors, unless I know what is beyond them." He crossed the room again and called out to Mendoza, who answered at once.
"Mendoza, come here with me.

There is a door here, of which his Highness has not the key.

Can you open it ?" "I will try, your Majesty," answered the General's hard voice.
A moment later the panels shook violently under the old man's weight, for he was stronger than one might have thought, being lean and tough rather than muscular.

Dolores took the moment when the noise was loudest and ran a few steps towards the window.

Then the sounds ceased suddenly, and she stood still.
"I cannot open it, your Majesty," said Mendoza, in a disconsolate tone.
"Then go and get the key," answered the King almost angrily.
* * * * *.