My horse moved freely under me and carried me easily along the grassy avenues.

It was hard then to be utterly despondent, hard to doubt skill of brain, strength of hand, or fortune's favor.
The castle came in sight, and I hailed it with a glad cry that echoed among the trees.

But a moment later I gave an exclamation of surprise, and raised myself a little from the saddle while I gazed earnestly at the summit of the keep.

The flag staff was naked; the royal standard that had flapped in the wind last night was gone.

But by immemorial custom the flag flew on the keep when the king or the queen was at the castle.