At last the end came.

On the second of January, 1492, the Moorish king gave up the keys of his beloved city, and the great Spanish banner was hoisted on the highest tower of the Alhambra--the handsomest building in Granada and one of the most beautiful in the world.

The Moors were driven out of Spain and Columbus's chance had come.
So he appeared before Queen Isabella and her chief men and told them again of all his plans and desires.

The queen and her advisers sat in a great room in that splendid Alhambra I have told you of.

King Ferdinand was not there.