76 LA PELEGRINA.
their
fighting however Philip still remained King of Spain, and the house
which he founded is now, in the person of the Baby-King of Spain, the
last reigning example of that mighty tribe of Bourbons which at one
time ruled over so large a portion of Europe.
During
the first years of his reign Philip v. had to fight for his throne, nor
was he invariably successful. At one time he was so hard-pressed by his
rival, the Archduke Charles, that he had almost to seek rufuge in
France. By the urgent entreaty of his ministers the King and Queen did
not actually quit the soil of Spain, but the Pelegrina did do so. The
invaluable pearl, along with the rest of the crown jewels, was
entrusted to a French valet named Susa, who crossed over the frontier
into France, kept his treasures safe until the danger was passed, and
then when the tide of success began to flow for Philip brought them
back again to Madrid.
This is the last authentic appearance of the Pelegrina in Spanish history. After this date,
