you had some
subtle method worthy of handling this problem, and justifying the
reputation for such work which you say you maintain through America.
You evidently propose to meet the forces of the supernatural with
firearms.... I may as well tell you that this specter has been shot at
before without the slightest effect."

The Kentuckian smiled gently.

"Quite likely, your Excellency. I have seen rifle-fire that had not the
slightest effect on a wildcat for the simple reason that the firing was
wilder than the cat!"

The Duke of Alva bestowed a pitying glance upon the weapon and its
owner.

"I'm sorry for you, Mr. Warren. You will find that the ghost is more
real than the treasure."

The Princess arose indignantly. She interrupted, with feminine betrayal
of her own hand.

"But the treasure is real, Carlos. Would I have crossed the ocean for
this locket unless I knew?"

Carlos looked at her sharply.

"I know I am right, now, Carlos. With the memorandum which I found
inside the old locket, anyone, a total stranger, could walk right up to
the very stone that hides it."

There was a meaning tone in Jarvis' voice, as he added: "A pretty
dangerous paper to have around--look out that somebody else doesn't get
there ahead of you."

The Duke shot back a quick answer to the message between the words:
"Yes, it is a dangerous paper--if it leads anyone into the castle."

"Well, despite the danger and the threats of--the ghost--I'd go a long
way for the fun of unraveling a good mystery with a little spice of
danger thrown in."

The Duke scowled, and then with a peculiar emphasis on his words drew a
newspaper from the breast pocket of his coat.

"You needn't have taken such a long trip, Mr. Warren. You are leaving
behind you, in New York, a very interesting and unusual mystery. The
papers are full of the story to-day.... It will interest you too,
cousin. You were stopping at the Manhattan Hotel last night, I
believe?"

"Yes," said the girl indifferently; but she and Jarvis exchanged
eloquent glances.

The Duke was reading with unusual interest, it seemed to Jarvis.

"Why, no..." he began. "I was so wrapped up in my baggage that I really
didn't have the time nor inclination to bother with the scandal of the
day. Tell us about it?"

The nobleman began to read:

"'Pistol duel in Manhattan Hotel.... Colonel James Marcum, a wealthy
and prominent Kentucky sportsman, nearly met death at an early hour
this morning i