he trunk, whistled with typical American lack of
reverence. As the nobleman turned about, he found himself looking into
the barrel of the revolver. A quizzical smile played about the firm
lines of the Kentuckian's mouth.

"Don't be in too big a hurry, your Excellency. The captain is apt to be
busy just now. And besides, he may not believe in ghosts!"

X

A WAGER WITH THE DUKE

What a curious sea voyage!

The Duke's attempt to warn the captain of the nature of this one
particular passenger never eventualized. When the _Mauretania_ had
finally left behind all sight of America, Jarvis relaxed his severity.

"You may enjoy yourself, Excellency," he said, as he put away the
revolver. "But I would like to speak to you alone. As the
representative of the Princess, on a most important mission, I am
compelled to look after her interests in a definite manner."

He faced the girl meaningly.

"Will you excuse us for a moment's interchange of pleasantries?"

She nodded, and retired to her bedroom with Nita.

"What do you want, you scoundrel? I know that you are an impostor--a
make-believe, and worse!"

"Take it easy, Duke. I'm really not too enthusiastic over you. But this
Colt revolver is not a make-believe. I am only going to bother your
aristocratic memory with this one little idea--that if there is any
reporting to the captain or ship's officers, to interfere with my
services as Ghost Breaker for the royal house of Aragon, there is going
to be a nice band concert in the public square of your native town--and
the special number on the programme will be the 'Dead March from Saul,'
with pretty black crepe on the ducal doorknob! Do you catch my
meaning?"

"You Yankee pig!"

"I'm not a Yankee--I'm a Johnny Reb, by birth and education. But both
Yankees and Rebels acquired a reputation for marksmanship about fifty
years ago." The jest died out of his voice. "One whimper from you, damn
you, and I'll shoot you as I would a mad dog!"

There was such a savage rasp in that mellow Southern voice that the
Duke instinctively dodged backward, as though expecting the first
volley.

"We shall see what we shall see!" were his final words. "And if I see
you about the cabin of my cousin again,--well, perhaps the officers of
this ship may take a hand."

Warren pursed his lips into an ironical grin.

"You know, a member of my profession doesn't take a solemn oath to wait
until the remains are resting in pieces: it might