aware that it was intended for his own benefit--and that nothing more
intimate than the weather was under discussion. But it presaged a
prompt information to the "Ghost Breaker" in case he registered his
complaint. The Duke's methods of warfare were not of the
gallant-charge-against-intrenchments variety. He specialized in the
executive ability which directs the activities of other men; and so he
bided his time.

The fifth evening out from New York harbor--they were due some time the
following day in the Mersey, dependent largely upon the tide and
weather--he could stand no longer the evident growth of friendliness
between his cousin and her "employed" assistant.

Maria Theresa had forgiven the Kentuckian for his jest--without the
formality of an apology, because she was a woman. She had once more
yielded to her loneliness, and walked the wind-swept promenade deck to
discuss their common subjects.

As Jarvis bade her good-night and stepped into the shadow of the deck,
he observed the aristocrat knocking angrily upon the cabin door.

"Let me in, Maria," cried the Duke, in Castilian. "I must talk to you,
for your own good."

"I suppose that means my bad," muttered Jarvis. "I'll just smoke
another cigarette in the neighborhood, to see how things go."

The Duke was admitted--his conversation in the parlor of the suite
seemed to last for half an hour. At last the door opened, and he
reappeared. He was talking excitedly at the doorway.

"What I have said to you, I would say before him, were he not skulking
in his cabin, afraid of justice. He is a pig of a poltroon!" cried his
Excellency. "I wish he were here now, and I would tell it to his face."

The girl replied calmly--so quietly indeed that Jarvis could not
distinguish the words.

But he stepped forward, and laid a hand upon the nobleman's arm. Carlos
jumped nervously, as though bitten by a snake.

"Here I am, your Excellency. Let's hear what it is you have to say?"

The other swallowed his choler, speaking with difficulty.

"I ... I ... cannot speak on the deck of the ship!" he exclaimed.

"Then come into my cabin again," said the Princess with pardonable
asperity. "You may tell Mr. Jarvis your opinion of him now."

Jarvis gave the Duke an ungentle shove, with the result that the
troublesome door threshold again intercepted to demonstrate the laws of
gravity. The Duke sprawled most unromantically upon the deck inside. He
scrambled to his feet, muttering