e castle every day, but he is too
frightened to venture into the miserable old pile of stones. It is most
droll, your Excellency."

"Well then, Robledo, I am satisfied as far as that goes. But you have
work before you of a new character."

The swordsman struck a chair with his riding-crop. It seemed a favorite
stage effect with him; the Duke was not slow in catching its
significance.

"Just forget these little affectations, my good man," he said
haughtily. "None of this blustering around me. I know that you do your
work well, and at other times there is much to be desired. Now, in this
case, you have a dangerous man to combat. And the combat must be final,
no matter how difficult."

"How is he dangerous?" and there was a new note in Robledo's blustering
voice.

"Unless he is stopped he may cause trouble for the traditions of
Seguro. He is crafty as a _contrabandisto_, cunning as the snakes of
the Pyrenees! He has been brought here by my cousin the Princess to
make some special investigations." He laughed, with that cruel,
mirthless inflection so characteristic. "She should have left that to
me--and she will be sorry ere it is all over. This man has thwarted me
twice already. Coming over on the steamer from America the scoundrel
disappeared from the ship most remarkably, just when I had all arranged
to put him into duress in Liverpool. I have yet to learn the secret of
it. He must be discouraged ... you understand, Robledo?"

"Excellency, I can assure you that the Yankee pig will be convinced, in
a language which he will understand, that his presence in the castle
to-night is quite unnecessary. Have you any particular instructions?"

The Duke shook his head and grimaced suggestively.

"Any way you please, Robledo. You understand my general ideas on such
subjects. Means are of no consequence to a born statesman. Results are
the only permanent things in this world. However--I warn you. Don't
underestimate your man. He will shoot; I imagine that he can shoot
quickly and without a tremor."

"Ha, ha! Good opposition. I welcome such an antagonist--these
fat-brained peasants about here are too simple to stimulate me to good
work. I have been growing dull and commonplace--I am almost out of
training, as they call it in the bull-ring."

"Come then, and I will give Pedro some money to buy drinks for the
stupid dolts,--they can drink my health: it is none of the best these
days, Robledo. My American trip was wearing. I