Kentuckian politely, yet eagerly.

"Pardon, senor, but I have a message for you from her Highness."

"What is it?"

"She instructed me to tell you that she would see you very soon."

"Thanks, senorita. And may I ask--who was the cheerful, frolicsome
individual who flattered me with that polite toast? Is he one of the
royal family, taking a little vacation in this neighborhood?"

The girl reddened, then laughed.

"No, senor. He is well known in this part of our country. His name is
Don Robledo."

Warren lit another cigarette, and studied her attractive face with the
gallant interest of a Southerner, who is always prone to admire beauty.
She was embarrassed, yet pleased, under the unmistakable scrutiny.

"Don Robledo. He seems to be well acquainted with you, senorita. Is he
one of the family?"

"No, but he wishes to be!" she snapped out. "And he shall never be
until he changes his manners and...."

"And his face? I don't really care for his face. If I were a girl I
would never leave home and mother for that face. But of course, that's
none of my business."

He stopped for an instant to absorb the rowdy racket from the taproom.

"Either he's a wonderful spender or he has unlimited credit with the
bar cashier. Maybe he eats his checks ... it has been done. But I don't
like that name. It sounds dangerous--and yet it doesn't seem to mean
much, after all, to me."

The girl looked at him earnestly.

"It may mean much before you reach the castle. More than you suspect,
senor--you have been the subject of much serious talk in this tavern
before you were ever seen here."

"And how was that? I'm really a very unimportant person, you know."

"Let me tell you something, while I have the opportunity. You are in
great danger here. Senor, I wish to help you. I have tried for weeks to
stir up some manhood in the hearts of these cowardly sheep in Seguro.
The Prince has been missing for days, since he went into that castle. I
want to save my beloved Princess from the same fate which I fear
overtook him when he braved the horrors of that castle. It is a place
of Satan, senor."

The American smiled at her, as he asked:

"Now, do you really believe in all that superstitious trash, my good
girl? You look intelligent."

The girl crossed herself piously.

"Have we not been taught by the priest, of the fiends who haunt the
earth and wreck human happiness? How can I say such things could not
happen, for the sins of bygon