ood Lawd, does I have to wait ontel you is dead--before I kin eat my
vittles?"

He followed his master across the room, just as the Princess came to
the balcony and started down the stairs.

"Well, Mr. Warren," added the Duke, "all Seguro will be buzzing with
your ghost-hunt to-night. The whole town will sit up to hear the
outcome."

The Kentuckian turned to look at the speaker.

"And where are you going to hear the returns of the battle, your
Excellency?"

"Unfortunately, I must leave at once--I have an urgent summons from
Madrid."

Jarvis shook his head in mock sorrow.

"That's too bad, sure enough. I'm sorry we're to lose the inspiration
of your company. Won't you even be around at the finish? Surely, you
take that much interest in the little breaking party, your Excellency."

"I am sorry, Mr. Warren, but I must go," answered the nobleman,
writhing under the sarcasm, but never losing the smooth control of his
words and studied reserve.

"Well, I call that a doggoned shame!" and Jarvis started again for the
stairs.

The beautiful girl was just coming down, and the Duke's eyes came
together in an angry squint as he saw the warmth of the glance which
she bestowed upon the American.

"Here, Pedro,--this is Mr. Warren and his man. Attend to his wants."

"Yes, your Highness," and Pedro once more strained the faithful spine
with a series of gutta-percha bows. "This way, sirs, to your rooms,"
and he led them up the stairs.

Jarvis turned on the step and faced her.

"Your Highness, I would like to have a couple of good horses, and two
lanterns. I don't want to let any grass grow under my feet on the trip
to the castle to-night."

She gave the order to Pedro, and he promised to bring the required
objects with sturdy steeds.

"Ah, Mr. Warren, looking for an honest man, like old Socrates?"
inquired the Duke of Alva.

[Illustration: "_Ah, Mr. Warren, looking for an honest man, like old
Socrates?_"]

"Not in this neck of the woods, your Excellency!" and Jarvis
disappeared in the balcony entrance to the old line of bedrooms.

Maria Theresa turned anxiously to her cousin.

"Carlos, what news of my brother? Have you heard anything yet?"

"Not a thing, Maria. I am very sorry."

"And yet I heard you say that you were leaving for Madrid?" she
questioned.

"Yes. The message is from his Gracious Majesty the King. You know how
important a summons that is."

"But why must you go so soon? Why not wait overni