ght at Pedro's tavern,
here?"

"Ah, my dear cousin, you know how long the ride before I connect with
the railroad to Madrid."

The girl wrung her hands, nervous at last, and her appealing eyes would
have softened a gentler heart than that of the steely Carlos.

"But, Carlos, my brother--your princely cousin--may be dying, he may be
dead. Here am I alone with no kinsman at my side if you leave."

The Duke protested, dramatically.

"Maria, I must obey my King!"

"To leave me, after all your protestations! You have not the time nor
courage to stay and help me in this hour."

Carlos laughed bitterly, pointing toward the distant room of Warren's.

"What need of me, my dear? You have this marvel of Sir Galahads, the
Ghost Breaker!"

She dropped her head and answered slowly, "So, that is your excuse?"

He caught eagerly at what he deemed his opportunity. He snatched her
hand, although it was as promptly pulled away.

"I make no excuses, my dear Maria. I need none. But you know the
truth--that Yankee adventurer stands between you and me. He is of the
common herd,--you and I of the bluest blood in Spain. Send him away,
now--to-night, and I will do anything for you. I will postpone my
journey to the King, at any sacrifice of displeasure. I'll send one of
my men into the castle to find your brother."

She turned scornfully toward him, her eyes flashing.

"Yes--you will send one of your men--but you are not brave enough to go
there yourself. Yet you ask me to send away this man, who of all of you
is the only one willing to sacrifice his life for me?"

Carlos snapped his tapering fingers angrily, as he clutched his
sword-cane. His swarthy face was chalky under the stress of the
emotion, as he replied savagely:

"If he stays, I go!"

"Very well; then, Carlos--you force me to make a choice. I choose a
real man."

Carlos caught her by the arm.

"You are too interested in this worthless pretender, Maria! I love you
myself, and with the keenness of love I have watched you follow him
with your eyes, have seen the growing warmth in your voice--all through
those days on the ocean, aboard the _Mauretania_. I warn you--royal
princesses must aim higher than the common herd."

"Go, Carlos Hernando! It is I who am the superior--I the one to
abjure!"

Jarvis was sauntering down the steps, and he was greeted by a confused
look in the girl's eyes. Carlos took his hat and coat from the table.
Maliciously he hoped that the