they put people when their own place is closed."

Unsatisfactory as it was, this seemed, roughly, the only possible
explanation. Indeed, but for the magnificence of our lodging, it would
have been reasonable enough. Still, we knew nothing of Spain. Perhaps
this was their idea of hospitality. I began to like Pampeluna very
much....

By the time I had had a hot bath I had begun to wonder whether it was
worth while going on to San Sebastian.

* * * * *

We had dined in state. We had eaten an eight-course dinner, superbly
cooked and admirably served. At the conclusion of our meal, folding
doors had been opened, and we had passed into the shadowed comfort of a
gorgeous library, where only the ceaseless flicker of a great log fire
had lighted us to deep-cushioned chairs and a rich sofa, where coffee
and liqueurs were set upon a low table and the broad flash of silver
showed a massive cigar-box reposing conveniently upon an ebony stool.

With one consent, sitting at the feet of Epicurus, we had thrust
uncertainty aside, and, thanking Heaven that we had fallen so magically
upon our own, confined our conversation to the events of our journey,
and compared enthusiastic notes regarding the wonders, entertainments,
and perils of our drive.

From behind a big cigar Berry was slowly enumerating the accessories
without which, to make life worth living, no car should ever take the
road, when the door opened and a servant, bearing a salver, entered the
room.

Stopping for an instant to switch on the light, the man stepped to my
brother-in-law.

For a moment Berry glanced at the card. Then--

"English," he said. "'Mr. Hubert Weston Hallilay, 44 Calle de Serrano,
Madrid.' Better have him in, hadn't we?" He turned to the servant and
nodded. "Ask him to come in," he said.

The servant bowed and withdrew.

A moment later a fair-haired boy, perhaps twenty-three years old, was
ushered into the room.

He greeted us respectfully, but with an open-hearted delight which he
made no attempt to conceal.

"How d'you do? I'm most awfully glad to see you. Officially, I'm here
by request. The comic mayor got hold of me. He's worried to death
because he can't converse with you. I don't suppose you mind, but it's
shortening his life. I've had a fearful time with him. There are
about a thousand things he wants to know, and he's commissioned me to
find them out without asking any questions. That,