At this information he stood transfixed with amazement. Nothing was more probable than that Don Carlos had been in the castle, though he did not suppose that Don Carlos would rob travellers or hold them to ransom. And then there came upon him the bitter thought of all that he had lost by the escape of this distinguished personage. Had he captured him, he would have been certain of immortal glory--of advancement, of high command, honor, wealth, everything which a grateful government could bestow. And all had slipped out of his hands by the narrowest chance. The thought of that lost glory well-nigh overcame him. "I didn't see him," he groaned, as he stood clasping his hands in an attitude of despair. "He must have left before I came." "He left," said Katie, "while you were in the castle." "Ah!" said Lopez, "how do you know that?" "Because," said Katie, "I saw him when he left." "But you were in that room. How could he leave that room?" "I saw him when he left," said Katie, "that is all. You need not believe me unless you wish, but it is true." Lopez had to believe her. "And what is more," said Katie, "you will not remain here long. He will soon be back." "Pooh!" said Lopez, "he can do nothing. He can't get in here. This castle is impregnable to anything less than an army." "But you got in." "But I've guarded that passage so that others cannot," said he. "Do you think," said she, "that there are no other secret passages than that?" Katie had drawn a bow at a venture. She knew from the statements of Dolores that there were secret passages all about; but whether there were any others that ran out into the country outside she did not know. Still, she thought she would try the effect of this on Lopez. She was fully satisfied with the result of her experiment. Lopez started and stared. "Other secret passages!" he said. "Do you know of any?" "If I did I would not tell," said Katie. Lopez was much disturbed. He did not know but that there really were other secret passages. The escape of "His Majesty" seemed to point to this. He determined to institute a thorough search. "I'll find out every passage in the castle before evening," said he. Katie smiled. She did not believe that he would find one. Lopez felt nettled at her smile. "You don't believe I shall find them," said he. "If I don't find them I shall conclude that they are not there." "A very safe conclusion!" said Katie. Lopez felt angry. He had come hoping to make an impression on Katie by telling her of his love and devotion. In this he had been miserably disappointed. He had become angry and excited. He was no longer in a fit mood to appeal to her feelings, and he felt it. He therefore concluded that it would be best to retire for the present, and come again after he had grown calmer. CHAPTER XLIV. HOW LOPEZ HAS ANOTHER CONVERSATION WITH KATIE, AND FEELS PUZZLED.