“I was going to say brave,” interrupted Claudia Solado. “I live on the other side of the river, a few miles above Crownledge. When I found Marcos was safe, I had the taxi man take me to the ferry at One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Street, and I went home.” “There is something more, is there not?” asked Nick. “Yes,” she confessed, after some hesitation. “I was satisfied when I found Marcos had not been followed on the night of the ball, and I did not go to see if he was at home until this morning.” “Yes?” “He and I have always been playfellows--like brother and sister, in fact--and it was natural for me to go and see him. Besides, his mother is living with him in New York, and I may say, without conceit, that I am a favorite of hers.” “I can quite believe it.” Nick had not meant to say this. But it slipped out as he looked at her beautiful, animated face. She only smiled in acknowledgment of the involuntary tribute, and went on calmly: “When I went to Crownledge this morning, I could not get in. I rang the electric bell several times, and thumped on the door. There was no response.” “Where were the servants?” “They were not in the house. Neither was the princess, Marcos’ mother. I always call her Aunt Laura. But I remembered that she had talked of going to Newport to visit some friends for a few days, so, when I came to think, I was not surprised that she was absent. That did not explain the absence of Marcos and the servants, however.” “Hardly!” threw in Nick, as she paused. “The house is not a large one, but there are two maid-servants there, as a rule, besides Prince Marcos’ own man. The maids were brought by Aunt Laura from Joyalita. She travels a great deal, and always likes to be as comfortable as possible when away from home. She looks after Marcos, too, when she is with him. Her own maid had gone with her to Newport.” “Didn’t you find out anything that would explain the house being untenanted?” “I can only surmise. My uncle, Don Solado, and Prince Miguel, are in New York for the sole purpose of keeping Marcos away from Joyalita for the present.” “Why?” “It is one of those political arguments that come up in small countries now and then--and perhaps in big ones, too,” she answered simply. “Joyalita has always been an independent State, ruled by the same family for generations.” “I have heard that,” commented Nick. “It has seemed a peaceful and prosperous community, too.” “Yes. That is the reason Marcos is opposed to any change. In that he has the backing of most of his advisers. But there is another party that is not satisfied. It is made up of men who think they would get more for themselves if there were a different form of government.” “You find such men in every country,” observed the detective slowly.