"Yassir. It's some tropical, dat's shore. But, you-all ain't no cold-storage rooster yohself, Marse Warren. A little Kaintucky ammanition might make some echoes 'round dis confabulation." From the taproom came loud howls of derision from the associated village sports of Seguro. "That ward heeler seems to be making a campaign speech, Rusty. He may be making a few promises that he can't fulfill after he gets elected," observed the Kentuckian, with pursed lips. "Listen to them holler!" Rusty looked over his shoulder, while Dolores studied these two types with girlish curiosity, as they chattered in their alien tongue. She had never seen a man unafraid of Don Robledo but his distinguished Excellency, the Duke, before. It gave her a new thrill. "He's a mighty nice man, he is. Mighty nice, Marse Warren. He's almos' too nice, ain't he?" Warren shook his head, with a serious look on the usually laughing face. "No, Rusty, not too nice--yet! He'll be a lot nicer before he's ten years older. I think his education has been neglected. You and I must begin to keep school around this township. There's nothing so nice as education, especially when the school-teacher has a nice long rattan concealed up his sleeve!" XIV MORE OBSTACLES Dolores approached the Kentuckian politely, yet eagerly. "Pardon, señor, but I have a message for you from her Highness." "What is it?" "She instructed me to tell you that she would see you very soon." "Thanks, señorita. And may I ask--who was the cheerful, frolicsome individual who flattered me with that polite toast? Is he one of the royal family, taking a little vacation in this neighborhood?" The girl reddened, then laughed. "No, señor. He is well known in this part of our country. His name is Don Robledo." Warren lit another cigarette, and studied her attractive face with the gallant interest of a Southerner, who is always prone to admire beauty. She was embarrassed, yet pleased, under the unmistakable scrutiny. "Don Robledo. He seems to be well acquainted with you, señorita. Is he one of the family?" "No, but he wishes to be!" she snapped out. "And he shall never be until he changes his manners and...." "And his face? I don't really care for his face. If I were a girl I would never leave home and mother for that face. But of course, that's none of my business." He stopped for an instant to absorb the rowdy racket from the taproom. "Either he's a wonderful spender or he has unlimited credit with the bar cashier. Maybe he eats his checks ... it has been done. But I don't like that name. It sounds dangerous--and yet it doesn't seem to mean much, after all, to me." The girl looked at him earnestly. "It may mean much before you reach the castle. More than you suspect, señor--you have been the subject of much serious talk in this tavern before you were ever seen here." "And how was that? I'm really a very unimportant person, you know."