"That's too bad, sure enough. I'm sorry we're to lose the inspiration of your company. Won't you even be around at the finish? Surely, you take that much interest in the little breaking party, your Excellency." "I am sorry, Mr. Warren, but I must go," answered the nobleman, writhing under the sarcasm, but never losing the smooth control of his words and studied reserve. "Well, I call that a doggoned shame!" and Jarvis started again for the stairs. The beautiful girl was just coming down, and the Duke's eyes came together in an angry squint as he saw the warmth of the glance which she bestowed upon the American. "Here, Pedro,--this is Mr. Warren and his man. Attend to his wants." "Yes, your Highness," and Pedro once more strained the faithful spine with a series of gutta-percha bows. "This way, sirs, to your rooms," and he led them up the stairs. Jarvis turned on the step and faced her. "Your Highness, I would like to have a couple of good horses, and two lanterns. I don't want to let any grass grow under my feet on the trip to the castle to-night." She gave the order to Pedro, and he promised to bring the required objects with sturdy steeds. "Ah, Mr. Warren, looking for an honest man, like old Socrates?" inquired the Duke of Alva. [Illustration: "_Ah, Mr. Warren, looking for an honest man, like old Socrates?_"] "Not in this neck of the woods, your Excellency!" and Jarvis disappeared in the balcony entrance to the old line of bedrooms. Maria Theresa turned anxiously to her cousin. "Carlos, what news of my brother? Have you heard anything yet?" "Not a thing, Maria. I am very sorry." "And yet I heard you say that you were leaving for Madrid?" she questioned. "Yes. The message is from his Gracious Majesty the King. You know how important a summons that is." "But why must you go so soon? Why not wait overnight 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.