"I have been casting Hardwick's horoscope," was the unexpected reply. "For the satisfaction of his own curiosity he gave me the day and hour of his birth," he smiled in a cruel way. "I don't think he will be pleased at what I have to tell him." A telepathic message passed swiftly from one trained brain to the other and Enistor nodded in a surprised manner. "He may die at any moment," said the Squire, translating Don Pablo's thoughts. "Well, that is very likely. I found him unconscious on the moor a short time ago." "He is not dead?" questioned Narvaez, with unusual interest. "Oh no. I revived him with water and some brandy he had in his pocket. Also I offered to see him home." "Why?" demanded the other coldly. "Well, he seemed weak and----" "How often have I told you that other people's troubles do not concern you, Enistor! If you choose to waste your powers on assisting weaker persons, you will lose much force better employed in your own gain." "I am not quite so hard as you are," snapped the Squire, sharply. "Not quite so wise, you mean," was the unmoved response. "However, I pardon your weakness on this occasion, as I don't want Hardwick to die--yet." "Do you wish him to die at all?" "My last word implied that I did. It is part of my plan to get the fortune you desire, which also means that I shall secure your daughter as my wife." "But I don't see----" "There is no need for you to see," said Narvaez tyrannically; "you do what I tell you and all will be well." "Do you mean to kill Hardwick?" "No! There is no need for me to move a finger. His horoscope shows an early death from natural causes. Having found him unconscious, I leave you to guess what those causes will be." "I have no need to guess. Hardwick's heart is weak." "Exactly. The organs of his body are healthy, but he has not a sufficiently strong heart. If he could get a fresh supply of vitality he would be a powerful and _long-lived_ man." "Do you intend to give him that vitality?" sneered the visitor. Narvaez chuckled. "Yes! You will see that splendid body walking about filled with strenuous life some day soon." "The body walking about." Enistor stared keenly at the mocking, cruel face. "I must say you speak very strangely." "I speak as I speak, and what I mean to say I say," rejoined Don Pablo enigmatically. "Let us change the subject, as I am busy. Your errand?" "I only came to get the taste of that young prig out of my mouth!" "And waste my time. Why can't you rely on your own strength? I am not going to have you here draining mine, particularly when this body I have at present is so frail. Act the courteous host and give the young fool as much of your daughter's company as he desires. The rest can be left to me." "But when are you going to move in the matter?"