always ideas running in my head. I
pretended to be strolling past, and stopping for a look at such a fine
machine. Perhaps I had matches in my pocket, perhaps not; in any case I
asked the young man in leather to give me a light for my cigarette. He
did, and it was a natural thing to fall into talk. 'You make an early
start,' I said. He nodded. 'Going far?' 'To Cadiz to-day, by Jerez.' That
is all, honoured senores; but I tell it for what it is worth. A few
minutes later the grand people came out, and the automobile shot away."

"Did they put on luggage?" I asked.

"All the automobile would hold."

"By Jove!" exclaimed Dick. "Carmona's thrown sand in our eyes this time.
Who'd have supposed he'd turn tail and run away like a coward in the midst
of the Holy Week show, with the King still in town?"

"I was a fool not to expect the unexpected," I said. "If anyone except
Colonel O'Donnel's man had told me I should have been between two minds
whether to accept the story or not. But O'Donnel called him a trusty
fellow; and he served me well last night. If we wait to verify his story,
by the time we find out it's true the grey car will have got too long a
start. I don't like Carmona's stealing off. It looks as if there were
something up."

"He showed last night that he was desperate," said Dick. "I guess we'd
better get on the road before much grass grows."

"You're the best of friends," said I. And paying the verger well for his
services, we hurried back to the hotel to find Ropes and have the car got
ready.

It was still very early, and the Cherub and Pilar had not had many hours
beauty sleep; but we could not leave for an indefinite absence without
bidding them good-bye; and we were on our way to knock at Colonel
O'Donnel's door when Pilar appeared from the room adjoining.

A moment, and she understood everything. "You'll follow!" she exclaimed,
without waiting to hear my plans.

"And I'll go with him," said Dick, looking wistfully at her; for he had
not had his answer yet, and who could tell when he would have it now, or
what it would be when it came?

"Of course. I knew you would," Pilar replied. And a light leaped up in her
dark eyes. If it meant nothing warmer, it meant approval. "You'll want to
go at once. Oh, I _am_ sorry you'll miss the fair. You don't know what a
fairyland Seville is, with miles of streets and park roofed in with arches
of coloured lights, like jewels; and papa has a tent in the gayest plac