the gems and plate from the
door. And Dolores watched him from under lowered lids, her rich red lips
curled scornfully, one hand half raised to warn Milo to open the great
door slowly.

"Well, Sancho, art better prepared for the greater treasures yet to be
seen?" smiled Dolores. The pirate's blazing eye seemed to dart flames as
the door slowly rose to Milo's touch.

"Sultana!" he gasped, and his speech would do no more for him.

"Enter, friend. This is thy great hour!"

The queen pushed him gently inside, following herself, and Milo let fall
the door again, standing mute and motionless on the inside while his
mistress led the pirate to the center of the great chamber and waited
until his dazzled eye adjusted itself to the subtle lighting effects.

Pascherette's last whispered communication to Dolores had told her of
Yellow Rufe's intentions; and while Sancho stood in amaze, she bent her
ear to catch the expected sound of voices through the sounding-stone
behind the tapestry. For there the little octoroon was to play a part
for Sancho's especial benefit. The thunder had become all but incessant;
with every crash the great chamber rumbled and echoed eerily; yet
between the crashes, brief as the periods were, human voices could be
heard.

"Art ready to see my treasures, Sancho?"

Dolores waved a gleaming arm around the place, indicating with one wide
gesture the glories of the walls and roof. But the pirate's senses
responded more readily to the tangible riches represented by gold and
gems, tall flagons, and jewel-incrusted lamps, littered diamonds and
rubies that strewed the big table.

"Hah!" cried Dolores, with a low, throaty laugh. "Ah! my friend, I know
thy mind. Milo!"

Milo advanced with a deep obeisance.

"Milo, open the great chests for Sancho. Let him plunge his arms to the
elbows in red gold. Then I shall show him that which lies nearest to his
deserts."

The pirate watched with lips no longer dry, but dripping with the saliva
of greed, while Milo flung open chest after chest, full to overflowing
with minted gold of many nations; looted jewels of royal and noble
houses, sacred vessels and glittering orders, weapons whose hilts and
scabbards, if ever made for use, could only have been used to bewilder
the eye and senses.

Again the thunder pealed; and in the tremendous hush succeeding, the
voices outside penetrated the sounding-stone in more than a whisper.
Sancho jerked up his head and fear once