e smiled, and waved a gallant hand toward his cousin.

"Who better than my kinswoman, the Princess of Aragon?"

"Who better?" echoed Jarvis.

He was fumbling with his waistcoat, his back to the Princess and her
cousin. Suddenly with a jerk, he brought forth a leather money belt
which had been tightly bound about his body, diagonally over one and
under another shoulder. The Duke's eyes protruded. Jarvis dropped the
treasure "chest" upon the table, while even the Princess evidenced her
surprise. Opening the little pockets, which joined each other along its
entire length, he began to pile up gold pieces.

"I believe I have the amount handy, your Excellency!" he remarked
amiably. "May I trouble you to invite you to produce the money for your
own side of the bet? We have a vulgar custom among us in America, of
requesting the other man to either 'put up or shut up.'"

It happened that this cash had been carefully drawn from his resources
before the eventful last evening at the club. Jarvis had prepared
himself for all exigencies: he had not imagined that the first use
would be a reversal to the ancient custom of his ancestors in the Blue
Grass State,--a bet upon a race. But blood will tell, and here he was
in the time-honored custom of the family!

The Duke had not seen so much cash since his last ill-fated pilgrimage
to Monte Carlo. He was staggered. But the musical laugh of the Princess
brought back the haughty _savoir faire_ for which he was noted!

"Ah ... well ... I understand you, sir," he stammered, with improving
volubility. "Very good. As the Duke of Alva, it is not necessary for me
to produce the exact cash on the spot. The word of a Spanish nobleman
is as good as his bond. It is a wager, and the terms stand."

His black eyes studied the pile of gold coins with sparkling interest.

"Very good,--twice in the same place. The word of a Kentuckian is as
good as his bond. I agreed to let the Princess be the stakeholder--she
may hold your word, and my money-belt. Your Serene Highness--will you
do me the honor?"

And he turned toward the blushing girl, as he handed over the treasure.
The insult was not lost on the Duke. But, as Jarvis reached for his
hat, he could not resist a final slap!

"Good-night, your Highness. I advise you to be very careful with the
lock on the door. The ship lands to-morrow evening, and some villain
may break into your stateroom, rob you of the Duke's word of honor and
sell it to some