oor.

Then he began to disrobe, changing to the rough old suit and the tennis
shoes. He dispensed with undergarments and hose.

"Now, Rusty, I want you to go down to the steward of the second cabin
and tell him you are very hungry. Get some good sliced meat, some
biscuits, and some fruit. Wrap it up in paper--I know it's late, but
there's always someone on watch in the pantry. A little American money
will go a long way with these British stewards. Hurry back."

As soon as Rusty was out of the room, Jarvis wrapped the money-belt
firmly about his body, under the flannel shirt. He placed some gold
coins in a handkerchief, which he tied into a knot. Then he slipped out
to the promenade deck, walking along its deserted length to the room of
the Princess. He tapped on the window of the parlor of the suite until
the door opened slightly.

Nita's frightened voice came to him. He answered reassuringly.

"It is Warren. I want to speak to the Princess."

The maid hurried back, and brought her mistress. Warren spoke to her in
a whisper.

"I understand the treachery," he said. "Have no fear. I will meet you
at Seguro when you arrive. Be surprised at nothing--and take care of
Rusty, if he needs it. I intend winning that five thousand dollars even
if the Duke's note goes to protest! Good-by!"

She felt his warm, strong hand clasping hers. A great dread came over
her--an unusual sensation it was. Yet she said nothing, for some
strange reason inexplicable to herself.

She passed a sleepless night.

Next morning the news spread over the ship like wildfire that a first
cabin passenger was missing!

All his belongings were in order; his clothes hung up carefully in the
wardrobe, just as he had undressed, assisted by his faithful valet.

And that poor unfortunate--how he sobbed and beat his portly bosom over
the grief which was racking the loyal African heart. The Duke of Alva
went to the captain to inquire about the terrible affair.

"Yes, sir. He is gone. A pleasant, courteous fellow, too. Always minded
his own business, never complained. It's too bad. Too bad. And that
letter he left--it nearly broke my heart--and I'm a gruff old sea-dog,
and have seen many a tragedy in my years as a master!"

The captain wiped his eye with the back of his hand.

The Duke fingered his cane nervously.

"But the note, sir. What did that say? As the cousin of her exalted
Highness, Princess Maria Theresa of Aragon, I insist on knowing abou