faction out of him. They studied the circumstances of the case and
made their notes, with frequent whispered conferences. Next to Rusty,
the Duke was the most unhappy person present, although the Princess
showed the strain of her uneasiness.

After the men completed the first quizzing, they repaired once more to
Warren's stateroom to seek for other papers.

When they had been gone a minute or so, Carlos waved Nita out of the
room. That young person could look otherwise than melting with her
black eyes when occasion demanded. This glance was of the sparkling
kind which would kill!

"Tell me, my dear Maria Theresa," began Carlos, after some stammering,
"did you inform the detectives about the money-belt which he gave to
you?"

"Naturally not. That was his affair, and the property passed out of his
possession when I became stakeholder, according to the laws of wagers,
did it not?"

"Ah, yes. You are a brilliant girl. And a logical one, too. Well, give
it to me, then, as the affair is settled. I have several debts which I
would like to pay as we pass through London."

The Princess' eyes blazed but her voice was smooth.

"So, my cousin, you claim your wager thus promptly. Are you aware that
it would look bad for you if the detectives knew you had bet this
enormous sum--and now were the gainer because of his disappearance?
Tell me, Carlos, do you know any more than the rest of us about the
Ghost Breaker?"

The man rose to his feet, his knees wavering, and then with a supreme
effort he steadied himself against the back of the chair. His eyes were
distended and the handsome mouth sagging.

"_Madre de Dios!_" he cried appealingly--all nonchalance and scorn now
missing from his mien, "You don't mean to say that _you_--my blood
relative--the woman I adore, could _believe such a thing_?"

The girl looked away. He could not see the ironical smile on the
scarlet lips.

"Carlos, I have said no such thing. But wouldn't it be better to wait
until we reach Seguro--as a matter of sportsmanship? Our family has had
the reputation of being honorable, even in games and wagers. I am
nervous, Carlos. This has upset me more than you can believe. I will
never mention the wager again, until you bring up the subject."

And she retired to her stateroom, where Nita dressed the soft dark hair
with her accustomed skill--and a smile concealed with difficulty.

The search was ended. The Scotland Yard men scoured all the cabins,
from stee