y interesting.
That little fortune-teller has occult powers, indeed. A dark man is to
cross my path soon."

Carlos had crossed the room to a position from where he could look into
the taproom. He seemed to be satisfied with what he saw there. He
turned toward the American.

"Do you believe in such foolery, Mr. Warren? I had thought you too
intelligent to believe in superstitious things like fortune-reading."

"I like to believe some of these things on this occasion, for I hope it
means someone I very much want to meet."

The Duke now approached him very earnestly.

"Mr. Warren, I feel a certain responsibility for her Highness, and all
that pertains to my cousin. The prospect of your death to-night is most
uncomfortable, when it can be so easily avoided by your own common
sense. I seriously advise your waiting until the morning."

"So, you don't think I'll come back?"

"I think that if you go to the castle to-night, you take your life in
your own hands."

Warren opened and shut his sinewy fingers, and laughed back: "I've got
a pretty good grip."

"Look here," put in the nobleman. "You Americans are noted as being
shrewd traders. You get dollar for dollar when you bargain--and
generally a few extra dollars. You are not going to give your life away
for nothing, are you?"

"Oh, it is not worth very much," retorted Jarvis. "The deal was made on
a bargain day. My life happened to be a little below par, and a good
customer came along."

There was a comprehensive sparkle in the dark Spanish eyes, to meet the
twinkle in the firm blue ones.

"Ah, I begin to see a light. Well, Mr. Warren, I am willing to release
you from your offer and the bargain and meet your terms now."

"Your Excellency, I am overwhelmed at the generosity, but the price was
paid, the receipt given, and the bookkeeper has closed up the office.
I'm on the job, and I'm certainly going to stay."

The Duke snarled, as he inquired: "I suppose that means that you are
foolish enough to keep faith with her Highness?"

"Yes."

"I never saw a man quite so anxious to be killed, Mr. Jarvis; but such
is sometimes the case where, as it has been said: 'Fools rush in where
angels fear to tread.'"

Jarvis laughed provokingly.

"I'd rather be an energetic fool than an angel with cold feet."

"I don't understand you, sir."

"Well, I understand you, your Excellency."

The Duke turned toward the fireplace.

"I am sorry for you," he remarked.

Jarvis