lf
on the plea that two of Rayne's co-directors were to stay at the Hotel
de la Paix, and Rayne had wished me to stay with them for certain
business reasons.

With this explanation the old gentleman was satisfied, so when at last
we arrived in the Spanish capital I saw them safely to the Ritz, then
went on alone to the Puerta del Sol.

That night we dined together, and afterwards we went to the opera at
the Teatro Real. Next day we met again, and on several days that
followed. I took them to see the sights of the capital, the sights
which everyone visits, the Armeria, the Academy, the Naval Museum, the
street life of the Plaza Mayor and the Calle de Toledo, the afternoon
promenades in the Retiro Park and the Paseo de Fernan Nunez.

In all they evinced the greatest interest. To both uncle and niece it
presented fresh scenes such as neither had before seen, and I realized
that old Mr. Lloyd had become brighter and far more cheerful than
when with us at Overstow.

I had been at the Hotel de la Paix for about ten days, when on
returning late one night from visiting with Miss Andrews the
celebrated Verbena de la Paloma--the famous fair held in the Calle de
la Paloma--I found, to my surprise, Duperre awaiting me.

I explained the situation, but when I mentioned the presence of old
Lloyd's niece his countenance instantly fell.

"Why in the name of Fate did the old fool bring her here?" he
exclaimed. "I thought he would come alone!"

"She's quite a nice girl," I remarked. "Full of high spirits and
vitality."

But Duperre only grunted, and I saw by the expression of his face that
he was far from pleased that the old man was not alone.

"I don't want to be introduced yet," he said. "At present, though we
can meet here in the hotel, we must be strangers outside."

"And what is the game?" I demanded boldly, for we were together in my
bedroom overlooking the great square and the door was locked.

"Nothing that concerns you, Hargreave," was his hard reply. "I know
you're foolishly squeamish about some things. Well, in this affair
just act as Rudolph orders and don't trouble about the consequences."

I realized that some evil was intended. Yet it was prevented by the
presence there of Sylvia Andrews. What could it be?

Next day I met uncle and niece as usual, and we went for a motor ride
together out to Aranjuez, where we saw the Palacio Real, and then on
to Toledo where we visited the wonderful cathedral and the great