was written there as plainly as if
printed in Roman characters across his brow. But for this also Rollo had
made provision.

"Guard that inner door," he cried to El Sarria; and the giant moved
swiftly to his post, motioning away the gentleman-in-waiting as one
might displace a dog from a cushion. Then Rollo stepped briskly into the
corridor, set his hand to his mouth and called a single word aloud.

"_Concha!_"

And the girl stood before him almost ere his voice had ceased to echo
along the corridors. Silent she waited his pleasure. For this time it
was not Rollo, upon whose love for her the new sun had risen, who called
her, but Colonel Rollo Blair, the chief of the expedition of which she
was no insignificant part.

"You are armed?" he queried, as she followed him within the door and
her quick eyes took in the scene.

The girl nodded a little resentfully. Surely it was a superfluous
question. An Andalucian maiden, whose lover's life is in danger every
hour, always goes armed. But of course it was Rollo's duty as an officer
to make certain. All the same he might have known. _She_ would.

"Then," said Rollo, firmly, "you will accompany this gentleman to the
apartments of the Queen-Regent. You will permit him ten minutes' private
conversation with her Majesty in your presence. You will then accompany
him back. During his absence he is not to lay his hand upon any weapon,
have any personal contact with the Queen, or open any drawer, cabinet,
or case-of-arms. Also he is to return with you as soon as you inform him
that the time allotted is at an end. Here is my watch!"

"And if the _Senor_ should refuse to comply with any of these demands?"
suggested Concha.

"He will not refuse," answered Rollo; "but if the thing should happen,
why, you have full discretion! You understand?"

Concha nodded, and her lips, ordinarily so sweet and yielding, grew firm
with determination. She understood. So also did Munoz.

"You do not need to say more," she said clearly; "I am an Andalucian."

Rollo turned to Munoz. Not being a Spaniard, he thought it necessary to
make the matter yet more clear.

"You have heard," he said; "treachery will do you no good, and may
indeed suddenly deprive her reigning Majesty of the inestimable
consolations of your companionship. Be good enough to accompany this
young lady, sir. In ten minutes I shall expect your return with a
favourable answer. Permit them to pass, Don Ramon!"

But the consort o