ead from one side to the other as though in
amazement and again clapped his hands, this time with vigor.

After a moment's delay, there was a movement behind one of the
draperies and presently the curtain was drawn back and a man's
face appeared.

"Come hither," commanded Santiago.

The man obeyed.

"Where are the others?" demanded Santiago.

"Oh, senor," cried the man, "the others have hidden themselves in
the cellar!"

"Slaves! Cowards!" exclaimed Santiago. "What do they fear?"

"The great guns, senor. We might all be killed."

"You will certainly be killed if you do not mind what I say," was
the reply as Santiago drew his sword. "Now summon the court that
I may introduce my son."

The man bowed and left the room, and in a few minutes returned
accompanied by two more men and several women, all arrayed in
fantastic costumes.

All bowed as they entered, and Santiago waved his hand.

"This is my son and heir," he said. "Come and kiss his hand."

They all came forward and kissed Billie's hand, which he held out
in order to facilitate the job.

"Now," said Santiago, "we----"

"Now," interrupted Billie, "if it is all the same to you, Prince,
we'll have supper. I haven't had a mouthful to eat since
daylight. I'm 'most starved to death."

"It is well," agreed Santiago. "It is well that my heir should
not die of hunger. Let the table be placed."

The order seemed to meet with general approval, and in the course
of half an hour there was spread what would have proved a feast
at any time, but which was beyond description to a hungry boy;
and the way he waded into the food was a caution.

During all this time Santiago had uttered never a word, nor would
he eat but the smallest portion of food--a taste of every dish
which he set before his guest.

"My son tells the truth," Santiago finally remarked as Billie
pushed back his chair with the single word "Bastante," meaning
enough.

"I always try to," was the smiling rejoinder, for Billie was now
in the very best humor. Eating was his strong point and he had
gone the limit.

"Clear away the feast and then reassemble," was Santiago's next
order.

This order was carried into effect, and the servants also must
have enjoyed a square meal, for it was more than an hour ere they
again assembled, during which time Billie sank back in his chair
and slumbered peacefully.

He was finally awakened by a hand laid upon his arm.

"Awake, my son," were the words he h