that it might only be a burial. But Talbot felt that her
fear was just, and that a new and unavoidable danger now arose before
her.

***

In a short time after this the band set off, guided by Rita. Toward
evening they reached a spot about a mile from the castle, where they
secreted themselves in a grove, and rested.

Evening came, and the moon rose. Then, as silently as possible, they
went to the tower. Here arrangements were made for the security of
the prisoners, and Rita prepared to lead the band through the secret
way into the castle.

[Illustration: "Russell Followed, Not Without Difficulty."]

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

IN WHICH, AFTER A SERIES OF SURPRISES, "HIS MAJESTY" GETS THE
GREATEST SURPRISE OF ALL.

Return must now be made to the castle and the two young men whose
duel had been interrupted. Captured thus, they stood for a time quite
overwhelmed, their intense excitement now followed by a violent
reaction, in the midst of which there was the appalling thought of
the consequences which might flow from this. For Ashby to be found in
Harry's room would surely lead to the discovery of everything--the
secret passage-way, the sliding-door, and, perhaps, their visits to
the ladies. Each one thought of this for himself. Each one had
believed that the Carlists did not know about the secret passages.
But now all was over.

"Well," continued "His Majesty," speaking in Spanish, "business
before pleasure. We will examine you both about this tomorrow. For
the present we will leave a guard in this room. Meanwhile, Senor
Rivers, you may hand over that pistol; or stay--no--you have put it
to such a noble use that you may keep it: one pistol against six men
need not be feared. And now, gentlemen, adieu till to-morrow."

With these words "His Majesty" retired, securing the door behind him,
and Harry and Ashby were left with the guards. They stood apart from
one another, pale, anxious, and each wrapped up in his own thoughts.
For all that had happened each blamed the other, and thus their
mutual hate was only intensified.

The cause of "His Majesty's" appearance upon the scene can be easily
explained. He had been greatly troubled in his mind by the "ghost" in
Mrs. Russell's room, and could not account for it. He had not thought
of any secret communication, for, being a comparative stranger here,
he had not known of any. Thinking, however, that he might get some
light on the subject, he had wandered to th