fference now where she was. Having been taken away from
the neighborhood of those friendly passageways, all other places
seemed equally objectionable. Her discontent and dejection were
evident in her face, though she made no remark.

"I am sorry," said Lopez, "deeply sorry that I have nothing better
than this room to offer; but I hope that before long we shall be able
to leave the castle."

Katie did not hope so, and, in fact, did not know whether to hope so
or not. All would depend upon circumstances. And as she did not know
how circumstances were, and was not willing to ask, she did not know
what to say now; so she simply said the very non-committal words,

"Thanks, senor."

Lopez could tell pretty well why she said no more than this. It was
because she felt dissatisfied about something in connection with her
rescue--but what that something was he could not conjecture. That was
the mystery which baffled him. However, he had sense enough to see
that his own best course was to leave her to her own devices, and not
annoy her by ill-timed questions. So he prepared to depart.

"Senorita," said he, "this woman is your attendant. If you are afraid
to be alone, she will sleep in the room with you; but, if you prefer
it, she will not."

"Oh, I should so very much prefer being left alone, Captain Lopez!"
said Katie, hurriedly.

Lopez looked surprised.

"Oh, very well," said he; "but I thought you were so timid that you
would prefer having some one."

"Oh no--thanks! I'm not at all timid," said Katie.

This was a new surprise to Lopez, who had believed Katie to be the
most timid young lady living. But he said nothing more. He merely
wished her good-night; and, having directed the attendant to leave,
he locked the door after him and went away, a deeply disappointed and
a deeply meditating man.

Katie sprang to the door, held her ear close, and listened till the
footsteps had died away. Then she hurried back. Her quick eye had
noticed the fragment of a wax-candle on the floor, in a corner. Some
matches were lying loosely about, which had evidently been used by
"His Majesty" to light the royal pipe. With one of these Katie
lighted the candle, and surveyed the apartment once more.

There was a fireplace here, deep, but not so high or large as the
others before mentioned. This Katie examined first. Alas! she saw
nothing. The chimney ran straight up, and not an opening appeared.

After this she retreated dejectedly, a