The Ghost Breaker: A Novel Based Upon the Play Read online

  XIV

  MORE OBSTACLES

  Dolores approached the Kentuckian politely, yet eagerly.

  "Pardon, senor, but I have a message for you from her Highness."

  "What is it?"

  "She instructed me to tell you that she would see you very soon."

  "Thanks, senorita. And may I ask--who was the cheerful, frolicsomeindividual who flattered me with that polite toast? Is he one of theroyal family, taking a little vacation in this neighborhood?"

  The girl reddened, then laughed.

  "No, senor. He is well known in this part of our country. His name isDon Robledo."

  Warren lit another cigarette, and studied her attractive face with thegallant interest of a Southerner, who is always prone to admire beauty.She was embarrassed, yet pleased, under the unmistakable scrutiny.

  "Don Robledo. He seems to be well acquainted with you, senorita. Is heone of the family?"

  "No, but he wishes to be!" she snapped out. "And he shall never beuntil he changes his manners and...."

  "And his face? I don't really care for his face. If I were a girl Iwould never leave home and mother for that face. But of course, that'snone of my business."

  He stopped for an instant to absorb the rowdy racket from the taproom.

  "Either he's a wonderful spender or he has unlimited credit with thebar cashier. Maybe he eats his checks ... it has been done. But I don'tlike that name. It sounds dangerous--and yet it doesn't seem to meanmuch, after all, to me."

  The girl looked at him earnestly.

  "It may mean much before you reach the castle. More than you suspect,senor--you have been the subject of much serious talk in this tavernbefore you were ever seen here."

  "And how was that? I'm really a very unimportant person, you know."

  "Let me tell you something, while I have the opportunity. You are ingreat danger here. Senor, I wish to help you. I have tried for weeks tostir up some manhood in the hearts of these cowardly sheep in Seguro.The Prince has been missing for days, since he went into that castle. Iwant to save my beloved Princess from the same fate which I fearovertook him when he braved the horrors of that castle. It is a placeof Satan, senor."

  The American smiled at her, as he asked:

  "Now, do you really believe in all that superstitious trash, my goodgirl? You look intelligent."

  The girl crossed herself piously.

  "Have we not been taught by the priest, of the fiends who haunt theearth and wreck human happiness? How can I say such things could nothappen, for the sins of bygone people? Not that I would think anythingbut love and respect for the Prince and his wonderful sister, herHighness! But, senor, I feel the same as do the other dwellers ofSeguro."

  "And how is that?"

  "I feel that strange things have gone on in that castle. Even a greatgentleman like the Duke says so. Surely if educated noblemen put faithin such things, we simple folk are not far wrong to believe what we aretaught. But still..."

  "Yes, there you are, my good girl. You have a 'but still'--and thatmeans a doubt. The doubts of the world have been the foundation stonesof modern freedom--it was the doubts of the old farmers and tradersback in America which threw off the yoke of the old kingdom, and made agreat free country. If you have a doubt you may be saved. As for theDuke--the only god he pays allegiance to is himself--and he's not beenso sure of that divinity during these last iconoclastic ten days."

  "I don't understand, Senor Warren?" she replied, in bewilderment.

  "Of course you don't, or you wouldn't be kow-towing to this royaltystuff, and you would hand a bottle to that Don Roughhouse or whateverhis name is, right on his classic brow, with a classic smash. You oughtto see how an American girl would treat one of these big bullies! Well,what about my danger? It never worries me when I know where and whenand how to expect it. Whatever you tell will be absolutely our secret."

  Dolores looked at Rusty, who was struggling with a cigarette--he wasmore accustomed to Pittsburgh stogies, but his motto in life was basedon the famous advice concerning Roman imitation!

  "How about the Senor Moor, senor? May you trust him?" she askednervously.

  "Rusty is no Moor--he's an Afro-Methodist, my girl. He can't understandSpanish anyway, even though he's the best little guesser this side ofthe Ohio River. But I'd trust Rusty with my life. Go ahead with thedanger signals."

  She heard a footfall on the balcony above them.

  "Let me pretend to read your palm, senor. I know we are being watched."

  "All right, read away--my palm will show you that after this tripthrough Spain my clothesline needs washing. But, what's the fortune ofthe castle?"

  It was the old Jarvis, now--blithesome, devil-may-worry, shrewd, andrecovered completely, through the change of scene and a certain newinterest in life which the reader may have already divined.

  The girl led him away from beneath the balcony, to the side of the bigfireplace. She took up his hand and examined it carefully.

  Nor did her shrewd eyes miss the face on the balcony,--that of the Dukeof Alva! She exaggerated her studious examination, and then in a lowtone proceeded with the explanation of the lines of fate and life.

  "Every one of these breaks in your lifeline shows a moment when youstood face to face with death. Ah, senor, in all my experience I havenever seen such an adventurous palm.... You have stood elbow to elbowwith death, and yet those little squares about the breaks show aguiding spirit of protection."

  "_Ah, senor, in all my experience I have never seen suchan adventurous palm...._"]

  Warren was beginning to be bored. Yet something in the girl's furtiveglances toward the balcony, which did not miss his own sharp eyes,convinced him that she was endeavoring to get a message to him.

  She continued, her own hand trembling unmistakably.

  "Ah, Senor Americano, there is one break which has not yet been reachedby the line of time. The protecting square of your guardian saint isnot perfect there, as with the others."

  The Kentuckian laughed incredulously.

  "Oh, I guess I can build up a square when the time comes and let thebreak take care of itself."

  "But the time is now," and her voice was tremulously low.

  "Now--what do you mean, now?"

  She nodded her head, and with half-closed eyes gazed at the fireplacesignificantly.

  "And are the fortune-teller's eyes so brilliant and so keen that theycan light up the future and behold the day and the hour?" queriedJarvis.

  "Not my eyes, senor," and her voice died down to a whisper, "but myears."

  The step of the Duke was upon the resonant stairs.

  "In all my experience I have seen but one hand like yours, senor,--itspeaks of danger; and that hand belongs to Don Robledo, to DonRobledo!"

  The nobleman's voice cut short the seance. There was a warning note init.

  "Well, Dolores, and why are you not attending her Highness? You knowthe house, and she needs assistance."

  "Pardon, senor." She stepped back and courtesied to Carlos, who camedown the stairs, advancing toward Warren. "I will go at once, yourExcellency."

  "Good-by, senorita; I'll take good care of the little square. Thanksfor your occult wisdom," were Warren's smiling words, as he looked atthe Duke.

  "Well, Mr. Warren. Looking into the future?"

  "Yes, Duke, and the immediate future promises to be very interesting.That little fortune-teller has occult powers, indeed. A dark man is tocross my path soon."

  Carlos had crossed the room to a position from where he could look intothe taproom. He seemed to be satisfied with what he saw there. Heturned toward the American.

  "Do you believe in such foolery, Mr. Warren? I had thought you toointelligent to believe in superstitious things like fortune-reading."

  "I like to believe some of these things on this occasion, for I hope itmeans someone I very much want to meet."

  The Duke now approached him very earnestly.

  "Mr. Warren, I feel a certain responsibility
for her Highness, and allthat pertains to my cousin. The prospect of your death to-night is mostuncomfortable, when it can be so easily avoided by your own commonsense. I seriously advise your waiting until the morning."

  "So, you don't think I'll come back?"

  "I think that if you go to the castle to-night, you take your life inyour own hands."

  Warren opened and shut his sinewy fingers, and laughed back: "I've gota pretty good grip."

  "Look here," put in the nobleman. "You Americans are noted as beingshrewd traders. You get dollar for dollar when you bargain--andgenerally a few extra dollars. You are not going to give your life awayfor nothing, are you?"

  "Oh, it is not worth very much," retorted Jarvis. "The deal was made ona bargain day. My life happened to be a little below par, and a goodcustomer came along."

  There was a comprehensive sparkle in the dark Spanish eyes, to meet thetwinkle in the firm blue ones.

  "Ah, I begin to see a light. Well, Mr. Warren, I am willing to releaseyou from your offer and the bargain and meet your terms now."

  "Your Excellency, I am overwhelmed at the generosity, but the price waspaid, the receipt given, and the bookkeeper has closed up the office.I'm on the job, and I'm certainly going to stay."

  The Duke snarled, as he inquired: "I suppose that means that you arefoolish enough to keep faith with her Highness?"

  "Yes."

  "I never saw a man quite so anxious to be killed, Mr. Jarvis; but suchis sometimes the case where, as it has been said: 'Fools rush in whereangels fear to tread.'"

  Jarvis laughed provokingly.

  "I'd rather be an energetic fool than an angel with cold feet."

  "I don't understand you, sir."

  "Well, I understand you, your Excellency."

  The Duke turned toward the fireplace.

  "I am sorry for you," he remarked.

  Jarvis walked over close to the nobleman and looked him straight in theeyes, as he spoke with unusual meaning vibrant in his voice.

  "Your Excellency, your sympathy, your offer, and your advice are alldeclined, without thanks.... I once saw a gambler lay down fouraces,--just think of it, four fat aces. He looked the dealer straightin the eye, as I am doing now with you. Then he said, 'The play ain'tnatural.'... Now, you have tried to have me arrested on the steamer,then you tipped off Scotland Yard and, for all I know, the Parispolice, too. You have tried to block me every way you could, and you'rea regular little prize blocker. Suddenly you express the utmost anxietyas to what's going to happen to me in the castle. You generously offerto buy me off. You advise me, with tears in your eyes, to stay away andsave my life. Shall I take the bait--hook, line, and sinker? Duke, 'theplay ain't natural'!"

  The nobleman clenched his fists in anger.

  "You have intruded into a matter which you neither understand norappreciate. If, as you say, the play seems unnatural, then throw downyour cards and stay out of the game."

  "Oh, no, no, no!" and Jarvis' voice again had that provokingly teasingtone in it. "I'll just stay right in the game and play my hand out--andwatch every deal."

  He turned toward Rusty.

  "Come along, and let's see if we can find the landlord. We'll have alook at our rooms," he said. "Hurry, Rusty--don't go to sleep--thebedrooms are upstairs."

  Rusty was very thoughtful as he picked up the bags and began to follow.The Duke watched the two with sidelong glances. Both characters weremysteries to him--so different, nonchalant, and unaffected by thisserious task. Europeans would have taken the case at least with greaterseriousness.

  "What's the matter with you, Rusty? In love?"

  The negro was lost in a deep study, as he sniffed the air in athoughtful, absent-minded fashion.

  "Marse Warren, I'd like to find a piece of chicken!"

  "Great Scott! What put that into your head?"

  "Oh, lawsee, Marse Warren, I'se powerful hungry! It ain't human to beso hungry!"

  "What--again?"

  "No, sir; it's de same old hunger. No matter how fast de train go Ijes' cain't leave it behin'. Oh my, if I on'y had some po'k chops an' alittle real gin!"

  Jarvis started on toward the steps.

  "Well, you come on now, Rusty--you don't eat a thing until we finishthis job."

  Rusty shook his head despairingly.

  "Good Lawd, does I have to wait ontel you is dead--before I kin eat myvittles?"

  He followed his master across the room, just as the Princess came tothe balcony and started down the stairs.

  "Well, Mr. Warren," added the Duke, "all Seguro will be buzzing withyour ghost-hunt to-night. The whole town will sit up to hear theoutcome."

  The Kentuckian turned to look at the speaker.

  "And where are you going to hear the returns of the battle, yourExcellency?"

  "Unfortunately, I must leave at once--I have an urgent summons fromMadrid."

  Jarvis shook his head in mock sorrow.

  "That's too bad, sure enough. I'm sorry we're to lose the inspirationof your company. Won't you even be around at the finish? Surely, youtake that much interest in the little breaking party, your Excellency."

  "I am sorry, Mr. Warren, but I must go," answered the nobleman,writhing under the sarcasm, but never losing the smooth control of hiswords and studied reserve.

  "Well, I call that a doggoned shame!" and Jarvis started again for thestairs.

  The beautiful girl was just coming down, and the Duke's eyes cametogether in an angry squint as he saw the warmth of the glance whichshe bestowed upon the American.

  "Here, Pedro,--this is Mr. Warren and his man. Attend to his wants."

  "Yes, your Highness," and Pedro once more strained the faithful spinewith a series of gutta-percha bows. "This way, sirs, to your rooms,"and he led them up the stairs.

  Jarvis turned on the step and faced her.

  "Your Highness, I would like to have a couple of good horses, and twolanterns. I don't want to let any grass grow under my feet on the tripto the castle to-night."

  She gave the order to Pedro, and he promised to bring the requiredobjects with sturdy steeds.

  "Ah, Mr. Warren, looking for an honest man, like old Socrates?"inquired the Duke of Alva.

  "_Ah, Mr. Warren, looking for an honest man, like oldSocrates?_"]

  "Not in this neck of the woods, your Excellency!" and Jarvisdisappeared in the balcony entrance to the old line of bedrooms.

  Maria Theresa turned anxiously to her cousin.

  "Carlos, what news of my brother? Have you heard anything yet?"

  "Not a thing, Maria. I am very sorry."

  "And yet I heard you say that you were leaving for Madrid?" shequestioned.

  "Yes. The message is from his Gracious Majesty the King. You know howimportant a summons that is."

  "But why must you go so soon? Why not wait overnight at Pedro's tavern,here?"

  "Ah, my dear cousin, you know how long the ride before I connect withthe railroad to Madrid."

  The girl wrung her hands, nervous at last, and her appealing eyes wouldhave softened a gentler heart than that of the steely Carlos.

  "But, Carlos, my brother--your princely cousin--may be dying, he may bedead. Here am I alone with no kinsman at my side if you leave."

  The Duke protested, dramatically.

  "Maria, I must obey my King!"

  "To leave me, after all your protestations! You have not the time norcourage to stay and help me in this hour."

  Carlos laughed bitterly, pointing toward the distant room of Warren's.

  "What need of me, my dear? You have this marvel of Sir Galahads, theGhost Breaker!"

  She dropped her head and answered slowly, "So, that is your excuse?"

  He caught eagerly at what he deemed his opportunity. He snatched herhand, although it was as promptly pulled away.

  "I make no excuses, my dear Maria. I need none. But you know thetruth--that Yankee adventurer stands between you and me. He is of thecommon herd,--you and I of the bluest blood in Spain. Send him away,now--
to-night, and I will do anything for you. I will postpone myjourney to the King, at any sacrifice of displeasure. I'll send one ofmy men into the castle to find your brother."

  She turned scornfully toward him, her eyes flashing.

  "Yes--you will send one of your men--but you are not brave enough to gothere yourself. Yet you ask me to send away this man, who of all of youis the only one willing to sacrifice his life for me?"

  Carlos snapped his tapering fingers angrily, as he clutched hissword-cane. His swarthy face was chalky under the stress of theemotion, as he replied savagely:

  "If he stays, I go!"

  "Very well; then, Carlos--you force me to make a choice. I choose areal man."

  Carlos caught her by the arm.

  "You are too interested in this worthless pretender, Maria! I love youmyself, and with the keenness of love I have watched you follow himwith your eyes, have seen the growing warmth in your voice--all throughthose days on the ocean, aboard the _Mauretania_. I warn you--royalprincesses must aim higher than the common herd."

  "Go, Carlos Hernando! It is I who am the superior--I the one toabjure!"

  Jarvis was sauntering down the steps, and he was greeted by a confusedlook in the girl's eyes. Carlos took his hat and coat from the table.Maliciously he hoped that the American had been eavesdropping, for thushe might be encouraged to presumption--and the Duke was certain that ofall women in the world the least susceptible to presumption was hishaughty kinswoman.

  "Well, Maria, you are sending him to his death--and as for you, Mr.Ghost Breaker, I wish you success, when you beard the specter in hisden!"

  With mock dignity at first, Jarvis's voice grew more menacing as hecompleted the words of retort:

  "Thanks, your Gracious Excellency!... I'll do my best to tie a can tothe specter's tail--and the can will be loaded with fireworks!"

  As he left, Warren turned with a cheery grin, to face Maria.

  "We must start at once, Mr. Warren," she urged, "for any moment may bemy brother's last."

  "Courage! If your brother is there, I'll find him. You must be patientand remain here, where you are safe,--try to rest up from thatblood-curdling trip from Paris."

  "But, Mr. Warren, I cannot rest or even sit still until I know what hasbecome of him. I shall go mad if I am left alone!"

  The womanly tears began to stream down her face. They melted a hithertocalm portion of Warren Jarvis' heart.

  "Now, my dear child," and he paused timidly, as though to learn whetheror not the familiarity had offended her. Instead, she looked up throughthe long wet lashes with anything but an angry glance. "My dear child,I must insist on one condition."

  "What's that?"

  "Let me go ahead and look over the ground. I will signal when it issafe to follow. I have reasons of my own for wanting to get therewithout losing a minute; otherwise, I would wait until to-morrow, tolook it over by daylight and lay my own trap. But I will surely let youknow if I have found him."

  "How can you signal, Mr. Warren Jarvis? We have no telephones inSeguro." Jarvis walked over toward the old paneled window.

  "With a light. See over here--there is the castle; you can of coursesee it through the window. I was asking all sorts of questions of oldPedro when he was in my room. He knows every foot of that land, even ifhe has been afraid to go near it for fifteen years or so."

  "Well, what will you do?"

  "Just as Paul Revere's friend did in the early days in my country: I'llput a light somewhere in one of those towers, and you can see it fromthis room or through one of the windows upstairs here. It will shine inan hour at the most. You won't have long to wait!"

  "But if it does not shine?" and she paled at the thought.

  "I'll be too busy swapping lead for brimstone with Mr. Spook to stopand hang a lantern!"