The Lighted Match

The two men went at some length over the details of the situation. It

was agreed that the simple name of a town received by wireless should be

a signal upon which the Isis would proceed with all possible haste to

the place designated. If the necessity should arise for Karyl's leaving

Galavia, he might in this way take refuge on the yacht. This, explained

Von Ritz, was only the final precaution of preparing for every exigency.

His Majesty was determined not to leave his city alive, until he could

leave it in the full security of his established government.

The King also made another request. If Blanco could be spared and would

consent to come to Puntal, his proven ability, together with his

understanding of the language and the fact that he was not generally

known in Puntal, would give him untold value. All the government's

secret agents were either under suspicion of treason or too well known

to the conspirators to be of great avail. If Blanco agreed to come, he

might return with Von Ritz, or follow him at once and await instructions

at his hotel, using care to avoid the semblance of open communication

with the Palace.

On his return to the parlors, Cara presented Benton to her

ladies-in-waiting, the Countess Fernandez and the Countess Jaurez, who

were to travel as Miss Carstow's aunts.

* * * * *

When there is a three-quarter moon and an atmosphere as subtle as

perfume; when the walls of the city lose their ragged lines and melt

into soft shadow shapes, relieved here and there by lights which the

waters mirror, night and the Bay of Naples are not bad. Then the small

boats which bob alongside are filled with picturesque beggars raising

huge bunches of violets on bamboo poles to the deck rails, and the

mingling of singing voices with guitars sets it all to music.

On the forward deck Benton stood leaning on the rail and looking toward

the city. At his side was Cara Carstow. She was silent, but she shook

her head, and the man's solicitous scrutiny caught the deepening

thought-furrow between her eyes, and the twitching of her fingers.

He bent forward and spoke softly. "Cara, what is it?" She looked up and

smiled. "I was remembering that I stood just here, once before," she

said.

"Do you think," he asked quietly, "that there has been a moment since

then that I have not remembered it? That night you belonged to me and I

to you."

"I guess," she said rather wearily, "we don't any of us belong to

ourselves or to those we love most. We just belong to Fate."