The Lighted Match

The Spaniard grinned with a dazzling show of white teeth. His shoulders

rose and fell in a shrug. "As well a tumbling castle wall as a charging

bull."

"Good. The first thing is to learn all we can of Louis and his party."

"There is," observed Blanco calmly, "a table on this side also shielded

by plants. From its angle we can observe,--and be ourselves protected

from their view. However, we will first go for a stroll in the calle

and return. The change of position will then be less noticeable. Also,

the Señor's forehead is beaded with moisture. The air of the street

will be grateful."

As Benton rose he noticed that the Grand Duke was leaning confidentially

toward the member of the French Cabinet Noir.

Fifteen minutes later the two men were ensconced in their more sheltered

coign, with wine glasses before them, and all the seeming of idle hours

to kill.

"Is Louis ostensibly a friend of the throne?" demanded the American.

"Professedly, he is, Señor. He will write his felicitations when the

marriage and the crowning occur--he will even send suitable gifts, but

he will remain at his café here with his absinthe, or in Paris near the

fair Comptessa Astaride, whom he adores, unless, of course, he goes to

touch the match."

"Does he never return to Puntal?"

"Once in five years he has been there. Then he went quietly to his

hunting lodge which is ten miles, as the crow flies from the capital,

yet barred off by the mountain ridge. It is two days' journey by sea

from Puntal, and save by the sea one comes only through the mountain

pass, which is always guarded. Yet on that occasion heliographs reported

his movements; the King's escort was doubled and the King went little

abroad."

"Who stands at Louis' back? Revolutionists?"

"Dios! No, Señor. The Galavians are cattle. Karyl or Louis, it is

one to them. Galavia is a key. The key cares not at what porter's belt

it jingles. Europe cares who opens and closes the lock. Comprende?

Spain cares, France cares, Italy cares, even the Northern nations care.

The movement of pawns affects castles and kings."

Manuel suddenly halted in his flow of talk. "Blessed Saints!" he

breathed softly. "When he comes nearer you will see him--the palms

obscure him now. It is Colonel Von Ritz. He has just entered. He stands

near Karyl and the throne. He is a great man wasted in a toy kingdom.

All Europe envies the services which Von Ritz squanders on Galavia."