The Lighted Match

Lapas still stood silent, pitiably unnerved. If the man was Karyl's spy

an incautious reply might cost him his life. If he was genuinely a

messenger from the Pretender any hesitation might prove equally fatal.

Time was important. Blanco drew from his pocket a gold seal ring which

until last night had adorned the finger of the Countess Astaride. Upon

its shield was the crest of the House of Delgado. At the sight of the

familiar quarterings, the officer's face became contrite, apologetic,

but above all immeasurably relieved.

"Caution is so necessary," he explained. "One cannot be too careful. It

is not for myself alone, but for the Duke also that I must have a care."

Blanco accepted the explanation with a bow, then he spoke energetically

and rapidly, pressing his advantage before the other's weakness should

lead him into fresh vacillation.

"The Duke feared that there might be some misunderstanding as to the

signal and the programme. He wished me to make it clear to you."

Lapas nodded and, turning, led the way through the pine trees to a small

kiosk that was something between a sentinel box and a signal station

built against the walls of the old observatory.

"I think I understand," said Lapas, "but I shall be glad to have you

repeat the Duke's commands and inform me if any changes have been made."

"No, the arrangements stand unaltered," replied the Spaniard. "My

directions were that you should repeat to me the order of your

instructions and that I should judge for His Grace whether or not your

memory is retentive. There must be no hitch."

"I don't know you," demurred Lapas.

"His Grace knows me--and trusts me. That should be sufficient," retorted

Blanco. "I bring you credentials which you will refuse to recognize at

your own risk. Unless I were in the confidence of the Duke, I could

scarcely be here with a knowledge of your plans."

Blanco's eyes blazed in sudden and well simulated wrath. "I have no time

to waste in argument. Choose quickly. Shall I return to Louis and inform

him that you refuse to trust those he selects to bear his orders?"

For an instant the Spaniard stood contemptuously regarding the other's

terror, then with a disgusted exclamation he turned on his heel and

started to the door of the kiosk. But Lapas was in a moment catching at

his elbow and protesting himself convinced. He led Blanco back to a

seat.

"Listen." The Lieutenant sat at the crude table in the center of the

small room and talked rapidly, as one rehearsing a well-learned lesson.

"The Fortress do Freres is stocked with explosives. Karyl goes there

with Von Ritz and others of his suite to inspect the place with the view

of turning it into a prison. The Grand Duke, waiting at his hunting

lodge, is to receive by wireless the message from Jusseret and

Borttorff, who convey the verdict of Europe, as to whether or not it is

decided to recognize his Government. If their message be favorable, he

will raise the Galavian flag on the west tower of the hunting lodge, and

I shall relay the message here with the flag at Look-out Point. This

flag-pole will be the signal to those in the city whose fingers are on

the key, and whose key will explode the powder in do Freres. If the

flag which now flies from the flag-staff here is still flying when the

King enters the fortress, the cap will explode. If the flag-staff is

empty, the King's visit will be uneventful. It will require fifteen

minutes for the King to go from the Palace to the Fortress. I must not

remain here--I must be where I can see."