The Lighted Match

Von Ritz replied with unruffled gravity.

"If it will add to your sense of security, Mr. Benton, I shall be

pleased to drive you to your Legation and to have your government's

representative accompany us."

Benton flushed. "I was not speaking from any sense of personal

insecurity," he explained. "But I wished you to understand the manner in

which I prefer to be approached."

The Colonel waited with perfect courtesy for the American to finish,

then he went on in the same distantly polite tone and manner. "I had not

quite finished delivering my message when you--when you began to speak.

His Majesty instructs me to say that if you will accompany me to the

Palace he will regard it as a courtesy and will be grateful. He commands

me to add that he does not send this message officially or as coming

from the Court. It is simply that the Count Pagratide wishes to see you

and that it is obviously impossible for His Majesty--for the Count

Pagratide--to call on you here."

Benton was irritated with himself for his display of temper, and more

irritated with Von Ritz for his calm superiority of manner. His murmured

apology was offered with no very good grace as he turned to follow the

other's lead. Opposite the hotel entrance he stopped.

"Colonel," he said, "I have been awaiting news from Manuel Blanco. He

may send a message or come himself, and if so it may be vital for him to

establish instant communication with me."

"Certainly," agreed Von Ritz. "I would suggest that you introduce my

aide, who may be trusted, at the hotel and that he be instructed to

bring you any message. By that means, Señor Blanco, or his news, can

follow you directly to the Palace--and it does not become necessary to

take others into your confidence."

The same young Captain who had summoned Blanco in the Casino was left to

act as messenger and Benton, following the officer through a side gate

and into a side street, stepped into a closed carriage.

"I had not supposed that the Palace knew of my presence in Puntal,"

commented the American as he took his seat opposite the Colonel of

Cavalry.

"You were seen on the promenade. It was reported from several sources,"

Von Ritz made answer. "Also," he added as an afterthought, "we knew of

your arrival two hours after you reached Puntal. You registered at the

hotel under your own name."

"Does the Queen also know of my presence?" asked Benton.