The Lighted Match

to the table pointed out, but he kept

impatientl

"At the right of 'Louis, the Dreamer,' as he is called, sits the Count Borttorff, who is not greatly in favor with Prince Karyl. He, too, is a Galavian of noble birth, but Paris knows him better than Puntal. He on the left, the man with the p

and a vacant chair,

is an Englishman by birth, a native of the world by adoption. Once he bore a British army commission. Now he is seen in distinguished society"-Blanco laughed-"when distinguished society

alls of Moorish tiles and arches, Benton felt the magn

f it?" argued Benton. He tried to speak as if his curiosity were dilut

ve the expressi

ause Galavia to mourn her new King that same chance would elevate the tall, pale g

owing, "your words seem to hint more t

atches from a porcelain receptac

b. "Regard that as a coincidence of the arrival of the Count Borttorff from the other direction, but at the same time, and at the precise season of the coronation and marriage of the King." He looked at the two matches, then successively laid down others, all with the heads at the common center. "That," he said, "is the joi

s he contemplated the little spurt of hissing flame. Then he dropped his flattened hand u

S HE CONTEMPLATED THE LIT

wned, "and of course it ma

nton spoke slowly, carefully, "ot

soned the Andalusian. "For a brief moment Europe looks with eyes of interest on the feasting li

amation. "But, man, think of it-the women-the

. "Si, Se?or, it is regrettable. Yet nothing on earth appears so easy to supply as Kings

. When he spoke it was in quic

Puntal and

know S

terest me, you will go there with me-even though

teeth. His shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. "A

is to learn all we can

urselves protected from their view. However, we will first go for a stroll in the calle and return. The change of position

d Duke was leaning confidentially towar

their more sheltered coign, with wine glasses befo

friend of the throne?

r-he will even send suitable gifts, but he will remain at his café here with his absinthe, or in Pa

ver return

arred 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, whi

Louis' back?

es not at what porter's belt it jingles. Europe cares who opens and closes the lock. Comprende? Spain cares,

see him-the palms obscure him now. It is Colonel Von Ritz. He has just entered. He stands near Karyl and the thro

f memories, and was glad that

ne betrayed no expression. He came slowly, idly, as though looking for someone. When still some distance from the table where sat the Duke Louis, he halted and their eyes met. Those of the Duke, as he inclined his head slightly, stiffly, wore a glint of veiled hostili

uis watched him, scowling, and as the Colonel passed into the street turned suddenly and spoke in a vehement wh

emained unoccupied, and of these, sev

nt later he came lurching back. His lower lip was stupidly pendent, his eyes heavy and dull, and as he floundered about he dropped with

his one is reserved." Blanco appeared too stupid to understand, and when finally he did grasp the meaning he rose with profuse and clumsy apologies and staggered vacantly about in the immediate neighborhood of the conspiring coterie. Finally, after receiving further attention and guidance from the waiter, he returned to Ben

is brows knitted

ne thing more. They await the man

action. Benton glanced up to see a young man of frank face, blond mustache and P

know. He is the Teniente Lapas, of Karyl's Palace guard. The pobrecit

t and friendship of the King. Before him lies every prospect of advancement, yet he has been beguiled by the Countess Astar

ss Astaride?" inqu

es him aspire to a throne. It is she who has the determination. He can see visions of power only in the colors of his absinthe glass. She uses men to her ends.