They had not heard the thrum of the motors on the roadway outside. The door opened, and the first of the party to enter was the Duke. He walked quietly into the room, overhearing the words of Dolores.
"A pretty little speech!" he observed sarcastically.
"Your Excellency!" cried Robledo, taking off his hat. "Welcome back to Seguro."
"Yes, I am well come to Seguro."
The natives doffed their hats, and like Pedro bowed and howled in the time-honored peasant way.
"The Duke! The Duke!"
"Pedro, go out and help the Princess and her servants with the luggage. I want to speak to you alone, Robledo. Hurry, while the others are delayed with that execrable car. I walked a hundred yards to get here first."
He turned toward Dolores with a scowl.
"Those are charming sentiments for your fellow-townsmen, whose healthy common sense prevents them from rushing to a fool's death. Still, all fools are not dead yet. One of them will be here to-night. And you, señorita, will doubtless be pleased to look over him, as he has come all the way from America for the privilege of entering the castle and playing your hero."
Dolores looked at Robledo, as she parried: