"I think that if you go to the castle to-night, you take your life in your own hands."
Warren opened and shut his sinewy fingers, and laughed back: "I've got a pretty good grip."
"Look here," put in the nobleman. "You Americans are noted as being shrewd traders. You get dollar for dollar when you bargain—and generally a few extra dollars. You are not going to give your life away for nothing, are you?"
"Oh, it is not worth very much," retorted Jarvis. "The deal was made on a bargain day. My life happened to be a little below par, and a good customer came along."
There was a comprehensive sparkle in the dark Spanish eyes, to meet the twinkle in the firm blue ones.
"Ah, I begin to see a light. Well, Mr. Warren, I am willing to release you from your offer and the bargain and meet your terms now."
"Your Excellency, I am overwhelmed at the generosity, but the price was paid, the receipt given, and the bookkeeper has closed up the office. I'm on the job, and I'm certainly going to stay."
The Duke snarled, as he inquired: "I suppose that means that you are foolish enough to keep faith with her Highness?"
"Yes."
"I never saw a man quite so anxious to be killed, Mr. Jarvis; but such is sometimes the case where, as it has been said: 'Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.'"