"I'd hate to tell you," responded Warren Jarvis. "It's part of my system."
And he forthwith drew out the revolver, caressing it with an unmistakable confidence.
"I had been hoping, Mr. Warren," remarked the Duke, "that you had some subtle method worthy of handling this problem, and justifying the reputation for such work which you say you maintain through America. You evidently propose to meet the forces of the supernatural with firearms.... I may as well tell you that this specter has been shot at before without the slightest effect."
The Kentuckian smiled gently.
"Quite likely, your Excellency. I have seen rifle-fire that had not the slightest effect on a wildcat for the simple reason that the firing was wilder than the cat!"
The Duke of Alva bestowed a pitying glance upon the weapon and its owner.
"I'm sorry for you, Mr. Warren. You will find that the ghost is more real than the treasure."
The Princess arose indignantly. She interrupted, with feminine betrayal of her own hand.
"But the treasure is real, Carlos. Would I have crossed the ocean for this locket unless I knew?"
Carlos looked at her sharply.