R BY 51 GEORGE RATH THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES JACK PLACED ONE FOOT UPON THE BROAD SPACE BETWEEN THE HORNS, THEN SPRANG UPON THE ANIMAL'S BACK.- (P. 68.) DOCTOR JACK. A NOVEL. BY ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE, AtJTHOB OF "DOCTOR JACK'S WIFE," "CAPTAIN TOM," "BARON SAM," "MISS PAULINE OF NEW YORK," "MISS CAPRICE," wo. K"EW YOBK: STREET & SMITH PUBLISHERS, 58ft ROM Street. Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1690, Br BTREKT & SMITH, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. 0. PS CONTENTS. BOOK I. THE BULL-FIGHT AT MADRID. CHAPTER. VAGB. I The Hotel on the Calle del Prado 9 II What Happened in the Plaza del Toros 22 III "Caramba! I Adore a Brave Man!" 33 IV The Little Engagement of Doctor Jack and Senor Toro 46 V A Meeting in the Royal Museum 58 VI "Doctor Jack Must Not Leave this House at Eight!" . 71 BOOK II. THE NIGHT OF THE CARNIVAL. VII That Terrible Right Arm Kg VIII Jack's Story 101 IX Madrid Awakens at Midnight 114 X A Message by Special Courier 123 XI Larry Looms Up , , 134 XII - Planning the Exodus. . . 146 1763805 BOOK HI. ON THE ROAD TO PARIS. CHAPTER. PAGE XIII "It is Love that Brings Me Here to Save You!" 155 XIV The Stop at Zaragoza 169 XV-"I Guess We're in for It, Larry, My Boy." 184 XVI The Lion at Bay 194 XVH In the Office of the Paris Prefect of Police 206 XVIII Off for the Orient 219 BOOK IV. THE MEETING IN CONSTANTINOPLE. XIX Stamboul, the Magnificent 231 XX Over the Wall to the Palace 243 XXI Mercedes 255 XXII The Telegram Larry Did Not Receive 267 XXITI - "On to the Harem!" 278 XXIV -Peace With Honor 289 OOK WNE. THE BULL-FIGHT AT MADRID. DOCTOR JACK. CHAPTER I. THE HOTEL ON THE CALLE DEL PBADO. Rat-tat-tat ! This summons, in the shape of several hearty blows, is beaten upon the door of a room the best the house affords of an hotel on the Calle del Prado, in Madrid. Within the chamber there is a movement among the bed-clothes, a smothered yawn, and then a voice, resonant and unmistakably American, calls out: "Hello there, what's the row?'* "The senor wished to be awakened at nine. It is a beautiful day for the bull-fight. Besides, there is a gentleman waiting to see you," comes the voice of the landlord from beyond. Jack Evans sits up in bed. The sleep is gone from his eyes entirely as he sees the golden sunlight creeping in through the small windows. "Send him up in ten minutes, landlord, and have breakfast for two in double that time." "Si, senor." Jack Evans proceeds to dress leisurely, as though 10 VOVTOK JAWL life had little in it to make him hurry, or else from some deep-rooted aversion to haste. His bed has been a hard one, but this singular young man has roughed it all over the world, and possesses the ad mirable characteristic of adapting himself to circum stances. He can sleep just as soundly whether 011 a feather bed, in a New England town, or on the bare boards of a Mississippi shanty boat in a word, he makes a superb traveler, grumbling at nothing. He has just finished his ablutions, and is applying the coarse towel vigorously, when a rap sounds upon the door. "Enter!" he sings out, whereupon the door, which he has unbarred, is pushed open, and a Spanish gentleman greets him warmly. "You are a late riser this morning, Senor Evans. The fandango last night must have been too much for you," laughs the new-comer. "I confess that I dreamed of the gipsies, ard the clattering castanets haunted me, but that was not my first zama-cueca, Don Carlos." "Indeed, I thought you had only been a few days on Spanish soil. Where have you seen the national dance before?" "My dear fellow, I spent three years of my life in Mexico. It was there I made my fortune in the gold mines, you know. That is how I speak Spanish so well," and Jack Evans proceeds to arrange his tie in a neglige style that has always seemed a part of himself. The Spaniard looks at him in a peculiar way, as though the answer brings amazement. This young American, whose acquaintance he had formed in gay Paris, excites new feeliners within his breast every day. DOCTOR JACK. 11 * 'Three years in Mexico, Senor Evans. And you have hunted grizzlies in the Rocky Mountains, played cowboy in Texas, shot moose while on snow- shoes in Canada, trailed the jaguar on the Amazon, hunted tigers and elephants in India, been chased by lions in Africa you have seen the wastes of Si beria, explored China, been lost in Alaska, sailed on a whaler into the Polar seas, and traveled across the Dark Continent with Stanley in the name of Heaven, man, how old are you:"' Jack Evans laughs aloud. He is amused at the as tonishment of the Spaniard. "Seventv by experience, but really just thirty-two last month, Don Carlos we Americans live fast, you know. At twelve I was riding the wildest mus tangs of Texas, so you see there has been twenty years for the rest." Carambaf you are a wonderful man, senor. " Then a flash of suspicion leaps to his eyes "Perhaps you have already seen a bull fight. I am told they have terrible encounters in the land of the Montezumas." "Yes," replies Jack, quietly, "I have seen some bull fights that would set staid old Madrid wild, I imagine, for the Spanish-American blood would never put up with the tame affairs you have over here, if what I hear of them is half true." "Ah! senor, I think they will give you a sight worth seeing to-day a black toro, the fiercest bull south of the Apennines, and instead of the worn out hacks usually put in to bait his fury, they mean to have noble horses for the picadors. This is the greatest day Madrid has had for a decade. Your blood will be thrilled by the daring of our brave bull-fighters." Jack listens with something of a sneer, for he has li DOCTOR JACK. had much experience among this class of boasters, and knows what little bravery they usually, possess, slinking away whenever a fierce bull turns upon them, prodding him from the rear, and vaulting tho fence as he makes a rush. The Spanish character, as seen from a foreign standpoint, has little in it for an American or Englishman to admire, and Jack has never been able to overcome this prejudice. All candor himself, brave to a fault, and daring, too a splendid boxer, dashing rider, keen sportsman, and no mean hand with the foils or the rifle, this American adventurer cannot understand the crafty tactics that generally go hand in hand with the Spanish nation he cannot enter into and appreciate their methods, so different from his own. "1 trust it will be as you say, Don Carlos. My blood grows stagnant again, and I long for excite ment. I hope your black bull will be the equal of some 1 have slain in Mexico." "What! you a bull-fighter, too, senor?" "Oh 1 I've taken a turn in the ring along with the rest, and became disgusted with it. By the way, what did you do with the skin of the bear I shot when with you in the Pyrenees?" ''It is made into a rug. You shall see it when you go home with me. My niece is all excitement at the thought of meeting my American friend, of whom I have talked so much." Jack is using his hair-brush vigorously, for his curly locks are thick. He does not even smile at the implied compliment, for even at thirty-two one may be much of a cynic and anchorite, and this American fancies he is proof against all the wiles that may be found under the vail and mantilla of Spain's biack-eyed daughters. DOCTOR JACK. 13 Don Carlos watches him with that deep look in his eyes again an expression that tells of some thought flitting through his brain. He bends over and ex amines with a quick glance some object on the stand it is only a cluster of withered roses tied together with a thread, but in the Spaniard's eyes very sig nificant. "I thought as much, Senor Evans. You hope to see a face at the bull-fight to-day the face of the girl who sold you flowers in the market on the Ram- bla in Barcelona the supposed Catalan peasant. Ah! senor, trust the eyes of a Spanish gentleman to read secrets like these. When you told me that story I knew you would look for her in Madrid.'' This time Jack finds it impossible to keep a straight face, and he laughs outright a merry, cheerful laugh it is, that prepossesses one in favor of the person from whom it emanates. 4 'My dear fellow, it's dused hard to keep a secret from you. I was hoping to lay eyes once more on that face, for it impressed me not by the beauty alone, but something deeper. She said she was to be in Madrid at the time of the great bull-fight, and I found I could just as well be here as above, so I came." "You had quite an adventue in Barcelona, I un derstood you to say last night.'* The American looks a trifle annoyed. He likes Don Carlos, who has some admirable points about him, and who stood up before that bear in the Pyrenees like a hero, and then again there are things about the Spaniard which do not please him at all. He fancies, for instance, that the other takes more interest in himself and his affairs than mere friend ship would warrant, and once or twice a faint sus- 14 DOCTOR JACK. picion has flitted across Jack's mind that possibly the artful Spaniard may have a reason back ot iiis curiosity. "Yes, I hinted to you about it last night when I told about the flower girl. Let me see it is time for breakfast. I have ordered for two.'* Don Carlos expostulates that he has broken his fast two hours back, but the American will not take no for an answer. "It is time you ate again, then. You must share my ollapodrida. Company makes it sweeter." "Very well, senor, since you insist on it. Besides, as we eat you can relate your strange adventure in Barcelona.'' Jack shrugs his shoulders, and thinks his com panion set in his ways. No wonder the Spaniard makes a good hunter, when by nature he is so per sistent. So the two make a break for the dining-room of the Spanish fonda, and are presently discussing a warm breakfast, which is, indeed, fair in quality and variety, shaming Jack's joke on the one dish question. "Now, Senor Evans, I am all attention. What of the strange nun of the cloister adjoining the Bene dictine church of San Pedro at Gerona?" Jack Evans stirs the contents of his cup, adding a little more sugar, and seems to be collecting his thoughts, so that he may waste no words in narra ting his adventure. There is a conviction in his mind he knows not from whence it springs that lie will do well not to trust his entire confidence to this olive-colored acquaintance. "It is hardly worth the telling, Don Carlos, but since you have expressed a desire to hear thf Tiarra- DOCTOR JAGK. 16 tive, I will proceed. After leaving you in the Pyrenees I ran back to Paris, for the message I re ceived was important. I spent nearly two weeks there, and then made up my mind to see Spain, reached Barcelona first, and put up at the Fonda dei Oriente, the hotel on the Rambla. "You have seen enough of me, senor, to under stand that when I go into a thing I let nothing hold me back. This applies to everything I undertake, from sight-seeing to a flirtation with a pretty girl. So I soon saw all I wanted of the old city, and wheit the afternoon came was almost tempted to take the t**ain down the coast for Madrid. "'What prevented me? Well, in the first place, I set eyes on that flower girl, and received a shock from her eyes that riddled my heart like a house wife's sieve. So I made up my mind Madrid could wait a while, and arranged to spend the night in Barcelona. ''There were things to be seen there after dark, and my guide had laid out a programme, which the evening gun from the fortress towering high above the city was to usher in. It was a gala time there in fact, I imagine you people of Spain, like those of Italy, have seven holidays a week. Soldiers' gay uniforms were everywhere, together with the fancy costumes of the natives. "Many a beautiful senorita caught my eye as she showered flowers upon me from a balcony, and black scowls were cast upon me by some of your countrymen, jealous, no doubt, of my luck with the girls. "My guide was one Francisco Marti you start perhaps he is known to you. I had found him a bright and useful fellow during; the day, ard can see 16 DOCTOR JACK. him in my mind's eye now swarthy, agile, dressed in a colored cotton shirt, pants tight at the leg, and held by a crimson sash, leggins and sandals, with a red cloth Phrygian cap above. "I would give his weight in silver to have that same Francisco Marti in a room alone with me for ten minutes but you shall see. We had arranged to learn how the Barcelona fandango compared with the Parisian Mabile, and my guide took me to the gipsy quarter, where the southern dance, he de clared, could be seen as nowhere else in all Barce lona. So, as I said before, when the sunset gun had been fired we started out upon our circuit. "I thought his actions strange, but believed he had simply been drinking a little too much of your native liquor. Truth to tell, the fellow had been so astonishingly smart that I forgave his little short comings. We watched the gipsy dance, and when it became too warm for my American blood I stepped out. "Francisco declared he had another sight for me, and led me along a gloomy street that ran into the Calle San Pablo. Here we were attacked by a clique of rascals, to make a long story short, and I realized that my guide had sold me to a lot of bandits. Luckily I am always armed, and my long experience with danger has taught me the art of self defense. I gave them more than they bargained for, and laid several of them bleeding on the ground, receiving in return a tremendous blow from the flat of a machete on the head that would have cut me to the chin had the edge been turned properly. "Then a cry was raised that the alquazil*. or police, were coming, mid my nssnilants fled. I thought I would follow, for I felt an almost insane desire to DOCTOR JACK. 17 lay hands on that villain of a Francisco, but my head began to swim, I clutched at a railing for sup port, and crashed against the door of a house. "My senses must have left me immediately, for I knew no more until I opened my eyes in a chamber, and found a woman dressed in somber black attend ing me. She did not know I had regained my senses, and I lay there some minutes observing her. You can imagine my surprise when I declare that the face cf the nun was the face of the peasant girl who Bold me the flowers in the mart on the wonderful Kambla. "Then I coughed to let her know I was in a sensi ble state again, at which she hastily dropped her heavy vail, as if desirous that I should not see her countenance. I was not badly hurt, onlv stunned, and while my head swam, could get upon my feet, though somewhat tempted to play. invalid in order to feel those white hands bathe my brow again with eau de cologne. "All she would tell me was that she was Sister Agatha, from the cloister of the Benedictine church of San Pedro, at Gerona, and happened to be visit ing this house at the hour I fell at the door in a senseless condition. I knew better the face I had seen had color in it, which a nun's never has, be cause they shut themselves away from the health- giving sun. Naturally I have puzzled over several questions since that hour who is the beautiful flower girl of the Rambla in Barcelona, what inter est does she take in me, for I am convinced in my soul she does, and why should she be going about disguised as a nun? When I find an opportunity I mean to have these things explained to me, as I am convinced that there is a mystery somewhere." IS DOCTOR JACK. During the brief recital of this little adventure m the ancient Spanish city, Jack's companion has lis tened eagerly, almost breathlessly indeed, it is evi dent that he feels more than an ordinary interest in the narrative. The mention of Jack's discovery con cerning the identity of the nun with the Catalan peasant girl in the flower market causes a light to appear in Don Carlos' eyes, but his natural crafti ness enables him to speedily smother this, and when he speaks it is in a very ordinary way. "Quite a little adventure, senor almost equal to the one you told me about in Quito, Peru, where you saved a girl from a beast that had escaped from a cage am I right?" "Just so. I bear the marks of the jaguar's teeth on my left arm still see here," and drawing up his sleeve he holds out the arm to the Spaniard, who goes into raptures at its wonderfully powerful struc ture, and then examines with deep interest several long-healed wounds, as regularly in a circle as the teeth of a wounded tiger cat could make them. "You have a powerful physique, Senor Evans. I've never met a man, but one, like you." "And he?" "You shall see him to-day. He is the matador who is to finish this terrible bull Pedro Vasquez. All Madrid loves him because he has as yet never quailed before a mad toro, but I venture to predict Pedro will have his hands full to-day. But your build is deceptive. When dressed you look like an ordinary gentleman, with a desire to take life easy, and yet, as I know, these muscles are like springs of steel, and lightning is not quicker than your move ments when once you have decided what to do." Jack pushes his CUD from him, and proceeds to roll DOCTOR JACK. i a cigarette he believes in the old adage that "when in Home do as the Romans do," and in Spain the cigarette is everywhere the people live on tobacco, and as a writer expresses it very neatly, "one might reasonably look for the spontaneous growth of the weed upon a Spaniard's grave did he not prefer to be hermetically sealed up above the ground.' Don Carlos Castelina follows suit, and the two arise from the table. Already out upon the street can be heard the excitement that heralds in the day of the great bull-fight. Others have been known in the past, but the management have spent money lavishly to make this affair the most notable of the decade. People have been pouring into Madrid for a week. Jack Evans has found the five principal hotels near the Puerta del Sol, or central plaza, full, and has been obliged to seek quarters farther away, hut money will do almost anything in this world, and he has had no reason to feel sorry because of his being crowded out. The two strange friends saunter outside to view the scene. Banners are flying, and the bustle and noise make the American think the occasion is what the glorious Fourth represents to his native coun trymen. Every one seems in his best clothes, the streets present an animated appearance, and men and women all head in one direction, where lies the monster pavilion, the arena of many a bloody battle between Taurus and his tormentors in the past. Jack is surprised at the tremendous interest the populace of Madrid takes in the affair. It is equal to the greatest championship game of base-ball he ever attended, more so because the capacity of the 90 DOCTOR JACK. pavilion is greater, and even those who do not go don their holiday attire. "Come, we will be late, Don Carlos. If half this mob finds an entrance there will not be standing room in an hour," and the American plucks his companion by the arm, but the Spaniard coolly takes something out of his pockets, which he holds aloft. "These are the best seats to be had. Each is a loletin de sombra. Depend upon it, senor, we will wit ness this affair in comfort from the shade. I have a friend among the directors. You will sit next my niece at the tournament, and there have a chance to make her acquaintance." "Your niece at this bloody business," exclaims the American, and then adds: "Oh! I forgot, it is your national game. Of course foreigners cannot understand such things. I, for one, fail to see how a young lady likes to look upon such slaughter." "It is in the blood, I suppose, senor," mutters Don Carlos, "you shall hear my niece cry 'Viva toro' when the bull chases a cowardly chulo over the fonce, and if by rare good luck the beast tosses a wretched banderillero with his gay darts among the audience, those little hands will clap, and her voice a sweeter one never sang 'Ave Maria' will cry bravo to the toro, yet I know Mercedes has a tender heart. I have seen her cry over a wounded bird, and sit up all night with a sick woman. Yes. it runs in the blood, senor. We have had bull-fights in Spain for centuries, and always shall. But we might as well go to save ourselves being crushed in the crowd " They join in the throng that heads in the direction of the Plaza del Toro, and finally sight the walls of DOCTOR JACK. 21 the great pavilion. Jack Evans looks upon tne stir ring scene with its gay coloring. Somehow his usual debonair air is absent, a look that one might even term concern gathers upon his face as he turns to his companion, and remarks, quietly: "You may laugh at me, Don Carlos, but I have a strange feeling a premonition that this day is to be a red letter one in my career. I can not explain it do not ask me, but wait and see if I am right." DOUTOX JAtOL CHAPTER IL WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PLAZA DEL. TOROi. The crowd is tremendous, but they avoid the worst of it, for there is a separate door or gate arranged in the interest of those who hold tickets for the shade. Once inside they find their way to the reserved Beats, and Jack has time to look around him. He sees an immense amphitheater, circular in shape, with the arena in the center. Around this the seats arise in successive tiers. The place will seat perhaps fifteen thousand, and to-day there will be standing room only, for the battle is to be a royal one. Around the arena is a small wall of boards for the hunted chulos to leap over when pursued by the bull, and to protect the spectators in case the maddened animal should plunge over this ; just a li tie way be yond is a sturdy barrier as high as a man's head. Music sounds upon the air, and a military band dashes off some popular airs that make the pulse beat quicker. The scene is a gay one, not like a gathering in our land, where men dress in black or gray. Here the natives appear in gaudy colors, men as well as women, and the effect of this, added to by the uniforms of hundreds of soldiers, is to form a scene which for gay holiday appearance we never see off the opera etage. "Look yonder, senor, we are favored to-day," and Don Carlos points across to the left, where seats are reserved for royalty. A party is just settling: down, some nf them offU DVCTVB JACK. 23 eers high in state, and among others Jack becomes interested in those who wear the peculiar red fez of the Turk. "Who are they?" he asks "the Turks, I mean?" "One is the Turkish ambassador. That stout man vrith the decorations on his breast is Abdallah Pasha he won his medals in the late affair with the Rus sians. I have the honor of his acquaintance. If you should desire an introduction, senor, I can ar range it later." Senor Jack hears, and yet forgets to reply, for he is staring hard at the Turkish pasha, as though something within warns him that this man will cross his path soon. Whether he has any reason for such a belief or not the near future will prove. At pres ent Jack takes a decided interest in the Turk. The pasha is heavy set, with a face that bespeaks cunning as well as bravery. He is a man with an iron will once his mind is made up, all the powers of the earth cannot prevail upon him to change it. Even as Jack watches him the pasha looks that way they are not far apart and finding a steady gaze fastened upon him, returns it with a scowl, just as if in the American he has recognized an old foe. How singular that these two men, who up to this time have never seen each other, should instinctively hate at sight, and yet soul language, speaking through the eyes, its windows, has communicated Jack's aversion to the pasha, and quick to take offense, he returns the challenge. Presently Jack looks farther around, and sees a party of English and American tourists, who have secured seats in the shade. He watches this section closely, as though expecting to see some familiar face appear. There is even a wistful look in his eye, JAVtL. as thougn he missed certaiii friendly companions of former travel perhaps something more. Then he starts as a voice near his ear calls out flowers for sale, and glancing up, half expecting to look upon the beautiful Catalan girl of the Barce lona market, he sees another, who takes his glance as an invitation to hand down her wares, so pres ently Jack has a boutonaire, one for his companion, and a handful of beautiful flowers for the ladies. This puts him in mind where are the ladies, in deed? The two seats still remaiD vacant, and it is now nearly time. His reflections are suddenly brought to an end, for the ladies have arrived, both dressed in the regulation Spanish style, and wearing the vail down over their faces ; but this will not be for long when the toro rushes into the arena they will throw back those gauzy screens in order to see all. Jack is introduced, and rises gallantly, taking the gloved hand of each. He notes that the senora is rather plump, and about the figure one expects at forty, while her companion seems to be a modern Hebe, her outlines of ravishing contour, and Jack somehow thinks that if her face corresponds with her figure she must be what would be called in the rowdy West "a stunner." He catches her name Mercedes. Somehow he tag always fancied that name, and there is something peculiar about this meeting. What if he, the cyni cal old bachelor, who has mapped out a life of sy baritic comfort and ease tor his futuro, has finally met his fate, and at a bull-fight, too the last place in all the wide world he would think of looking for the angel who might comfort him through life. He remembers receiving something of a genuine DOCTOR JACK. 26 thrill when. he took the senorita's little hand, and more than once wishes Mercedes would raise her vail, it is so tantalizing to see the flash of wondrous eyes back of a shimmer of gauze, and imagine beauty that is just beyond the reach of one's hand ; but Jack has been well bred, even if he has led a wild life as a sportsman, and he knows he must possess his soul in patience a little longer, when time will bring its revenge. So he enters into conversation with the senorita. To his surprise and gratification she speaks fair English, with a peculiarity of accent now and then that charms him. Eagerly she discusses each theme he advances, and almost before he knows it Jack is admitting to himself that Mercedes is a bright scholar. Now and then Don Carlos joins in with some re mark, and finally speaks of Jack having among his multitudinous sports enjoyed participating in a Mexi can bull-fight. The ladies are interested at once, and Mercedes, perhaps thoughtlessly, declares that the bulls in Mexico are not what they are in Spain k where they are bred for the purpose. Jack flushes a little under the thrust, but quietly says : "The bulls we use out there are running wild on the prairies great, fierce brutes, full of fire, and ready to charge Satan himself. I shall be better able to judge of the respective merits of the differ ent breeds after I see your game here." Then the conversation turns to the people present, and Jack notices that his companion seems to be in terested in the members of the Turkish embassy, for her glance wanders that way. A dim suspicion enters Jack's mind that there may be a reason for the scowl of the pasha, but before he has time to 96 DOCTUK JAUK. fully turn this idea over in his> mind something oc curs. There is a grand burst of music, followed by vivas from thousands of throats, 'kerchiefs are waved, and hands clapped, while the eyes of the immense audience are fastened upon the sawdust-strewn arena, empty no longer. A number of gaudily attired men have appeared in the court some mounted and others on foot all nimble looking fellows, who seem capable of choos ing instantly between a bull's horns and the board fence. A number of them bear the scars of previous battles, when the barrier was too far away, or the toro too speedy, but all are smiling and bowing now. The chulos are the fellows who irritate the bull, and divert his attention by scarlet cloaks when he is pursuing a companion too closely. Picadors on the horses are armed with lances, and the public expects them to prick the bull in the flanks, show dexterity in doing this, and avoiding his terrible rushes, and be exceedingly nimble at mounting the fence in case the short horns rip up the body of their steed. Then come banderilleros, whose duty it is to stir up the fury of the tired bull, and goad him to a state of frenzy, after which appears the executioner, the matador, who is to finish the scene with a brilliant stroke from his sword. He is the hero of the hour, while the mob has shouted itself hoarse up to this time in laughter and cheering, a death-like silence always falls over the whole amphitheater as the bold matador awaits the mad charge of the furious brute. All are present in a line, facing the high function ary, who represents the government, the captain- general of the province. To him they must mako their obeisance, and a proper interchange of civiii- JAOX. ? ties then takes place, after which the official searches in his pockets for the key of the toril, where the bulls are kept, and which he is now ex pected to throw down to the attending alquazil, who will at the proper time let the first bull out. While the captain-general is thus engaged, and fifteen thousand anxious hearts await the feast that is soon to glut their appetites, that singular Ameri. can, Doctor Jack, spends his time in scrutinizing the famous matador, whose name, if not as illustrious as those of his old time predecessors Montes, Romero, and Costillares, still has a magic charm about it with the populace, whose idol he has been up to this hour. The reason of this lies in the fact that as yet Pedro Vasquez has never met his match in the arena no bull has avoided his fatal thrust. When that time comes and it is liable to arrive at any hour this same fickle audience that has shouted itself hoarse in his honor many a time will turn and rend him. He who lives by the sword must die by the sword the plaudits of the multitude have been Pedro's staff of life, and they will be his doom. Jack sees a remarkably clever figure that chal lenges his admiration, for he is not the man to dis parage a rival, and yet there is a certain amount of braggadocia in the strut of the matador he does not like it is a trait characteristic of the Spanish character, and can never be eradicated. Somewhat to the surprise of the American, Pedro Vasquez walks over to the fence, vaults it with the ease of an accomplished gymnast, and then stands directly beneath the Turkish pasha, who leans over the railing, and enters into a warm conversation with the matador- IB DOCTOR JAUK. Many eyes are turned upon them as the captain- general still fumbles in his pockets for the missing key of the toril, growing as red in the face as a turkey cock. It is evident that the Turk and Pedro have met before. Imagine Jack's surprise when the pasha deliber ately points directly at him, and the bull-fighter, following the Turk's outstretched finger, looks him straight in the eyes. The American feels the blood mount into his face as he sees a sneer upon the coun tenance of the Oriental magnate, and realizes that* he has been pointed out to the bull-fighter. Then he grows cool again he is too old a campaigner to allow a little thing like this to upset his nerves in any way. All the same, he keeps up a tremendous amount ot thinking, and wonders if it is the stare he gave the pasha that has made an enemy out of him. What is he saying to the matador why does he point out the American at all will Vasquez publicly chal lenge him to a duel in the arena? Such wild thoughts as these flit through his mind in an exceedingly brief space of time, and he has come to no conclusion with regard to the matter when the impatient buzz of the audience changes to a roar of satisfaction, for the captain-general has at last found the obstinate key, and tossed it to the alqitazil. As the noise subsides, and every spectator settles back as comfortably as the limited space will allow, the blast of a trumpet is heard, which is the signal for the entrance of the toro, the hero of the hour. Out comes a red bull with a rush. The sudden change from the gloom of the toril to the sunlight causes him to stand still for a minute. Around him DOCTOR JACK. 29 are walls of bright colors, streaming banners, and a sea of expectant faces weird music fills the air no wonder Taurus is amazed. Then he recovers, and is himself again. A daring chulo flaunts a red flag in front of the bull, and bellowing with rage the brute tears at the ground with his ugly short horns, throws the dirt aloft, to the delight of the audience, and finally rushes at his tormentors. Then a picador jabs him with his lance in the flank, and draws the first blood. The scene in the arena at this moment is exciting, and very pictur esque, for the bull-fighters all wear richly embroi dered vests, knee breeches, gaudy sashes, with silk stockings and slippers, save the picadors, who have their legs encased in sheet-iron in order to secure them as well as possible from the horns of the bull. Around wheels the red bull, and after the picador like a flash. In vain are bright colored cloaks flaunted before his eyes; the old fellow knows what he wants, and means to get there in a hurry. The horseman realizes his danger, and tries his best to avoid it, but his steed seem panic stricken at sight of that lowered head, and does not obey the bridle, simply rearing in his mad fright. This suits old toro exactly, and he strikes the horse with terrific force, hurling steed and rider against the fence. A wild shout arises. It is "Viva toro! bravo toro!" now, but soon the tide of public opinion will change against the four- footed hero of the hour. Fortunately the bull stops to tear up the ground with his bloody horns, and the dismoun ted picador clairibers over the barrier with a speed that is ludi crous, to say the least. His steed h. received the 30 DOCTOR JACK coup de grace, and the rider soon appears mounted afresh, but less daring than before. Meanwhile the fun goes on, and one can easily discover that it is rare sport to the great majority of those present. Many a foreign lady would faint at the sight of a horse disemboweled by those terrible horns, or a chulo tossed among the spectators, per haps half killed, but these people have been edu cated up to these things, and even the most refined ladies seem to enjoy them. Each occurrence of this nature is greeted with a storm of applause. Why not, when they have come for just this same thing? The red bull has begun well, but he does not keep it up. The picadors are mounted on better horses than ordinary, and have little trouble in avoiding their enemy, while the footmen tantalize and badger him. How mean it all seems. The bull is the only brave creature in the arena all the rest run the moment he fixes his eye on them, some leaping the barrier at the slightest provocation. Jack's sympathies are with the toro, but he knows well the brave animal is doomed. Finally the bull, seeing how his enemies fly he- fore him, takes up his stand in the middle of the arena, and with lowered head awaits a new attack. His flanks are covered with bloody foam, for he has been wounded several times as well as ripping up a couple of horses himself. The enemy gather. Taurus waits in cunning, sullen humor until they are close upon him, and then makes an awful rush for a chulo to the left. Alarmed, the man flies for the barrier, he seems to know nothing of the tricks a cool-headed man mi darts unerringly. Gaudy streamers and rosettes aro attached to these, and the bull soon looks like the prize cattle of a show. At the same time something of fury is aroused hi him, though he almost staggers in his wili rushes. The torturers have done their work the trumpet again sounds. "It is Pedro's turn," says Don Carlos, who has been an excited spectator of the game, and in his eagerness almost forgotten that he has companions at his elbow. The great audience suddenly calm down. No longer shouts arise, not even a handkerchief i waved to distract the attention of either the bull or his master, who steps into the arena. It is now that a man appears, and that excited JACK. throng realize the fact, which accounts for the sud den silence. The matador faces the bull, and re ceives his attack, not flying from it as do the other actors in the drama. He is the star of the combina tion. For the first time since casting back her vail Mer cedes turns toward the American. She sees the look upon his face, knows that he has recognized her, and places a finger upon her scarlet lips in a way that indicates silence. "You shall know all in good time, Senor Evans/'' reaches his ear, and the next instant she is pointing into the arena, and saying : "Look at Pedro Vasquez, Senor American. Did you ever see a braver man? He stands before the toro perfectly fearless. See, he waves his red flag to enrage the brute. Watch a Spaniard give the coup de grace. You have faced the half starved bulls in Mexico, Don Carlos says, but they cannot compare with our noble brutes. It is a different mat ter being in front of that bull, for instance, sen or.'' Jack does not reply, how can he argue with a beautiful lady, and vaunt his own prowess, too? It goes against his grain, so he smiles and bows, but inwardly raves. Ah! the bull makes up his mind. The critical mo. ment has arrived, and down upon the brave mata dor he rushes. It looks as though the ponderous beast must run over the man who has dropped upon one knee, as if to receive the assault, his straight sword, with its keen point, upraised; but this posi tion has been assumed only in a spirit of bravado by the executioner, who knows too much to retain it longer. The little red muleta held by the left hand to one DOCTOR JAGK. 35 side engages the attention of the charging beast. With glaring, reddened eyes and steaming nostrils he bears down upon it. Master of his trade, Vasquez has his Toledo blade held out with a firm hand, his eye is glued upon the spot, no larger than the palm of his hand, between the left shoulder and the spine, where the point of the weapon must enter. Thousands hold their breath in this moment of suspense. A miss will cause the reputation of the matador to suffer. Jack feels a small hand clutching his arm. It is Mercedes, who, bending forward, hardly realizes what she is doing, so great is her interest in the drama below. Of course the American does not remove that hand it might clasp him thus for hours, and he would find grace to bear the captivity. His eyes, too, are upon the scene. He watches the man with the gaze of a connoisseur, one who has been there himself, and appreciates the situation, which most of the spectators do not. Vasquez has a smile on his lips, as though he scorns a beast such as the one before him The bull has reached the flaming engano or lure, which is tossed upon his horns, for the game is done. The point of the sword has touched the marked spot on his breast, and the very force of the bull's onward rush drives the blade through the lungs into the brave heart. So the first round is over. The bull lies on the saw dust, blood issuing from his mouth, and the vast au dience make the welkin ring with cheers of " Viva Vasquez! Bravo matador !" The hero of the death struggle regains his fatal sword, wipes it upon the carcase of his antagonist* 36 DOCTOR JACK. makes a low bow, first in the direction of the cap. tain-general, and then all around the amphitheater, after which he starts to withdraw, in order to make himself ready for the next encounter. At this moment a most terrific bellow sounds from the direction of the toril. The people hear it, and congratulate each other on the feast yet in store. Pedro Vasquez stops in his stride, glances toward the toril door, shrugs his shoulders, and passes on. "Vaya hombre!," cries Don Carlos, rubbing his hands together with delight, and addressing the American, "you shall see fun now. I told you that black bull was a devil. Even brave Pedro does not fancy the business. Unless the varlets weary the animal out before he is called, it may go hard with him." A team of gayly caparisoned mules, with tink ling bells, is driven into the arena, and the bull and dead horses dragged out, after which the second scene will be opened, the same thing being gone through with, under a greater or lesser degree of ex citement. While the arena is being cleared and gotten in readiness for the next engagement, Jack converses with the Spanish girl. He notes the expressive glances she casts in the direction of the Turkish pasha, and a light begins to steal upon him. He fancies he can at least understand the sudden en mity of that worthy in the red fez, who has been looking upon him in the light of a rival. The other matter, concerning Mercedes and the flower mart of Barcelona, remains a deep mystery, which can only be solved when this strange girl grants him a private interview. DOCTOR JACK. 87 She talks almost continually of Pedro, and more than once declares that she adores brave men in a manner so pointed that Jack is puzzled to know what she can mean. He does not understand women h has always admitted that fact. What is this charming creature hinting at? Does she want him to spring down into the arena and play chulo, banderillero, and matador all in one? Thanks, but he came here to see a show, not to make one. These men were hired to amuse people, and did but do their duty. Perhaps at some future time fate would be kind enough to give him a chance to prove his bravery in a way satisfying to even her Spanibh quixotic ideas. For the present he is well content to sit where he is, and let others do their best to entertain the multi tude. The mules have done their duty, and once more the chulos and picadors ride forward, but the keen eyes of the American notes a lack of confidence in their actions that awful bellow has frozen the mar row in their bones, and they fear the coming en counter with the fierce demon soon to be let loose. If Pedro Vasquez has anything of the same ner vousness about him, woe unto the matador when he comes to face the toro. Patience, and we shall see in good time. All eyes are bent eagerly and hungrily on the door of the toril, whence must issue the second bo vine monster. It is still closed, but the alquazil has the key in the lock, and awaits the signal to whirl the door open, after which he will leap for his life over the barrier. Back of that door a fearful sound is heard, like a peal of distant thunder oft repeated, and the audi- 3- SHJCTOR JACK. ence catch their breath as the conviction strikes home, even before they see the bull, that here must be a warrior fit for the steel of Vasquez. Ah! the trumpet sounds, open flies the door, the ground seems to tremble as a mad bull, black as jet and ugly as sin, sweeps into the arena, ready to do battle. Then the silence is broken, a whirl of furious ap plause arises, and the black terror is seen in hot pursuit of a picador. Vain are the timid attempts of the chulos to distract his attention. The brute keeps one object in his eye, and pursues it with overwhelming zeal. See ! the horse is thrown over, gored to his death, and the man will be also, for his fallen steed pins him down, but just in the nick of time a footman flaunts a scarlet flag before the bull's eyes, and is presently assisted over the fence by his powerful pursuer, with a leg ripped open. The fallen picador is helped out in time, and meanwhile the black bull has demolished two more horses. Such a terror has never yet been seen in the Plaza del Toros, and those who ought to be worrying him seem themselves only worried lest they cannot get over the fence fast enough. Not a horseman is left. The animals lie upon the sawdust, downed by the horns of the sable giant, while their late valiant riders sit astride the fence with the chulos, ready to drop back if the bull but winks twice, and utterly unmindful of the jeers that greet them on all sides, accompanied with a shower of orange parings and nuts. Undoubtedly the toro is master of the situation so far. He looks around him to make sure of this, and then contentedly chews at a tuft of grass that ap- VOVTOR JA(JK. 39 pears above the sawdust, which action is greeted with shrieks of laughter by the people, who declare this noble fellow will break the whole bull-fighting community up yet. As the remnant of the first brigade cannot be bribed or forced to enter the ring again, the dead horses are removed as best they can out of the way with a tackle provided for this purpose. Thus the ring is substantially cleared for the second scene of this quick panorama. Enter the bauderilleros with brave mien, bright ribbons flying, and to the music of a quickstep by the band. Jack imagines that unless these men are extraordinarily spry the same band will presently have occasion to play the Dead March of Saul, for there is blood in the eye of the bull. He waits until one of them plants an explosive dart in his side, and then starts. Now they scatter like a flock of sheep. First this one is chased, arid then that other such is the rapidity of the toro's ad vances that the men are bewildered by it. The leader is crushed against the planking, and a second only saves himself by clinging to the horns of the bull, which animal, by a toss of his powerful head, sends him into the crowd. While this scene is taking place the people have forgotten that they have tongues. The equal of this ebony king has never been seen before. He strikes every one with a peculiar feeling of alarm, and some timid souls are even contemplating the possi bility of seeing him tear down the strong barrier, and proceed to demolish the whole amphitheater. It takes Mr. Bull just about ten minutes to dis pose of the banderilleros. He peems to enjoy the fun about, as well as the audience do, for some of the 40 DOCTOR JACK. latter have found their tongues now, and are shout ing to the brute to kill the cowardly curs who dare not face him. The same bravos who shout could not be hired to remain in that inclosure for half the money in Madrid, but it is so easy to sit in security and guy a poor devil whose teeth are rattling to gether like castanets, and who would noi if he could, and could not if he would. Is this the end? The black bull remains master of the field, and has not been tired half enough to give the matador a chance of killing him. Of course it is not expected that Vasquez will enter the arena unless men are found to torment the bull still more and weary him with feints. The management attempt to expostulate with the dart throwers. They will sit upon the fence and cast their missiles at long range, but threats and bribes alike fail to induce them to enter. A low murmur, that sounds like far away thunder, gradually rising as the storm sweeps near, until the moan becomes a shout, and this in turn a tumult. Jack asks the cause. It is not difficult to find. The arena contains the figure of a man Pedro Vasquez, Toledo blade in one hand and scarlet muleta in the other, stands there. Brave man, he knows the awful chances he takes, but by no sign does he show fear. One hand is raised, it is to quell the deafening ap plause, which may unnerve him. Wait until all is over, and then if he wins give him what he de serves; should he lose he will probably need nothing beyond a requiem. Instantly all becomes as silent as death, and those two in the arena face each other, the man cool and watchful, the brute scrrp- DOCTOR JALK 41 ing up the sawdust and dirt with one hoof, as if in defiance. It is a picture for a master. Mercedes, with clasped hands, gazes and draws in inspiration she looks as though the man in the arena were a god, and Jack hears her utter words that thrill him like electricity : "Caramba! I adore a brave man!" The tableau is broken. It is the bull that makes the first move. The ani mal has seemed to scent new danger from the time Pedro Vasquez entered the arena, and at the same time some subtle power has given the brute to under stand that he now faces a man and not a coward. Up to this time the sympathies of the vast au dience have been entirely with Taurus. Deep down in their hearts these Spaniards respect bravery, and they cheer the adversary who follows up his blow, and hiss those who strike and then fly as though the Old Nick himself were after them. Now the toro is in motion again. He comes plung ing down upon the daring matador like an ava lanche. Pedro Vasquez has done a foolish thing, and he knows it, but perhaps some sneering remark has urged him on. He will show these people of Madrid, he swears, that the Vasquez of to-day is fully the equal of any matador whose memory is held sacred. Even the American is forced to admire the man's grit, though he expects to see him suffer for it. In Jack's opinion the Spaniard has not the proper con ception of what he should do under these extraordi nary circumstances, for never has Pedro faced a mad bull such as the one now rushing upon him. "Fool! fool!" Jack mutters, almost unconsciously, 42 DOCTOR JAUL and then he sees Mercedes turn and give one quick look into his face, showing she must have caught his words. Then comes the collision when a fast moving body bears down upon a stationary one, unless the latter gets out of the way in haste, there is bound to bo a smash-up. On a railroad the lighter engine al ways gets the worst of it, and indeed this is gen erally the case the world over. Pedro has depended on luring the bull to one side by means of his flaunting muleta, dangled out with his left hand. He seems to have taken it for granted that this animal will follow the tactics pursued by the last, and swerve enough from the course to allow the planting of the sword point upon his left breast, when, as in the case of the red bull, his own velocity will do the rest. In this he has made a fatal mistake, for the on- rushing animal has lowered his head, and keeps a straight course for the man. A mighty shudder convulses the crowd. It all happens so quickly that no one has time to shout a warning, and up to the last second Vasquez seems to imagine the bull will swerve. When he realizes his mistake it is too late. He endeavors to spring aside, but has planted himself so firmly, with outstretched legs, to resist the shock when the bull impales himself on the Toledo blade, that lie loses a second, and this means all to him. The man gives a shout as the horns strike him. It does not seen. i; k;e an expression of fear, but rather one of excitemen. Not a sound has hc^i heard in all that great; amphitheater, for every er* is glued upon the arena. Finding that he has lost the garae, the matador tries DOCTOR JAGK. 43 to save his life by clinging to the bull's horns. It is a most deplorable condition for him, as he may never again be the people's favorite he was, but life is sweet ven when one has to live without the fa vor of the fickle public, and there are matadors in the audience who have had their day, and strutted upon the field, of which he has now been king for some years. The neck of the black terror is all muscle, and when that awful head is thrown into the air Pedro Vasquez is seen flying through space. He strikes a cruel blow upon a post or pillar that holds up the roof, and falls in among a number of chulos grouped there, who immediately bear him away. Immediately the vast crowd breaks out in excited talk. The black bull goes back to his tuft of grass, and stamps viciously as though asking who will be the next victim. There is generally a reserve matador, and the peo ple wait to see him appear, but time passes, and the bull alone holds the arena. It grows monotonous. News has come that although Pedro Vasquez will live, he has been so thoroughly knocked out that he could not stand up again this day before a yearling bull. What now? The management apparently have made no preparation for an emergency of thH character. The people must be amused, but who will tindertake the job? After what has passed, it is all a man's life is worth to enter the arena with that sable monster, be he chulo, picador, or matador. What is that? Some Englishmen and Americans, delighting in fair play, are shouting "Viva toro Bravo! old boy! Well done!" 44 DOCTOR JAGS. Somehow the words exasperate the Spaniards, whose sympathies have been with Vasquez. They look at each other, and scowl. More than one friend of the matador touches his knife in a significant man ner. Ah! here is the gentleman who represents the management. He advances upon a little elevated platform, and holds up his hand. It is evident he desires to speak. "Silenzio !" passes the word around, and in a min ute so quiet is it that one can hear every word the manager utters. He speaks in Spanish, of course, and in a loud voice. First of all ha tells of Pedro's condition, then of the refusal of the substitute to enter the ring with that mad devil, and deplores the fact that there is no man brave enough to make the attempt pro bono Turning, so that he faces the foreigners who have been shouting so loudly, he continues : "The management offers two hundred pesos to tiie man who will enter the arena and slay that toro with the matador's blow. Don't all speak at once, senors, I beg." This is a thrust at the vaunted courage of the foreigners who could laugh to see a brave matador meet his fate. The men look at each other, and smile. Each generously declines to take away this pleasure from his companions. As a consequence, no one arises; seeing which, some of the Spaniards in the sun seats begin to laugh. Jack feels a pair of midnight eyes upon him, tha color mounts to his face, and, turning, he looks at Mercedes. Her words seem before him in letters of fire "Carambaf I adore a brave roan!" Somehow DOCTOR JACK. 45 the challenge seems to have been dropped at his feet- -he must either pick it up or decline. The manager still stands 011 his platform looking around, as if hoping that some old matador may deem the golden lure of sufficient value to risk his neck for, but no one signifies such an intention. When Jack Evans arises from his seat and takes off his coat almost every eye is instantly glued upon him. He folds his outer garment, and lays it on the seat ; then, with a smile, stands upon the railing, takes one look at Mercedes, sees the surprise and consternation on her face, for she has never ex pected this, and calls out in Spanish to the manager: "Senor, I accept your offer. If I earn the pesos give them to the poor. I am an American, and I will show you how we do this thing out in Mexico.*' "Hurrah for Doctor Jack!" cries a voice from the foreign quarter an acquaintance has recognized him. Jack drops lightly over the barrier, and stands in the arena, alone with the black devil of a toro that has been playing such havoc with the regular stock company of bull-fighters. 46 DOCTOR JACK. CHAPTER IV. THE LITTLE ENGAGEMENT OF DOCTOR JACK AND SENOR TORO. Admiration for braver}' is not confined to civilized races. Even the most savage people of the world re spect those qualities in a man which induce him to face death without flinching, whether in front of a mad bull or as a captive tied to the stake with the funeral pyre about him. Hence it is that at the conclusion of the daring American's speech a buzz goes around the whole amphitheater, which quickly swells into a tremen dous roar, for, although his words in accepting the open challenge may not have been understood by the majority of those present, there can be no mistak ing his action in removing coat and vest. While this shout still makes the welkin ring, Jack has dropped into the arena, lightly scaling the inner barrier. Then a sense of fairness seizes the multi tude, and immediately cries arise: "StietunoJ silenzio! " The roar becomes a rushing stream, and this in turn a gurgling brook, until almost magically even the last sounds cease, and a death-like silence en sues. Fifteen thousand human beings have their eyes riveted upon the form of the American gymnast. They seem to breathe as one man, waiting for the shock. Doctor Jack keeps his wits about him, and surely he has need of them with that black devil of a mad toro not more than twenty feet away. DOCTOR JACK. 47 He forgets the presence of the crazy mob that fills the amphitheater to overflowing. A pair of black eyes have sent him into the arena, and he remem bers only this. His manner excites admiration, he is so cool and collected, and the majority of the good people of Madrid present secretly wish he may be successful, but there are few who do not fully expect the stranger to be demolished at the first desperate on slaught of the animal, for when a man with the prestige of Pedro Vasquez is tossed out of the arena it seems like madness for an amateur to have a liv ing chance, no matter how brave he may be. Hardly has Doctor Jack gained the arena than a clattering sound is heard beside him, and turning his head, he sees the muleta, or red flag of the matador, together with his sword, lying near by. Bending down, he takes both into his hands, tests the quality of the Toledo blade in bending it by main strength, and finds it a remarkable weapon, which has served Pedro in many a successful bout, and finally makes a bow, not in the direction of the representative of royalty, but squarely intended for the black-eyed damsel whose words have oeen the means of send ing him upon such a quixotic errand. All this consumes but a few seconds of time. The black toro has divined, from the rush of applause that greets Doctor Jack's action, something of the truth, and has even ceased chewing at the lone tuft of half dead grass growing noar the center of the ring, to lower his head and dig his blood-stained horns into the sawdust-covered ground, which he tosses up in a horribly suggestive manner, the while uttering those peculiar subdued bellows that strike terror to the ordinary heart. 48 DOCTOR JACK Evidently the brute sees Jack, and will presently descend upon him with the fury of an avalanche. At present it pleases the royal animal to play with his anticipated victim much as a cat might with a mouse. This suits the new matador, for it gives him a minute of time to note the position of the bull, and what impediments there may be in the arena, for a false step at any instant may cost him his life, and Doctor Jack is not in this game as a reckless fool, however much his admiring compatriots in the for eign quarter may believe. The man who has led the life of a Texan cowboy for several years is apt to know something about wild bulls, and from his observation Jack is certain he has met just as fierce brutes in Mexico as this sable devil now preparing to demolish him. One thing is against him he is not in proper dress for such business, and unless exceedingly careful may slip upon the bloody tan bark or saw dust when such a thing will be fatal. What would he not give to have on a pair of base-ball shoes at this moment, with spikes that might render his footing positively sure? If the mountain refuses to come to Mahomet, then Mahomet must go to the mountain. The bull con tinues to toss the earth as though he expected to see bis new antagonist make for the barrier, and in truth the presence of the chulos, picadors, and ban- derilleros perched upon the fence like so many crows, with one leg thrown over, ready for retreat, {.fives good cause for such belief on the part of the monarch of the battle-field. With a few rapid movements of his left arm Doc tor Jack unfurls the little red flag then he advances DOCTOR JACK. 49 straight toward the bull, -which ceases to plow up the soil, and gazes at the other as though deeming him crazy, lowers his massive head, and shoots for ward. The tan-bark flies into the air as his heels spurn it. Every human being in that vast audience holds his or her breath in anticipation of what is to come. Is that a shock as the bull's head comes in contact with a human figure? A cloud of dust obscures the scene in the arena, and, confident as to the result, more than one person looks aloft, expecting to see the American whirling through space, badly wrecked. Such as anticipate a speedy ending of the adven turer confess their disappointment, and, turning to the ring again to learn the cause, discover old toro again tossing tan-bark with his horns while the American stands there taunting him. Jack knows too much to attempt the coup de grace until the beast is in a more exhausted condition. It has been a fatal mistake on the part of Pedro Vas- quez, and he does not mean to repeat the blunder. A nimble leap aside at the proper second has saved him from those cruel horns, and the bull's fury is increased doubly by the fact that he has failed in his first rush. Ah! again he bears down upon his tantalizing foe, as though determined that this time he will crush the man to the earth or assist him over the barrier. A perfect gymnast, Jack has little trouble in avoiding the onslaught, and but for the ever pres ent danger of a slip, might really enjoy the fun. While the toro once more amuses himself with the inoffensive tan-bark, Jack coolly takes a look around the amphitheater. From the foreign quarter hand- 40 DOCTOR JACK. kerchiefs are waved, and cries of "Bravo, Doctor Jack! "arise. These are incautious just now, and more apt to disturb the brave man who risks his life in the bull-ring for a woman's smile, than give him new energy. The Spaniards know better than to breathe a sound while the matador faces his foe. Jack's sweeping glance takes it all in. He sees the eager multitude that is ready to shout "Viva toro" in case the bull downs him, just as it will ap plaud victory on his part, but makes no note of the swarthy sea of faces. He lets his gaze rest an in stant on the Turksh pasha, and notes the look of fierce eagerness visible there that tells him how anx ious this man is for the bull to triumph, then his eyes sweep along until they reach his own vacant seat, and catch a glimpse of the beautiful girl next in line, at which he smiles coldly, and bows again. "Lookout, Jack!" This shout comes from his American friend in the foreign quarter, and warns him that the bull has ceased his side play, and is once again on the war path. Turning to receive the new charge, Jack's foot slips, and there is danger of his being struck, but quick as lightning he hurls himself out of the way. Again the multitude breathe easy. They recog nize the fact that this man is no amateur bull-fighter, with only reckless bravery to back him up, but one who has made a study of the animals in times past, and is qualified to anticipate the sable brute's every move. Thus they expect to have pleasure in watching the struggle for supremacy. It is a matter of su* preme indifference to most of them whether the bull eventually slays the man or is himself downed, so DOCTOR JACK. 51 long as the combatants afford them a good show. The life of a bull-fighter is held very cheaply in Madrid. Already has Doctor Jack evaded three of those wild rushes. Will he be able to continue this system of tactics until he has wearied the animal out, and brought him into the proper condition for the final blow? The bull no longer tosses the tan-bark with his horns. His challenge has been met, and he finds himself opposed by one whom he cannot terrorize. As soon as one furious rush fails the brute wheels and makes another. He is continually in motion, and it seems as though there may come a moment when by some lucky stroke he will disable his nim ble adversary, and change the tide of battle. As yet Jack has acted only on the defensive, leap ing aside when the time comes, and each time with rare good judgment. He has not received a scratch, and although the bull steams and puffs with his tre mendous exertions, the man is apparently as cool and collected as when he began the engagement. For the first time the people awaken to the fact that the awful black toro has met his master, and when Doctor Jack begins to assume the offensive loud shouts greet him. As the lumbering animal rushes past, the American plucks him by the tail, and gives that caudal ap pendage a twist that elicits a fierce bellow from the furious bull, drowned by the storm of applause from the audience. After eluding another charge, Jack pricks the flank of his foe with the point of his Toledo blade, and this action suits the humor of the lookers on, who shout their approval. 62 DOCTOR JACK. All danger to the man is not yet past, and he does not deceive himself. This brute is to be feared until the last vital spark is drawn from his body. Before that time comes, Doctor Jack means to show the good people of Madrid how their cousins in Mexico carry on a bull-fight. Instead of rushing at him now, toro advances with lowered head, as though hoping to come in contact with his foe. He has become blown, and even the chulos could keep out of his way now. Some of these worthies make a move as though to leave their perch upon the barrier, seeing which, Jack roars out : "Keep back, you cowards! This is my game!" His manner, more than the words he utters, give them warning, and if this is not sufficient, the storm of hisses from the audience declares that such inter ference with the just rights of the bull-fighter will not be tolerated. Doctor Jack has tamed the beast, and his must be the glory of the final sacrifice. They once more climb the fence, and watch the work of the man in the arena jealously. Never since the days of Montes or Romero has a Spanish audience looked upon a scene the equal of this. Jack is determined to do the thing up in good style now that he has entered the game. He cares little for the applause of the rabble. It was not to please them he sprang over the stout barrier and faced this terror of a black toro, but he hopes Mer. cedes is satisfied now. He seems to once more hear the Spanish beauty say with that expressive glance, "I adore a brave man," and a warm glow thrills him as glancing up he sees Mercedes watching his movements with an eagerness she makes no attempt t<> disguise. DOCTOR JACK. 53 Again comes the now wearied brute. It is nearly time for the final stroke, but ere delivering it Doc tor Jack ventures upon a trick he remembers playing in the halcyon days of long ago before an audience in the land of the prickly pear and cactus. Waiting until the massive head is lowered again, instead of springing aside, as has been his wont, he places one foot upon the broad space between the short horns. The animal has evidently expected to miss his enemy, as usual, and must necessarily be tremendously surprised at this movement. Before he can take advantage of the sudden opportunity, Jack, with a light spring, has vaulted to his back, where he stands for a few seconds waving the muleta, to the intense mystification of the puzzled bull and the delight of the Spanish audience, who, forgetting that the brave matador is a foreigner, give vent to their approval in a whirlwind of shouts and clapping of hands. Then Jack drops lightly to the ground and makes ready for the final work. He knows his audience, and how far show goes with these people of impulse, so he rolls up the right sleeve of his shirt for busi ness, showing the wonderful arm that has already this day elicited words of admiration from Don Carlos. All readily guess his motive in doing this. He desires to warn them that the time has come for serious work, and begs them to keep silent in order that his attention be not distracted at the trying moment. The shouts cease. Again an ominous si lence spreads about the amphitheater. The toro stands near the center, pawing at the ground with one of his hoofs, as though to prove that the spirit has not yet been entirely broken in 54 DOCTOR JACK. him. Evidently he is endeavoring to recoup his broken wind in order to make a last gallant charge. All is now ready. Muleta in one hand and Toledo blade in the other, Doctor Jack advances toward his adversary. The scarlet flag is waving in the eyes of the bull, and tantalizing hiui to his death. He is no coward, and the stratagem succeeds perfectly, just as Jack has planned. As the American slips away a dozen feet, and waving the flag, plants himself for business, the black bull lumbers forward, shorn of much of his former activity, but still determined to carry the war into Africa. Not once has the red flag deceived him, and on this occasion, too, he heads direct for the man. Jack has fully expected such a thing, and hence is not caught napping. Just before that heavy set head reaches him he steps aside. His eye has marked the spot where he means to press the point of the sword, and the forward motion of the bull will do the rest. An inch or two out of the way may be the cause of a failure, but Jack is no novice in the study of anatomv, and knows just where to find the heart every time. So the point of Pedro Vasquez's sword presses upon the black satin skin, vanishes from view, and a foot of the weapon is buried in the body of brave old toro. The great beast pushes on a yard or so, stops, trembles, staggers a mighty shout seems to make the very ground quake the terrible bull is down blood issues from his month the To ledo blade has snapped off under his weight, but half of it remains buried in his quivering body, and the deadly point has undoubtedly pierced his heart. When danger menaced him, Doctor Jack was cool. In the midst of the wild plaudits that greet his DOCTOR JACK. 55 valiant -work, lie does not for an instant lose his re markable presence of mind. Bending down, he se cures the broken sword, places one foot upon the still struggling but dying animal, makes a proud bo\v in the direction of the governor-general, after which he lays his course for the barriers, leaping the outer one in a manner that pleases the people. In another minute he has regained his place and resumed his outer garments, Save the fact that he is breathing hard, no one would see anything about him to tell of the encounter which he has just figured iu as the leading character. Don Carlos bends over and squeezes his hand, ut tering warm praises, but Doctor Jack hardly knows whether they come from his heart or not. There is a something in Senor Catalina's eyes and face that gives the lie to his words. Mercedes says nothing, but if looks can convey the language of the soul, then is her silence eloquent indeed. Presently she takes her little lace kerchief and removes a speck of blood from the face of the American, who had gone to what seemed like death because of a woman's whim herself. No one no tices the act, for a new bull has been entered, and the clinics and picadors are goading him no one ah! intuitively Jack's eyes shoot sideways to the seats of honor given the members of the Turkish embassy, and when he catches the black scowl of Abdallah Pasha, he knows that this day's work has gained for him the hatred of an unscrupulous prince who will descend to any depth in order to win the game. He wraps up the hilt of the sword in a newspaper which he takes from his pocket, intending to place 66 UUUTUK JAVA. it among his trophies, as & souvenir to remind him of this affair. Shouts arise, for the scene in the arena is the old familiar one of charging bull and fleeing chulos, but the animal is only an ordinary specimen, and soon wearies after hurling one wretch into the crowd, when the dart throwers appear, cast their ribbon- decked missiles, and decorate toro like the prize cat tle at Christmas time in Old England. At last the second matador comes out, makes a bungling stroke, and has to repeat the job before he succeeds in finishing the animal, to the disgust of the audience, who, in derision, loudly call for the American, to which appeal Jack, of course, makes no response. There are other bulls waiting their turn, but the spectacle has become tame to many in the audience, who admire bravery such as the American has shown, and empty seats begin to become frequent. Jack himself is tired and disgusted with the busi ness. Still, as long as the ladies make no complaint, he does not offer to withdraw, but welcomes with pleasure a suggestion from Don Carlos that they depart. The arena is again being cleared for action as they turn away. Jack notes the fact that the Turk ish embassy has also departed, and the thought in his mind takes the shape of a speculation as to whether he will ever look upon the face of the pasha again, little suspecting the strange train of events that lie in the near future, and which must bring them in contact They push through the crowd. Jfivery one recog nizes the American hero, and many wave handker chiefs as he passes. A few scowl at him darkly, DOCTOR JACK. 57 Pedro Vasquez has friends, and they instinctively hate the man who accomplished that in which the matador failed. The exit is reached. A crowd is pouring out. Jack, in the jam, endeavoring to protect the ladies as much as possible, feels a slip of paper thrust into his hand. He does not know who placed it there, and carelessly slips it in his vest pocket tr be ex amined at leisure, doubting not but that it is a note from some amorous Spanish damsel, who imagines she adores him because he has been too agile and shrewd for old toro. Jack long ago tired of these little affairs. The girl who wins him must be wooed, and not do the wooing herself. 68 DOCTOR JAVK. CHAPTER V. At last they gain the street crowd, already swollen by those leaving the pavilion, and as the word goes around that this is the brave American who slew the most terrible bull ever seen in Madrid, and deeded the reward to the poor of the city, murmurs of ad miration arise. Don Carlos secures a vehicle, into which they all crowd, and soon the more quiet streets of the Span ish city are gained, where they can converse at leis ure. The elder gentleman speaks again of Jack's bravery, and the senora joins in his praise, but she who was the incentive for the act says never a word in connection with it. This piques Jack exceedingly, and he begs the others to say no more that it did not amount to a great deal, any way, as he has seen bulls even more fierce in the land of the Montezumas, which remark brings him a quick glance and a smile from Mercedes, who has not for gotten what she said when comparing the animals of the two countries. The ride is continued along the beautiful Ca)le del Prado, 1 for the day is fine, and all feel an exhilara tion after the bad atmosphere in the Plaza del Toros. Just opposite the museum the senor gives a signal to stop, and orders the driver to wait for them. Here they spend quite a time with pleasure, for the museum of Madrid contains a wonderful collec tion of rare paintings. As usual, quite a crowd is in attendance DOCTOR JACK. 59 strangers in Madrid always make for the museum the first thing. Here almost all of the old masters are represented, from Rubens and Murillo to Eaphael, and the artistic mind finds enough for a long con tinued feast to cover several days. People are still crowding in, coming from the bull fight, many of them travelers. A small admission fee is charged, something one seldom finds in the art galleries of Europe, though the attendants must always be tipped. Jack is interested more in the lovely woman at his side than the pictures in the gallery, nevertheless he manages to find fault with several masterpieces, and express a plebeian taste for modern painting bits of exquisite landscape, especially when there is some animal in focus. You see, Jack's artistic edu cation has been neglected, and as a general thing he sees through the eyes of the nineteenth century, and not with glasses three hundred years old, which ac counts for his love of nature, and repugnance of gloomy paintings, no matter how valuable. In front of one, however, he does stand entranced it is a Murillo "Rebecca at the Well." Tha colors of garments and features, the well with its oucket, the maidens in the foreground with their loveliness of form, feature, and manner, and the tur- baned Oriental attendants farther back, attending to the camels, make a bright scene that holds the eye of the most ordinary observer. As Jack turns to make some remark to his com- panion, he comes face to face with the man whose glance he caught at the bull-fight the Turk. This time he gives as good as he receives. The pasha stops and speaks to Mercedes. Jack's eyes are upon her, and he notes a singular fact. In his rambles DOCTOR JACK. through the South-western States he has more than once seen a rattlesnake charming a bird, and noted the manner in which the poor feathered songster fluttered near the reptile, advancing and retreating, yet lacking the power to break the spell, and bound to fall a victim unless help came. Somehow he is impressed with the idea now that such a scene is being enacted before him. Mercedes laughs lightly, but there is something in her manner that betrays concern, anxiety fear of this man. In the ordinary case it has always been Jack's plan to shoot off the head of the serpent, and save the bird. Perhaps he may have an opportunity to do something of the same sort here later on ; meanwhile be will keep his wits about him and watch. The pasha says something in a low tone to Mer cedes, who, turning quickly, introduces these two men, born foes. Both bow gravely, but neither ex tends a hand. The pasha, in excellent English, makes a remark about the dexterity of the Ameri can in regard to killing a bull, and what a foothold he already has upon the ladder of fame if he cares to carry on the business, to which Jack, unruffled, replies that he had rather practice his skill upon something more human than bulls, and has a mis sion in life a little above the feat of living upon the plaudits of a fickle Spanish audience at a bull-fight. Just at this moment Doctor Jack's eyes, in ranging past the pasha, fall upon something that gives him a start. It is a face one such as Murillo would have loved to paint. The girl is not a native of Madrid. Her face, light hair and wonderfully bright blue eyes, together with her costume, and, above all, the way in which she carries herself, stamp her as a New Yorker. It DOCTOR JA(,R. 61 is generally true that there is an individuality about the New York girl that can be detected even by care less observers, and Jack could never be called that. He excuses himself to Mercedes for a few minutes to speak to an acquaintance, he says, but, truth to tell, he has never set eyes on the face of this Ameri can girl before. In his pocket he carries a photo graph, and watching his chance, he takes this out to compare the face with that of the stately girl who- saunters about, swinging her parasol carelessly, and seemingly indifferent to the fact that she has been separated in the crowd from the companion who acts the part of duenna, "There can be no mistake. I wonder how she will receive me, and whether my story may be credited. Well, here goes, at any rate. My chance has come." It is easy to understand now why Doctor Jack's glance roved so often in the direction of the foreign quarter at the bull-fight. He was looking for this face. Perhaps, in comparison with the wonderful fea tures of Mercedes, this American girl could not be called beautiful, but there is something better about her features they are full of expression, anima tion, and life. One might go a long way without discovering a face that can compare with that which Doctor Jack fastens his eyes on. These two are the opposites of nature as revealed in womankind the one with olive-colored, velvet skin, magnificent features, hair and eyes as black as midnight, regal figure, and the jealousies charac teristic of the Latin race ; the other fair, frank, fear. less, full of love for a frolic, tender if need be, but always her own true self. What a choice for a man. Such a thought flashes through the mind of Doc- ea DOCTOR JACK. tor Jack as he looks at the girl before him, but time is precious, and the golden opportunity may not hold out. He has by this time managed to push his way through the crowd, and is now close beside the di vinity from Gotham. Indeed, if he but chooses to do so, he might touch her. Instead, he waits until she looks his way, a trifle annoyed because she is hemmed in by a group of natives, and her silk attire in danger of being crushed. Their eyes meet. Jack half smiles, and is amazed to see her start visibly. Does she know him? Im possible, for he has never before met this girl face to face, though just at present his mission in Madrid seems to have some sort of connection with her. He wastes no more time, for surely this chance meeting is auspicious. It must be accepted as a har binger of success. Politely bowing, he asks : "I beg pardon, but am I not addressing Miss Avis Morton, of New York?" She freezes him with her look, and drawing up to her full height replies: "That is my name, sir, but I have not the honor of your acquaintance." The manner implies more than the words would signify, and some men might have been abashed, but Doctor Jack always did prefer to hunt difficult game, and was never known to fish in any well stocked preserve, snatching his trophies from the wild moun tain brooks and lakes, where they had every chance in their favor. Somehow he likes Avis Morton from the word "go." Her looks and manner charm him. and now her words add to the zest. Here is a girl worth the JAKK. 6* winning, and lucky the man who may wear the wild rose. Jack has no fear regarding his reception when he tells her what is on his mind, and yet he does not hurry about it. Feeling so positive on this score, he seems to think he might as well enjoy watching the various shades of emotion play over that expressive face before showing his own trumps. "We have never met before, Miss Morton, but in a foreign country the lack of an introduction does not stand in the way of people becoming acquainted when they hail from the land of the glorious stars and stripes." She remains as frigid as the Polar seas, and proba. bly there is no one who can assume this character with more hauteur than the New York girl of so ciety. Jack looks in vain for some sign of relent ing. His first attack has not been a very brilliant success. "What you say may ordinarily be true enough, and at some future time I may be pleased to know you, but at present I am in search of my good friend, Madame Sophie. You will excuse me, Doc tor Jack, if " "Ah! you know me!" he cries, delighted to hear his name fall from those lips. She colors a little, then laughs. "Well, to tell the truth, I heard the gentleman in front call out your name." "Good gracious! were you there?" "I travel by the old motto of 'When in Rome do as the Romans do.' and it would never do for me to talk of Spain and say I had not seen a bull-fight. Besides, do you know, I actually enjoyed it a little. 64 DOCTOR JACK. Perhaps away back I had Spanish ancestors who knows ?' ; Doctor Jack has but one idea in view, and this to keep up the conversation, for although Avis has de clared that she must not stand and talk with a stranger, like many of her sex, she does exactly what she declares she will not. Perhaps this is due in part to the singular attrac tive qualities of the American doctor, and the fact that he is a countryman, which goes a great way when abroad. "Strange how I failed to see you there, when I examined the foreign booth carefully a number of times, looking for an acquaintance,'*' he slowly utters, coming very near a slip. "We came in late, Madame Sophie and I, just as the manager was offering two hundred something or other for any one to conquer that terrible animal. I assure you, Doctor Jack, I felt proud when you ac cepted the challenge, and declared the fact that you were an American. But I was afraid you were going to your death up to the time you began to play with Taurus, when the truth managed to steal through my brain that you were a master hand. Where did you learn such a game in our country?" "I was a cowboy in Texas for several years, but it was in Mexico I fought bulls for amusement and profit combined,' 5 he replies. "Ah ! yes, you said so in your little speech. I had forgotten the events that followed confused me. So you have been in Mexico?" looking at him with some admiration, for although she has declared that she ought not to talk with Doctor Jack withou* some form of introduction, or, at least, the presence of the duenna, she continues to do so. Truth to tell, there JAVK. 65 is a peculiar magnetism about him that draws this girl; he is juot such a brave man as she has always declared should be her knight errant if ever she had one. His gallant work in the arena has put a seal upon her eyes, and she does not see that which she would not. "I was in Mexico several years in the mines. That is where I made my money. Besides, I have roamed over the whole world. There is probably no country under the sun where I have not hunted wild beasts, no prominent city I have not explored." "And. I presume, with the usual vigor that characterizes your sex, you can boast of a flirta tion with a pretty girl of every nation." Doctor Jack is quite taken with her boldness, but he admires chic, and laughs in reply. "What would you have, Miss Morton? I have an eye for the. beautiful, and admire nature in what ever mood I find it. They tell us woman is the love liest work of all, and I must be blind, indeed, not to notice what is patent to all men. Besides, I have al ways been judged something of a connoisseur of a handsome face." This he says with a meaning look, but Avis, quick as thought, turns it aside. "So I perceive," with a glance beyond him in the direction of Mercedes, "she is certainly one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.*' He turns red, although he does not know why he should, but somehow that clear blue eye seems to confuse him. She evidently believes Mercedes, still talking to the Turk, to be his latest love, perhaps his affianced, and he almost shows a ludicrous haste to undeceive her. 66 DOCTOR JACK. "Ah ! you mean Mercedes Senorita Gonzales. 1 never had the pleasure of an introduction until we met at the bull-fight. Her uncle, Don Carlos, and myself have done some hunting together up in the Pyrenees. Yes, she is a lovely creature, but, do you know, I prefer a being of a fairer mold. These Span iards are jealousy condensed, and I should always tremble for my life if wedded to one of them." "Ah! you would have to give up your flirtations, that would be ail," and a killing little look accom panies the speech. Doctor Jack finds himself upon the defensive, and although the situation is a novel one to him, he rather enjoys it. One will accept thrusts from a cer tain hand in preference to favors from another, and although ten minutes ago Jack had never set eyes on this bright New York girl he is already interested. He disclaims being a male flirt, and vows that he has pursued the wlid game of forest and mountains so earnestly that he has had little tune to look after the gentler kind to be found ?n towns and villages. She changes the subject with an abruptness that de clares the danger line to have been nearly reached. "What possessed you to enter that ring and risk your life to-day?" she asks, her eyes on his face as if reading him through and through. Doctor Jack has not known this lively girl ten minutes, and yet something warns him to beware. He does not tell her that it was a woman's smile that urged him on, a woman's eyes that caused him to take his life in his hand and spring into the arena. True, Avis Morton can as yet have little interest in him, but he is too shrewd a man to make so bad a break in the start. First appearances go a great DOCTOR JACK 67 way, and he means that this American girl shall have no cause to remember him with disdain "I could not take a challenge, that was all. Be iides, something of the old spirit seemed to creep over me, and I wondered if I could do the same tricks I used to years ago in Mexico." This is the exact truth, and yet not all the truth, for the challenge Doctor Jack took up came from the Spanish beauty at his side and not from the master of ceremonies. "You talk like an aged man; you do not look so very old,'* she smiles. "A friend asked me that to-day, enumerating the countries I had hunted in, and all that I had seen for a ssore of years. I told him my experience made me about seventy, while in actual truth I lacked by several years being half that old, I have been a great traveler in Asia, Australia, South and North America, and with Stanley in Africa." Those large blue eyes grow serious they still rest upon his face unconsciously. "1 have always been passionately fond of travels myself , though it is only the last year, since coming of age, that I could gratify my whim in that respect. Perhaps some time you may tell me of strange things you have seen." "With pleasure," Doctor Jack cries, eagerly. "Oh! I forgot, we have not been introduced we do not know each other," laughing. "Humbug! I can refer you to a dozen gentlemen in New York, belonging to the first society, from Pierre Lorillard down, who will vouch for me as a gentleman. What more is needed? You have your self seen that I am a man." "Forgive me. I only joked. I would rather trust 68 DOCTOR JACK my eyes and own good judgment than have a refer- ence from any New York society man. They may be mistaken, I never am." Somehow Jack sees something in this to take to himself as a compliment, and he bends his head toward the girl. Her eyes are on the crowd around. It is evident that she is worried over the absence of her friend, "I wish I could see Madame Sophie. We were to meet by this 'Rebecca at the Well' in case we be. came separated. The only thing I can imagine is that she has met Larry." "Larry?" and Doctor Jack unconsciously takes a sudden alarm. "My cousin, Lawrence. He wrote that he would be in Madrid about this time, and was bound to find us. Larry never gives up an object he has in view. You would not think it, but he is as stubborn as a mule." Doctor Jack is contemplating her while she glances arouncl, and meditating upon the possibility of this self-same Larry's having ever taken a notion to fall in love with his cousin, and also considering what effect his being as stubborn as a mule would have on Avis, who looks herself as though she possesses a little of the family trait in the shape of firmness. A low cry from his companion announces that she has made a discovery. "Why, it's the pasha with whom your friend is talking Abdallah Pasha." "Good Heaven! do you know that miserable Turk, too, Miss Avis?'* gasps our Jack he has a reason for it. "I met him some time ago at the house of Lady VOU'TOti JACK. 69 Witherspoon, in London, and found him quite an entertaining talker, and educated, too. He seemed quite interested in me, and asked about my plans, being delighted to hear I was coming to his city, Constantinople. " "No doubt. These Turks are good judges of beauty. They generally have a score of wives," dryly answers the American, then adds, quickly: "Perhaps you would like to meet the senorita? I will introduce you if you would care." "Thank you, Doctor Jack, I will meet her, but for goodness sake say nothing about you know our never having met before." "Believe me, I shall cause them to believe we are old and warm friends," and as he turns away he glories in the blush his words have called upon the New York girl's fair face. Presently he coims up with Mercedes and the pasha, who still lingers, like a moth about a candle, only to Jack's keen eye the simile loses its flavor be cause of the suspicion he entertains that it is Merce- des who has been doing all the fluttering up to this minute. The two girls greet each other warmly, but that is no indication of their real feelings. As a rule the gentler sex are better actors than their male rela tions, and Doctor Jack looks deeper than the surface to find the truth. He enjoys standing there and comparing these two types of beauty. It is astonishing how changed his idoas have become since meeting Avis. Previous to that he thought Mercedes the loveliest woman he had ever set eyes on; now her beauty is dimmed, and hy a Yankee girl, who makes no pretensions in that line. Doctor Jack awakens to the fact that TO DOCTOR JAUK. there is more in expression than mere beauty of tour. They chat for a few minutes on general subjects To travelers there is always a host of things of which they can talk. The pasha says little, and de votes that to the ladies, completely ignoring Jack, who watches the Turk out of the corner of his eye, and grates his teeth to see the avaricious manner in which he surveys Avis Morton, as though he would ive her weight in gold to convey her to his harem. Jack's gloomy thoughts are interrupted. "There she is naughty Madame Sophie, and as I suspected, dear Larry is with her. How well he looks." With a sinking of the heart Doctor Jack turns his head to look upon the man whom he has already get down as his most formidable rivaL VUVTOH JAC&. CHAPTER VI. "DOCTOR JACK MUST NOT LEAVE THIS HOUSE AT EIGHT." Somehow in his mind Jack has pictured Cousin Larry as a good-humored giant, handsome, and ready to anticipate the every wish of his fair rela tive. He has known before now of cousins being brought up together like brother and sister, and finally discovering that the world was too small to keep them asunder ; and although he has no reason for believing this is a similar case, the notion appears to have entered his head. There they come, making gestures that they have seen Avis, which she returns eagerly, the crowd separating them. Under such circumstances it is only right that the giant should elbow a passage through for the lady in his charge, but as Jack looks and gapes, he sees it is the latter who throws her weight against the barrier she is the entering wedge that divides the crowd. Cousin Larry does not loom up at all. He is con cealed behind the ample figure of the madam, but Jack has already sighted him. and an amused smile creeps over his sun-burned face, giving place to the look of concern. On an acquaintance of fifteen minutes this is get ting to be a very serious business with him, but then he has been carrying that photograph around with him, and that might in a measure account for the milk in the cocoanut. In another minute Madame Sophie rushes up breathless, and hugs Avis with as much enthusiasm 72 , 00CIVR JAGS. as though they had been parted six months or a year. "You naughty girl! I began to think you had eloped with some one. My heart was in agdiiy until I sighted you. Ah! pasha, is it you? I remember meeting you in London. Permit me to introduce my nephew, Larry." Larry is a genuine New York dude, small in figure, natty in dress, effeminate in appearance, with his hair parted in the center, sporting an eye-glass, a heavy cane and all the well-known paraphernalia of the dude. Jack is at first inclined to think him a fool, but accustomed to Icokins: beneath the surface, he fancies he sees something there that Larry hides be neath his foppish exterior. Perhaps the stubborn qualities of which Avis has already spoken are not the only good ones he possesses. At any rate, now that his inward fears of Cousin Larry as a rival are set at rest, Jack fancies he may endure the dude, even like him. for her sake. Naturally Madame Sophie looks toward the others as if desiring an introduction, which Avis readily gives. "You are the gentleman who upheld the honor of the starry flag to-day. I shake hands with you because I adore a brave man," says the stout ma tron, warmly, and Jack starts as he hears the identi cal words that sent him over the barrier into the arena, "but Avis calls you Doctor Jack. Is that your last name, or have you another?" "My full name is Jack Evans." While he speaks it the American watches the face of Avis, and is satisfied at the little start she gives, proving con clusively that the name is familiar to her. She looks 7? at him with renewed interest, a quick scanning look it is, mixed with a little wonder, but Jack is chat ting and laughing with Larry, whose affected drawl and English ways are quite amusing. The pasha excuses himself, and walks away, but Jack notices that he speaks a- low word to Mercedes as he passes, and that lovely woman shrugs her shoulders in a very Frenchy fashion. It is Jack's desire to learn where the American ladies are stopping, so he puts the question to Madame Sophie, who replies that they have the best rooms at the Fonda Peninsular, near the center of the city, where its life is daily seen in the grand plaza known as the Puerta del Sol. Mercedes is plainly uneasy. She looks often upon Cousin Larry, who stands sucking his cane, and saying little beyond "bah Jove!" and evidently the Spanish beauty seems to think he is some new beast on exhibition. Truth to tell, Larry's face is extra ordinarily shaped, and shows a lack of human quali ties, more resembling the head of a fox, from which reason Jack judges that he possesses some of the cunning of that animal. As he is Mercedes' cavalier, he must obey her wishes, besides, he can see Avis again, and what he has to say to her will keep, as it is better suited to the privacy of an hotel parlor than the publicity of the museo. The girl is watching him. She has never once taken her eyes off his face since he mentioned his full name, and there is an eager, wistful look in those blue orbs, as though she longs to ask some thing and dares not. Doctor Jack rather enjoys the fact that he has as sumed a new importance in her eyes, but he has no 1* MOTOR JACK. desire to play upon the subject, for there are grave memories connected with it, thoughts that stir up every emotion within him, and take him back to scenes in the past that he often wishes he could for get. "The senorita no doubt desires to find her friends. I must say good-day," he says, speaking to all, but at Madame Sophie, and that worthy dame replies quickly : "We shall not call it good-by. You will drop in, and see us again. Doctor Jack? I am quite proud of being a countrywoman of yours after seeing your gallant action to-day. The Fonda Peninsular, re member." Jack looks toward Avis, who murmurs something to the effect that she too will be glad to see him. He knows it now that she has learned his name, though what magic there may have been in that does not yet appear. With what seems to be more ceremony than is necessary, he bids each one good-by, shaking hands with Madame Sophie first, then Cousin Larry, and last of all Avis herself. This is the opportunity he has looked for. The others are laughing because a fat man has become wedged in between two flanks of the crowd, and looks pitifully around as if for assistance. Only the dazzling eyes of Mercedes Gonzales see Doctor Jack press the fair girl's hand, and bending over say something in a low tone that causes her face to light up and a glad look appear in her eyes. "I shall call upon you this evening at eight, Miss Avis. I have something to tell you, something for your ears alone, connected with one I knew and loved your brother, Aleck. Shall I be welcome?" DOCTOR JAOS. 76 And looking frankly, fearlessly, into his eyes she replies "yes." Then they separate, each party resuming the tour of the gallery in different directions. Mercedes is quick to note a change in her attendant cavalier. He had been witty and full of life before this meeting, and now he has become preoccupied in mind, so that several times he answers some sally vaguely, as though his thoughts were far away. This piques the Spanish beauty at once. There is nothing that will offend a woman quicker than to see that her attractive powers have been over shadowed by a rival. She m\y not have cared a great deal for Doctor Jack before, but now a great burning passion eats into her soul. She loves the spontaneous growth of this plant in the heart of a Southern woman of the Latin races is not uncommon. Their passions are deep and sudden, though far from being as lasting as the slower flower growing in -more temperate zones. This bold American has won her admiration to be gin with. He has braved death in the arena for her sraile. Yes, there are other causes why he should belong to her, and she is no true daughter of Spain if she sits calmly down and allows him to be taken from her by this girl from over the sea. Deep down in her heart there is a tumult raging. It beats like a tempest upon the shore, surging high at times, and yet above are fair skies, smiles, and a placid countenance. You can trust the intelli gent girl of the nineteenth century to hide her emo tions. She does not go about with her heart on her sleeve, to show how it has been riddled by the numerous flirtations of the past. f6 titHJTOK JACK. At last they meet Don Carlos and the senora. Jack catches a significant glance, which the former ex changes with Mercedes, and once more the suspi cion flashes into his brain that the old Spaniard may not be the warm friend he has believed up to now. Mercedes complains of being weary, so they pass out and enter the carriage, which soon leaves them at the residence of the Spaniard. This is quite a fine house on the Del Prado, where they find every com fort. The day is declining, and Doctor Jack is invited to dine with them, which he can hardly refuse to do. Besides, he has a great curiosity to fathom that line of mysteries connected with the past. Why was Mercedes disguised as a Catalan peasant girl in the flower mart on the Rambla at Barcelona? Why did she tell him she would be at the bull-fight in Madrid? How came she to assume the character of Sister Agatha, a nun from the cloister of San Pedro, the Benedictine church at Gerona? What was there in common between this wonderfully beautiful woman and the Turkish pasha? All these questions can be answered, but it may require time and patience to unravel the skein in its tangled up condition. At any rate it gives zest to his existence, which, up to this period in his career, has been prosaic enough with regard to love affairs. Mercedes and Don Carlos find a chance to have a quiet talk, while the senora entertains Doctor Jack, who has announced that he will dine with them, but must leave the house by half-past seven. He will come again, and stay longer, but an important en gagement demands his attention at eight. When Mercedes and the old Spaniard meet in the small music-room, her black eyes are full of resolu- DOCTOR JACK. . 77 tion The other laughs and pats her on the head as a father might he is her uncle, and has the right. "How do you succeed, child?" he asks. "Everything was going along beautifully until we met a tall girl with a face well, I am not fool enough to say she is ugly, but certainly her looks are poor beside myself. I know not where he ever met her before, but he loves her. I am sure of it. I could see it in his looks, try to disguise them as he would. Why, at times he seemed as though he would eat her." Poor Doctor Jack, is this your wonderful acting, when a pair of black eyes can so- easily fathom the secret of your heart? Don Carlos frowns. What an interest he takes in Jack's love affairs. It is surely worth something to have a friend like that. "Carissimaf if what you say is true it will give us trouble. What was the girl like?" "Rather tall, queenly head, blue eyes, stylish ap pearance. She was with a stout senora, and a monkey man." "I saw them at the museo, and admired the girl. She was what Doctor Jack would call a 'stunner.' So you imagine he is very much in love with her?" "I know it. Where are my eyes? They were given to me to use. Besides, the pasha himself was struck. He had met her before, and I think from his manner he would give her weight in gold for this Senorita Avis could he find her in the slave-mart of Constantinople." Don Carlos smiles and nods, placing one finger on the side of his nose. "Ah! you give me an idea, girl, which we may yet find occasion to work up if other things fail. If thr* pasha is struck, we can make use of him, per- 78 DOCTOK JACK haps. About Doctor Jack yon think he is going to see this girl ?" "I know it. I heard him say so." "It is easy to put some one on his track and find out, if yon wish." Her Castilian face darkens. The white teeth press together, and Mercedes gives a laugh that is not so agreeable as usual. "It is just as easy to prevent his keeping his ap pointment, uncle," she breathes, softly. "You mean to claim him?" She shrugs her pretty shoulders and pouts. "Vaya! it is not easy for one to confess the truth. I shall try the power of music and my blandishments, but I fear me they will fail. He is the man to keep an engagement. On my part, I, too, have made a vow. Doctor Jack must not leave this house at eight. He is in the spider's web to escape now may mean ruin." She is intensely agitated, but the man does not seem to share her alarm. He is not in love with Doctor Jack, and that makes all the difference in the world. "Bravely said, child. I admire your pluck, but caramba, we must not let him see our hand yet. If he insists upon going we Cannot forcibly detain him," he muses. "You forget the cigars! As a last resort, if he insists upon going after music and dinner have failed in turn, you have the drugged cigar. It will make him sleepy and well, he will disappoint the American girl at eight sharp," with a thrill of tri umph in her voice as she pictures the hour passing with Avis waiting in vain. DOCTOR JACK 7P "A bright idea, girl. I have that cigar up in iny room, and will get it." "Be careful," she whispers as he moves away. "Of what?" "That you do not make a mess of it and smoke the wrong cigar. " "Have no fears of me." While this side play has been going on in the music-room, Doctor Jack and the seuora have chatted in the Spanish drawing-room over a number of things, for he manages to temporarily tear his mind away from Avis, and laugh with the good dame, who is genial company for any one, and amuses Jack with her broken English. By and by they speak of curiosities, and she tells him of a relic which has been handed down for cen turies in her family. She has it in her room along with her beads and crucifix, and will get it. So she goes, and Jack is left temporarily alone for the first time since he was intruded upon by Don Carlos while at his morning ablutions. It is an opportunity he has been looking for these two hours back. Half a dozen times he has re membered the paper thrust into his hand by some one unknown as he pushed through the crowd just outside the pavilion in the Plaza del Toros. Of course, it will not amount to anything, he is sure of that, but as curiosity is not confined to the gentler sex alone, he has a desire to see what it is. and in order to have a minute alone, has encouraged the senora in the laudable ambition to show him her wonderful legacy. Hardly is her form lost to view than the American fishes in his pocket for the paper. It is not to be found where he expected. Then he suddenly remem- 80 DOCTOR JACK. bers that it was in a vest pocket he thrust it, and the fishing goes on apace. Ah ! victory ! here it is, and now for some silly gush from a young damsel's heart. With a smile Doctor Jack smoothes out the crumpled sheet and casts his eyes upon it. The characters are in Spanish, written with a lead pencil, and evidently in a hurry, as if time pressed with the scribe. In spite of these defects there is something even in the chirography that tells Jack the writer is a woman. Holding it to the light of the window he reads : "The American senor is in terrible danger from an unseen source. More I dare not say. Trust no one save your countrymen, and leave Spain as soon as possible." There is no signature. Whoever this friend may be, she has not dared acknowledge her identity. You see, Doctor Jack still insists that the writer is of the feminine sex. A singular idea strikes him. He has just been looking at an elegant volume of Cervantes' work with the senora, and noticed an inscription written in the front of it. He picks Don Quixote up, and opens the book to where he reads: "To my Uncle Don Carlos, "With much love. "MERCEDES." Now he has what he wants, and laying the note beside the inscription, he compares the two with calm deliberation, makes allowance for the studied work on one and the hurry visible with the other, and then decides positively that the same hand penned both. DOCTOR JAGK. 81 This stirs up the waters of the Siloam pool again, and renders the situation more muddy and compli cated than before. He has believed that if there is a deep and mysterious game being played Mercedes is in it his Barcelona adventures tell him so hence how comes it that she sends him warning? Can it be that after witnessing his feat in the arena she has compassion on him, and desires to undo her share in the conspiracy? The note must have been written on the sly while the last bull was engaged. Doctor Jack remembers that she seemed to be doing something he thought searching in her Spanish reticule for bon-bons. Another thought comes to him, and causes a smile. This note was written before Mercedes set eyes on the bright American girl, and perhaps she would not carry the same project out now. Circumstances alter cases, you know. Doctor Jack has finished his scrutiny, and imagined half a dozen different theories, when the rustle of a dress catches his ear. Is it the senor, re turned? He looks up, and finds Mercedes herself standing in the door-way. The expression on her face tells him that she has been standing there for a full minute, and hence understands his action; but ever cool, he is in no hurry, deliberately folding the note, and replacing it in his pocket. It is on Jack's tongue to speak, to ask for an ex planation of the strange warning, but he gets no further, for a bustling sound comes, and the senora enters the room, proudly holding in her hand the relic of antiquity that has been handed down from generation to generation in her family these hun dreds of j' 88 DOCTOR JACK. Jack pretends to show great interest in the mat ter, but in reality cares less for the specimen of early days than for a piece of the Sphinx that a cu riosity hunter once cautiously showed him, and which the vandal assured him solemnly, had been chipped from the nose of that giant figure by his own hands. No opportunity is given him for a private inter view with Mercedes during the remainder of the evening, so for the present those mysteries which he longs to have solved must remain secrets beyond his reach. Mercedes is asked to sing, so they adjourn to the music-room. This is a cozy apartment with a lean' ing toward Oriental luxury, soft divans for loung ing, and draperies that hide the walls. There are many musical instruments here, from a piano and harp down to a guitar and native man dolin. Mercedes is wise enough to leave the former alone. It is hardly in harmony with its surroundings, which are decidely Moorish in colors and Hangings. Seating herself at the harp, she strikes a few sweet chords that enchant Jack. Then in a low voice she begins. Jack has heard Patti and all the lesser lights of the operatic stage time and again he loves music, too, and is a little inclined that way but never in all his life as a rover has he listened to such sounds as fall from the lips of this Spanish beauty, never has he seen so lovely a minstrel. The volume of melody -is at times like a mighty rushing river, and again as if it were a laughing, gurgling brooklet, clear and grand. The theme is the old story of love, always new, and as Jack lis tens he feels the strangest sensations creep over him, as though he were slowly but surely being charmed DOCTOR JACK. 83 Truly, worse things might befall a man than to be loved .by this wonderful woman, he thinks, as he gazes upon her lovely face, magnificently formed arms, and sees the dreamy passion half veiled in her black eyes. This will never do. Unless he keeps on his guard he may forget himself, and be drawn into an en tangling alliance with a foreign country, which, as a true American, believing in pure Jeffersonian principles, he is averse to doing, so he sets himself to watching, and, although thoroughly enjoying the music, does not let its sweet power overcome him again. From the harp Mercedes goes to the mandolin, and as the daughter of Spain trills out a ditty, Jack can easily imagine himself once more in Mexico, listening to the dark-skinned beauties of old Mon- tezuma's realm. Soon Don Carlos joins them, and, as he mentions incidentally how Jack used to to sing about the fire in their mountain camp of an evening, Mercedes begs that he will do them the favor now. Jack is nothing if not obliging. He has a fair baritone voice, in fact a remarkably good one, and can use it well. So to Mercedes' accompaniment on the harp be sings several Spanish songs. Then, taking the guitar in hand, he accompanies himself to "The Arrow and the Song," and other English ballads. The pleasure is mutual. Their surroundings are so quaint that the melody seems to have an additional charm. Mercedes notes, however, with a little frown, that more than once this brave American takes out his watch when he thinks he is not ob served, and consults it. She knows he is thinking ot 84 DOCTOR JACK the engagement at eight, and consequently of the other girl. This causes the beauty to bite her lips in chagrin. The music has charms, but even these have failed to make Doctor Jack forget. Surely he must be pretty far gone to even remember that there is such a being in existence when under the beaming eyes of this Spanish houri. At last dinner is announced, for Don Carlos has imported some of the customs of the English into his house, his business bringing him in contact with the islanders, ami taking him over frequently to the tight little island beyond the English. channel. Don Carlos offers his arm to the senora, so there is nothing else for Jack to do than escort Mercedes in to the table, not that he has the slightest objec tion, for any man would have been pleased to have had such a companion. They loiter over the meal, which is well served, thanks to the English ideas, and a foreign coot the Don had imported. Jack enjoys himself heartily, but he is at the same time careful about taking wine, with which he in dulges only in limited quantities, and then only with his partner. As they arise from the table Jack manages to - et a glimpse at his watch. It is twenty minutes past seven. The time has slipped by, and he must now be going, for if he leaves the house on the Del Prado at half-past seven he can reach the Fonda Peninsu lar before the hour set for his arrival eight. He is glad now he had forethought enough to tell the driver of the vehicle to wait for him, not knowing that Don Carlos afterward went out and paid him, BOCTOR JACK. 85 saying that the Ameiican gentleman had decided to remain, and would not need his services. Once more they enter the music-room, and Mer cedes is about to resume the charming strains of melody where she had ceased at the call to dinner, when Jack begs pardon, but declares it his duty to leave them. In vain they beg him to remain, even the wonder, ful eyes of Mercedes, filled with pleading, fail to turn this inexorable American from his purpose. He is of stone, she thinks, piqued more than words could tell at her signal failure, and already the vol cano within threatens an eruption which even the great Vesuvius cannot eclipse. "At any rate come with me to the den I have, and smoke a cigar in company ere going," says Don Carlos finally. To refuse such a request is an insult to a Spanish gentleman even if the gravest of evils overhung one, such an invitation is not lightly put aside. Doctor Jack knows this. It is not yet half -past seven, and even if detained to the quarter of eight limit, an extra tip to the driver will bring him through. Punctual always, he thinks of all these things ere he replies to the other's invitation. "Certainly, Don Carlos, I can enjoy your company for some ten minutes or so. I am sorry, indeed, to tear myself away from such charming company, but duty calls. I hope to renew the pleasure at an early date." He sees the face of Mercedes light up as he begim to speak, and even intercepts a meaning glance she shoots toward her uncle; but pretends to be im aware of this signal, bends over her hand at part ing, gallantly raises it to his lips in the old tirae 66 DOCTOR JACK. fashion still iu /ogue among these high bred Castil- iaus, and then turning, follows Don Carlos out of the music-room to one some distance beyond, which he calls his den, but which just now is to b the web that the American fly is to be trapped in THE NIGHT OF THE CARNIVAL JAGS. CHAPTER VII. THAT TERRIBLE RIGHT ARM. Jack has heard about this "den" before, and is a lictle curious to see it. He believes the eagerness of Don Carlos to have him smoke arises from his desire to show his snug bachelor quarters, of which he has spoken more than once when they camped iu the Pyrenees. The snuggery is on the ground floor, and looks out upon the gardens. Through an open window steals a sweet perfume from the night blooming flowers, soon to be deadened by a stronger odor from the noxious weed. Around the walls of the room are hung a thousand and one things mementoes of the chase, pipes from all nations, and many articles in the line of bric-a- brac which a rich bachelor with a leaning toward a sportsman's life might pick up in his travels. Queer things there are, too, but Jack has even a much finer collection himself. He has no time now to do them justice. "The first chance I get, Don Carlos, I mean to spend half a day with you. It will give me pleasure to look over these things," he remarks, taking out a cigar, and rolling it between his fingers, an action the other sees with considerable apprehension. What if the American insists upon smoking his own particular brand of tobacco? He has known smokers to have that habit, and the other has al ready in more ways than one proven that he can be a very stubborn man wnen he makes his mind up. 5 DOCTOR "Notice the rug at your feet, Senor Jack." "Ah! yes, the bear we killed up in the mountains together. He was about as tough a customer as I care to see, but the old rascal serves a good purpose at last." Doctor Jack takes a taper from a rack, and is about to hold it in the bla.ze of the wall lamp near by when a hand touches his arm. Looking around, he sees the senor's face close to him, and his yellow fingers hold a cigar. "Pardon, Doctor Jack, but in my house you must smoke my cigars. That is etiquette with us Spanish gentlemen, you know," showing Ms teeth beneath the black mustache as he smiles in the American's face. "I beg your pardon, Don Carlos. 1 should have known better," and instantly he slips his own cigar into his vest pocket, accepting that of the Spaniard, whose eyes fairly scintillate with pleasure. As a cat watches a mouse, so he keeps his black orbs on Doctor Jack until the latter has applied the lighted taper to his. cigar and given a few puffs, when, with an inaudible sigh of relief, the Don pro ceeds to put fire to his own weed. While his back is turned an expression of amaze ment creeps over Jack's face. He looks at his cigar, and then at the Don, shaking his head dubiously, the sinner, as though there is something about the weed he fails to appreciate, and yet dares not offend his host by throwing it away. To himself he mutters : "If this is his much vaunted brand, bless my soul what a perverted taste these Spaniards have, and here I always believed they beat the world at grow ing and using tobacco, especially in Cuba. I won der " he does not finish the sentence, but a sug wvrvn JAV&. 9i gestive smile that flits across his face takes its place announcing that Doctor Jack has conceived a little scheme to at least save himself a headache. "Don, would you mind getting my light outer coat. There is something in the pocket I wanted you to have to remember me when I am far away. My friends are too few to allow them to forget me when I am away. I brought this from Paris with me." Don Carlos' eyes sparkle with pleasure. He says he will be back with it in a minute, and hastens from the room. "No hurry," calls Jack after him, coolly The game is won. Hardly has Don Carlos van ished from view than Jack's hand slips again to the upper pocket of his vest, and out comes a cigar the one he had been about to smoke when his host inter rupted. He knows the fine flavor of this, and can vouch for it. Quickly he bites off the end, then the lighted weed is held close to the new one, a few puffs and the thing is done, after which Jack manages to extin guish the fire from the gift cigar. He looks at it with a shudder, is about to cast it away, becomes seized with an idea, and hastily deposits the suspi cious affair in his pocket, which is a good way to get rid of the obnoxious weed, and gives a chance for future investigation. When Don Carlos returns with the coat over his arm hardly a minute has elapsed. He discovers Doc tor Jack leaning back on a divan, holding the cig-ar between his fingers, and looking at the smoke curl ing upward with an expression of ecstatic bliss seen only upon a smoker's face the gnawing has been satisfied. Don Carlos grins, and mutters " ijaratnii ; the drug 92 DOCTOR JACK. is already having an effect," but in this he deceives himself, for it is only the smoker's content that has possession. Then he admires the diamond pin Jack hands him a decided beauty and is loud in his thanks. They sit here for some little time indulging, Jack smoking furiously in order to use his cigar up as speedily as possible, and the Spaniard watching him out of the corner of his eye while he talks. To his surprise Jack shows no signs of giving way to the somnolent god. Something is undoubtedly wrong ; either the drug has lost its power or else Don Carlos hardly dares conjecture the other possi. bility. He grinds his teeth in secret rage, and yet feels compelled to act pleasant, but the task is such a hard one that Doctor Jack perceives he is troubled. At length the American athlete tosses the butt of his cigar into the receptacle near by, and rises to his feet, donning his light overcoat as he does so. In vain the other begs him to remain. He might as well talk to a stone wall, and secretly curses at the misfortune that has beaten him so neatly at his own game. He does not understand it now, but perhaps he may when he gets a chance to examine that cigar stump still smoldering in the cuspidor. So Doctor Jack takes his hat, bids his host "buenos noches," and passes out of the door. There is a lit tle garden in front, and a. couple of lamps hanging from trees show the path to the calle. It is otherwise as dark as Egypt, and as th door closes behind him Jack makes a bee line for the exit, which he has no trouble in pnssins:, though gen erally doors and gates are well barred in Madrid DOUTOR JACK 13 after nightfall, as thieves abound in the strange old Spanish city. Once upon the street he looks around for his vehicle, and of course fails to find it, since Don Carlos was so kind as to countermand his order hours ago. Doctor Jack mutters a malediction upon the stu pidity of Jehus in general and Spanish ones in par ticular. He is also put out because he stayed so late, as this must of necessity keep him from ful filling his engagement at the Fonda Peninsular to the letter, and in his eyes it is very important that he give Avis no cause for complaint at this stage of the game. Such a man, however, is not at a loss for means to carry him through. Since the vehicle has failed him he has his own powers of locomotion, and selecting his course, starts off with a swinging stride down the driving avenue at a pace that promises to bring him to the plaza in the heart of the city within half an hour's time, provided no accident befalls him while en route. There are lights here and there upon the Calle del Prado, and these help the stranger in a degree. Time was, and not so very long ago, when the hon est citizen of this burgh desiring to go out at night had to take a guard along with him, and unless the moon shone, have a link-boy run ahead to light up' the way. The Madrid of to-day has made giant strides, however, though far in the rear of such a brilliant city as Paris. The street is not deserted,, though its life is noth ing compared with the heart of the city in the plaza known as the Pnerta del Sol, where the pulse of the populace beats, and all gay sights are concentrated. 94 DOCTOR JACK. Doctor Jack meets several slouching fellows, who look at him inquisitively, and with such evident menace in their manner that, considering the cir cumstances surrounding him, the American may well be pardoned for holding himself in readiness to do battle. He is the worst man in Madrid for such footpads to tackle, as they may find out to their cost. The houses become more numerous, and he sees more signs of life. Soon he will have to leave this lighted thoroughfare, and plunge into a narrow street that by devious turnings will, if he have rare good luck, eventually take him to the public square. If danger is to descend upon him it will probably be at such a time, but there is really no way to avoid the disagreeable task. Music greets his ear. Beyond a wall comes the serenade songs of some dark-eyed senorita enjoying the cool air of the evening in the midst of her friends, perhaps with a stalwart and gallant lover seated at her side. Over the way the music is more weird. A gipsy bolero, as the fandango is called at times, is getting under way, and although matters are tame enough at this early stage, Jack shudders as he remembers the wild orgy upon which he gazed while in the company of Don Carlos on the previous evening. Passing on he enters among a more animated scene, and finally is filled with joy to actually dis cover an alquazil, to whom he puts a question and hands a piece of silver, whereupon the guardian of the peace tells him in Spanish that if he enters the first calle on the right, and follows it pertinaciously, he will at length reach the point he is struggling for. DOCTOR JACK. tfd So once more Doctor Jack strides on, covering the ground much after the style of a prize pedestrian on a spurt. Slow going Spaniards look after him in wonder, and shrug their shoulders as they mutter something about the crazy heretics who get loose upon the streets of their wonderful city. Jack has already found it warm work, and remov ing the light overcoat, carries it upon his left arm. Later on he has cause to rejoice that it was not hanging from the other, or, worse still, on his back. Coming to the narrow calle he glances down it in dismay, looks around with a last forlorn hope that there may be some vehicle in sight he can engage or buy, raid discovering none makes the plunge with a groan. It is terribly dark here after coming from tho broad and lighted Del Prado, until Jack's eyes be. come accustomed to the gloom he can see absolutely nothing, and in consequence the very first thing he does is to come in contact with some unknown per son traveling slowly the other way. In his best Spanish he hurriedly apologizes, anc goes on, leaving his victim almost stupefied with astonishment. Progress is being made, though of a somewhat costly nature, but this man never yet conceived a project that he was not ready to devote all his ener gies to in order to execute, and he will reach the grand central plaza if he has to walk over the half of Madrid's population first. Such a man is Doctor Jack. No wonder fortune smiled upon him in the old Mexican mines. The earth is bound to open its treasure caves before the knock of a man who possesses the obstinacy of a mule a.dded to the cour age of a lion and the shrewdness of the fox. DOCTOR JACK. At the same time Jack is muttering little ai._ themas concerning the poverty-stricken nature of the metropolis that cannot afford to light all her streets, -while he gathers himself up after nearly breaking his valuable neck over some obstacle which in New York he would have believed must be an ash box. Gradually, however, he grows into a better frame of mind. His eyes are becoming more accustomed to the gloom, and he can see to a limited extent, it is true, but enough to avoid any further collisions, for which small favor he is correspondingly thank ful. All goes as merry as a marriage bell now, and when he reaches a light that cuts the blackness of the calle, proceeding from a shop, Jack takes a no tion to see what time remains. So, bending over, he looks at his watch, and finds that it lacks ten minutes of eight. This is encouraging if it does not charge he will be almost on time. He takes out his handkerchief, and wipes his face, for such rapid walking has heated his blood. Then he again breaks away, and moves rapidly along. Before twenty seconds have passed he makes a discovery that hardly pleases him. By chance he turns his head to learn what distance he has put be tween himself and the area of light from the shop window, when he sees several dark figures stealing after him. There are three of them in all, and it does not need their skulking manner to tell the American that they are not honest men. These footpads infest all large cities, not so much in our country as abroad, and yet there are scores of streets in New JA8K. 97 York, near the rivers, perhaps, where a respectable man takes his life in his hands if he saunters along at night. Here is a contingency which Jack does not ex actly relish. In the first place these chaps will not fight like brave men, and this places him at a double disadvantage. Then again he must only use the re volver he carries as a dernier resort, for it is an easy thing to get mixed up in a scrape with the authori ties in a Continental city, and the burden of sym pathy is always against the foreigner, who is looked Upon as a crow, to be universally plucked by inn keeper and footpad alike, so long as his money is kept in the country. There are two things Jack can do under this stress of circumstances, and, after all, it is but a choice of evils he may start on a run down the street, with these fellows after him, or else continue his rapid walk, and meet their attack when it comes. The first of these he is averse to doing under any and all circumstances, for he looks upon puch ras cals as vermin; hence, he concludes to go right along and meet danger as it flies. At any moment the assault may come, and he places his revolver in his left hand, where it is hid den by the folds of the coat he carries, and yet ready for instantaneous use. Instead of the calle growing lighter, he now reaches what appears to be the worst part of it. At this hour the city is not wrapped in silence by any means, but over this place, perhaps the abode of vice and sin, the gloom of a church-yard seems to rest, as tbough its inhabitants had temporarily for saken it for more profitable fields of labor the *S HOGTVK JACK. lighted squares, where cafe& glitter and money abounds. Footsteps sound behind him. Doctor Jack realizes shat his enemies have c^ept closer, and are about ready to spring upon him The prospect of a stiletto in the back is not a very at luring one to this man of the world, who in times past has always made it tin object to keep hif faco toward the enemy, be it lion, panther, jackal, or mad bull in the arena. Consequently he believes the time has come 10 turn, and, wheeling half around, he plants his back against a brick wall, something in the way he faced the furious mob in the streets of Barcelona at the time his treacherous guide, Francisco Marti, be trayed him. The movement must have been inspired by his good angel, for it saves his life. Just as he turns, something strikes him a severe blow it is a knife that had been meant for his heart through his back. Now it cuts into his coat a terrible gash that ruins the garment, as the blade passes through many folds, and just draws blood from his arm. Thus the little affair in the Calle San Pablo is com menced. Doctor Jack is a fair and square man }ie does not like to have the favors all on one side. Tit for tat is a good motto under the circumstances. Accordingly that terrible right arm of his, so ad mired by the observing Don Carlos, shoots forward with unerring impetus. There is heard upon the Alight air a hollow thud,' like the stroke of a trip Aammer, and the stricken wretch measures hie length upon the cobble stones five feet away. By this time the other two have reached the spot They either do not realize what has happened ro their companion, on account cf the darkness, or elso DOCTOR JACK. 99 have determined to avenge his fall, for they come at the American at bay with the impetus of twin cy clones. He is ready to meet all comers, and so long as that superb arm fails him not, can render a good account of his stewardship. It is all over in almost a wink. The three ruffians have struck a snag when they attack the wayfarer. Had they known that their intended victim was the hero of the bull-ring, about whom all Madrid is talking, money could never have hired them to at tempt such an act. Every one of them has had a bitter experience with the muscle-knotted arm of the athlete the first still lies where he fell, and the other two are groaning as they attempt to crawl or stagger away, As for Doctor Jack, he has no complaint to make, but resumes his journey toward the plaza, which will soon loom up before him bright with lights and gay with people, a tremendous contrast to the avenue which he has used in order to reach it. The last man who leaped for him came near seiz ing his throat between his teeth, for he sprang at Jack in the manner of a bull-dog, but the other grrve him such a shaking, and hurled him against the wall with such gigantic power that the wretch must still be of the opinion that he is a second Don Quixote, and the person whom he meant to at tack a vengeful windmill. It is to be hoped this will end the matter, Jack thinks. Surely none of these discomfited Spanish footpads will dare follow him, but there may be others just as bad, and quite a little space remain So be traversed ere he reaches his Eden. He keeps himself in readiness for sucfc an emer- JAUJL genc} r , but breathes a sigh of relief when, ahead, he sights the glowing plaza, and realizes that in all probability his adventures of the night are over, for, although such a remarkable adept in the use of his powers as a boxer, a fencer, and a marksman, Doc tor Jack Evans always feels a reluctance about turn ing his gifts to account against any fellow human being, however vile. Presently he debouches from the dark calle into the plaza. It is little trouble now to find dozens of carriages when he does not want them half an hour back he would have paid fifty dollars, or pesos, for a vehicle. The Hotel Peninsular is not far away, being one of the best caravansaries in the city of Madrid, and consequently adjoining the throbbing heart of the city, as the ever-lively Puerto del Sol is called. When Doctor Jack finds himself at the door of this building beyond all doubt, safe in body and limb, he again consults his faithful timepiece, and a grim smile of satisfaction wreathes his face as he sees that it still lacks two minutes of eight. He has won against all obstacles. "Just a breathing spell to wash my hands and brush my hair," he muses. So he finds his way to the wash-room of the hotel he has seen better, but never mind, many hotels on the Continent have none, so he feels he has reason for congratulation. Here he performs his ablutions, finds the skin on his knuckles a trifle scratched where it came in con tact with the cranium of the first land pirate, runs a comb he takes from a pocket through his curly locks and mustache, then once more seats himself in a stuffy little parlor, dimly lighted, waiting to ber DOCTOR JACK. 181 shown into the presence of the girl who has already entered into his life, though he has known her bufc six hours instead of that many years. CHAPTER VIIL JACK'S STORY. While he sits there waiting, Doctor Jack revolves a number of things in his mind. He goes back to the minute when he first set eyes on Avis Morton, and in a general way remembers the conversation that ensued. Somehow or other he has a queer feeling at the prospect of seeing this girl again he had never sup posed Jack Evans would ever experience the pangs of love, but it is ever so. Tremendous difficulties have been surmounted in his endeavor to keep the appointment on time, and the manner in which he has brushed these aside show the kind of a man he is. Jack does not dare analyze his feelings toward Miss Morton. It has come upon him with the sud den rush of an avalanche. He calls himself a fool, but that does not mend matters a particle. "Just as I always predicted. I said that if I ever did fall in love it would be like tumbling over a precipice head first," he mutters, with something of a woe-begone face, as though for once his iron will proves of little avail against the insidious force of the god Cupid, who has wrestled with him. 10* OOCTOS JACK. Then he looks about the stuffy little room, taking secret pleasure in the anticipation of what is before him. Time passes the minutes seem hours to him. Why does not the messenger appear to show him up? Can Miss Morton have other callers? Eis mind becomes disturbed. He springs to his feet to pace the room, and thus ease himself of the strange feeling: that makes him so nervous, wh^n he conies face to face with the object of his thoughts, who enters the room, stuffy and dimly lighted no more, Jack thinks, for she brings radiance with her. "You are punctual, Doctor Jack," she says, hold ing out her hand impulsively, which he takes with an eagerness he does not disguise. "1 began to think I would be unable to be so. Visiting at the house of a friend, I was pressed to stay, and did so until I believed I had just time enough to enter my carriage and come here. Upon bidding the Don good-night I found that my stupid driver had gone away, either temporarily or for good. That gave me but one alternative. I must walk here, for I could get no vehicle, and would not re turn to worry my friends." "And you did this?" she asks, with wonder. "Noth ing could hire me to go through those narrow streets after nightfall. I would be in constant fear of being robbed" something in his face catches her quick eye "tell me, did you have an experience of this kind?" Jack has not meant to speak of his little engage ment he is not the man to boast of his prowess but with those eyes upon him he can not well get out of it. "There were several cowardly sneaks who thought to down me. I foolishly took out my watch to cun- D00TOR JALK. 108 suit the time, and I suppose they saw it. Howe\ er, they failed to do me up." "You hardly look like a man who has gone through an encounter with footpads." "Oh ! I used a little water in the wash-room of your notel here. Besides, the clumsy clowns went down like a row of ten pins. It was all over in half a min ute. See, there is proof of my first blow my hand will be a trifle stiff to-morrow, but I presume the fellow who was at the other end will feel worse than that." Avis gazes at him with kindling eyes he looks so quiet and modest, and yet seems so capable of taking care of himself against all comers, from a mad bull to a crowd of desperate street rowdies. Heavens ! what a man to protect the woman he loves against the world. This thought flashes into her mind without warning she feels the color mounting to her face, and fearful lest the scarlet flag of distress may be revealed to his eyes, she lets her gaze drop. By chance it rests upon his left hand a little cry bubbles from her lips. "Oh! Doctor Jack, you are wounded!" He starts, and looking in the direction she points, sees a few drops of blood trickling down the back of , his hand. The sight makes him angry, and he takes out a handkerchief to hastily wipe the tell-tale stains away. "I sincerely beg your pardon, Miss Morton, for appearing in your presence in this condition. Hon estly, I did not know that knife had touched me. I had my overcoat on that arm. See this rent that is where it passed through. It must have just cut me a trifle." 104 ~f)OGTOR JACK. "But you are wounded I am something of a nurse. Let me bind it up for you." He would emphatically refuse, and opens his mouth to do so, but she has assumed such a pretty air of authority that somehow he feels as though he were a slave, without a will of his own. For once the stubborn man is conquered that little imp Cupid has done it. Protesting, yet obeying the mandate, he draws up the loose sleeve of his coat, and in half a minute bares his magnificent arm. It is his left, but a splendid specimen nevertheless. Jack hastily wipes the blood away. There is a cut an inch or so long, where the keen blade touched the flesh in its pas sage. Avis utters an exclamation of sympathy, and begins to wrap her little cobweb of a 'kerchief around it, while Jack expostulates, declaring it to be only a trifle, not worth bothering about neverthe less he stands the ordeal like a Roman, though the touch of her cool fingers sends the blood rioting through his veins, and threatens to give him a dis ease that may be incurable during the rest of his natural life. "A thousand thanks, Miss Avis. It is not every poor devil who may receive such tender treatment after being engaged in a street brawl," and he draws the coat sleeve down. Then he remembers what it was brought him here to what he owes the pleasure of this interview. "You left the senorita well, I trust, Doctor Jack?" queries the girl, and he is amazed to see how easily she guesses where he has been trust a woman for reading such simple things. "Quite well, thank you." Jack would not con- SOCTOR JACf. l(k tinue the subject, but Avis has no intention of let ting him off so easily. "Since meeting her I have heard that the Senorita Gonzales has a wonderful voice, the most charming in Madrid it is said." "Her voice is certainly charming," Jack is bound to admit under the Dresent circumstances he does so unwillingly, not that he believes otherwise, but he dislikes praising Mercedes in the presence of this girl, though some men would do just the opposite, endeavoring to arouse a spark of jealousy by going into raptures over the other. "She sang for you, then?" quickly. "Yes you must hear her some day yourself. " He tries to work this in, -just as though it is some new operatic star he speaks of instead of a lady friend. "You are fond of music, Doctor Jack," she pur sues strange how every one calls him thus, seldom mentioning his last name. He likes to hear it fall from her lips. "Very." "Perhaps you sing yourself?" "A little songs of the hunt, the camp-fire, or a roving life on the deep blue sea. Sometimes we may have a cozy evening together I am sure you sing." "I should not dare to try after your hearing such a nightingale as the senorita. How does your arm feel, doctor?" "Exceedingly confortable, thank you. When I get to my hotel I shall rub on a salve I have that will make it heal rapidly. Such scratches are noth ing. I have had twenty worse than that at one time after a terrible tussle with a grizzly bear out in the Rockies." 106 DOCTOR JACK "Borne time you must relate your adventures to me, as Othello did to Desdemona. you remember/ with a twinkle in her blue eyes. "Yes. and I have often thought what an egotisti cal chap Othello must have been, telling yarns by the wholesale, himself the hero every time, until poor Desdemona believed him a veritable god. Poor thing, she discovered her mistake afterward, and that he was but an ordinary jealous mortal in spite of his wonderful heroism." Avis bursts into a clear laugh at what he says, and Jack believes it is the cheeriest sound he has heard for many a day. ' We will defer the adventures, then, to some time in the future. Just now, I believe, you have some thing else to tell me." With that he comes down suddenly from his high horse the interest this girl takes in him may, after all, proceed from her desire to know what message he carries, and all this time has foolishly deluded! himself into the belief that she had begun to cave for Doctor Jack himself. Somewhat abashed, he draws within his shell like an old mud turtle, and is upon his dignity, but no one can long remain there while Avis Morton is around the j oiliest girl that ever sailed from New York on a steamer, always the life of a crowd, and adored by every one she meets, male and female. In his walk in 4if e Doctor Jack has been a most extraordinary character, .but once he falls in love he jinks his individuality, and does the same ordi nary things all lovers do. It is the common lot. "Ahl yes, you mean Aleck?" he ventures, en deavoring to collect himself. "Tell me about him. In one of his letters he DOCTOR JAVA. 507 tioned your name 1 have never forgotten it., and when I heard you speak it to-day the shock was somewhat painful." 'Aleck was very dear to you, Miss Avis?' ; ' "He was my brother. I loved him as a hoy. When he came of age, long before me, he went abroad. I never saw him again, but had an occasional letter telling me of his travels. Then you joined him later we read in the papers that you were traveling in Turkey together then came the news of his death it was a terrible shock to me. I understood that you had escaped, and were still traveling in Europe. It has been my hope ever since to meet you." Tears dim the azure eyes Doctor Jack wishes he had the right to wipe them away, but even the fleet ing thought frightens him. Not for the world would he offend this girl. "The story is brief enough, but painful. Do you feel as though you could listen to it to-night, or shall we defer it?' "No,I must hear it now. Tell me all how my poor Aleck was murdered, and you escaped." "Perhaps you will think less of me because I did not fall with him, but " "The account I read spoke highly of your cour age, declaring that you performed prodigies of valor in behalf of your friend, but were finally struck down, and poor Aleck's body cast into the Bos- phorus. " Doctor Jack's face grows singularly white, his eyes flash, and his hands open and shut with a spas modic movement as his memory goes back to the scene she mentions. With an effort he calms him self. Through an open window the odor of flowers creeps and fills with sweet incense the stuffy little 10& , DOCTOR JAdL room. Somehow it seems to him as though this grin had brought the flower odor with her they seem to be one in common. "Let us sit down, Avis pardon me, but 1 heard Aleck call you by that name so often that it falls unconsciously from my lips we can talk better and be more comfortable. Sit beside this window, where we may hear the tinkling of the fountain near by, and enjoy the fragrance of the flowers. Somehow, this puts me in mind of the many nights poor Aleck and I spent together perhaps it is because you re semble him in a great measure. Aleck and I were great chums he was the warmest hearted friend I ever had, and I shall never forget him; but it is needless for me to say anything about him to his sister, who must know him so much better than I ever could.'* "Nevertheless, I drink in your words with rare pleasure, Doctor Jack. Any one whom Aleck loved must be my friend. We were orphans, and all in all to each other." "Thank you. I will not speak now of our travels, knowing they will keep and that you are particu larly interested in the sad event that deprived me of a friend and you of a brother." She nods her head, but does not look up he knows her eyes are full of tears, and respects a fond sister's anguish. "We were in Turkey at the time, and Aleck, who had never been in the Orient before, was immensely taken with the strange things he saw there. He managed to get into a few scrape through his rash ness, but they were small affairs, and the judicious expenditure of a little money cleared him. "I must have been blind not to have seen that DOGTVR JAGS. 109 something was on the tapis, but at the time certain things worried me, of which I need make no men tion, and I put Aleck in charge of a, certain effendi, who, for a round consideration, agreed to take care of him. "I had managed to straighten out my affairs, when one day Aleck let a thunderbolt fall at my feet. He was in love. The object of his passion was a wonderfully beautiful girl, the inmate of a harem. Unknown to me, and bribed by Aleck, the Turkish effendi had taken the boy into the grounds and introduced him to the harem, the eunuchs in at tendance being made blind with gold. "That settled the business. He fell head over heels in love with a girl called Sady, and she re turned his passion. Night after night he had been meeting her in the gardens, and life without her was a barren waste. "He raved of her lovely qualities of mind and per son I was too amazed to speak. "When I tried to argue Aleck swore he would never leave Constantinople without this girl as his wife he would rather die with her than live with out her. "What could I do with such a hot head, Miss Avis? Words fell upon a deaf ear. He insisted that I should help him. "As a last resort I agreed to see the owner of the harem, and leaving Aleck in the room we occupied I had an interview with the guide we had engaged. "I discovered that the pasha was away, but his agent could be seen, so an hour later I was in his presence. I could talk a little Turkish, but took an old schoolmate or hod/a along to act as interpreter. "Here I only met disappointment, for I found that 116 DOCTOR JAGS. the pasha was one of the richest men in all Turkey, and would not sell one of the inmates of his harem at any price. Incidentally I also learned that the girl Sady was soon to become an inmate of the pasha's seraglio as a wife. "I knew full well that this news would drive Aleck wild, but to my surprise he took it calmly. I was deceived by his manner, and believed he had come to his senses. "Several more days came, and we made prepara tions for leaving the City of the Golden Horn. Most of our things had gone, and I was thinking of get ting tickets, when Aleck came to me and told me to make it three that he meant to steal iSady from the harem on this night, and by the time the bold theft was discovered we would all be outside of Turkish territory. "I was amazed at his boldness, and told him he was mad. To make a long story short, I found that he was bound to attempt this insane project, whether I helped him or not, and as it is not mv na ture to desert a friend, no matter what the wild goose chase he may be engaged on, I found myself in the plot. "Everything had been arranged. It was a moon, light night, and we had no trouble in entering th& sacred grounds. Here Sady met us, and when 1 saw her face peep from under the vail I did not won der poor Aleck had gone wild over her beauty, for she was charming a Georgian girl, I believe. "All went well until we drew near the boat, then out of the thicket sprang a score or more of savage looking Turks armed with clubs. They attacked us fiercely. I looked around for the guide, but he had disappeared, the heathen dog having betrayed us* DOCTOR JACK. Ill seeing he could get no more money out of Aleck after that night. "Both of us fought like tigers, but it was of no avail. I saw Aleck beaten down, and was sorely pressed myself. Above the fierce cries I heard tho deep voice of a man whom I rightly judged to be the pasha himself, shouting, 'To the water with the Christian dogs ! Drown them like rats in the Bos- plioriis. ' 'Several picked Aleck up he was to all appear ances dead, but I made a rush to save him. A cudgel struck me, and I fell across the form of my friend, senseless. They must have thrown me into the Bos phorus, for the cold water revived me, and desper ately I struggled to the surface. ''Heaven was kind, for a black cloud hid the face of the moon, and my enemies did not see me swim away ; but I returned when they had gone, to search for poor Aleck, and only gave up the hunt when the night was well spent. "I left Constantinople, and have not been there since, but expect to shortly in fact, I was heading that way when I learned that you were to be in Madrid, and hence came down here from Barcelona to make the acquaintance of Aleck's sister, and see if she was the kind of girl to join me in an enterprise I have on hand." If this is the true reason of Jack's coming to Madrid, then the fact that the lovely Catalan flower girl would be at the bull-fight cuts only a side issue in it. Men do not always tell all they know. At his words Avis looks up tears are in her eyes, but upon her face a look of wonder of startled cu riosity. What does he mean? His language is strange, indeed. So she puts the question to him. 112 DOCTOR JACK. "By the merest accident in the wide world I have learned a certain fact that fills me with mingled sorrow and joy," he says, slowly. "It is of Aleck?" she gasps, watching his face eagerly the while, as though she would read the truth there before words can frame an answer. "Yes. When I came away from Constantinople I believed as firmly as I lived that Aleck had been murdered, else not for all the riches on earth would I have deserted him. Imagine ray amazement when I learned, through a source I have every reason to believe, that my friend had not been killed, but was kept a prisoner by the fiendish pasha, who studied to know how the most terrible revenge could be taken upon the man who had dared enter his harem, and try to steal the gem of all." At this Avis Morton presses her hands over her eyes she suffers horrible tortures at the thought of what Doctor Jack's words suggest, but not a tear dims her eyes now the time for weeping is past. When she looks up, that first spasm of agony over, Doctor Jack is delighted to find that her face has assumed a resolute expression such a girl would do and dare wonders for one she loves. "Tell me, what do you propose?" "To find out the truth, and if Aleck is alive rescue him if I have to set Constantinople on fire to do it," he answers, quietly, not in a boasting way, but as though he means every word he speaks. Avis, impulsive Avis, puts out her hand, and he loses no time in grasping it, nor is he in any hurry to release the little quivering member. 'You have aroused a new hope in my heart, Doc tor Jpek. Please Heaven it is not doomed to disap pointment. Whatever a woman may do, yes, more JAVA. 113 even, you can depend upon my doing for Aleck he is the only one I have ever had to love," and the tears seem to cause her voice to tremble. "Can you make your preparations to leave Mad rid shortly?" he asks. "At once." "It will not do to be too precipitate, as it might? excite suspicion, and our task be made harder." "What! has he spies even here'r" "Worse than that he is here himself." "The man who holds Aleck a prisoner and studies how he can invent new ways to torture him ? Oh I the fiend, I would like to see him." "You have done so already." "I impossible !" "Talked with him." "That cannot be. Let me think. Besides the am bassador in England and Abdallah Pasha I have never spoken to a Turk in my life," she cries. "You have uttered his name Abdallah Pasha is the man your brother's jailer." 114 nnr-TOR JACK. CHAPTER IX. MADRID AWAKENS AT MIDNIGHT. There is a certain dramatic force to these words at Jack's, even though he does not raise his voice. Sometimes a whisper is more effective than a shout in thrilling an audience Avis is astonished hy what she hears her mind goes back to her meeting with the pasha in London, and she remembers singular looks he gave her, which at the time impressed her as boldness on the part of this Oriental magnate, but which she now believes to have been inspired by the fact that he has recognized in her the sister of the infidel he hates so terribly. How eagerly he had inquired about the prospect of her visiting Constantinople, which city he called Stamboul, as all natives dc. Then again how enr- iiestly he had dilated upon the wonderful beauties of the Eastern city, its magnificent mosques and towering minarets, speaking in a way to inspire a longing in her breast to speedily look upon these sights, and promising to do all in his power to make their stay a pleasant one. All this had seemed very kind of the pasha, and perhaps Avis, possessed of the natural vanity al lotted to womankind, laid it at the door of her vi vacity, which possibly the old Turk admired. Now, a dim suspicion begins to creep through her mind that there may have been a deep, dark method in his actions. Such a man seemed fit for treason, tratagem. and spoils, because he had no music in S9CTOR V &VK. 115 feis soul, and would as soon listen to the croaking of a. frog as the sweet notes of a nightingale. So she mentions her thoughts to Jack, who for some reason seems to see enough in the matter to investigate deeper, and asks her numerous questions concerning what passed between the pasha and her self at their meeting in the English house. A dreadful suspicion is hammering at the door for admittance, but he can hardly believe it possible that any man could descend to such depths of in famy ; so for the present it is shut out, to arise again later on and mock him with the reality. They talk for some time longer, principally upon the subject that interests them both. Avis Morton believes it is the hand of Providence that brought about this meeting. After the prodigies of valor which she witnessed Doctor Jack perform at the bull-fight, she does not see how anything could long remain a barrier for such a man, and if any one can help her find and save Aleck he is the person. Their quiet little tete-a-tete is disturbed loud voices sound without. "It is Cousin Larry what can be the matter?" exclaims Avis, rising hurriedly. The voices have grown more resolute two men are quarreling, and while one pours hot Spanish oaths in a heavy tone the other squeals American ones in a shrill falsetto. "I beg you to remain seated here while I se to your cousin. He may be annihilated by that bully," and so saying Doctor Jack passes out of the little room. He sees a peculiar sight the dude is face to face with a burly fellow, who glowers upon him aa 116 DOCTOR JACK though he would only need an invitation to eat him up. "You are a thief a scoundrel!" declares Cousin Larry in the bully's teeth. This is the last straw on the camel's back the fellow has reached his limit, and with a roar of anger he aims a blow at the head of the dude. Doc tor Jack, too late to prevent the conflict, holds his breath, expecting to see Cousin Larry sent flying across the office, but just here he makes a serious mistake. A quick ducking movement saves the dude, and then springing up he rains a shower of blows upon the face of his antagonist, who, blinded, roars with pain and fright, and, turning, runs off like the cow ard that he is, followed by Larry, who manages to administer a parting kick. It has seemed to Jack so like a fight between a big Brahma fowl and a little bantam, that he almost ex pects the victor to crow as he comes back again An odd genius he certainly is, and Jack is glad to know his first estimate of the little man was not far in the wrong. "It does me proud to see an American stand up like that. Now, what was it all about?" he asks, after stepping out and shaking hands with the vic tor in the main. The dandy carefully brushes off a speck of dust he imagines he sees upon his lavender colored trousers, twists the ends of the ghostly mustache which sup ports his dignified claim of being a man, and an swers in his cool way : "The beggah insulted me. He was inquisitive about my cousin's movements, and actually off abed me Lawrence Edgewater Kennedy, of Fifth ive- SOCTQR JACK. 117 mie, New York two miserable doubloons if I would induce my Cousin Avis to patronize a hotel in Con stantinople that he wepwesented. Bah Jove! I couldn't shake him off, and we had twouble, you see." The trouble seems to sit lightly on the head of Mr. Larry. Jack, on the contrary, looking beyond, sees a certain significance in this affair of the night. He does not mean to tell Larry that his cousin is so near, for, selfish as the rest of mankind, he hopes to continue the delicious tete-a-tete in the little parlor. Hence he is glad when Larry walks over to greet an acquaintance, and Jack is about returning to his fair Dulcina, when he happens to follow the dude with his eyes, and immediately receives something of a shock, for he sees Larry earnestly talking with one whom he recognizes as the pasha. How long has the Turk been there? Perhaps he saw Doctor Jack come in, send up his card, and go in the parlor to wait, for the American did not look around, being too much engrossed with his thoughts and anticipations of the coming meeting. It is even possible that the pasha knew of the ap pointment, although not present when it was entered into. Then he has also seen Avis come down and join Jack Not once does he ,ook toward the letter, but con. verses fluently with Larry, who seems to have taken a strange liking to him. Jack imagines that the crafty pasha, believing he could make the New York dude useful, has cultivated his acquaintance, and as Larry's hair is so evenly balanced on either side, a very little flattery is apt to turn his head There may trouble come of this yet, but as the skies are still clear, Jack goes back to enjoy a little more of Miss Morton's company. When finally he leaves her, the pasha is no longer to be seen in the hotel. One experience with rhe footpads is quite enough for Senor Jack, and he looks around for a vehicle to take him to the caravansary at which he is located, and which is situated far away from the Puerto del Sol. A driver sees his action and anticipates his wish, for he brings his closed vehicle close to the pave ment, and calls out to know if the senor desires a carriage. Perhaps Doctor Jack might have hesitated about engaging this fellow had he seen him holding a whispered conversation with the Turkish pasha a short time before ; but being in ignorance of this same thing, he jumps into the vehicle, gives the driver the name of his hotel, and slams the door. Again he is threading the narrow calle, and around them darkness hangs much of the time. For tunately for him the American has his wits about him a suspicion comes first he observes the route, and then of a certainty discovers that his driver is away off. Undoubtedly the fellow is up to some ugly business perhaps he knows the pasha, and ^s en deavoring to lead the bold American into a trap of some sort. It takes a wide-awake Yankee to deal with such crafty men. Doctor Jack, when he makes this dis covery, does not call upon the driver to halt. They are in a dark part of the narrow street, and the vehicle makes such a noise rattling along that any Bound he may cause is drowned. Without a moment's hesitation he opens the win dow beside him, over tfhe door> pushes his head and DOCTOR JACK. 119 feoulders out, grasps the steel railing around the top of the coach, and begins to draw his whole form out. None but an athlete could accomplish this, what with the darkness and the moving coach, but Doc tor Jack does the job, feels with his foot for the front step, used by the driver, finds it, gives one turn, and with a single motion seats himself beside that worthy, who, never dreaming of the gymnas tics going on behind, is tremendously astounded to discover a human body planted beside his OWH, but who is even more surprised when he feels the cold muzzle of a revolver touch his face, and a voice bel low in his ear above the rattle of steel-shod wheels on the cobblestones : "I am your passenger. Your game is up. Turn along the first calle leading to the Del Prado or I'll murder you. No ^ords, but obey/' says this terri ble voice. The man shivers perhaps he fears lest he has picked up a crazy fare but he obeys orders, and in ten minutes Doctor Jack drops down in front of the little fonda where he has put up, hands the man a peso, gives hJm a look that makes his hair stand up, and marches into the hotel. He doe* not mean to retire yet there is much thinking to be done ere turning in and he takes out a cigar to smoke, when he discovers the one given him by Don Carlos. Again that suspicion comes to him. He takes the cigar to his room, where in a simple way he can telJ whether it has been drugged. To his surprise the experiment proves the fact beyond a question. Then he wonders, while smoking one of his own cheroots, what the game is why should Don Carlos desire to keep him under liis roof against his will- 120 DOCTOR JACK. for he remembers how earnest both of them were in beseeching him to remain. Robbery seems out of the question, and Jack never dreams that the fact of his having an engagement at eight cuts any figure in the matter. So he is all at sea, and the more he ponders the less able he is to get at the kernel which he knows lies hidden somewhere inside this hard, flinty outer shell. Meanwhile time has slipped by. It lacks less than an hour to midnight now. Jack does not smoke fu riously as when with Don Carlos, but in a dreamy fashion. He is seated near the window, for the night air laden with the perfume of flowers that bloom in the spring time in sunny Spain, seems unusually pleas ant. At this hour it would seem natural that the city should be growing more quiet, for every metropolis Jack has ever known subsides into a more peaceful state as the night wears into the small hours. To his surprise just the contrary seems to be the case. It is much more noisy than at ten o'clock, when he reached the hotel. Jack becomes interested. He even leans out of the window to see what is up. New lights have sprung into existence even streets that were ne glected before now seem to throb with a pulsating life, and are in a measure illuminated, as though a great unwritten law compels every citizen to have at least one lamp or candle in his window. The change is amazing with every passing min ute new lights spring up. Down below he sees a moving throng of people. All seem light-hearted, laughter and jest are bandied about, and it is very &QGTOR JACK. 121 evident that no serious business brings these crowds abroad. Music is heard here, there, and everywhere dis tant bands thrill the air, and quicken the pulses, groups on the boulevard sing snatches of songs, and more than one sweet-toned mandolin throbs to the fingers of a music-loving Spanish lassie in the courts near by. Doctor Jack is amazed he rubs his eyes as though under the belief that he must be dreaming. What does all this mean? Madrid has awakened from her lethargic state she seems for the time being to out rival Paris in gayety. One thinks of a royal wed ding, with the whole city rejoicing, but Jack knows this cannot be. What then? The music grows in volume, and even under his eyes the crowds increase. He can see them better now, on account of the light. If Jack has been sleepy before, he was never more wide awake than now. Instead of abating, his interest grows with the excitement. Looking at his watch he finds that the hour lacks just nine minutes of twelve. Then the idea strikes him that these mercurial people are waiting for midnight, which time will usher in some great holiday. He begins to grasp the reins, and reach a solution of the mystery. Looking closer than before he realizes two things. The first of these is the fact that there are scores of women upon the streets as well as men, and it is evident that the night walkers have now been reinforced by a stream of respectable senoras and senoritas from the dwellings. What Doctor Jack notices in the second place is 122 DOCTOR JACK. the fact that many of these women wear long cloaks, and their faces are concealed by masks, while even numbers of the men are also masked. He suddenly iumps to his feet with a laugh. "Bless my soul, I understand it all. At midnight the great carnival begins!" D&VTVil JAi*. 123 CHAPTER X, A MESSAGE BY SPECIAL COURIER. Once a year Madrid, in common with all Latin cities, arouses from her long sleep, and for three days and nights preceding Lent, engages in the most extravagant orgies. During this time the people run wild, and seem never to sleep day and night the streets are jammed with crowds of pleasure seekers, music fills the air with intoxicating sounds, revelry is in progress at every corner, and to look at the light-hearted peo ple one would never dream that they lived over a mine, which is liable to explode at any moment. Soldiers are as thick as skippers in an old cheese, their bright uniforms adding splendor to the scene, for Spain is a country where the restless populace, dreaming of liberty ana license, have to be con stantly reminded of the power resting with the royal family she has been a republic before and will again, with the shining example of France so near at hand. As Doctor Jack looks the bells of the Spanish capi tal ring out the hour of midnight. It is a signal long anticipated, since it ushers in the carnival season. More people flock out of the houses the brilliant promenade below is thronged. In vain the American seeks a face at the ringing of the bells every countenance is covered, for it is another un written law that from midnight to sunrise on these three nights, no one shall appear upon the streets Unmasked the penalty may be a broken head 484 DOCTOR JACK. As Jack has never chanced to be in the south of Europe during the carnival time he is greatly inter ested in the sight, as will be every sojourner in Madrid. Sleep seems out of the question with such a racket in progress, even if he did desire to ob tain it. Leaving his room he passes down-stairs to see the entertainment at shorter range, not that it is his intention to join in just then, though many foreign ers do so, and become mixed up in the brawls that often occur. With all the wickedness that marks the Spanish capital during the gay carnival season at least one good thing can be said few drunken men are seen. Light wines are the drinks indulged in by the people of Spain, rum seldom being used, and whisky never. They may have copied the ab sinthe drinkers of Paris to a certain degree, but this serves to stupefy their minds like opium, and not engender street brawls. Down below Jack finds quite a throng gathered near the doors to watch the merry maskers on the pave without. Everyone seems to own a mask of some sort, and a man stands by selling these for a few pesetas each, so the American invests, intend ing to saunter down the street and witness the sights. Once outside he joins in with the throng, and keeps his eyes about him. It is indeed a remarka ble sight to look upon the crowds the midnight bells of Madrid have called into review, and Jack photo graphs them upon his memory for future use. Along the edges of the sidewalk are many street stands, where is seen the peddler of national drinks or refrescos, with his botigo or Oriental jar contain ing the expressed juice of some fruit, mixed with BGCTOR JAGA. 125 and water, and as harmless as it is agreeable. Others have a nobby little tin or brass tray, upon which are placed glasses for the different horchata.s, as the good people of Madrid call these cooling non- spiritous drinks. Along the walk are rows of orange trees, and upon these colored lanterns have been placed at in tervals, and are now lighted up, so that with the yellow gas jets the scene looks like one of enchant ment. Here and there small crowds congregate around some fakir engaged in selling wonderful things, or to watch the astonishing evolutions and hear the weird music that accompany a sidewalk gitano or gipsy dance. Everywhere reigns an air of mystery fancy cos tumes, monks, chevaliers, Oriental warriors, courtly dames, flower girls, and almost every imaginable character we see in our greatest masque balls are to be met with. Mad revelry abounds every one appears deter mined to be as happy and careless as his or her neighbor, so that when the carnival season is over every soul will gladly welcome Lent, which seems to be the idea of all this merriment, the old adage holding good, "Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we mourn." So Madrid enters upon the fun. The merriment is as a general thing good-natured, and free from riot or rudeness. Whatever dark secrets may be work ing beneath the surface, on top all is apparently in nocent enjoyment. From the balconies of houses fair senoritas. whose guardians are too strict to allow chem upon tho JOb DOCTOR JACK. streets, have enjoyment of their own in the procession below. At times they toss a flower to this courtly knight who has found favor in their eyes, or drop rice down the back of a more than usually hideous gnome who delights in the shudder his awful appearance causes. Jack is greatly amused by the kaleidoscopic changes around him. Something in his quiet de meanor attracts the very attention he would avoid, and more than one unknown charmer ventures to ad dress him. These may be the most respectable of senoras, for the mystery of mask and domino gives them assurance and license to a certain degree, but Jack pays little or no attention to their laughing words. Various processions pass him by, and suddenly one comes that gives him a shock. He hear? a cocotte standing near him take up the cry that Bounds down the boulevard. What is it she is call ing: "The hero of the bull-fight?" Presently the excitement increases, and a little party arrive, bearing on their shoulders a square platform in which rests a chair, and this is occupied by a masked man, who sits there with folded arms, gravely bowing, at times kissing his hand to the eenoritas above, now almost wild with excitement, Doctor Jack is At first indignant, and then he laughs as though amused. This man has been gotten up to imitate himself, and with such success that the platform is fairly covered with flowers tossed upon the hero by the hands of Madrid's dark- eyed daughters. Now they are close by the American athlete could with one spring gain that pla*-t'orm, and hurl U in the deal he said she was beautiful, and would make you forget all about Avis. See here, now that I think of it, she must be that darling you were with when I met you in the old curiosity shop they call a museum." "It is Mercedes." says Jack, sadly, for somehov the thought that this beautiful creature is connected with the plot against his life gives him pain he does not understand why it should be so, but the facts are as plain as day. What strange motive can Don Carlos and his niece have for their action? Surely it is not robbery, for in what manner would they profit by his death? There is some deeper, darker mystery back of it all, and he cannot hope to pick up any crumbs from Larry still there is no barm in trying. "The Turk did not take you into his full con- fidence, I presume, old fellow?" he queries. "No, but he gave promise of doing so if I would consent to join them. You see, he talks hrolcen 140 DOCTOR JACK. English, and as I have not burnished up my Turk ish tongue lately, we did not get on as well as we might." Larry says this with a peculiar smirk, for as a linguist, he is a dead failure, knowing nothing but his mother tongue, and precious little of that, some of his acquaintances are fain to believe. "I am bothered over one thing. Pedro has a cause for hating me he is a Spaniard, and I am the man who supplanted him in the fickle affection of the public. As for the Turk, there is abundant reason why he should wish to see me sent, Mazeppa-like, over the plains of Tartary on the back of a wild horse, but for the life of me I can't understand why Don Carlos, whose life I saved in the Pyrenees, and his lovely niece should conspire against me. Per haps you can throw some light on the subject, my good friend.'* But Larry shakes his head he is unable to solve the mystery that puzzles Jack. "It seems to me unreasonable that a man like this Spaniard should join in the hue and cry against you. He's of noble blood, and owes you much, because, as you say, you saved his life when bear-hunting. I have no clew that will open the mystery, but I am convinced there must be some deep secret back of it. Are you sure you have given him no cause for such undying hatred?" , It is Larry who turns cross-questioner now, and somehow Jack does not think it odd. He answers in all frankness. "Never I am sure of it. We have been good friends ever since we met in Paris. I cannot remem ber having offended him by word or look." "What was the nature of your meeting?" Larry is endeavoring to probe around much after the man- DOCTOR JACK. 141 ner of a young surgeon searching for a ball which he hopes to hit by chance. "Well, now that you speak of it, our meeting was a trifle singular. Let me briefly narrate it. I have spent many months in Paris, and am familiar with almost every part of the city, even beyond those places generally gazed upon by the average tourist. ''One night I was returning to my quarters with a friend, who, by the way, is a Spaniard, the Duke Arroyo, when he proposed that we peep in upon a secret meeting of some sort, I've forgotten what. He had the entree, and I saw a good deal of mum mery, but to this day I've never been able to decide whether the Spaniards in that den were plotting for or against the present dynasty in Spain I know no whether they were republicans, followers of Don Carlos, the Pretender, or of the present government- "However, it was here I met Senor Carlos we became friends under these rather peculiar circum stances, and he has stuck close to me ever since tha.t hour. I cannot, see any explanation in that account of our meeting to justify this strange enmity on his part. ' " 'Pon 'onah! now, but I do! Ms the startling an nouncement the dude makes, much to the astonish ment of Doctor Jack, whose respect for the monkey- man increases the more he sees of him. "Explain it, then, my dear fellow," he begs. Larry glances around cautiously, not that he has any idea of being overheard, but because what he is about to say might involve him in trouble if hostile ears did catch it, then close to Doctor Jack's tym panum he says. "Those men you saw in council were the trusted adherents of Don Carlos, who has never given over JACK. plotting to snatch the throne of Spain. At the time, the Duke Arroyo was esteemed one of their most trusted friends, and any person he brought with him could be greeted with warmth, and a feeling that he was true blue. Are you following me, doctor?" Jack nods eagerly the truth already begins to dawn upon his mind. He realizes that a strange freak of fate has hurled him into an arena far more dangerous than the one that held the black toro the battle-field of human passions and plottings, where men and women, too scheme for power, sworn to stand by their cause no ir atter at what sacrifice. He has unwittingly become mixed up in Spanish political intrigues a worse fate could not well overtake a man. "Since that time it has been discovered that the duke is a royal spy. sent by the present government to learn the plans of the plotters, and he is a marked man, doomed to death. You, as his friend, have been put on the same footing perhaps certain things you have done make them believe beyond a doubt that instead of a wealthy American you are paid out of government funds to watch the friends of the plot ting Don Carlos. At any rate this seems to me to be the whole truth." Jack puts out his hand, tiiid seizes the diminutive member of Larry Kennedy, which he shakes with a gravity quite natural to him for he is not impulsive in his ways. "As sure as I live I believe you have struck the truth it is a most reasonable explanation of this deep mystery. There is only one thing puzzling me BOW." "What may that be? Perhaps I ran prove to bt* a LQCTOR JALK. 14J magician in that case also," laughs the strange lit tle man. "1 am wondering how you, Lawrence Kennedy, of New York, come to know these things?" The dude's laugh freezes on his lips, and when he turns directly toward Jack to look him in the face they have removed their half masks long before the athh3t3 can detect the slightest shadow of anx iety upon that queer physiognomy, as though Larry realizes the fact that he is playing with fire. "Doctor, there need be no secrets between us. To tell you the truth. I belong to the revolutionist party myself," he announces, with a forced grin. "The duse you do. Really, you are the last person I should expect to find meddling with such danger ous business. Couldn't you find excitement enousrh in hunting or kindred sports without risking your neck in this way?" The other assumes an air of importance that ill becomes his small stature. "I preferred to engage in a game that required the exercise of brains, for do you know T am some- tiling of a Richelieu in my way. These parties wanted an American representative, and I joined them. Oh! I'm a double-dyed plotter, and don't you forget it, doctor. That is how I got on the track of your game I knew about the duke, and your mention of him put me on the scent, you know." "Well, this is a singular business, I must say, all around. I wonder if I could convince your friends that I have no interest in exposing them that the duke was but a casual acquaintance of mine, and that not for worlds would I betray them?" Jack is serious, because he has other matters on 144 DOCTOR JAOK. his mind, and does not care to be mixed up in this political intrigue. "Once the gun is aimed it is next to impossible to check its fire. I know what these men and women are, what terrible oaths they have taken upon them selves, and the fate they doom an informer to. Per haps by this time the duke may have met his fate- it will appear to be some accident, a fall from his horse when riding, or the discharge of his gun while hunting, but his doom is sealed. Ugh ! it makes me shudder to remember the vindictive manner in which they took the oath that the royal spy should die within the next moon." "As for me, I have never yet turned my back upon any danger ; but a man would be a fool to fight a league as powerful and unscrupulous as this. If I cannot make these parties understand that I am in nocent, I presume the sooner I shake the dust of Madrid and Spain off my feet the better. As for you, my friend, give me the chance some time to repay your kindness." "Nonsense! it is nothing. I merely " begins Larry, when Doctor Jack stops him. "Say no more. You are risking your life for me. The man who does that is my friend." "I don't think I take any risks I have been dused careful how I came here, you know, and I'm sure you'll never whisper a word of it to a living soul." "For my life I would not, but I have just made a discovery that concerns - you that will doubtless cause you to cast your fortunes with mine, and leave Spain behind." Larry shows signs of excitement. "What do you mean what have you discovered?" he asks, watching the calm face of the doctor. D&CTl'OR JAGK. 145 "In the first place, remain cool. Now, carelessly look in the mirror behind me. You can see the whole of the cafe laugh as though I had uttered a joke at the same time cast your eyes upon the seeming monk near by do you recognize him, com rade that man is the old Turk our foe." 146 DOCTOh JACK CHAPTER XII. PLANNING THE EXODUS. These startling words, if true, tell Larry that he has been followed after all, and that the intelligence will soon be communicated to the terrible Council of Ten, concerning his warning the man they have doomed as a spy. It is enough in itself to make a man's flesh creep, and those who professed to more bravery than the little dude of Gotham might well be pardoned for trembling. When he speaks again, however, tnere is no emo tion discernible in his voice perhaps the calm de meanor of the man of steel who sits opposite to him has a quieting effect. "Are you sure of what you say, doctor?" he asks, after having glanced at the monk, whose gown and mask baffle him "how have you guessed such a thing? I would not know my own brother in such an outlandish rig." "Perhaps I would be as badly off, only for one thing, and that has given me my point. I noticed the pasha in the museo watched him like a lynx out of the corner of my eyes, for I wanted to know him again wherever I might meet him. As a result I got onto a certain trick he has of tossing his head in a peculiar way, as if " "There he goes now," interrupts Larry, with a gesture of delight then drops his eyes as the masked monk turns that way. "Yes, that is it. I know positievly that this man DL'CTOIt JA2K 147 is the pasha, and if so I'm afraid your disiii.tere.3U3d kindness has gotten you into a scrape." '''Don't worry about me. I aon't flunk when danger calls. There are ways of outwitting these bloody Spaniards trust a Yankee's long head for that, my boy. Have you any suggestion?" "Let me think a minute." So Doctor Jack reviews the situation, and sees things in something of a new light. It makes him wince to realize how near he has come to falling in the pit dug for him not only once at the house of Don Carlos, but in the arena for with his new vision he believes Mercedes was playing a deep game when with voice and eyes she urged him on to meeting the bull no doubt believing and expecting he would never leave the bull-ring alive. Somehow this thought makes him feel cheap he does not care for Mercedes, but he is a man, and does not like to have been made a plaything of a beauty's smile. So he rapidly reviews the situation, and endeavors to see something in the future that will warrant his forming a plan, while Larry sips the contents of his glass, and steals furtive glances at the disguised pasha, who seems to be paying no attention to them "Come, we will go out of here," and Jack rises, settles the account, then passes beyond the portal. "Look back, Larry is he following?" he says. "Yes, he has arisen, and walks this way, the old heathen. I'd like to ' "No, no, we must do nothing rash. At all events, it is essential to the success of my plans that Ab- dallah Pasha lives to return to Turkey, for I intend to meet him to outwit him in a tremendous game being played, the stakes of which are contained in a human life." They pass along to the fonda near by, with the same merry crowd jostling them, the same frolic some senoritas pouring rice upon them from over hanging balconie,3, amid shrieks of mischievous laughter, and all gayety and laxity that is always a part of the grand carnival. At another time Doctor Jack mig-ht have joined in the mirth of the hour with all his heart, for he is a convivial fellow, and believes in getting a certain amount of pleasure out of this grim old world of ours, with its fleeting shows ; but just now so many things are on his mind that the music and laughter bother him a little. He feels that a net is being spread about him, and not only does the danger menace himself, but that fair girl, Avis, as well. She is not suspected of any connection with the government by these political conspirators, but the look Abdallah Pasha gave her was enough to cause alarm in the mind of the Ameri can doctor. Used to reading the faces of men his power falls short when tried upon the othfir sex, for they baffle his penetration he has discovered that the evil eye of the Turk has picked out Avis as the one creature above all others he would delight to see in his harem. Beautiful slaves he may buy in the mart in Constantinople, but never one of her animation. Besides, the vindictive pasha has doubtless known from the start that she is the sister of the man he hates the prisoner of the palace and it may be he hopes to thrust another thorn into the heart of Aleck Morton when he can be able to show him his beloved sister an inmate of the grand seraglio. DOCTOR JACK U9 Thus it will be seen Doctor Jack has no child's play* before him. First he must outwit the league that seems bound to wind up his mortal affairs for him, and when this has been accomplished, by a bold and ingenious plan he means to hoodwink the pasha and save Aleck Mortons, if that worthy is in the land of the living. In this undertaking he will need help, and hence is not at all sorry that circumstances have arisen which will necessitate Larry's accompanying them out of Spain. The dude is just the man to assist his mind is crafty, and it is more upon diplomacy they must de pend for success than strength. So Jack, revolving these things in his mind, determines upon his course. They have reached the roomy fonda, and as there is a corner where the papers are kept, Jack draws his companion thither they secure a copy, and go to Jack's apartment, where the latter immediately consults the railway time-table. Used to American methods, one would be dis tracted endeavoring to understand the jumble in which the arrivals and departures are announced there is a lack of system in everything throughout Spain, just the opposite of what the traveler finds through France and Germany, where things are done according to a set rule. Jack is good at deciphering enigmas, however, and he soon makes out that a train leaves the city for Bordeaux and beyond by way of Zaracoza at eight-thirty in the morning, which may be con strued as nine o'clock in Spain, for few things are done on time. This is the most direct way to get beyond the Pyrenees and into France. True, the other route 160 IWGTOR JAGS. via Barcelona takes one along the sea where the ear can hear the sad moan of the waves, the eyes rest upon vineyards, orange groves, oli^e orchards and great fields of wild thyme, while the perfume-laden air is exceedingly grateful to the senses; but it is twice as long as the one chosen, which hurries the traveler over a high, hot plateau, in places a desert. Time is a factor in the calculations of the doctor just now, and he means to give up all other con siderations in order to get out of Spain with the least possible delay. Taking out a small but accurate map, attached to a guide-book, he traces the course they will pursue to Paris, and then east, until at length his finger re mains stationary over a dot that marks the Oriental city on the beautiful Bosphorus Constantinople. "There we rest in that city duty calls. Will you go with us, Larry, and lend assistance in the effort to save your Cousin Aleck, held a prisoner in the pasha's palace?" he asks. "Tell me the story I will give you my answer when you are done," returns the other. So Jack begins, and narrates all. It does not take him long, but he describes the thrilling scene in the wonderful gardens adjoining the harem of the wealthy pasha with such eloquence that Larry is quite carried off his feet, and before the other can put the question to him again he has seized Doctor Jack's hand earnestly. "I am with you heart and soul, my friend. From this hour count me as one of you. We will thus form a little triumvirate of our own to oppose the enemy, and you will find this brain of mine as fer tile in resources as that of the old time plotter, the Cardinal Richelieu." JAU&. i5J Jack does not smile he would not be surprised at any tiling Larry might do now, the little man has s;:-.>wn such a decided genius for diplomacy. He trusts him fully, and such action is apt to bring out everything there is in the dude. Jack makes no error by underestimating: the power of the enemy. He knows they will be watch- fui. and continually on the alert to circumvent any plans that may be formed. All is to be kept a secret no one must know that they intend leaving Madrid in the midst of the glorious carnival, for people would at once believe them insane, since the Spanish mind cannot con ceive of a more glorious spectacle, longed for through many, many months, and enjoyed with all the fervor of their hot-blooded race. They talk in low tones, for it is not absolutely certain that hostile ears may not be bent to hear their plans these Spanish fondas in the cities, as well as the taverns, or posadas, in the villages, beine: rambling dwellings, with the queerest rooms imagi nable, and ever so many nooks and hiding-places, quite bewildering to one used to straight halls as seen in English and American hotels. It is easy to get lost in such a labyrinth, and dues not require a great stretch of the imagination to people various dark corners with ready eaves droppers, especially when the party concerned has cause to believe himself watched. Jack is the last person in the world to allow any nervousness to lay hold on him, but he understands the situation and what he must expect his ene mies are unscrupulous and powerful, and this alone is enough to cause him uneasiness. Step by step he goes over the plan with the other. 155, DOCTOR to make sure there is no mistake, for such a thing would perhaps be fatal to the success of the role they have arranged. Larry is to go to the Fonda Peninsular, and man age to let every one know that he is to take hia aunt and cousin out early in the morning in a vehicle to see how Madrid looks after the first night ' debauch thus alarming no one when the carriage ia ordered later on. The trunks can be gotten down at the last mo ment, all preparations having been made by the la dies, to whom he will deliver a communication from Jack as soon as he reaches the hotel on the puerta. Thus it is neatly arranged, and if they have even ordinary luck, by nine o'clock on the morrow the whole party will be aboard the fast Paris express, speeding over the rails in the direction of the gay French capital. It is not their intention to remain here any length of time duty demands that they at once seek the battle-field again, to stand up with the plotting pasha, and see if diplomacy cannot beat him in the game now on. They are small in number, but as force cuts a poor figure in the deal, they mean to outgeneral the enemy. What the future holds for them only Heaven knows, but their hopes are strong, and when Jack bids Larry good-night, meaning to get a few hours rest, he squeezes his hand warmly as he says: "In six hours we are away. Don't forget to be on ttme, my friend," and Larry answers: " Ton 'onah ! now, Doctor Jack, we shall soon be 'm the road. Then hurrah for Paris!" ON THE ROAD TO PARIS. CHAPTER XI11. iS IT IS LOVE THAT BRINGS ME HERE TO SAVE SOU." When Doctor Jack finds himself alone once more fee closes the door of his room, and sits down to ttiink. A cigar helps him in this respect, and he grasps the reins of the situation in his hand. Minutes slip away thus, and he has gone over the whole situation. The thought of what lies beyond in the near future seems to stir the most sluggish clood in his veins into action, for he can no longer remain seated, but springing to his feet begin* 1 - to pack the small portmanteau with the few things he carries with him your old traveler knows too much to encumber himself with a variety of luxuries Mien on the jump, however much he might enjoy fcnese same things if settled down. When this job has been completed Jack consults b'.s watch, and finds that the hour lacks but a few minutes of four. Through the open windows there still comes l^ a sound of merry laughter from the street the noise jars on Jack's mind, for he is in rather a melancholy state, as though certain coming' events were casting a shadow before. He tries to sleep, throwing himself upon the bed, but it is of no avail, and presently he is once mort> on his feet pacing the room. This in a measure calms him, and when his atten tion is directed toward the street by an unusually boisterous crowd passing, Doctor Jack walks to the window a.nd leans out. How cool and pleasant the night air, and what a delicious odor of flowers comes to him. He can 156 tiGUTOR JACK. hardly endure the closeness of the room, in which the flickering gas has burned so long. Looking down he sees that while many of the lights may have burned out, these are principally the Chi nese colored lanterns hung on the trees by the resi dents. The avenue is still brilliantly illuminated by myriads of tiny flames, and the pavement by no means deserted, though by far the greatest crowds have surged in the direction of the great central plaza, where the populace of Madrid delight to jostle one another upon gala occasions like this. Attracted by the light and sounds coming from this quarter, the American turns his gaze thither he can hear the roar of voices, the rising and swell ing music of bands, and see the glow of fireworks as the many-colored balls cut the black heavens, or bursting rockets send a shower of golden rain down from on high. Madrid is having a grand old time, and woe unto the luckless travelers quartered in the hotels on or near the Puerta del Sol, the Fondas Peninsular, de Paris, de los Principes, de Rusia, or de los Embaja- dores sleep will be an utter impossibility for them on these three full nights of the carnival. Doctor Jack has stood thus, his elbows resting on the window-sill, which is high up from the floor of the room, perhaps ten minutes, when he becomes aware of a singular thing some one is knocking at his door. In itself this is not so strange, but the hour makes it so. He turns around, and as he does this the rap is re peated not a bold sound, such as a man would make, but a timid one. Jack for the moment is amazed he wonders if some new trick of the carni val is about to be sprang on him. DOCTOR JACK. 157 Then he recovers his self possession, and walks to ihe door. The knocks have ceased, bwt he imme diately opens the door, to find, as he already ex pected, that his caller is a woman. She is masked, and wears a black domino that in a measure conceals her form. Jack has seen dozens disguised in this manner upon the street. It flashes over him that perhaps this senora is stopping at the hotel, and has made a mistake of the room, but she evinces no surprise or consternation at sight of him, so this can hardly be. Then the idea flashes into his mind that it is a prank-loving senora, who has possibly some giggling companions hidden in the hallway watching to see her little passage at arms with the brave American who slew the black toro, and whom the gentler half of Madrid's population has gone almost crazy over ever since. These things flit through Jack's mind with the rapidity of lightning, and although but a few seconds have passed since he opened the door, he has al ready decided that he must beware of the black eyes that gleam from behind the other's mask. His early morning caller has during this time stood there observing him she evidently waits for him to speak, so he musters his Spanish, and says, laughingly: "The senora would play some trick upon the American for the amusement of her friends. If she will consent to remove her mask, and call those who look on, I will have the landlord set an early break fast or a late supper down below, where we can be come better acquainted, and talk of the great carni val" for Doctor Jack knows sleep is out of the ques tion for him, and is ready to welcoine this little epi sode of the grand masquerade in order to pass away 15b 0VCTOX JACJL some of the leaden hours that must elapse before i*ie time conies wh^n he can start for the fast Paris ex press. All manner of liberties are taken during the con tinuance of the carnival, most of them innocent in themselves. Spanish women are generally shut up the better part of the year, and allowed little free dom, so that when the time comes for them to don a mask, secure from recognition, they do many things that at another time would be far from their thoughts. This is only human nature, and the bla.ck- jyed dames of Spain are nothing if not human. To Jack's surprise, however, his unknown visitor does not eagerly grasp at his munificent offer of a feast for herself and friends. On the contrary, she seems to draw herself up haughtily, as though offended in a degree at his familiarity, and Jack guesses he has made a mistake. "Senor Evans does not know who be addresses, evidently," and thus speaking, she removes the mask suddenly. To say Jack is startled would hardly cover the ground in all his life he does not remember feeling such a shock as when his eyes fall upon that face. It is Mercedes her beauty seems to light up the dingy room as she stands there in the doorway. Doctor Jack fairly gasps, and for the moment loses his voice; but he is too old a campaigner to remain in this state long, and presently recovers. "Mercedes Senorita how can you pardon my seeming rudeness? I never dreamed of this ah, great pleasure but I believed I was about to be made the victim of a joke by some fun-loving senoras liv. ir-g at the fonda. You will you must pardon me." All this he says in such an earnest manner, look- ing so sorry for the blunder, that it does not lie in a woman's heart to bear malice. Mercedes smiles- he is forgiven. She makes a movement as thong li she would enter Jack immediately picks up a heavy chair with one hand, as though it were a chip, and begs her to be seated, while at the same thue he is madly speculating as to the cause of her presence here at this strange hour. True, the carnival is on, and it gives a sort of li cense to its votaries, but Mercedes is hardly the one to take advantage of this. He believes from the start that he must seek further if he would learn the truth. Looking backward he can see all that has hap pened to him in connection with this woman who wears the crown of beauty. Like the shifting scenes* of a moving panorama, the events pass before his mind 'a eye. First, there are the meetings in the flower market of Barcelona, when his eye is capti vated by the loveliness of the supposed Catalan peas ant girl who frequents the Rambla and sells hir- bouquets and boutonaires. Then he sees that fac back of the vail worn by the nun from the cloiste- of the Benedictine church of San Pedro she lean* over him. her perfumed breath touching his cheek her liquid eyes drinking his joul. Last of all comes the bull-fight his leap into the arena the look of mingled pdde and consternation he sees upon her face, and then the scene at her home, were she sings for him all the tender Spanish love songs she knows. Is it any wonder Doctor Jack's heart beats faster than its wont, as he realizes that this magnificent' croL\ture has come to him bent upon some secret er rand? 16U DOGTOK JA r '!L For a moment he even forgets that this creature- one of the loveliest works of Heaven has been en gaged in a plot against his life, because she is de voted, body and soul, to the cause of the Carlists but it rushes like a wave over him again, and he be comes cautious. What game can she be playing now? He almost fears Mercedes, her beauty is so great. Somehow she makes him think of a tigress, so magnificent in her bearing, and yet so subtle. Mentally he com pares her with Avis, and the latter does not suffer thereby, for frankness is stamped upon her brave face, if the beauty of Mercedes is the greater. "Kindly close the door, Doctor Jack. It would not do for any one to see me here. I risk much in making this visit/"' she says, in her low, velvet-like voice, that thrills the American, though he cannot tell why. He obeys her behest, and even turns the key in the lock as an additional safeguard against intru sion. Whatever her mission may be it is his duty to protect her. Standing near her, with his hands resting on the back of a chair, he looks straight into her coloring face, where the blushes creep under the satin-like, olive-complexion, as though he would read her secret there. She gives a short little laugh it is certainly a strange thing for a young woman of the highest circle of Madrid to seek a private audience with a gentleman at such an hour, but there must be some strong reason for her action. "Senor Jack, you think me unmaidenly for coming to you here now. I confess it is a strange thing to do, but I have a powerful reason. Your life is in danger." DOCTOR JAGK. IGi She says this in a thrilling tone, just as if she ex pects Jack to start back in amazement ; but he does nothing 1 of the sort. This is an old story to him now even when he heard it first from Larry he had shown little signs of wonder, and hence is not apt to go into a state of agitation at this late hour. ''Indeed!" is all he says, and so quietly that she bites her lips in chagrin. "You do not believe it?" she cries. "Pardon me, but I know it to be a fact." "Ah! who has told you?" quickly. "I have a faculty for finding out these things, senorita. I know that I am a marked man by the Carlists, simply because I happened to be a friend of the Duke de Arroyo, who has turned out to be a royal spy." Jack says all this without excitement she looks upon him in wonder. "You know that your life has been forfeited that you may be among the missing at any day, and yet you do not feel afraid?" "Senorita, you have seen me master that crazy black toro in the ring." "Ah! it was a superb sight, but I trembled for you, Senor Jack, and regretted my rash action in goading you on." " Why should you?" She does not answer in words, but the tell-tale color flies into her cheeks. If Mercedes is playing a part she is an admirable actress, the finest Jack has ever seen off the stage. "You must leave Spain, Senor Jack." "I intend to," he replies. "Immediately. A few hours may be fatal t* you. 162 BQSTOR JACK. Even now the word has gone out that means y< r death" her manner has become excited, the g; t black eyes glow with volcanic fire, and fascinate Jack, who realizes now what a gr^at possibility for good or evil lies in his wonderful girl. "All this I already know, senorita, but neve, less I thank you just the same. I cannot understand your motive in taking this risk to warn me, who c,-.n only be considered a friend at the most." Jack would be moved to more warmth in his speech could he get rid of the notion that the girl is acting a part believing this, he does not care to be demons in :- tive. Her quick woman's intuition guesses the truth in stantly she sees he distrusts her, and a resolve flashes into her mind. He must know all the fear ful risks she has taken to warn him, and, yos, even the reason why this has been done, unmaidenJv as it may be for a woman to disclose the secrets of her inner heart to the man she loves these impul sive Spanish women are not so coy and backward as their American cousins the tropical clime en genders more fire in the blood, and their passions, if less enduring on the whole, are like the hot blast of the sirocco while they last. "Sen or Jack, you understand, that I have not come here at the order of any league this time my actions are controlled by Mercedes Gonzales alone. I assume a grave risk in seeking to warn you." "And again I thank you, senorita. The risk is lessened by the fact that many senoras are upon the streets even now, enjoying the carnival. I am gla-1 of that, and trust no one among your friends will evor hear that you came to warn your American ac quaintance at such an hour. It does your woman ^ DOCTOR JACK. 163 heart credit, senorita. May you find, such a friend in time of need." Does he speak in sarcasm? Mercedes fails to read his face, but she hastens to say : "You do not understand me, Senor .Tack. When I speak of assuming a risk I do not mean that to \\ iiich you refer. That is nothing to me. But if the league to which I belong those who are devoted to the cause of Don Carlos as our future sovereign should know that I came here to warn you, my life would pay the penalty." She shudders while she speaks, and all at once the truth dawns upon stupid Jack. He knows all. This is not the superb acting of a woman who plots, but the plain confession of a woman who loves. He does not know what to do was never caught in such a position before in all his life, and hesitates. A minute of silence ensues. She hangs her head in maidenly shame, yet does not retreat a step in the course she has marked out. He observes her thought fully, even in perplexity. Perhaps at another time he might have ent^rod into the game with ardor, for that lovely face is enough to stir the heart of even a stern anchorite, but now things have changed he has met Avis Mor ton, and the memory of her seems to hover over him like a good angel. It would be playing with fire to deceive this girl iino the belief that he cared for her, and he makes up his mind not to do it, even though much might be gained from such a move. ''Senorita, believe me, you have the gratitude of my heart for this action. I understand it all." '' All?" she gasps, trembling like a frightened bird. 164 DOCTOR JACJL "Yes. Your gentle nature could not bear the thought of such a needless sacrifice in your heart you realized that it was absurd to believe me capa ble of being concerned in these Spanish intrigues. You would even break your own oath to the Carlist league in order to warn me. It was noble of you. While I live you shall have my most sincere grati- iude." At the word, with all it implies in English, she starts into life and being ; her face assumes a deter- inined look, and from those superb eyes shafts of softness strike Doctor Jack. "Gratitude!" how she tears the word to pieces in the bitter way she pronounces it. "Ah, Senor Jack, that is what the dog feels toward the hand that tosses him a bone. It may do for your cold English or American ways. Here in Spain we know not such a phrase. With us it is either love or hate." She pauses again to observe his tell-tale face, on which a flush has mounted, for Jack is dused uneasy it is the first time in his life he has ever been made love to, and, considering- the extraordinary beauty of the woman, and his determination not to encourage her, his situation is a peculiar one. He wonders how Mercedes will take it, for as yet he has. not been able to decide what her true nature is. In his experience he has generally found that a beautiful face and a warm, womanly heart seldom travel hand in hand usually beauties are cold, ex acting, imperious and selfish. "I do not know what you may think of me, Doctor Jack, for telling you this, but I can in no other way assure you of the truth of my warning. You believe I am here in the interest of the league that through some deceit I desire to accomplish your ruin. By the DOCTVR JALA. 165 Virgin, I swear tc you it is love that brings me here to save you from an awful fate." She goes on hurriedly without looking up at him, and it is well she does not, for Jack's face expresses both surprise and displeasure : "When I met you as the flower girl I was acting the part given me by the league I hoped in making your acquaintance to learn the truth, whether you were one of our enemies or the man you claimed to be. From the first day I saw you I seemed to feel that you held my fate I could not help it. Then came the accident in the street those were not bandits you fought, but Carlists your guide, Fran cisco Marti, is a leader in our class, and it was he brought about the melee, hoping to have you killed. Your bravery, senor, saved your life. The hand of fate directed that you should fall in the doorway of a house that belonged to a Carlist. I was sent in the guise of a nun to listen to any ravings you might utter, in order to learn the truth. "They would have been glad had I allowed you to die, but this I would not do, and when I looked upon you lying there, lifeless as it seemed, I understood my heart senor, pardon me, but I loved I believed you belonged to me. "Then came the scene in the Plaza del Toros, and when, for a smile from me you faced that terrible bull, I was thrilled with the hope that you perhaps returned my love. Senor, in your country it is un- maidenly for a girl to show her heart to the man she loves she must suffer in silence the pangs of passion, and never learn her fate until he chooses to speak ; but in Spain we are of a different mold, and at times a senorita may do the wooing without beingr unsexed. You think me bold perhaps despise me,' 14* UOC10K JAVK. here her voice breaks, aiui she poes into a fit of weep- ing. It is a woman's last card when all else fails to bring man's obdurate heart to terms she hae re source to this, and many a victory, almost lost, has been wor> under the influence of an April shower. Poor old Jack becomes dreadfully uneasy he fears lest he is about to be taken by storm. A woman in tears always does touch him, and when the matter has been brought about because of his own hardened heart, it grows exceedingly danger ous. He wishes the floor would open beneath and swal low him up, but unfortunately such an event is not likely to occur it never does when most desired. Mercedes sobs bitterly, and Jack bites the ends ff his mustache savagely. Good heavens! to think of this affection being wasted upon a fellow of his size, when there are dozens of amorous swains in Madrid sighing for one sweet glance from the eyes now brimming over with tears it is a shame! Something must be done, and that quickly. Jack strides over to the window if he could only find a loop-hole of escape but it is hopeless, and he must stay to face the music. She watches him from be hind the lace cobweb with which she seems to mop up the scanty tears. He turns again approaches the sobbing grows more intense ah, he puts out his hand and lays it on her head it is something of a paternal way. bun thrills the Spanish beauty. Hitherto she has laughed at the mad pleadings of lovers the truth has come to her with redoubled force, and now in her bittei- ness of spirit her scorned admirers are amply re- vended. JACK. 16? Jack speaks he tries to do so calmly, for he really and deeply regrets that this scene has occurred, and will never remember it with any feeling of pleasure. "Your suffering pains me, senorita. I am un worthy of your regard a mere wandering old stone, gathering no moss. Presently I shall vanish from your sight, and when you see me no more you will soon forget me." He says this much in a quiet way, and means to add more, but just then something occurs such as he has never suspected never dreamed of, and which brings his displeasure to a climax. Mercedes suddenly springs erect, and clasps her arms around his neck madly she forgets her maidenly modesty in the wild rush of love for this man who is to her a hero a god. Jack is indignant now perhaps he is a trifle more emphatic than necessary when he unclasps her hands, for her face grows deadly pale she feels that she has staked her all in the game, and lost. "Senorita Mercedes, this gives me more pain than 1 can tell you. I am not a marrying man, but a wan derer, desirous only of seeing as much of the world as I may." "Ah! Senor Jack, if you loved me I would be only too glad to go with you as your wife to the ends of the world." "Say no mere, I beg. senorita. My respect you shall ever have. I cannot forget that you cared for me. Some day, when the happy wife of a man who will be worthy of you, I may take your hand, and by your looks you will thank me for doing what now causes you pain. Let us be friends, Mercedes, the best of friends. I have no sister why will you not be one to me?" 168 DOCTOR JACK. She tears her hands way from his grasp as if in a fury at his words. "A sister, to give you counsel to be loved one minute and forgotten the next. No, no; if you will not, cannot, give me love for love, then we must part forever." Secretly Jack is delighted with the success he is meeting in this game; No one knows better than he how true, when applied to Spanish women, is the old saying that "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," and although determined to do his whole duty, he has fully expected to see Mercedes de nounce him, and call down all manner of curses on his head so he is pleased at the way she takes it. If he can but lead her mind into another channel all may be well. "You came to warn me, senorita, but I am all ready to go," pointing to the portmanteau strapped and locked near by. "You mean to leave Madrid?" eagerly. "In the morning. So, you see, I shall soon be be yond all danger of your league, and I trust you will not worry about me. We go to Paris." Unlucky slip of the tongue Jack could have bit ten the member by way of penance. "You do not go alone?" she cries, quickly. "No you see there is a party " he makes the matter worse with his hesitation. "Yes, and that American girl Avis Morton you called her is one of them.- Ah ! Senor Jack, 1 read your secret you love that cold girll" DOCTOR JA^*~ 169 CHAPTER Of what avail is it for Jack to vehemently deny the soft impeachment, when his face gives the lie to his words the latter die away to a murmur on his lips, and he stands there, a convicted criminal. As for the Spanish beauty who has condescended to beg for this man's love emotions chase each other over her face, her heart seems to stand still at one moment and then beat like a trip hammer the next, while her small hands are clenched until the nails almost enter the palms. It is the supreme moment of her life from that pivotical point she must go either up or down as the inner spirit urges some women, built upon a grand model, would be more gentle, more gracious after such a lesson, others would prove themselves fit de votees of Satan's wiles. Jack fears the worst, but nothing he may do can help her choose that must come from within, for "as the twig's inclined the tree is bent." He knows the storm if storm it proves to be cannot be averted by his means, and so he bows his head to meet it, as might the sturdy oak in the forest. But the Spanish beauty does not burst out into a hot harangue as he has expected. She seems to possess some control over her feelings after all, and Jack finds himself unable to decide as to what course she means to adopt. "You eaniiot deceive me. Doctor Jack I 170 DOCTOR JACK. that srirl is in your mind, your heart, and that Mer cedes Gonzales can never hope to gain your love. It is very sudden very cruel," she murmurs, passing one hand over her forehead in a dazed sort of way "I am sorry " begins Jack, hardly knowing 1 what to say, but she interrupts him with a proud gesture and a strained laugh. ''Make no apologies I am something of a Moham medan in my ways, and as Abdallah Pasha might say, 'Kismet it is fate.' But what would you ex pect a Spanish woman to do who has been sup planted in the heart of the man she loves by another;' What torture could be too great ior that other frail being 1 , to appease her outraged feelings?" she almost hisses. ''You will pervert the matter i have only seen Miss Morton once or twice in my life it is a business arrangement that takes us away in company." He has been alarmed at the idea of harm coming to Avis because of him, and would avert the storm, but she laughs again, and sneeringly says ; "Have no fears I am not that vindictive. Though you have scorned my love, I do not wish you ill. May you surmount the difficulties that surround you and be happy." "What would you do?" he asks, as Mercedes rises proudly from her chair, defeated, stung with con tending emotions, and yet a woman. "The worst that 1 shall do is to leave you to your fate. Adiuif, Senor Jack.". He takes the hand, and somehow a great feeling of tenderness for this lovely woman almost over whelms him he knows,* what her southern nature digues, for he Iras je^n the vendetta of Corsica carri'-d out by frail women, so that he now beholds DOCTOR JACft. 171 Mercedes as one who has gained a signal T ictory over the passions she inherits. "Forgive roe the pain I cause you, senorita, and believe me, I am not worthy of your thoughts. I trust and believe the future has happiness in store for you, and that you will never repent such gener ous action, for I know and appreciate the national spirit of revenge which you have conquered. Heaven guard you, senorita." He bends over the little hand and kisses it . in a true cavalier style. Mercedes looks at him with her heart in her eyes, as though this little action has aroused a false hope in her breast ; then, seeing no change in his face, the wistful look turns to one of keen disappointment, and tearing her hand from his clasp, she opens the door of the room, and is gone. Jack is left in even a more disturbed frame of mind than before. He does not know, he cannot teil whai Mercedes will do. The spirit that Amoves her may be for good or evil. She has said she wiU simply leave him to his fate, but who can guess what a woman of her electric nature, once madly in love, may not attempt? He can hardly understand what it is has caused him to put aside the temptation any man would be flattered by the love of such a royal ly beautiful .voman, and yet Jack has been able to resist the subtle charm. Where is the talisman that has saved him? Almost unconsciously he puts his hand into his Docket, and draws something out, upon which he gazes long and earnestly. It is the portrait of Avis Morton, and since he has met the original, Jack finds a, new charm in the picture. "Yes, it was Avis who kept me trora yielding my- 172 DOCTOR JACK. self a captive to her Circe-like charms, ransom or no ransom. Such a wife would never do for Jack Evans. I want one who will be the same yesterday, to-day, and to-morrow, always tender, loving, and true well, such a girl as Avis Morton, for instance, and please Heaven, if I can convince her of that same thing after we have done our level best to save Aleck, she shall take me for what I am worth, old nomad that I am." Thus he mutters to himself, and presses the dumb counterfeit resemblance of Avis to his lips after the manner of all foolish lovers. Had Mercedes wit nessed the action she would have been possessed wit' i a mad desire to tear the photograph to bits, and perhaps scratch his eyes out in the bargain, for who can account for the vagaries of a woman who has stooped to conquer and been repulsed? Sleep is not to be thought of the plot thickens, and morning is near at hand the time of action, when they shall make a move, and open up the enemy's masked battery if they have one. As Doctor Jack walks to the window and glances out. he sees a faint light in the east that tells him the night is spent and dawn at hand. He watches it grow broader slowly but surely, while the magic lights of the carousing city become pale under the influence of the coming day. The cohorts of dark ness seem to..gather for a last final effort in the rear of the great buildings which are in a line with Jack's vision, but steadily advance the battalions of the sun, the skirmishers are already entering the city, and before their invincible onset the last rem nant of the king of darkness' forces are sent flying in rout. So the day opens the sun begins to make his ap DOCTOR JACK. 173 pearance masks vanish from the streets, a* id gome- thing of business begins, although little unnecessary work will be done in Madrid during the festival time. Jack bethinks himself of breakfast, and goes down to see about it. He knows the value of a few silver reals, judiciously placed, and thus avoids much of the friction that most travelers meet with in a Span ish fonda. Hence his meal, simple as it is, consist ing of eggs, toast, and tea, is soon ready, and he does it justice. All the while his thoughts are flying to other scenes he wonders whether Larry has carried out his instructions to the letter, and if the ladies are ready to depart. Much depends on this scheme being carried out thoroughly, and there are so many chances of something happening to throw a wheel out of gear, that the American is not a little worried. His anxiety causes him to finally leave the table. Consulting his time-piece he finds it a quarter to eight. Then he goes out, and is lucky enough to en gage a vehicle. From the man he learns all about distances, then has his portmanteau brought down. "To the Fonda Peninsular in hot haste," he says to the driver, and the latter, having already been heavily feed, with the prospect of more ahead, does not let his animals sleep on the way. Many heads are thrust out of windows the good people of Madrid believe every fresh rush or bustle on the street nowadays announces the coming of some new spectacle, and they are determined to keep well posted. So the hotel is soon reached there is beginning to be a show of life around it, as the American leaps from his carriage and enters. Another moment and he has cornered the proper functionary who serves at UOUTOK as a clerk, and of whom he asks whether Miss Mor ton has gone. The other leisurely surveys him, and begins to talk iD a rambling way about finding out; but Jack kno\vs what that means an interminable wait- precious minutes lost, and nothing gained when the servant finally returns. Time is too valuable to be allowed to slip so easily. He knows that this p^r.y is like the rest, and the jingle of a few reals vill make him awaken. Speedily they pass from his own hand into the itching palm of the clerk, and the effect on that party is quite surprising. He becomes aroused at once like a man who must now think for himself, makes a grand, heroic effort, and then glows with triumph, just as the excited pullet cackles after laying her first egg, Jack thinks. "Si, senor, the lady has gone. I assisted her into a carriage not ten minutes ago, and the trunk, too. For Dios, it was heavy," he rattles on, for he has learned to speak very fair English from coming ia contact with so many foreigners at the hotel. This is good newa to Jack he does not regret the investment of the few reals. ''The lady was not alone?" he asks. "Vaya/ no, her aunt accompanied her." "No gentleman?" "Only the pasha," carelessly. "What!" almost howls Doctor Jack, who comes very near scaring the clerk out of a year's growth. "The Turkish pasha he was very attentive to Senorita Morton, and always asking whether she was in or not." "Think again, man did the pasha accompany the ladies, or was it Miss Morton's cousin, the strange JJUVTQR JAGZ. 175 daariy, Larry Kennedy?" and Jack fairly holds his breath in suspense. "Caramba/ what am i thinking about? My thoughts are wool-gathering. It was the little man who ordered the vehicle. We thought they were going sight-seeing, but at the last down came the trunk, the account was settled, and they were oft'. Quite a sudden flitting. I trust, senor, they did not leave you in the lurch?'* Jack pays no attention to the question, but pounds away at his subject : "Why did you say at first the pasha accompanied them what put it into your mind?" "I will tell you it was easy enough to get them mixed, senor. Just after they had gone, the Turkish general comes tome and asks about the ladies" he unconsciously jingles more reals in his pocket, which Jack readily understands have passed into his pos session from the hand of the Turk "and when I in form him of their departure with the trunk he is greatly excited, settles his account, engages a vehicle without regard to its cost, and is off carissimia, like a house afire." "I see. Well, I cannot let all my friends leave me in the lurch this way, so I will follow suit." Jack puts the words into practice, and in another minute is once more seated in his vehicle en route for the railway station. There is, just good time to reach it easily, and he is not at all worried, but lean ing back, smokes his cigar in contentment. When about half way there he suddenly sits up straight, and looks out of the window. There has been an accident a crowd has gathered. He sees thnt a coach has broken down something has al lowed the wheel to come off, arid the vehicle lies 1*6 DOCTOR JACK. there on one side, canting downward, the bare aria touching the ground. The accident is not an uncommon one in the streets of Madrid, where the holes in the roadway wrench a vehicle badly, but Jack's attention is di rected toward a certain little man who rages up and down, endeavoring to stir the driver into action with alternate threats and promises of heavy pay, but neither of which appear to do much good, as the man seems prostrated with his trouble. Jack knows this figure it is Larry. Good heavens i the broken vehicle is the one they were in. Where are the ladies are they hurt how can the station be reached in time? These things fly through Jack's brain, and his first move is to stop his own vehicle. Then he dismounts, and at sight of him Larry utters a war-whoop, and would throw his arms around the neck of Doctor Jack did not that worthy prevent it. "Where are the ladies?" he demands. "Here, doctor," and they make a brave showing, seated upon the trunk near by. "Are you hurt?" he asks, anxiously, approaching them, but his words are meant for Avis only. "Not at all, but a trifle alarmed it came so sud denly, you see," replies the girl. "Well, we must not miss that train. In a pinch, my vehicle will hold us all. Let us get the trunk up quickly, Larry. Not a minute to waste." Jack's driver professes to be horror-stricken at the load he is to take, but the promise of several golden doubloons cause him to show more alacrity the or- dmary Spanish Jehu will risk even his neck for such royal pay, and think little of his vehicle. So the trunk is taken up, the ladies placed inside. JJOVTOR JAVA. iTt and Larry squeezes among them. Jack is about to clamber on top among the trunks, but they will not hear of it the ladies insist, and nothing loth, he crowds in, though to do so he is compelled to have the proud New York girl sit upon his lap. Stranger things than this often occur to travelers on the Continent, and Avis laughs heartily at the situation, while they bowl along, lurching this way and that, sometimes threatening to be toppled over. She blushes beautifully when she catches Jack's eye, which has a twinkle in it, for do you know, the ly fellow is chuckling to himself at the thought of how this ludicrous situation would strike the eye of Mercedes could she but see it. It is impossible for Jack to even glance at his watch in order to note how time is passing he is on tenter-hooks, so to speak, until the vehicle drives up to the station. Then he finds they are in ample time for the train. He takes it upon himself to oversee all matters, pays the driver, buys four first-class tickets for Paris, looks after the lugsrage, and last, but not least, secures a compartment to themselves. Such is the magic power of money on the Continent in fact, the same applies all over the civilized world. They are all feeling particularly joyful over the success of their game. No one but Jack is aware ot the fact that the pasha knows of their hurried de*> parture from Madrid. Doctor Jack walks up and down outside on the platform, under the pretense of smoking a cigar, al though the ladies have given him the privilege of doing so inside an opportunity which Larry does not scruple to improve by using up an unlimited number of horrid cigarettes. 173 DOCTOR JACK. In reality Doctor Jack is looking for familiar faces he wonders if the pasha will come, but looks in vain for the red fez among the crowd. If the Turk has arrived before them, he is all this while in one ot the other carriages. Jack, a,s he walks up and down ? glances sharply into each compartment, but fails to see the man he looks for. A numbei of shades are down over the windows, and it is as likely as not the pasha may be in one of these compartments. Besides, Jack keeps his eyes open there are other enemies to think about, without taking the pasha into consideration, and if any of them are about he wants to know it. In his mind he also thinks of Mercedes, and glances curiously at a number of la dies, but all of them are strangers. One attracts more than a passing glance he cannot see her face, for the rebosa hides it, but her carriage is stately and her form indicates youth and health. He suspects that it is Mercedes, but would make certain, so he enters into an agreement with a man who seems to be a porter there is a hasty exchange of silver the man grasps the situation, picks up a box, and in passing the lady manages that a corner shall catch in her long vail, which is instantly dis lodged. Jack chuckles at the success of his little game, even though disappointed at seeing the indig nant face of a stranger, who looks after the clumsy porter with daggers in her black eyes, and proceeds to rearrange her rebosa. A bell sounds the guard cries "all aboard" in ins Spanish way, and Jack, tossing his cigar aside, enters the carriage. Then the door is locked, but as the American has bought the guard, body and soul, he will be on hand as soon as the train stops at a station to see what is needed. DOCTOR JACK. 179 Then they begin to leave Madrid behind. No one is particularly sorry to do this, for the Spanish capi tal has little to charm the modern tourist like gay Paris, and as the road from the first generally leads to the second, every emotion can be summed up in anticipation. Our friends are very comfortable, but Larry is the only merry one of the four. Avis is thinking of what lies in the near future. Will they find Aleck and manage to save him? As she looks in the direc tion of Doctor Jack, somehow a feeling of great peace comes upon her his face seems so strong and mas terful, that she believes nothing can be impossible with such a man. It will be readily perceived by even the dullest reader that the effect of their singu lar meeting is having full sway, and that Avis is just about as deep in the mud as Doctor Jack is in the mire. As for that worthy, he appears to be glancing over the pages of a magazine, but his thoughts are not on it. Now and again he looks over the top of the pamphlet at the fair face near the window. He is pondering upon many things, and the chief of these is the game which he is expected soon to manipu late. Will they succeed? Ii not, the result must mean disaster to them both, for Abdallah Pasha is just the man to have a terrible revenge. Doctor Jack knows the danger he has assumed it without a single fear, for he also guesses the stake he is playing for Avis. If he succeeds she must be his. As he feasts his eves upon her from time to time, he makes up his mind that she is just the girl a man might go through fire and water for. The train proceeds in MW 1WOTOR JAGR. jerks at times their speed is so rapid that it almost makes them dizzy the car swings from side to side, and they have to hold on to their seats. Then again they creep along at a snail's pace. Larry laughs, and again frets and fumes, declaring that if the deor were only open he would get out and help push the train along. Their course is almost due northwest until the city of Zaragoza is reached, which at this rate will not be until near evening. Then they head northeast, finally north, crossing the border by keeping close to the Bay of Biscay, at Bayonne, when they will be in France, with the dawn of a new day, wind and weather permitting, after which a run of a few hours will take them to Paris. So the morning passes with various delays this fast Paris express is a "terror," indeed, and makes poorer progress than any train in America. They have all learned to be philosophical, and take things as they come. The time passes, and about noon, at a station called by the guard Cala- tayod, a huge hamper is put in the carriage. "Dinner?" cries Madame Sophie, eagerly, and yet fearfully, for so many deceptions have been put upon her in Spain that she fears lest this may be ome extra cushions, or rugs to keep them warm during the night. Larry relieves her suspense by tossing back th lid of the hamper, disclosing the best dinner money can buy in Spain, and all neatly packed. "They ought to have a good run of custom on this road if they supply meals like that," declares the elder lady, her eager eyes taking in the contents of the basket. Larry looks up, meets the gaze of Avis, sees an JACK. 181 Interrogation point in her eyes, and with a grin jerks his thumb back over his shoulder in the direc tion of Doctor Jack, just now deeply engaged m taking a nap, for, poor fellow, he has not had a wink of sleep the preceding night. Avis understands this thoughtful man is the good genius whom they must thank for such fore thoughthe has telegraphed ahead that the dinner be ready, and given the guard money to pay for everything that guard, by the way, must imagine he has an American prince aboard, judging from the prodigal way he throws his gold and silver around. So the young girl feels more than ever tender toward the hero of the arena somehow it seems to her she has known him for years he was Aleck's friend, and now her champion. He seems to be resting uneasily the cushion has partly fallen from under his head, and bending down Avis tries to rearrange it. In so doing a lurch of the train causes her hand to touch his face his eyes open she blushes as he quickly and deftly catches her hand, and presses it to his lips thank Heaven ! the others are so busy arranging dinner on the table that they do not see this. Larry, seizing a tin pan, beats a tatto upon it in lieu of a gong, and this brings Jack to his feet with ludicrous haste love must take a back seat now, since appetite reigns. They have great fun over the dinner, as there chance to be several dishes which none of them understand, so that their tasting and comments on these are ridiculous. On the whole the dinner is good, and they enjoy it with remarkable unanimity. The others cannot but notice that Doctor Jack is unusually quiet. Avis inquires if he has a headache. 182 DOCTOR JACK. and is not satisfied when he says no, for she under stands that there is some worry on the other's mind. In this she is right Jack foresees trouble of some sort ahead. He has learned that Don Carlos is on the train, which fact is in itself suggestive, for the Don would not be making this journey only for his presence aboard. Then he is also sure the pasha must be near at hand. If these two unite their forces, trouble may come. The train has to pass through a lonely section of country during the night run, and makes so many stops that it would not be difficult for a resolute body of Carlists to capture the whole expedition. When the meal is done they chat for a while and look at the scenery. They are now getting into the valley of the river Ebro vineyards and orange groves are to be seen, although the latter are not plentiful this far north in Spain, the main crop be ing gathered in the region of Seville, in the south ern province of Andalusia, and along the warm coast of the Mediterranean, the upper portion of the penin sula being often bleak and cold in the winter season. It is half-past three when the train enters the city of Zaragoza, on the Ebro. Here quite a long stop is made their course for the next six hours will be up the valley of the Ebro, and they may expect to see much more of Spanish thrift and industry than has as yet greeted their vision. Again Jack goes out to stretch his legs and smoke a cigar, in which former act the dude imitates him. Presently Larry sees some fruit, and rushes off to buy. Jack hopes he will not be left behind, and is determined that nothing shall take him fiom the vicinity of the car. There are many people at the station, and he eyes DOCTOR JACK. 183 them with careless indifference. As he stands thus he feels a hand touch his arm. ''Senor Jack," says a low, hesitating voice he recognizes it instantly, for he can never forget that velvet-like tone wheels without delay, and then and there receives a powerful shock. 184 DUCTVR JACK. CHAPTER XV. "i GUESS WE'RE IN FOR IT, LARRY, MY BOY." The person who has touched him is a boy hig face shows traces of grime, and altogether, with his ordinary garments, he is one upon whom a person would hardly bestow a second glance. It is that face, however, upon which the Ameri can fastens his eyes the voice has already given him a clew, and he finds no difficulty in recognizing Mercedes. He has seen her as flower girl and nun now he discovers her as a peasant boy. His admiration for her boldness and qualities as an actress are un bounded, and yet he would not like one he loved to be engaged in such a business. Mercedes understands that he has recognized her even a faint blush appears beneath the grime. "Senor Jack, do not judge me before yon know why I am here why I have sacrificed my beautiful hair and assumed this hateful disguise. It was to warn you to save you." Her words are low they thrill Jack, and tell him one thing he is glad to know that her good angel has triumphed. "Warn me of what?" he asks, eagerly, for al though despising danger for himself, he cannot for get who is in that carriage. "A new danger awaits you. The train is to be at tacked by a few Carlist friends of Don Carlos when it stops at a small station. T believe it is on the other side of Logrono. If you would avoid trouble, - 9&0TOR JAGS. 185 you had better wait over here for the morning train, or at least stop at Logrono." Jack ponders it is his desire to get out of the country as soon as possible, but he does not want to make a mistake. "When are we due at Logrono?" he asks. "1 do not know there is the guard." "Come with me, we will inquire." This brings them near the train Mercedes is irre. sistibly drawn to look up at the window, and a hot wave sweeps over her face as she sees the American girl eying her. Unconsciously she draws herself up haughtily in a manner very unnatural to the pleas ant character she assumes it is a terrible torture for the proud woman to be thus scrutinized by her rival she in a lowly disguise, while Avis looks so fresh and pretty in her neat traveling dress. Mercedes holds her breath she feels dizzy, and a whirl of contending emotions rush through her mind. At sight of her rival's cold stare her blood has seemed like molten lava she feels the position she has placed herself in keenly, and a desire for re venge comes to her. Then her eyes fall on the face of Doctor Jack his calm gray eyes give her life and she is her own true' self again, though she feels that during the last minute she has passed through the fiery furnace. Jack learns that they reach the town at about half-past ten, and believes this is a good time to leave the train. So he makes up his mind to go on. It is unfortunate, but not being able to foresee fu ture events he does not know the chances he takes. Mercedes speaks a few more words, and turns away, for she feels the eyes ef Avis upon her all the time, and it makes her very uncomfortable. Jack sees her enter a compartment near by. He does not know what to thhk of her action, but, like a sensi ble man, judges it from the motive, which he knows is a noble one. Their time is up the signal cries are being given, and as yet Larry has not turned up. He will be left - -all are anxious concerning the little dude, and crowd the windows the guard has left the door of the compartment open, and as the train begins to pull out Larry is seen running with all the speed his little legs are capable of, his arms full of the fruit he has bought. Luckily the watchful guard sees him, ^nd on the alert to please his liberal patron, he signals to the train-master, so that presently Larry climbs into the carriage exhausted, out of breath, but triumphantly holding aloft his packages of fine fruit. " "Pon 'onah, now," he declares, as soon as he cnn find breath, "it wasn't my fault, ye see. I would have been back in good time, but d'ye know a beastly fellah began to accuse me of running away with his sister or his aunt, or somebody in petti coats, caught me by the arm. and declared it his in tention to awest me. 1 heard the guard cwy 'all aboard/ but, hang the luck pawdon the expwes- sion. ladies, but a fellah gets worked up, you know this chap wouldn't let go, so I just dwopped re packages, sailed into the bloody pirate, tumbled him over among the owanges, and then snatching up my bundles made a bee line for the twain, which I came vewy near missing, bah Jove!" That was the story a very simple one, and with just enough of the ludicrous about it to create a .sren- eral laujrh. Doctor JacK, however, sees deeper into DOCTOR .MC'JC JET the game than any of the others, and taking advan tage of the first opportunity he tells Larry so. "The whole affair was a set up job," he declares. "What!" cries the dude. "That man had lost no wife, or sister, or grand mother. He simply lied." "With what object in view, pway?" "To detain you in Zaragoza while the rest of us Went on," replies Jack. "To wob me?" "It might have come to that, although I am not sure. The main object was to separate you and I." "Theduse! What for?" "Simply that Avis might have one the less pro* tector when the attack on the train is made." "Attack on the twain!" gasps Larry. "Certainly. I have learned that after we leave Logrono, at a certain small station where the train stops to give the loomotive a drink, a band ot Car' lists mean to attack us. Their object you can read ily guess it is to take our lives, for you are also ac counted a traitor to the caue, since you are hand in glove with me." This information astounds the New York dude, but does not frighten him It seems a pity that such indomitable spirit should have been placed by a freak of nature in such an insignificant little body. "Well, the first part of their scheme has been a failure we can outwit them, I rather guess, and if not, then we '11 fight." "Bravo! Larry, old boy. Never fear but that two such cronies as you and I will fall upon them hip and thigh if the occasion arises. But I hope to avoid ii by leaving the train at Logrono, and waiting over 188 DOCTOR JACK. until to-morrow. By the way, are you armed, Larry?" The dude nods. "I've got a revolvah in my hip pocket, and was accounted the crack shot of the Bon Ton Rifle Club in New York," he makes reply. "Better and better. I myself am no mean marks man, and I have a dandy six-shooter in my portman teau, which, as you see, the guard has placed under the seat there. We will not worry over the matter, old fellow. Let us go to the ladies they look this way, as though wondering what we are plotting about." Soon they are all eating fruit and chatting as mer. rily as though not the slightest shadow hung over them. But Jack speedily becomes aware of a cer tain fact it causes him additional worry. Avis has turned as cold as an icicle toward him. When she chats with the rest she is as merry as of yore, but if he asks her a question she answers in the shortest way possible. Even the others notice her manner how can they help it and wisely decide that a chance should be given these two to make up, for already they look upon Jack and Avis as lovers. As for Doctor Jack, he is puzzled over the action of the girl. He knows no reason for it, and is about to set the thing down as some peculiarity in her dis position his experiences in the past have warned him that truth lies in that old refrain of the poets : " Oh ! woman, in our hour of ease, Uncertain, coy, and hard to please. And variable as the shade By the light, quivering aspen made When pain and anguish wring the brow, . A. ministering angel, thou." 00CTOR JACK. 189 As chance will have it, he finds himself with the young girl while the train rolls on up the valley of the Ebro. Avis has something on her mind, but she does not know how to go about introdacing it. If Jack only knew what it was he would gladly help ier, but by accident he stumbles into the breach. They are talking of some queer' things seen on the way, and Jack happens to express his opinion of people with black eyes, first looking into the trans lucent depths of her own blue orbs. "Strange as it may seem, my fancy has always been in that direction I have declared to my friends that if I ever married it would be a man with black eyes. I adore them," she says, just like a woman intent on causing him pain. "The pasha has the finest I ever saw in a man," he returns, nonchalantly, but the thrust only causes her to gasp a little, and resume : "And I never saw such wonderful eyes in my life as were possessed by the peasant boy of Castile you were talking with at Zaragoza." Doctor Jack smiles he has discovered what is on the mind of Avis now, even before she sails her craft any closer to windward. "Ah ! you noticed him. I was wishing you would I wanted you to see him." "Indeed! I should have thought that under such circumstances you would have brought him up to the car window." she says, coldly. Jack is entirely unmoved firm in his position, knowing he has only done all that a true man might, he does not shrink from the investigation about to begin at the hands of the fair girl he loves. "I endeavored to influence him, but he would not come. Too modest, I presume, Miss Avis," 190 DOCTOR JACK. She laughs at this how disagreeably even the sweetest girl in the world can laugh when she wants to be particularly perverse and Avis Morton just now is struggling with a little demon her heart has never known before jealousy. Jack casts a side glance at her wonders as to what she knows, and how much she suspects, and in the next breath learns all. "It was my opinion, Doctor Evans, that I had never seen more effrontery exhibited by any one than was shown by that person." The last words are spoken through her pearly teeth with particular force, and Jack knows now that Mercedes has been unmasked her secret has not been able to stand before the clear vision of those keen Yankee eyes. He hardly understands just how to go about it, but an explanation is certainly in order, and nothing but the whole truth will satisfy Avis. "Miss Morton, there is no need of you and I minc^ ing words. We understand each other. I am led to believe from what you say that you have dis covered that boy's secret." "Boy well, no doubt other eyes were deceived, but not mine," she replies, and there is a touch of eagerness in her voice, for she has a curiosity to know what has caused the haughty Spanish woman to so demean herself as to appear in this humble disguise. "You recognized her by her eyes?" he asks. "Well, I remembered seeing such dazzling orbs be fore something sent a suspicion into my brain, and when she looked at me I knew I was right, for she seemed ashamed. Now, Doctor Evans, I don't know whether you owe me an explanation or not. but I -D0&TOB TAC&. Wl have believed and trusted in you as a gentleman, and unless you have objections I should like to know why Mercedes Gonzales is on the same train with you, in deep disguise, and why she talked with you so earnestly at the station. ' ; Straight to the point these come, but Jack is ever ready to defend the absent, which trait is one of the noblest in his make-up. "First of all, Avis Miss Morton before I tell you the whole story from the beginning, I must beg that you will not condemn the Senorita Mercedes from our cold American standpoint. They do things dif ferently here in old Spain, and that she is possessed of a noble nature after all I can prove by telling you that she is even now risking her own life to save us from a threatened danger warning of which she gave me when at Zaragoza.'" At this Avis looks sorry her cold manner van ishes like the hoar-frost in the morning sun, and upon her face steals a look of eager anticipation. Already her heart is warming toward the Spanish girl, and it will soon beat with even greater sym pathy when she learns how Mercedes, in her strange way, played for the stake and failed to grasp it. Jack glances toward the others Aunt Sophie is fast asleep, and Larry head over ears in a French norel that chains his attention. The coast is clear, the rattle of the train prevents other ears catching his words than those they are intended for. The doctor is a capital story-teller he has proven this upon the same audience when he related his ad ventures in Turkey at the time her brother got into trouble. Avis unconsciously snuggles down closer in order to hear better, and welL Jack makes no objection. WS UVC'JOH JACK. He begins with his visit to the mountains, telis of Don Carlos, then of Barcelona, the pretty flower girl of the Ranibla, the adventure in the street, and the nun of Gerona. Then he goes on to tell of the bull fight and all that has happened in Madrid. When he comes to Mercedes' visit to his hotel he tries to soften the Spanish girl's actions as well as he can, and although Avis despises the one who could thus sue for a man's love, she cannot but re gard Jack with more respect because he tries to shield Mercedes and make light of her folly. One thing burns to the heart of the New York gijrl Jack has hinted that when he first saw Mercedes he was somewhat struck by her intense beauty, and that only for a certain thing he might have returned her love what does he mean can it be possible why does the blood leap so wildly through her veins at the bare thought of such a possibility? There is a magnetic power about this man, and to herself she admits that he has come through the fiery furnace unscathed yes, and with an added luster in her sight. He is one to be proud rf a faithful friend, and as a lover well, she dares not think upon such a forbidden subject, but declares secretly that Jack Evans is by far the noblest charao ter she has ever met. "When Jack finishes his story Avis knows all, even the danger in prospect, and yet this does not alarm her, since Jack will be there. She has already learned to rely upon his mighty right arm, and should the occasion ever come when the Amei^cau athlete must bow to superior numbers in her pres ence, Avis will be doubly shocked, believing him in- yincible Evening is coming on apace, and the train still JAQK. lift winds in and out, up the valley of the Kbro. It is very picturesque as seen in the light of declining day. At the next station the guard enters and lights the lamps. Jack has ordered a bountiful supper, which is put aboard here in the same manner that the dinner was, and as they annihilate space that sounds very big for use upon a Spanish railroad, but it happens that just then they are making pretty good time they set about enjoying the meal. Then they chat about various things, and the time passes away. All is gotten in readiness for leaving the carriage at Logrono, where they will find a de cent hotel, and can await th train that leaves for Bayonne about three the next afternoon. Jack finds it is ten o'clock. "In half an hour or so we will be there," he says. Larry declares they are behind time, and the speed with which they travel seems to prove that some thing is wrong. Half-past ten arrives there is no town in sight at all. About twelve minutes later they rush into a place lights are seen a whistle shrieks, bells jingle they pass a station on which people can be de tected, and once more plunge into the darkness be" yond. Doctor Jack turns to Larry the latter is aghast. " Ton 'onah! that's dused queer," gasps tho dude. "That was Logrono, sure enough we are iato, and the conductor must have had orders not to stop. All very good, but I guess we're in for it, Larry, my boy," adds Jack, with a grim smile. DOCTOR JACK. CHAPTER XVI. THE LION AT BAY. The situation is appalling Madame Sophie shrieks and hides her face with her hands, for she has been told the danger even Larry delivers himself of a singular mixture of choice expressions such as are heard upon Broadway in the vicinity of t}ie Bruns wick, and nowhere else, by means of which he in tends to let the surplus steam escape. As for Avis, she stands there as white as chalk, and with her starry eyes fastened upon Doctor Jack. In an emergency like this, thank God for the pres ence of a man. The latter, after throwing his last words at Larry, coolly bends down and seizes his portmanteau, which has been snugly lying ensconced under a seat. With a turn, and a toss, he has it out upon the floor. The others watch him in dumb anxiety while he fits a key, and then throws open the little leather trunk. Inserting his hand, he draws out two leather hols ters of unusual size, such as might be worn by the dashing cowboys of the wild West. Each of these holds a weapon of some sort. Laying them on the seat, Jack again locks the portmanteau. Then he places it against the side of the car in such a way that it will afford protection in the threatening engagement. "Come, Larry, look alive, man. We must do our level best to beat these fellows. Take all the cush ions, and form a rampart they will make almost as good a fort as sand bags." DOCTOR JACK The dude sees the idea, and catches some of his enthusiasm. He springs to the task, and in a short space of time the interior of that first-class compart ment presents a most singular and ridiculous ap pearance, to say the least. With the cushions and everything that can be made available, the men have formed a bullet-proof barricade, behind which one might lie in security while leaden rain rattled about, for the hair in the cushions would arrest the pro gress of any ball. True, there is only room for two behind it Avis notices this fact, and looks at Jack. "Where will you be?" she asks, anxiously for already her interest in his welfare is great, and ft makes a great .difference to her whether he is wounded or unhurt. Jack smiles in reply it gives him a peculiar sat isfaction to realize that she is worried about his con dition. "Oh! Larry and I will get on well enough out here, I reckon." "I presume you are bullet-proof," sarcastically. "Not exactly, but you see we can crouch down, and if we are struck" with a shrug of the shoul ders "why it's the fortune of war." "Very good of course you can please yourselves so far as that is concerned, but you forget that if both of you are shot we shall be without any pro tectors." It is ingeniously put, and Jack laughs. "Very good, as you say. Do you and Madame So phie crowd close to the wall as possible, then when the time comes, and should the bullets fly too thickly, we may creep behind the barrier, too. I confess your last argument has floored me." He DOCTOR JACK. speaks a little coldly, as though wounded by her words, and seizing the opportunity while Larry is stowing Madame Sophie away, Avis bends her head close to the curly locks of Jack, whispering: "Forgive me I only used that as an argument. It was you I thought of, not msyelf," and before he can turn she is beside Madame Sophie. All seems now arranged. The whistle gives a series of diabolical shrieks, no doubt as a signal for the watering-place ahead, and they can feel the train begin to slacken its speed. Evidently the critical time is near at handJack gives one last look around. It is a strange spectacle and he will never forget it. He has already taken the two long, deadly-looking Western revolvers from their holsters it is like slipping the hounds of war from the leash. These weapons may have been through many singular scenes in the past, but they never saw one that equalled the present. "Are you all right?" asks Jack. He receives a look from Avis that nearly sets him wild, for it tells him how anxious the New York girl is about his welfare. Every one having answered in the affirma tive, Doctor Jack proceeds to quickly extinguish the lamps. Darkness comes inky darkness. The train is gradually slowing up, so that whatever may be in store for them they must soon know the worst. It is a wild country just along here, and the whistle of the locomotive has sounded as though thev were passing through a deep valley, the echoes were so loud. Doctor Jack presses his face against the window, and endeavors to see what is coming. There is a great light of some sort ahead it flashes and flickers SECTOR JA^K. 197 as might a huge fire, which is probably the cause of the illumination. Jack is glad of this, as it will give them a chance to see what goes on. If they can re main in darkness while their enemies are in the light the advantage must surely rest with them. Slowly the train creeps along, and at length, after several jerks, comes to a full stop. The shouts of excited men can be heard, and also a roaring, crack ling sound, as the huge fire burns up the combustible material given to it, while the pulsations of the engine may be detected at regular intervals. Taken altogether, and considering the fact that they are the cause of all this excitement, the situa tion is one that can never be forgotten by the American tourists. The women hold their breath with suspense, and pray the men grit their teeth and watch. Louder an hoarser grow the shouts they are ap proaching nearer. Jack drops a window, and thrusts his head out. He sees a sight well calculated to thrill even the bravest man when he remembers that it is himself all this racket is about. Ahead burns the great bonfire, so close to the track that the cars will be blistered by the heat if they remain stationary long. A water tank is seen, and the engine-driver is taking in a supply of the aqueous fluid with the nonchalance that distin guishes railroad men the world over. It is none of his quarrel his duty is only to see that the locomo tive is in a condition to go. Perhaps he, too, is a Car- list, and deep in the plot who knows? Scattered along the side of the train are a score of man ihey advance in the direction of the compart ment our friends occupy, and it is evident that this is the bject of their rush. Several carry lighted 108 DQQT9R JACK. flambeaux, which they whirl about over their heads in a weird manner they look like fire-fiends leap ing forward to seize their prey. Jack is intensely interested in the picture, but the time is hardly a profitable one for sight-seeing, ^iiice these men are advancing with murder in their minds. He counts their number, and finds about a score of course it is possible there may be more on the other side of the train, but all that are in sight ne has enumerated in this figure. What manner of men they are remains to be seen. *ack does not have a very exalted opinion of what jjarlists he has already met, and doubts not but that *nese fellows will prove to be cowardly. Still, their number may carry the day. An idea strikes Doctor Jack he wishes he had thought of it before is it too late now? He turns Ho Larry, and in a quick tone says: "Would you dare to try and make your way up to nhe engine, arid force the engineer to pull out at the )oint of the revolver? I'm afraid he's in league with them. It is our only hope." His enthusiasm is communicated to the dude- Larry is ready to do and dare anything. "Yes. I will go, but do you think you can keep the fiends out of here?" he asks. "I will hold the fort against a hundred for ten minutes," replies Jack, firmly. "That ought to be ample time let me take an ob servation now pass me through the open window good-by, Avis." He is gone. All has been said and done in less than a minue of time. The foremost of the advancing Carlists is iot far away, but nis eyes are blinded by the torch DOCTOR JACK. 199 he carries. Besides, the men seem to have an idea that the railway carriage at which some 01 them are now pounding is the one in which they may find those they seek, hence as yet no attention is paid to the one which our friends have barricaded. As Jack thrusts his head out again he sees this fact Larry is not in sight, having been wise enough to at once crawl under tne car, and get upon the side where the shadows lie. The situation is indeed thrilling. Jack, from his perch, watches what is going on beyond, and t<* himself counts the throbs of the locomotive eac> pulsation is like a heart-beat, marking the passage of time, and time is what they want now to insur** safety. Each second is precious, and fraught witl- great possibilities. The carriage the Carlists have attacked contain* the pasha and Don Carlos Jack sees them app^ar- hears the latter call upon the assailants to ceas* tb.eir foolish demonstrations, and apply them in th** proper place. Then Jack sees the senor point in hi* direction a shout arises as if the crowd sight bin? and a forward rush is made. The man of steel calmly awaits the assault ** physician might have taken hold of his wrist jus* then and be amazed to find his pulse beating a* regularly as clock-work. On come the shouting fiends they are at the carriage windows now several blows from clubs dash the glass into a thousand pieces, and men clamber up. The glare of the torches show their excited faces they look like demons let loose from Hades. 5To longer is the interior of the carriage wrapped in darkness, for the blazing flambeaux thrust near 8fiO &WTOR JA6K. each window reveals all. Loud shouts are littered above all else Jack can hear them calling linn an accursed government spy, and demanding that he come out to his doom. But for the helpless women, whom he has sworn not to desert, Doctor Jackf is just the man to leap into the midst of the mob, and let them have a fair chance to down the foreigner who slew the mad hull he will not leave the carriage now unless dragged out. In one hand he holds a revolver the other weapon is close by, within reach. A man leans through the broken window, and with a horrible laugh lays hold of the American's sleeve, as though he would draw him out of the opening, but Jack clutches his wrist and gives it a twist that breaks the bone, and se^-ds the wretch howling back. Others by this time are endeavoring to squeeze themselves through if Jack will not come out to them they mean to enter and take him by force. The time will admit of no delay, nor does Jack hesi tate. Since the battle is on, he means to give these wretched Carlists all they can manage, 'and in a case of this kind one determined man may accom plish wonders by prompt action. The terrible right arm is brought into play, and in a shorter space of time than it takes to tell it the car windows are cleared. They spring up again, or others in their places, and Jack is kept busy. By this time the uproar- is terrible Several shots have been fired in at the windows, and although they are sent at random, one at least draws the brave man's blood. All this while, from the noise outside,. one would think pandemonium had broken loose. Ordinary passengers on the train, thinking D&CTOR JAVK. 201 they have been stopped by bandits from the moun tain passes, add to the racket by their cries of terror. The two women in the barricaded coach do not shriek out Madame Sophie, huddled in the corner, moans and groans Avis, with elevated head, and white face, watches the actions of her hero, expect ing to see him fall at any moment, when her heart must break. Those terrible minutes bring Doctor Jack closer to her than years might during an or dinary acquaintance she sees the man as he is, bold as a lion in defense of the woman he loves. It is now fast becoming apparent to Jack that he must adopt other tactics, since his enemies have about given over the idea of entering the carriage, and are opening upon him with all manner of weap ons. So he begins to shoot. When he spoke to Larry about having some practice in this line, he did not come near the truth his equal as a pistol shot would be hard to find, since he can drive a nail as far as the eye can see it. Hence, it is not at all likely that he will waste a single bullet not that he aims to take life, but rather to inflict such wounds as will place the victim hors de combat, and reduce the number of his foes. Consternation soon becomes visible among the Carlists they have met with a resistance unlocked for, and quite demoralizing. Could Jack keep up the firing indefinitely, he will have no difficulty in driving them off, but already one of his revolvers fails to explode as he pulls the trigger, and he knows the cylinder is empty, while the other can not be far from the same condition. The enemy seem almost ready to break and run when Jack ceases firing. The fact that the terrible JA6IL rain of lead has stopped gives them new courage, and they rally. As he sees them advance a^ahi Jack, who has everything in readiness, tries to in sert new cartridges into the cylinder, but this work cannot be easily done and he only gets three seated when the howling uemons are again at the win dows. Once more the scene is enacted, but while Jack has hopes of keeping them off he sees a new and terrible danger menace the occupants of tl>e car. Some of the Carlists, inflamed to white heat by their wounds, have run to the great bonfire, and snatch ing up armfuls of the brush begin to carry it along, and pile it under the car. Their intention cannot be mistaken they mean to set fire to the railway carriage, and roast the occupants. In vain do the pasha and Don Carlos storm their men have been transformed into devils by the stub born resistance of this man who defies them, and are no longer amenable to discipline. Those who urged them on have sown the wind, and they must reap the whirlwind. It is a horrible situation, and even brave Doctor Jack feels his flesh creep as he contemplates the doom before them. Nothing that he can do will avert the disaster already he is compelled to strain every nerve to keep the wretches from clambering in at the windows. Oh ! if the train would only move minutes have passed since Larry disappeared, and they have been the longest minutes Jack ever knew, seeming more like hours. What has become of the little dude could he have been waylaid and knocked over be fore reaching the locomotive? If so, their doom is assured. 203 Already a naming torch has been applied to the brush beneath the carriage, and the crackling of flames cause Madame Sophie to cry out in terror. "To think that I should come all the way from Boston to be cooked in an oven like a baked potato. Some one save me help! help!" No one notices her cries, for they have other things to do. Avis no longer crouches by the side of the Bostonian she has arisen to her feet, and Jack, feeling a hand upon his arm, turns and confronts her. "What are you doing here? Avis, for God's sake go back again. You might be struck by some flying missile," he cries, earnestly. "I am in no more danger than you are," she an swers, "besides, unless something desperate is done soon we are doomed. That fire will set the car in a blaze." "Yes, yes if I could only get one of my revolvers loaded, I would jump down among the^e wolves, frighten them off, and extinguish the blaze, but " and his action completed the sentence, for he is com pelled to clear the windows of the clinging wretches again. "Give me the weapon and cartridges. I know how to load it, thank Heaven. You should have done this before, Jack." Manlike, he has not thought of such a possibility, but he sees the wisdom of her proposition, places the long revolvers and cartridges higher hands, and then springs at more ugly heads in the windows, which must be kept clear at whatever cost The flames crackle merrily below as the fire gains headway, and the Carlists seem to be ctbandoning the attack to some extent, certain that the heat wil) either roast their enemies in the car, or drive them out to fail victims to those who lie in wait. In the midst of this intensely dramatic situation there suddenly rings out upon the night air a shrill cry the voice is clear and resonant, piercing the atmosphere and striking terror to the heart of each Carlist. "Fly! fly for your lives, comrades! It is a trap! We are lost ! The soldiers are surrounding us. Fly in the name of the Virgin!'* Wild excitement ensues men utter oaths, and the wounded pray aloud to be taken off. Jack thrusts his head out of the carriage he has recognized the voice that has uttered those thrilling words in Span ish. It is Mercedes yes, as he glances along the side of the train he sees the supposed peasant boy running toward them, waving his cap, and still shouting the words of warning that have created such consternation in the breasts of the Carlists. Reaching the car under which the fire is blazing the brave girl immediately dashes the burning brands aside tfiey are saved! It is only a temporary respite, however the Car- lists are recalled by the commands of Don Carlos, who understands the situation, and come running or crawling back. Undoubtedly it is their intention to repeat the performance, having seen how near suc- cees they came before. By this time, however, Avis has placed the loaded revolver in Jack's hand, and taken the other from him. He feels that all is- not lost so long as this brave girl is beside him her presence gives him a new courage, and he knows they must succeed. Again he opens on the advancing foe now he does not care where nis bullets go so long as they DOCTOR JACK. 205 cut home. Tliese inhuman monsters would burn in nocent women to death in the car in order to get at him, so there is no reason he should spare them. They are possessed of a certain desperate valor perhaps the sight of blood has wrought them up to the highest pitch of excitement. At any rate, they continue to rush upon the car in a way that as tonishes Jack, who has never believed them equal to it. Some crawl underneath it is their object to once more gather the scattered brands and make a new blaze, which this time they will guard zealously, and no false alarm shall send them scurrying toward the hills. Again the situation becomes strained Jack has emptied his revolver he seizes that which Avis thrusts into his hand, and moves in the direction of the window. She reads his intention, and knows it is a forlorn hope. "No, no, you shall not go," she cries, her hand clasping his arm tightly. "I must it is our only chance. I shall scatter the jackals or die trying." "You must not will not! It is unnecessary. See, do you not feel the car shake we are moving, Jack the train starts yes, and we are saved," and she falls back on his arm almost in a swoon, while Jack, discovering the truth, cries: "Thank God! Larry is at the lever!" 2ub VUCTMt JAQfL CHAPTER XVII. IN THE OFFICE Ol THE PARIS PREFECT OF POLICB. When Larry finds himself under the railway car* riage he has already mapped out the course he means to pursue. The other side of the train is partly in darkness, and consequently this must be his line of advance in the direction of the locomotive. He pursues it, at times hiding in order to screen himself from observation, but all the while draw ing nearer the head of the train, that pulsating en gine, panting there as if eager to continue its on ward race. Once a man confronts the dude he seems to be desirous of halting him, perhaps recognizing Larry as one of the party against whom the animosity of the Carlists is aroused ; but the tourist is in a hurry, and cannot stop to satisfy the curiosity of this fel low the clamor that arises from the rear announces that the battle is on, and seconds are precious. When the man attempts to use force, Larry gives him the benefit of the weapon he carries, and presses on toward his goal, the puffing motor. More than once he is delayed by being compelled to hide, so that minutes elapse before he finds him self in the vicinity of the engine. The panic is now on, and Larry wonders what causes it, as he has not understood the cry raised by Mercedes in advancing. It ceases, and once mor the melee begins, but. thank Heaven, he is now be side the locomotive. In appearance it differs from those he is in th$ habit of seeing in America, but they all work oi th JAVA. 207 same principle, and, if necessary, Lsrry is ready to set the lever and open the throttle himbtiii. The engine-driver is in the cab, but has his head out, interested in what is going on. If the mob is about to burn the rear carriage, some one had better uncouple it from the rest, and let him pull them off to a point of safety. He is just telling a train man this when he feels a clutch on his arm, turns around, and looks intc Larry's revolver. The desperate dude never ap peared so big to any one in all his life as he does in the eyes of the astonished engine-driver the fact of his holding a loaded revolver may have something to do with it. "Start the train ahead!" snaps Larry. His iook and the tone of his voice cannot be mistaken even if the other does not understand the words used. The man makes a gesture, and in broken English stam mers that he dares not start without orders. "There is your order start the train," roar the irate dude, thrusting the revolver into the other's face, and pointing to the throttle. The man looks him over as if to size him up there is something he does not like abcut the diminutive New Yorker, and perhaps he sees death in his eye at any rate, he turns sullenly around, grasps lever and throttle, throws the one into place, and openg the other cautiously. As the train moves, a shout arises without men run frantically toward the engine, and Larry stands rea.dy to shoot the first one who tries to come aboard. "Faster open the throttle, man!" and he gives the driver's arm a jerk the throttle is thrown open, and with a jump the train begins to gather head way. 208 BVCTOR JACK. It is too late now to unfasten the last car no one can do it, for most of the shouting Carlists are left behind, and a few who still cling to the cars are dropping off in great terror lest they be carried off, and fall into the hands of the government forces. Larry beams with triumph, but he knows it is too early to crow not for a moment does he relax his vigilance, since he has become assured that the engine-driver is a Carlist and may play them a trick yet. By this time the blazing fire is left far behind they are plunging* along through the darkness of the valley, with only the stars as guides, but the rails hold the iron horse on his way, and all is well. Every mile passed over makes them so much far ther away from their enemies the driver has made up his mind to the inevitable, and watches ahead, as is customary, while he holds his hand on the throttle. Looking back, Larry sees that the train is intact, and he breathes free. One thing alone gives him worry this is the uncertainty as to whether his friend has come out of the scrimmage un wounded. He has known all along that a terrible battle must have been fought back there by the barricaded coach, and with the odds so tremendous, it is possi ble that Doctor Jack may have been downed. He dares not leave his post of duty to find out the truth, and while the train rushes onward Larry re mains in a state of great anxiety, hoping for the best, but fearful. Larry has an idea how the land lies ahead, and upon questioning the driver he finds lie is correct. There is a junction some ten miles farther on. where D0VTOR JAtJK. 209 they take a new course, and head almost north, for distant Bayonne and Bordeaux. At this place there will be lights, engines, people, and the motor will be changed. They are behind time, but their present speed will make up what was lost if no accident occurs. So Larry must possess his soul in patience, and wait it will not be for long. The swaying of the locomotive is dreadful to one unaccustomed to it, and many a time Larry is thrilled to the heart as he imagines the massive piece of mechanism about to topple over; but mile after mile is placed behind, and as yet everything seems safe. On the right he can see the stars glimmering on the bosom of the flowing Ebro, and which river they must cross at the junction. When he sees the engine- driver raise his hand and pull the whistle-cord, he knows they are approaching the place where he can be relieved from guard duty and look up his friends. Lights are shining ahead now, and it is evident they are nearing the point where the trains meet. Their pace becomes slower, and at length they come to a halt. Signs of bustle abound, and Larry even imagines it resembles in a degree an American sta tion. He leaves the driver to his own devices, and leap ing to the ground, hurries back along the side of the train, anxious to ascertain what has become of bis friends. On the way he runs into some one whom he has not noticed. " 'Pon 'onah! you must pawdon me. but " "Larry! Great Scott!" is shouted in his ear, and he feels himself lifted bodily from the ground by tke strong: arms of Doctor Jmk, who is as delighted HIU UVUTOR JAUJL to find his friend as though the duae were a long- lost brother. Together they walk to the carriage, where tin y find things in their normal condition, and the two ladies looking out of the window. Larry is warmly greeted by both of them, who look upon the little dude as a hero, although Avis can never place him in the same class with the man she saw holding the mob at bay. So far as they can foresee, their troubles of the journey are now over. True, Don Carlos and the pasha are probably on the train, and Doctor Jack remembers having seen Pedro Vasquez, the mata dor, in their company, but it does not seem probable that they will be able to do any more mischief on the roaci to Paris, however much they may accom plish later. Soon they are once more on the move. It is nearly midnight, and until early dawn they will creep northward. With the early morning they may ex pect to see the green waters of the magnificent Bay of Biscay on their left as they advance upon JBayonne. The railroad approaches the coast, because in this way the great mountain wall of the Pyrenees is avoided in passing over to France. Besides, there are cities of considerable importance that need to be visited. When they moA^e on, the gentlemen make the la dies comfortable with rugs, having changed to another compartment at the junction because of the dilapidated condition of the one that had sustained the attack of the mob the guard, v/ho 1 o>ont?s to Jack, body and soul, goes through to Pui is, it, seems, and he looks after them. DOCTOR JAQK. 211 J ack manages to sleep some himself in spite of the jostiiiig of the car, which iact proves what a na ture he has few men could calmly sit down and to ! a a nap after engaging in a sanguinary battle wil h a desperate mob, determined to have his life. Time slips by Jack is up and down, now out talk ing with the guard at a station, and more than once bending over to gently replace a rug that has slipped down from Avis' shoulders. Her eyes are shut, she seems to be asleep, and he stands a minute looking into that fair face. Will he ever have the privilege of pressing a kiss upon that sweet mouth. He is porely tempted, but turns away with a sigh, which causes Avis to open her eyes and wonder what worries Doctor Jack. All things must have an end, and this seemingly interminable night is no exception to the general rule light appears without, and gray dawn shows them the waters of the bay. In places so close doea the railway trend along the shore that the waves*, rolling in and lashing the little beach, seem directly beneath them. Then they run into the small town of San Sebas tian, and soon the sun rises. Bayonne coines nexu. and our friends breathe a sigh of relief to think they have actually left Spain behind, and are speeding along toward Bordeaux. At last they are in a condition to congratulate each other on the success attending their efforts; but the end is not yet other dangers lie in the fu ture, which may be as yet hidden from their view, but are nevertheless as real as those they have just come through. The run to Paris is *w no great matter, and witk bright skiea above them they pass through Bor- 112 D&VTOR JAGS. deaux, and speed onward toward the gay French capital, where every tourist eventually turns, no matter what his object on the Continent. There is but one Paris it is much the same to-day as during the last Napoleon dynasty, when galloping along the road to Ems with blindfolded eyes. It seemed a terrible thing to poor humiliated France to have Germany at her door, and the gay capital of the world in the hands of the Teutons, but looking back to-day, who would have it changed, since that de feat was but one of a series of events, destined to shake the grasp of the Napoleons from the throat of la belle France, and leave the country in the happy condition she rejoices in to-day a republic, with no tyrant at her head. It is early in the afternoon when the delayed ex press enters Paris. Our friends immediately debark. Jack keeps a sharp eye around for familiar faces, but those he hopes to discover keep shady, for he fails to discover them. A carriage is hired, and they set out for a hotel, glad to be out of Spain, with the many discomforts that greet one there. It is not their intenton to re main long in the French capital duty beckons them on toward the Orient, where, as they believe, poor Aleck Morton languishes in confinement, a victim to the vengeance of the pasha. It is necessary that they have a breathing spell, however, and hence they determine to remain over a day or two until Jack has a chance to perfect his plans. He knows the pasha is in the city, keeping track of them, and the idea that the Turk will arrive in Con stantinople as early as themselves gives him some concern. If some scheme could be devised to hold DOGTOR JAGS. 248 taim back one or more days it would give them a start. Doctor Jack has been considering this matter for some time it made him sober while on the train, even atter all troubles seemed to have been brushed aside, and ever since the idea has remained with him. By degrees a plan has been evolved, and Doctor Jack becomes more sociable, since he has solved the enigma. He spends the rest of the day with his friends, and goes to the theater at night Patti or some song bird is at the Grand Opera House, and our friends enjoy the sights and sounds that greet them here. / It is after midnight when they return to the hotel, somewhat weary. Doctor Jack finds a chance to whisper to the driver in French : "Wait I have further need of your services." The man winks one eye, as though he understands he is an old Jehu, and on manv an occasion has taken the head of a family or the male members of a tourist party to the Parisian Mabille after the regular performances at the standard theaters are over. Doctor Jack sees his friends into the hotel, bids them all good-night, and, as they believe, retires, but he has work to do this night. Three minutes later he emerges from the hotel, and comes upon the driver pacing up and down. Jack can chatter in French like a native. "I am ready, driver," entering the vehicle. "Where will monsieur go?" asks the man, with a leer, closing the door the glass is down. "To the office of the prefect of police," COTJI^ t!.e astounding answer. 214 DOCTOR JACK. " Le di-able!" ejaculates the Jehu, stag*, jfing back, "then it is not to the Mabille gardens?" "You have my orders drive on." "Oui, monsieur." Scrambling to his seat, his mouth is in a pucker as of a man trying to whistle, but unable to make a sound, until several blccks have been passed over. There probably does not live a Jehu in New York who does not know where the mayor's office is, since they get their licenses there. In Paris every driver can tell you exactly where the prefect of police may be found even the daily habits of this high and mighty functionary are well known to them. Hence it is that Jack's driver has no difficulty in taking his patron to the building where he will be apt to find the head of the greatest police force of modern times at work for Monsieur le Prefect has a holiday very seldom, and at certain hours is al ways to be found in his office. Jack knows himself where he is goi.ig he has not spent weeks and even months in Paris without learning a few things, though as yet it has never been his fortune to meet the prefect of police save in a social way. Leaving his vehicle in a quiet street, he enters a door it belongs to no public house, and is one of the private ways for reaching the elevated office of the head officer. On the way he passes two quiet men who look at him closely, and then silently bow. pointing onward. In this manner he finally reaches an ante-room, where he finds several officers gathered they look like the aids of a general waiting either to deliver reports or receive orders, which is really the case. DOCTOR JACK. '215 One of them steps forward, looks him in the face, and says .- "You are Doctor Evans?" "Yes. I would see the prefect/' replies Jack. "He is expecting you pass through yonder door, and you will find him," is the astounding answer Doctor Jack receives he can hardly believe his ears, for not to a single soul has he mentioned his intentions with regard to paying a visit to this place surely the secret police of Paris must have super natural power to be able to read one's very thoughts. Filled with wonder and awe he is not the first ore who has been thus amazed by the power of these men Jack does as directed, opens a door, and enters a room, where he finds the prefect engaged in writing. "One moment, Doctor Jack," calls out the officer, never raising his eyes from his work, and the American has another shock. His coming is known, just as though he were some high official, and his business of a great public im portance, instead of a private affair, interesting to few besides himself. He watches the prefect, notes the high character and shrewdness of the man as indicated by his coun tenance, and wonders what success he will have here, for the mission that has taken Doctor Jack to the office of the prefect of police is something of a haphazard one, and he cannot even wager on the re sult, but depends in a great measure on his luck to take him through. At length the bell is sounded an official enters the room, and the paper is handed to him with a few low words the man makes a military salute, and is gone 216 &04TVR JACK. "Now, Monsieur Jack, I am at liberty to pay at- teucion to you. If I mistake not you com here to tell me a story and ask a favor." ''Monsieur, it is apparent to me, from what I have seen and heard, that much of my story is already known to you," remarks Jack, at which the protect smiles and answers: ': )ur system is much the same as under the regime of Napoleon. V 7 e watch our borders, scan the pass ports of all strangers, and make it our business to find out who they are, whither they came from, and why they enter France. The moment you set foot on French territory inquiries began to be made, and as a result I know much about you something I knew when you were here before, but since then Doctor Jack has seen strange things. I have half an hour to spare it happens to be a lax time with me. If it pleases you, I would like to hear your story." It does please Jack immensely he sees he has a splendid opportunity to gain his point, and anxious not to lose it, begins. First of all he tells of the ad venture in Constantinople, and as all the world loves a lover, especially a Frenchman, he soon sees that Monsieur le Prefect is interested in Aleck Morton. Then he skips to Paris, and relates the event that has had O strong a bearing on his late career in Spain his looking in upon a secret council of Car- lists in company with the Duke Arroyo. After this he goes to the Pyrenees, and tells of the bear hunt in company with Don Carlos. Then comes the visit to Barcelona, the flower girl, struggle in the street, and the mystery of the nun who nursed him. Jack speaks modestly of hi? own share in these events he never could be a boaster, and is apt to D&&FG& JACK. -217 make the description of a scene too tame because of his extreme diffidence. Rapidly he sketched his advent in Madrid, the meeting 1 with Mercedes, and the bull-fight. Then comes the little affair in the Museo del Prado. a mention of Avis, and the fact that she is the sister of his friend Aleck, in captivity among the Tm ks. He lightly describes all that took place in Ma