this place," said the detective to the duenna, and watched the
effect of the message on Maraquito.

Her face flushed, her eyes brightened, but she did not look
again in Jennings' direction. On the contrary, she gave all
her attention to the game which was now in progress, but
Jennings guessed that her thoughts were with Mallow, and
occasionally he caught her looking for his appearance at the
door. "How that woman loves him," he thought, "I wonder I
never noticed it before. Quite an infatuation." For a time
he watched the players staking large amounts, and saw the pile
of gold at Maraquito's elbow steadily increasing. She seemed
to have all the luck. The bank was winning and its opponents
losing, but the play went on steadily for at least half an
hour. At the end of that time a newcomer entered the room.
Jennings, who had glanced at his watch, quite expected to see
Cuthbert. But, to his surprise, he came face to face with
Lord Caranby.

"I did not expect to see you here," said the detective.

"I come in place of my nephew. He is unwell," said Caranby;
"present me to Senora Gredos, if you please, Mr. Jennings."





CHAPTER XII