to point to the fact that he possesses that rare type of constitution
which almost defies organisms deadly to ordinary men."

"I see. Hence the dagger and the rifle?"

"So it would appear."

"But, Harley," I cried, "what appalling crime can the man have
committed to call down upon his head a vengeance which has survived
for so many years?"

Paul Harley shrugged his shoulders in a whimsical imitation of the
Spaniard.

"I doubt if the feud dates any earlier," he replied, "than the time of
Menendez's last return to Cuba. On that occasion he evidently killed
the High Priest of Voodoo."

I uttered an exclamation of scorn.

"My dear Harley," I said, "the whole thing is too utterly fantastic. I
begin to believe again that we are dealing with a madman."

Harley glanced down at the wing of the bat.

"We shall see," he murmured. "Even if the only result of our visit is
to make the acquaintance of the Colonel's household our time will not
have been wasted."

"No," said I, "that is true enough. I am looking forward to meeting