CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
A SUBTERRANEAN DRAWING-ROOM.
The mystery of the drawing-room, and the servants, and the dishes, was soon over.

A descending stairway explained the enigma.
"Let me conduct you to my cave, gentlemen," said the Spaniard: "I am half a subterranean.

In the hot weather, and during the northers, we find it more agreeable to live under the ground.

Follow me, Senores." We descended, with the exception of Oakes, who returned to look after the men.
At the foot of the staircase we entered a hall brilliantly lighted.

The floor was without a carpet, and exhibited a mosaic of the finest marble.
The walls were painted of a pale blue colour, and embellished by a series of pictures from the pencil of Murillo.