CHAPTER XIII.
With a swift glance of admiration at Maruja, Guest flung open the door.
The hastily-summoned servants were already bearing away the madman, exhausted by his efforts.

Captain Carroll alone remained there, erect and motionless, before the threshold.
At a sign from Maruja, he entered the room.

In the flash of light made by the opening door, he had been perfectly conscious of her companion, but not a motion of his eye or the movement of a muscle of his face betrayed it.

The trained discipline of his youth stood him in good service, and for the moment left him master of the situation.
"I think no apology is needed for this intrusion," he said, with cool composure.

"Pereo seemed intent on murdering somebody or something, and I followed him here.