grass that grew in the vicinity of the entrance, and we found an article which we believe to be a set that has fallen from a finger ring. I should say that it was of considerable value--as it looks like a genuine diamond. This little article may enable us to get our grabbers on Mr. Bowles; because, if it is his, he of course has the ring from which it has been detached. One thing is certain--Mr. Bowles has not only received Miss Bramlett at his apartments very often, but he has been meeting her in the summer-house many a time. I believe this ends what I had to report to-day. Permit me to take my leave now, and you shall hear from us again soon.’” Queen Mary now expressed a wish that the further hearing of the story should be postponed, in order that the maskers might have a recess. CHAPTER XVII. Ivanhoe and Scottie were seated in the rear of the pilot house, discussing and dissecting Ingomar’s story. “What do you think of the story now, sir knight?” inquired Scottie. “Do you like it or not?” “So, so. Some parts I like, and some I don’t. There’s too much talk of murder in it.” “Do you think from what you have heard of the story that Miss Bramlett committed the murder?” “There is no room to doubt it, if we are to judge from the evidence that has come up against her. If Ingomar can get her out of the scrape without flatly contradicting himself, he will be entitled to the premium as the champion storyteller.” “I agree with you there; because if I were on a jury and such evidence was brought before me, I should say guilty beyond the possibility of a doubt.” “Well, Scottie, give me your opinion of Lottie.” “Ah, sir knight! that’s an overdrawn picture. Angels have long since quit visiting the earth. I don’t think I have heard of any being down in this world since Jacob had such a scuffle with them.” “You are wrong there; they have been here frequently since that affair with Jacob. But let that pass, and tell me what you think of Lottie.” “She makes a splendid heroine for a story.” “That may be true; yet it is so pleasant to hear Ingomar talk about her; did you know that somehow or other an idea has got into this head of mine?” “No, indeed! is that so?” “Pshaw! You didn’t let me finish the sentence. I was about to remark that somehow an idea had got into my head that you are just like Lottie.” “Oh! you are badly lost now, for I am a plain, simple girl--just like other girls, only not so pretty; and then I have an awful temper. Oh! you ought to hear me when I am angry.” “I am truly glad to hear you say so, for I like a high-tempered woman. They make things generally stand round so lively--have the servants walk to a line--keep the floor so clean--set such nice dinners; and then it is so delightful to have a good, jolly quarrel--get up a great row, shed a few tears, and then make friends--then kiss. Oh, that’s the girl for me!” “You draw one side of the picture very nicely.”