“Well, what did it amount to?” “The lad pointed toward Napoleon, and said, ‘There is your man.’ “‘How do you know that is he?’ inquired the black domino impatiently. “‘I have seen him from where I was hidden under the bed in his state-room!’ replied the lad promptly; ‘and,’ continued the little fellow, ‘I can assure you, madame, beyond all question, he is the very man you are after.’ “‘What is the number of his state-room?’ inquired the black domino. “Then the boy made an answer which I did not distinctly hear, as they both began to converse in a low, hurried tone. There is a stack of mattresses on the larboard side, and I was leaning against it, and they were on the other side. After a long, whispered conversation, they began to talk a little louder, and then I heard the boy say: “‘I have found out all you wish to know about Napoleon, and you had better act promptly.’ “‘No, not yet,’ replied the black domino, ‘my plans are not ripe yet; but you must keep your eye on him until I am ready.’ “‘You may depend on me to do that,’ replied the lad; ‘he never shall leave this boat without your consent.’ “‘You are a splendid detective, and shall be abundantly rewarded for your faithful services.’ “‘I have already been rewarded,’ said the boy, ‘ten times more than I deserve. I would do anything to please you!’ “‘I thank my little friend, and mean to show my gratitude in a tangible shape one of these days. I am going to purchase a nice cottage for your mother if I ever get enough money.’ “‘You are too kind, miss; you have done more for me than I deserve; but I will serve you as long as I live. I hope you will succeed in bringing that bad man to punishment for his wicked crimes.’ “They then went away and I heard nothing more.” “It seems she is shadowing Napoleon.” “Yes, that is certain.” “What does it all mean?” “Ah! that is the question I should like to have explained.” “Have you ever mentioned the subject to the little boy?” “No.” “Call him here and let us endeavor to pump the secret out of him.” “Come here a moment, little man, if you please.” The lad promptly approached and fixed his large, restless eyes on Ivanhoe with a look of inquiry. “What is your name, my little friend?” “Spratt, sir.” “Where do you reside?” “I have no home at present, sir.” “Did you get on board this boat at Memphis?” “No, sir.” “Where did you get on?” “At Friar’s Point, sir.” “Where are you going to get off?” “I do not know what point I shall stop at--that depends on circumstances.” “What circumstances?” “If you will excuse me, sir, I had rather not tell that.” “Oh, certainly, my little friend, you need not tell anything unless it suits you. Do you know the lady in the black domino?” “Yes, sir.” “Would you object to tell me who she is?” “I could not do it without her consent; I think she does not want her name known just now.” “I will give you this twenty-dollar bill if you will tell me her name.” “I beg you will excuse me, sir.”