“I should not like to do that, after making a promise to the lad to keep his secret.” “How would it do to cross-examine Napoleon on the subject?” “That would be the most imprudent step we could take, for it appears that the black domino has got him spotted. I think we should not say anything to any one about what we know until something more is developed.” “See yonder; she is leading that boy to her state-room. Mischief is brewing, and a culmination will be reached soon.” “Well, let matters jog along; come down and dance a set--I hear the music.” “I have no objection--in fact, I am glad you proposed it, as I think the dance will take my mind from this unpleasant subject. I have often heard of people suffering with curiosity, but never till now did I know how one could be so much excited.” Ivanhoe then led Scottie down to the saloon, and soon was gliding round in a lively waltz with her fair cheek resting on his shoulder. George was looking supremely happy, as he waltzed with the queen of Sheba. A dozen other couples were enjoying themselves, while keeping time to the splendid music. “Come,” said Ivanhoe, as soon as the waltz was ended, “let us go back on deck, as I have thought of something else to tell you.” “I hope you are not going to harp on the same string?” “That is exactly what I am going to do; but I have something new to tell you. Just a moment before we began to waltz, George told me that the whole secret was divulged.” “What secret?” “The mystery about the black domino.” “Well, what does it amount to?” “She is a confidence woman--a female pickpocket--an expert thief, and that lad is her pal.” “Now, I do not believe a word of that story, for she has been weeping frequently. Confidence women do not shed tears--pickpockets do not act like that woman.” “I shall venture no opinion, so far as I am concerned. George says that she has stolen a large sum of money from Napoleon, and that the boy helped her do it.” “If that is true, why do they not arrest her at once?” “They have not got sufficient proof to justify that course yet, though they think they will be able to do it very soon.” “If I live a hundred years, I never will wear another mask, or associate with others who do. I am very sure that we would have enjoyed our excursion much better if we had not appeared in mask.” “I agree with you there--these masquerades are only suited to furnish opportunities for thieves to ply their trades.” “As soon as Ingomar finishes his story (and I hope he will not stop a moment until he is through with it), we will put an end to this nonsense.” “I will go and request the queen to re-assemble her party at once, so that we may hear the remainder of the tale without further delay.” “I wish you would.”