“Good morning. I was wanting to speak a few words with you. Perhaps you have heard of my great mishap?” “No! what is it?” “My watch was stolen from my pocket within the last thirty minutes.” “Ah, ha!” exclaimed Scottie, “I told you so. The whirlwind has started, and a tornado will wind up the scene.” “Have you any idea who was the thief?” “Yes; but my suspicions may not be well founded.” “May I know whom you suspect?” inquired Ivanhoe. “Yes, provided you will promise not to mention it to any one.” “Good! I promise, of course.” “So do I,” said Scottie. “My suspicions point to that man who appears in Napoleon’s dress and mask; though he is a newcomer.” “Why not make the charge boldly, and demand the right to make a search for the watch?” said Ivanhoe. “Let us wait and watch him, for he is bent on mischief, and we will catch him in the act of picking some man’s pocket.” “I beg pardon, gentlemen,” said an old man with long, white whiskers, as he bowed very low to Ivanhoe and George III. He was the same gentleman who had been so often seen with the lady in the black domino leaning on his arm. “I have a communication to make which I consider of some importance. The fact is, matters are becoming somewhat complicated on this boat; and if I might be so bold as to offer advice, I should say that it is high time for all these young people to lay aside their masks. Wolves have managed to get into the flock; and mischief will be done if matters go on in this way much longer. A lady aboard of this boat, whose name I am not at liberty to mention, has made a startling disclosure to me, which portends some dire mischief. The fact is, I am constrained to believe, from what she told, that murder is contemplated.” “May we know the particulars?” “Of course, yes; that is the very matter I wish to communicate. If you will be so good as to request Ingomar to join us, I would be much obliged, as I think he ought to hear what I have to say.” Ivanhoe went after Ingomar, and soon returned accompanied by him.