“Ah, sir, I again most humbly ask your pardon--I certainly did not mean to use the word as in any way applicable to you or the young lady.” “Again, sir, I offer you my hand; but I fear you do not attach as much importance to what the young lady heard as you should; in fact, sir, I think you are mistaken when you conclude that the conversation referred to something which had transpired at some previous time.” “I am inclined to agree with this gentleman’s views,” observed George III., “because part of the conversation evidently referred to some one on this boat who was to be the victim. By the by, had you heard that my watch was snatched from my pocket but an hour ago?” “Ha! is that so?” exclaimed Captain Quitman, who for the first time began to look serious. “This, indeed, is news to me--it must be looked into; whom do you suspect?” “The man wearing the mask and uniform of Napoleon. There are three men on this boat wearing costumes that were worn by other men when we left Memphis.” “I must confess that this information surprises me; this conduct looks suspicious; something must be done.” “I think all masks should at once be discarded,” observed the old gentleman; “and I had advised that course before you came up.” “No! no!” said Captain Quitman, “that would prevent us from catching the thieves. I think I can suggest a better plan; in fact, I believe we can manage to capture the rascals, if my plan is adopted. We will employ some one to watch the three suspicious men; meantime don’t mention this matter to any one; just let me manage the case. I’ll place guards on all parts of the boat, both day and night, with instructions to keep an eye on those three men. Let the amusements proceed as if nothing had happened--mention the matter to no one, and I’ll vouch for the result. I have a man on board who was in the detective service many years. I’ll put him on their tracks. Your watch shall be found, if the matter is left to me; if not, you shall be paid for it.” “Your plan, sir, is evidently the best under the circumstances,” said Ingomar, “because if we unmask now that would enable the thieves to evade detection. Let the young lady in the black domino understand that she is not to tell any one about what she heard.” “Do you remember the number of your watch?” inquired Captain Quitman, addressing George III. “No.” “What is its value?” “I don’t know.” “Where did you purchase it?” “I--I, that is, I ah, hem! I didn’t buy it at all, sir.” “Ah! a present then, I suppose, from some dear friend?” “No.” “You inherited it from deceased relations?” “No.” “Then how in the deuce did you come by it?” “I borrowed it from a friend.” “Ha! ha! ha!” laughed the jolly old captain, “that makes the loss a more serious one; but never mind, you shall have your watch again soon, or cash enough to satisfy your friend.” “But suppose those suspicious individuals should try to leave the boat,” said the old gentleman with the white whiskers.