“I shall instruct the guards to arrest them, and compel them to unmask and submit to a search, whenever they attempt to leave the boat.” Ingomar and Captain Quitman then walked away, followed by the old gentleman with the white whiskers. “Well, Scottie, I’ll give you a nickel for your thoughts.” “Keep your nickel; and you had better not seek to know my thoughts just now, for they are not of a very pleasant nature. However, one idea has found its way into my scanty brain, which I have no objection to your knowing.” “Let me have it, pray; any little idea of yours would be acceptable to me.” “The black domino is a humbug, and her guardian is an old fool; there now, you have got at least one idea; do what you please with it.” “Yes, and a very bright little idea it is, too; something of the same sort has been knocking for admission at the back door of my brain-pan for some time.” “Ah, indeed! I hope it did not knock very hard.” “Scottie, dear, don’t cut so deep, pray.” “Don’t call me ‘Scottie, dear,’ if you please; I am tired of it. It is time for the queen’s party to re-assemble, and I want Ingomar to hurry through with his story, because when that is done the masks must all be laid aside.” “Take my arm, Scottie.” “No, no, that’s not the style now; you take mine.” “Good enough; anything to get you in a good humor.” “I smell tobacco, and something else; I believe it is gin.” “Ha, hem! I dare say you smell tobacco, but as to gin, I expect you are mistaken; it’s brandy.” “Well, either is bad enough, and I despise both.” CHAPTER XXVIII. A great change was perceptible among the merry maskers when they had re-assembled in obedience to the orders of the queen. The different members of the party dropped in one at a time, taking their seats in silence. One circumstance happened which created some little excitement and no little curiosity. Henry of Navarre, who had kept away from the party up to this time, came forward and, bowing very low to the queen, asked permission to join the party to hear the story. As Navarre made his request she gave a sudden start, as if the sound of the voice had frightened her; and a perceptible tremor was discernible in her tone as she requested him to be seated. Napoleon, instead of taking his seat near the queen, took up his position by the corner of the pilot house, some distance from the spot occupied by the other maskers. One of the party called to him and requested him to take his place. He shook his head, but made no reply; and the queen commanded Ingomar to proceed.