“I can’t say that I do, for I know nothing about it. I shall therefore accept the legal theory, which regards every man innocent until the contrary is established by competent proof.” “It would require a pile of evidence as high as Pike’s Peak to make me believe that Ingomar is a murderer.” “So it would to convince me.” “What have you discovered about the mysterious lady in the black domino?” “Ah, my spy has met her match there! With all her cleverness, the black domino is too much for her. One circumstance, however, has been brought to the surface; the black domino is shadowing Ingomar too, and the strangest thing about it is, that she is not in any manner working with the seedy men--it’s a separate game.” “Goodness gracious! what on earth can it all mean?” “I’m sure I don’t know; I wish I did.” “Perhaps she is the wife of the murdered man; or she may be his sister, or his sweetheart, who is watching him.” “Can’t say as to that; but it is certain that she is shadowing him. One circumstance connected with her, however, tends to prove your theory about it. The lady in the black domino seems to be unusually melancholy all the time--has often been seen weeping, and never speaks to any one. That goes to prove that she has lost a dear friend or relative; and it may be, as you say, that she was related to the man who was murdered.” “The truth is, I can’t stand this suspense much longer; I shall die of mere curiosity if things don’t change soon.” “I beg you not to make a die of it, Scottie, before I get a look at your face.” “And pray why should you wish to see my face?” “I am sure I should like it.” “Suppose you did like it--what would that signify?” “It might bring about a coincidence, you know.” “Look, look! there comes the black domino; see how she follows Ingomar! I saw her pointing at him just now, and whispering something in her uncle’s ear. The whirlwind is going to burst on us ere long; don’t you think so?” “Indeed I do! There is a strange game being played on this boat--it may end in a tragedy.” “Pray don’t talk that way--you frighten me. I think I had better mention the matter to the queen, and have this nonsense ended at once.” “No, no! don’t do that, by any means, I beseech you. Our best plan is to remain silent and wait for the denouement.” “Be it so, then, sir knight. You shall be my champion when the war begins.” “I shall be proud of the honor--I’ll emblazon my banner with the name of Scottie, in letters of gold, and fight the world in arms in defense of my lady-love. Then I’ll imitate the brave Spanish king, when he met Sir Roderick Dhu on Clanalpine’s lofty height. You know he threw himself against a rock--which I’ll do when the fight opens.” “But there are no rocks here, you see.” “Oh, never mind that; I’ll make the pilot-house answer for the rock. I’ll just throw myself against it while you can hide inside, and then hear me cry: