“There is nothing I detest more than I do a mystery of any sort.
Notwithstanding my abhorrence of it, I now found myself, by some
unaccountable cause, entangled in a most singular and inexplicable web
of mystery. The more I struggled to extricate myself from it the lower
down did I plunge, until despite my efforts I found myself inundated and
helpless.
“One evening, after I had performed a very hard day’s work at the
drug-store, I hurried home to seek that rest which the excessive labor
of the day caused me to need. It was some time after dark when I lifted
the latch of the gate which stood in front of Doctor Dodson’s handsome
residence and began to walk leisurely along the gravel road leading
toward the house. The night was unusually dark, the sky being totally
obscured by innumerable black, angry clouds, while ever and anon the
sound of distant thunder announced the approaching storm, and an
occasional flash of lightning would every now and then cast a bright
light around me. I halted a few paces from the gate, leaned against one
of the tall poplar trees that stood near the edge of the road, and took
off my hat, to let the cool fresh breeze fan my fevered brow. My head
was aching severely, my cheeks were hot, and the blood in my veins
seemed to be boiling; I concluded that a few moments spent in the open
air would relieve me. Soon after I had halted I thought I heard the
sound of footsteps approaching the spot where I stood. I knew it was not
Doctor Dodson, for he had left town early in the morning to visit a
patient in the country, informing me that he would not be home until
next day. I became convinced that the grounds had been invaded by some
one--perhaps a thief who was waiting for an opportunity to rob the
house. I tried to peer through the darkness, hoping to see the intruder,
but I was straining my eyes in vain, for I could not distinguish any
object at a distance of ten feet, except when the space was momentarily
lighted up by the flashes of electricity that often blazed among the
clouds. Sometimes I would imagine that I had been deceived; but my
doubts were finally set at rest when I distinctly saw the form of a man
as he dodged behind a tree just as a bright streak of lightning blazed
for a second about me.
“‘Who are you, and what do you want here at this late hour?’ I demanded
in a loud tone.
“‘Fly for your life, Ed--your hiding-place is discovered; you have no
time to spare--the officers are after you--large rewards have been
offered for your capture, dead or alive--get away as soon as you can!’
“Those words were uttered in a suppressed tone, while the speaker still
remained concealed behind the tree, only exposing his head to my view,
which I could plainly see every time the lightning would flash.
“‘Who are you?’
“‘Hush! Ed, for Heaven’s sake don’t talk so loud, else we will be
discovered, for I saw the detective tracking you last night. They will
hang you if they catch you! fly immediately, or it will be too
late--think of your pretty darling, and for her sake escape while you
can.’
“‘Leave these premises this instant, you drunken vagabond!’ I angrily
exclaimed, ‘else I will call a policeman and have you sent to the
station-house.’
“‘Hush! I tell you, Ed, this is no time to crack jokes--it is a question
of life or death; and if you are determined to throw away your life, you
cannot say that I failed to do my duty--I have given you fair warning.
You need not be afraid to trust me, for I would die for you if
necessary--you may depend on me to fetch your darling to you in any
part of the world.’
“I at last arrived at the conclusion that I was in the presence of an
escaped lunatic, and that it would be good policy to keep at a
respectful distance from him. An unusually bright flash of lightning now
played for several seconds among a heavy bank of dark clouds that were
hanging very low overhead, spreading a brilliant light over the space
around me, which enabled me to get a plain view of the features of this
mysterious intruder. The face was that of a young man--rather pale, but
very handsome, and I could see that he was well dressed in a
close-fitting suit of black cloth, and in the bright light I noticed a
heavy watch chain glittering on his vest. Again I inquired of the man
his name, and as it was the third time I had made the same demand, I
accompanied the inquiry with a threat that I would instantly call a
policeman if he refused to give me a definite answer.
‘“Ed, are you crazy!” exclaimed the strange intruder; ‘you know well
enough who I am; I have encountered serious risk in making my way here
in order to warn you of the approaching danger; fly to-night, else you
are lost beyond question.’
“‘Why should I fly--who seeks my life? I have injured nobody; if you
know of any reason why I should leave my home, say so in plain terms.’
“‘Good-by, Ed,’ exclaimed the stranger, as he moved toward the gate; ‘my
conscience is clear, for I have faithfully discharged my duty, though I
may lose my life by the act. They told me you were half mad, but I am
now satisfied you are completely so--remember my warning, ere it is too
late.’
“By the time he had uttered the last word he passed through the gate,
and I could distinctly hear the heels of his boots striking on the brick
pavement as he hurried down the street. I called to him to stop and give
an explanation; whether he heard me or not I do not know, for he did not
answer or halt. I sank down on the turf, buried my face in my hands, and
endeavored to call to mind all the events that had transpired around me
during that past week. ‘What have I done to offend any one?’ was the
first question I propounded to myself; ‘is it possible that I have
unwittingly injured any person? have I at any time been deprived of my
reason? have I been insane, and while in that condition committed some
enormous crime?’
“I remained seated on the turf at least an hour, and perhaps would have
stayed longer, but I was aroused from my reverie by the heavy drops of
rain that began to fall on my head. I then rose and went to the house,
when I was met at the front door by my adopted mother, who had been
watching for me a long time.
“‘Come into my room, Edward,’ she said, as she took hold of my arm and
pressed her lips on my cheek; ‘we will take tea there to-night--it is
ready, and we have been waiting for you over an hour.’
“I knew by the tone of her voice that something serious was weighing on
her mind, and I could tell by the inquiring glance which she frequently
cast on me that she wanted to have a talk with me. She rang the bell,
and when the servant came to answer it she ordered tea to be served in
her room, which she always did when she had any important communications
to make to me. I noticed that she kept her large, expressive gray eyes
intently fixed on me with a strange look of inquiry. Notwithstanding the
facility with which I had been able to divine her thoughts at all times,
I was greatly puzzled, as well as embarrassed, on that occasion, by the
strangeness of her look. I took a stand in front of a large mirror that
hung on the wall, in order to see if there was anything unusual in my
personal appearance that caused my mother to stare at me so strangely.
While I was looking in the mirror, I noticed that my mother still had
her eyes riveted on me, and that she had her hands firmly clasped above
her head, which she always did when in trouble. As soon as I turned
round she suddenly dropped her hands, took a seat at the little table
and commenced pouring out my tea--and I could see that her hand trembled
so that she could not hold the cup. She filled the cup as it sat on the
table, and when she attempted to pass it to me she let it fall on the
floor, breaking it into fragments.
“‘Edward,’ she whispered in a tone tremulous from emotion, ‘you will
have to pour out the tea yourself, for my nerves are somewhat unstrung
this evening.’
“I proceeded to help myself in silence, being so much embarrassed by my
mother’s strange conduct that I was afraid to venture to make a remark.
“Supper over, the servants cleared the table, and my mother took her
seat in a large, cushioned arm-chair, and in order to conceal my
excitement, I sat down on a low seat and rested my head in her lap. I
never before had been so long in her presence without speaking, and the
silence was becoming oppressive and painful. When my head fell on her
lap, she began to smooth back my hair with her hand, and I felt a tear
drop on my cheek that had fallen from her eye.
“‘What is it, mother? what has occurred to distress you so?’
“‘Edward, have you ever committed any crime that would subject you to
the penalties of the law?’
“If a powder magazine had exploded beneath my feet, and tossed me onto
the top of a house across the street, it could not have given me a
greater shock than that question did.
“‘Oh, Edward, my dear son, tell me what has happened? What have you done
to cause a reward to be offered for your arrest? I beseech you to tell
me everything, and then I will know how to advise you!’
“‘Mother, am I in my proper senses, or am I mad? give me a direct answer
to those questions.’
“‘Don’t trifle with your mother that way, my son; I implore you to
remember that this is no occasion for levity.’
“‘I never was in deeper earnest than I am now, mother, therefore I
repeat my question: “Have I gone crazy, or not? have you noticed
anything in my conduct, or in my appearance, that would indicate the
loss of reason--have I ever been a somnambulist--did you ever know of my
leaving the premises after going to bed--have I ever been subject to
fits of insanity, or fits of any sort?” Now, mother dear, I earnestly
request you to answer each and all of those questions, because my mind
is greatly troubled about it.’
“‘Edward, I am afraid that you are not very well to-night, for I am sure
you never talked so strangely before. It is hard for me to believe that
you could seriously propound such absurd questions to me; but to gratify
you, I will give you a candid reply: To every one of those foolish
questions I unhesitatingly answer, No; and I will go further, and say
that I do not believe the State of Tennessee contains a man who
possesses a mind more evenly balanced than yours.’
“‘Very well, my dear mother; tell me why you asked me such a strange
question?’
“‘Just before dark, I was walking through the flower garden, inspecting
some work that I had ordered the gardener to do, and when I reached the
extreme back part, near the fence, I saw a strange woman on the outside
who was beckoning to me. She was elegantly dressed, and heavily veiled,
so I did not get a chance to see her face. I was considerably frightened
at first, because the singularity of her conduct led me to believe that
she was crazy, and I started toward the house, when she called my name
in a voice I thought I had heard before. I then stopped, and hesitated
for a moment, when she said she had an important communication to make
which involved the life of some one who was very dear to me. I drew near
the spot where she stood, when she made the following statement: “Tell
Edward that his place of concealment has been discovered, a large reward
having been offered for his capture, and that the law officers are after
him. When you deliver this message to Edward he will understand it, and
you may tell him that his darling shall be cared for, and conveyed to
him as soon as he reaches a place of safety.” She then abruptly left me
before I had time to ask her name; in fact, I was so completely shocked
by the statement she had made that I did not utter a word. Now, Edward,
my dear son, tell me what it all means.’
“‘My darling mother, as God is my judge, I declare that it is as much of
a mystery to me as it is to you; but of one thing you may rest
assured--I never have knowingly committed a crime of any sort that would
cause me to conceal myself anywhere. I believe that a combination has
been formed against me by some secret enemies, the object of which is to
estrange Lottie from me, and to secure her for Heartsell. I do not think
they ever will be able to shake Lottie’s confidence in me, but there is
danger of their winning Mr. Rockland to their side. No, mother dear, you
never shall have cause to blush on account of any conduct of mine!’
“‘God bless my noble boy!’ she exclaimed, as she again pressed me to
her bosom; ‘I believe you, and if you will trust Him who guides the
storm, He will carry you through this trouble unscathed.’
“I did not tell my mother about the strange interview I had with the
mysterious man on the lawn, as I did not want to increase her troubles.
I remained with her until eleven o’clock, then went to my sleeping room,
where I was surprised to find a letter lying on my dressing table. I
seized the envelope, and with a trembling hand tore it open and read as
follows:
“‘DEAR ED--Fly for your life--you are discovered. A large reward is
offered for your capture. Delay is fatal.
“‘Yours truly,
“TOM.’
“I had scarcely finished reading the letter when a little negro boy--a
servant belonging to the household--came in and handed me a note.
“‘Here, boss,’ he exclaimed, as he shoved the paper in my face, ‘dar is
de letter what de lady axed me to fetch to you.’
“‘What lady are you talking about?’
“‘How you ’spect dis nigger to tell de lady’s name ’cept he knowed it?’
“‘When and where did you see the lady who gave you this letter?’
“‘I was gwine to de drug-store to fetch missus some ‘scription for dat
sick nigger what had de ager, and de lady cotch me by de arm and told me
to give de letter into your own hand; den she give dis nigger a whole
dollar and went off.’
“‘What street were you in when you met the lady?’
“‘Squeal street, close to de church.’
“‘Beal street you mean.’
“‘Yes, boss, dat am hit.’
“‘Very well, you may go now.’
“As soon as the little negro left the room I proceeded to open the
letter and, lo and behold! here was another document exactly like the
one that I had found on my table, except the handwriting, the last one
being a very neat, fine hand, while the first one was written in a bold,
uneven hand:
“‘Fly for your life--you are discovered. A large reward is offered
for your capture. Delay is fatal.’
“This letter had no name signed to it, and no date--it was written on
gilt-edged note-paper, and richly perfumed. My hands trembled so
violently that I could scarcely hold the letter still enough to read it;
and when I did manage to peruse it my vexation surpassed all previous
bounds, and I fell back on the sofa and groaned in despair. I remained
thus, buried deep in my melancholy reflections, until after
midnight--then went to bed, but not to sleep. The old clock on the
mantel was ticking regularly, and at every stroke of the pendulum it
seemed to say: ‘Fly for your life! Fly for your life!’ It must have been
near daylight when I fell into a troubled slumber, from which I was
awakened by the breakfast bell at eight o’clock. My temples were
throbbing--my eyes felt like balls of fire, while my blood was feverish.
I plunged into a large tank of cold water in the bath-room, which served
to cool the fever in my blood.
“Hastily arranging my toilet, I met my mother at the breakfast table
with a cheerful smile, which cost me a considerable effort to keep up.
She made many anxious inquiries about my health and the manner in which
I had rested during the night, all of which I answered truthfully, as
far as I could without increasing her anxiety. I took a cup of strong
coffee, kissed my mother, and hurried to the drug-store, when a little
boy came briskly in and handed me another letter, and darted out at the
door before I had time to interrogate him as to who had sent it. I of
course supposed it was another one of those detestable notes advising me
to ‘fly for life,’ and being disgusted with documents of that sort, I
moved toward the fire, intending to consign the letter to the flames
unopened; but glancing at the superscription, I was delighted to
discover that it was from Lottie. The contents of the note caused a
thrill of delicious joy to dart through my heart. It was like a cold,
bubbling spring gushing up in the middle of an African desert before a
perishing traveler.
“DEAR EDWARD--This is to inform you that I am going to spend the
day in my flower garden, for the purpose of superintending the
transplanting of some of my flowers, and if it will not interfere
with your professional duties, I should be delighted to have the
benefit of your advice and assistance. Mother and Mrs. Dodson have
very kindly consented to spend the day with Viola, which enables me
to look after my flowers; they, you know, have been sadly neglected
of late.
“‘LOTTIE.’
“When I arrived I found Lottie busily engaged in arranging a fresh bed
where she was preparing to plant some tube-roses.
“‘I am so glad you have come, Edward!’ she exclaimed, as she came to
meet me; ‘you may make up your mind to do a good day’s work here--just
see how the weeds are choking my pretty jasmines yonder! and there are
my geraniums all dying for lack of attention! I declare, it is too bad,
and I must give Uncle Zack a good scolding for neglecting my flowers.’
“Notwithstanding her declarations about the lack of attention which her
garden had been subjected to, I was filled with delicious pleasure at
the beautiful prospect before me. The air was loaded with ravishing
odors arising from different kinds of fragrant flowers. A new fountain,
with a bronze statue of Diana standing in the center, had been lately
put up near the summer-house. The goddess held her bow and arrow in her
hand, while a jet of sparkling water came gushing out from the end of
the arrow, and fell into a large marble basin at her feet. A marble
Cupid stood on the south side of the basin, holding a gilded dart
pointed toward a statue of Venus, as she appears rising up out of the
water. Innumerable green turfy walks meandered about among the charming
flowers, while hundreds of beautiful vases in china and gold, red, blue
and green, lined each side, filled with all kinds of sweet-scented
plants. I was so completely intoxicated by the charming sweetness with
which the murmuring breeze was impregnated by fragrant flowers, that I
could scarcely keep from giving expression to my delightful feelings in
shouts of joy. As I stood gazing intently at Lottie as she moved about
among the flowers like a beautiful fairy, I lifted up my soul in humble
thanks to God, for giving me the heart of such a noble woman.
“‘Why do you stand there all the day idle, Eddie, when there is so much
work to do? why do you not come and help me transplant these flowers?’
“Those questions had the effect of rousing me from my delightful
reverie, and I went to work in good earnest and did not stop until the
perspiration began to stream from my brow.
“‘There now, Edward, the job is complete, and we will rest under the
shade of the magnolias--I am going to give you a nice picnic dinner
to-day, to compensate you for assisting me.’
“Then addressing Uncle Zack she said:
“‘Tell Burley to prepare a good dinner for two, and that we will dine in
the magnolia grove to-day; send us a small table here, and tell her to
be in a hurry, for industrious people are always hungry.
“‘Now, Edward, here is a nice seat for you, and here is one for me,--now
we will rest from our labors and have a cozy chat about old times,
unless you have got something new to talk about.’ Then for the first
time since my arrival at the garden, the memory of the mysterious
warnings I had received rose up like Banquo’s ghost before me. ‘What is
the matter with you, Edward; are you not well? I declare, your face is
very pale!’
“‘I must have exerted myself a little too much while working among the
flowers. I guess a little rest in this delightful shade will soon effect
a cure.’
“‘See here, Edward,’ she exclaimed, as she fixed her beautiful eyes on
me, ‘you are attempting to do that which you ought to know you cannot
accomplish.’
“‘How is that?’
“‘You are endeavoring to deceive me, which it is high time you were
learning you cannot do. If you do not immediately proceed to inform me
what has happened to distress you, I shall at once conclude that your
professions of love for me are nothing more than sounding brass and
tinkling cymbals. I knew as soon as I laid my eyes on you this morning
that your mind was disturbed about something; and then I must remind you
of the fact that I am a first-class mind-reader, and if you refuse to
disgorge, I shall at once make a revelation that will startle you.’
“I began to dodge the question by an attempt to change the subject, but
she gently placed her hand over my mouth.
“‘Not another word shall you utter until you make up your mind to tell
me the whole truth--I have a presentiment that our bright sky is about
to be obscured by lowering clouds--an invisible influence has been
working on my mind, whispering ominous tales of approaching misfortunes.
Our smooth sea is soon to be ruffled, and it is high time for us to set
about trimming our sails so as to be ready for the storm which I fear is
soon to burst upon us.’
“I proceeded to give her a minute history of the mysterious
communications which had so disturbed and annoyed me. I noticed that the
charming color of the rose that beautified her cheeks gradually
disappeared as I imparted the mysterious news to her, and her hand
slightly trembled as she attempted to arrange a bouquet from a quantity
of flowers which she had gathered. ‘Now, Lottie, what do you think it
all means?’
“‘I will answer you in real Yankee fashion. Do you know of any person
who bears malice or ill-will toward you?’
“‘No.’
“‘Have you had any misunderstanding or quarrel with any man lately?’
“‘No.’
“‘Have you had any legal entanglements which could cause any one to
dislike you?’
“‘No.’
“‘Then it is a joke that some mischievous person is endeavoring to
practice on you in order to have a laugh among his friends at your
expense. Let us put our trust in God, and pray to Him for help, and all
will be well--let us remember the instructions given by our great
Redeemer in regard to prayer. He said: “When thou prayest enter into thy
closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in
secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
Now, Edward, I have faith in that precious promise, and if we will pray
earnestly in secret, we will come out unscathed in the end--will you do
it?
“‘Yes, I promise you I will, Heaven being my helper.’
“‘Very good; then let our unknown adversaries do their worst, we will
triumph at last.’
“‘Lottie, you are a real philosopher, and I would give any consideration
to be like you.’
“‘Perhaps I am; but I see our dinner coming now, and if you have no
objections, we will pay our respects to it, for I am very hungry. Take
your seat on the other side of the table, and help me to a plate of
soup.’
“‘Lottie, I have a serious question to ask you, and I want you to
reflect well and then give me a candid answer; for something tells me
that some great misfortune is going to overtake me.’
“‘Let me help your plate to a slice of this venison--it looks very
tempting; there, now, be so good as to pass the salad over this way;
what were you about to say just now?’
“I could plainly see that she was making an effort to conceal her
dreadful apprehensions by keeping up a conversation about one thing
while her thoughts were on another.
“‘I was about to propound a very serious question to you, but I guess I
had better wait until you finish your dinner, as it is very plain that I
shall not have your attention sooner.’
“‘Please hand me the oysters, and then go ahead with your question; and
mind you do not turn it into a philosophical lecture.’
“‘Lottie, have you unlimited confidence in my honor?’
“‘Are you fond of stewed squirrel; try some of it--I think it is very
nice; as to confidence, I would swear by you if it were not sinful. You
know the good book forbids us to swear by anything--hold your goblet
over here and let me give you some milk--I think your honor is
first-class--won’t you have a piece of chicken--as to your integrity, it
is good, middling--any other questions you wish to ask?’
“‘See here, Lottie, this may be the last dinner that you and I ever will
eat together; in fact, I am afraid that it will, and we must have a
serious talk before we part.’
“The goblet which she attempted to hand to me fell on the table and
broke into fragments.
“‘There now, Edward, see what I have done--and you are responsible for
it, because you have frightened me with your evil prophecies.’
“‘I am truly sorry that I have been so unfortunate as to disturb your
equanimity, but we had better discuss this matter now. I am impressed
with the belief that a deep-laid scheme is on foot, originated and
worked by some unknown enemy of mine, the object of which is to create a
breach between you and me. If, therefore, you hear any evil reports
about me, I want you to make a solemn promise that you will grant me an
opportunity to put in my defense before you venture to condemn me.’
“‘Edward, I have a notion to give you a downright good scolding--do you
think any earthly power could shake my confidence in you? I would sooner
distrust myself.’
“‘Thank you, Lottie, and if ever I give you just cause to withdraw your
confidence from me, may Providence forsake me, Heaven disown me, and the
world despise me!’
“‘I have no apprehensions on that score; I think I am acquainted with
the nobility of your soul--at all events, I am not afraid to risk my
destiny on the accuracy of my judgment.’
“‘Lottie, if it is sinful to worship any mortal being, then I plead
guilty; but while I worship you, it has a tendency to increase my
thankfulness to God.’
“‘Edward, love me as much as you please, but do not forget your
obligations to the great Creator--honor and love Him above all things.
There is no real happiness on earth save that which is sanctioned and
purified through God’s holy will. But come, we have rested long
enough--let us go to work, else we will not have time to finish before
night.’
“Lottie kept me very busy until the sun went down, and then taking me by
the arm, she led me to a rustic bench in the magnolia grove.
“‘Now, sir, you may sit down and rest, while I arrange this bouquet for
you; I think you have done a very good day’s work.’
“‘Yes, and I demand my wages--in the first place, here is a beautiful
lock of golden hair that has strayed off from its companions; and as it
looks so lonesome wandering about by itself, I shall take the liberty to
cut it off and put it my bosom.’
“‘Take it if you wish, and as many more as you want; but how are you
going to cut it?’
“I clipped off the pretty straggler with my pocket-knife, and hid it in
my bosom, then held her to my heart for a moment, and hurried home, with
a soul surcharged with indescribable happiness.”
Just as Ingomar finished the sentence, one of the seedy men walked
forward, confronting the queen, bowed very low, and taking from his
breast pocket a large paper with a huge red seal and a blue ribbon
attached to it, gave a grunt and a slight cough, and addressed her as
follows:
“I humbly crave your Majesty’s pardon, as I fear that I shall be so
unfortunate as to interfere with your amusements. The fact is, madame, I
am under the necessity of performing an unpleasant duty, but it must be
discharged. We officers of the law are very frequently called upon to
perform services, in the name of the State, of an unpleasant nature. We
have postponed this matter as long as the character of the case will
justify. Myself and Mr. Peniwinkle are peace officers, regularly
commissioned. We have the honor to hold in our possession a
proclamation, or, more properly speaking, a requisition, from the
Governor of Mississippi on the Governor of Tennessee, demanding the
delivery to us of the body of one escaped murderer. Our papers, as you
may see, are all properly authenticated, as the law directs. His
Excellency the Governor of Tennessee, has issued his warrant, and we
here offer to show it.”
Then turning to Ingomar, who appeared perfectly composed, he said:
“Mr. Ingomar, or Demar, or whoever you are, we arrest you in the name of
the State of Mississippi, under a warrant we have here now. You will
consider yourself as our prisoner.”
Then taking a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, he made a move as if to
fasten them on Ingomar’s wrists.
“Look to the queen,” cried Scottie; “she is falling!”
Ingomar caught her in time to prevent the fall, and carried her down to
her state-room. He then returned to the deck, where the officers were,
and addressed them:
“Now, sir, I am ready to settle this little matter with you. In the
first place, you will oblige me by tossing those handcuffs into the
river; and you had better be quick about it, else I shall put you in
along with them.”
The officer was a very small man. Ingomar looked like a huge Colossus as
his tall, handsome person towered above the little officer, who began to
tremble with fear as he cast an imploring look up into his face.
“My dear sir,” began the officer in a tremulous voice, “you don’t mean
to defy the law, I hope? We are nothing but humble representatives of
the law, modestly attempting to discharge a simple duty.”
“Will you throw those handcuffs into the river? or would you prefer to
go in yourself? I give you two seconds to decide.”
The little man threw the irons into the river instantly.
“Now, sir,” said Ingomar, “you may consider me your prisoner, if you
wish it, and I will accompany you anywhere you may want me to go; but if
you have any more irons about you, I advise you to send them after the
others without delay.”
Mr. Peniwinkle then took another pair of handcuffs from his pocket and
tossed them overboard.
“Now, gentlemen, you may take seats here, if you like, and listen to the
remainder of a little story which I have been relating for the amusement
of my friends. I can finish it by the time we reach Vicksburg; then I
will be pleased to go with you to Jackson, Mississippi, to answer any
demands which the law may require of me.”
Then turning to Ivanhoe, he said:
“Be so kind as to go down and escort the queen up, and inform her that
her friends are anxiously awaiting her presence, so that our amusements
may be resumed.”
Ivanhoe returned in a few moments, with the queen leaning on his arm.
She was weeping bitterly, and it was plain to see that the shock had
considerably shaken her nerves. Ivanhoe handed her to a seat, when
Ingomar said:
“I am exceedingly sorry that your Majesty should have been disturbed by
what has just occurred; but I beg to assure you that there is no cause
for alarm on the part of my good friends whatever. This affair for
which I am now under arrest is by no means new to me, and I don’t feel
in the least annoyed by it. The only cause of regret is that your
Majesty should have been troubled by it; but it need not interrupt the
thread of my little story, which I am now ready to take up, as soon as
you may signify your pleasure.”
The queen was so much distressed by the occurrence just related that she
was unable to utter a word. Tears were still falling rapidly from her
eyes, while her hand trembled as she made a sign to Ingomar to proceed.