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.”
“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: