Which detail in the story creates an effect of both surprise and humor?
a. "'well, mr. easton, if you will make me speak first, i suppose i must. don't you ever recognize old friends when you meet them in the west? '"
b. "'oh! didn't you catch on? say--did you ever know an officer to handcuff a prisoner to his right hand? '"
c. "'the ambassador,' said the girl, warmly, 'doesn't call any more. he needn't ever have done so.'"
d. "'i love the west,' said the girl irrelevantly. her eyes were shining softly."