"I'm willing; I have no further use for her," I replied. "But what's the trouble?" "Mr. Waterford's gone up." "Gone up where?" "Failed, and those that can get hold of anything are doing so. I have got hold of this boat." "I thought Mr. Waterford was a rich man," I added, glancing at Marian. "Most people thought so; but he is a bankrupt now. He made some ten or twelve thousand dollars, they say, in a lucky speculation, and on the strength of that has had the reputation of being worth a hundred thousand. He and Mr. Whippleton have been making some bad speculations in lands, which will not fetch what they paid for them. While they were looking over the affairs of Mr. Whippleton, who ran away, they found that Waterford was as deep in the mud as he was in the mire. I have been on the lookout for this boat since night before last." "What has been done about Mr. Whippleton's affairs?" I asked, with no little curiosity. "His partner has been overhauling his business, and finds that he has been terribly swindled. Officers have been on the lookout for him since he left, and telegrams have been sent in every direction. They can't find him, or even hear of him. He went off in his boat, and they think now that he has made his way into Canada. Where have you been all this time with the boat?" "On a cruise. Are you an officer?" I asked. "Certainly I am. How could I serve a writ if I were not?" "Do you know where there is another one?" "I can find a policeman, I suppose. What do you want of him?" "I have a prisoner I wish to put into safe keeping." "Who is he?" "Mr. Charles Whippleton." "You don't say so!" exclaimed the officer. I pulled off the blankets in which the late junior partner had enfolded himself, and exhibited my prisoner. "What's the matter with him? Is he sick?" "He has a sore head. But please to get another officer, and a carriage." "Let him get two. I want one," said Marian. "I don't know you; but I begin to think you are the clerk that disappeared," added the man. "I am; I was in the employ of Collingsby and Whippleton." "Nobody knew what had become of you; but Mr. Whippleton's mother said you had run away with all her property. The officers are on the lookout for you also." "I am at their disposal whenever they want me," I replied, choking at this disagreeable information. "Mr. Collingsby thinks you have gone with Whippleton, and that you were concerned with him in the frauds." "Does he?" "Is this lady Miss Collingsby?" "It is." "Her father and mother believe she has run away with Mr. Waterford. There's all sorts of stories floating about. I suppose, if I bring one of the police, they will arrest you." "No matter for that; bring him along. If I had been guilty, I should not have brought Mr. Whippleton back." The officer departed, and I lowered the mainsail. I told Peter to put the yacht in good order. "Can't you untie me now, Phil?" asked Mr. Whippleton.