Marian said no more about peace on such terms, and I watched the boat with interest, as it came up under the counter of the Florina. I did not see Mr. Whippleton read the letter I had written; but I have no doubt that he did read it, for in a few moments more he embarked in the tender with Peter. "There they come, just as you said!" exclaimed Marian, apparently in despair. "I knew that letter would bring him, for I informed him that the officers of justice were on his track. I have no doubt that the police have telegraphed to all the cities within a thousand miles of Chicago by this time. If anything would wake up the rascal, the news I sent him would have that effect. Besides, I invited him to take passage in the Marian." "You did!" "Yes, for I want him where I can put my hand upon him." "But he can put his hand upon you, and then I shall be alone. What will become of me?" "You need not be at all alarmed. He will not injure or insult you." "What do you mean to do, Philip? Can't I help you?" "I intend to make a prisoner of him, if possible. I don't think you can help me do such a job. I am going into the cabin now, for I don't wish him to see me until he is fairly on board." "What shall I do?" "Stay here, if you please. He will go below immediately." The tender was rapidly approaching the yacht, and I went into the cabin, where I had another attack of coughing as soon as I heard Mr. Whippleton step upon the deck. "Good evening, Miss Collingsby," said he, as he saw our fair passenger. "I hope you are very well. Where is your friend?" "What friend?" she asked, in such a tone that I was afraid she would excite his suspicions before he came into the cabin. "Why, Mr. Waterford, of course. Since you are to become his wife to-morrow morning, he ought to be the dearest friend on earth to you. But as he is not on deck, he must be in the cabin." I heard his step on the ladder, and I confess that I felt no little anxiety for the issue. I sat upon one of the lockers, still wearing the skipper's coat and hat. It was rather dark in the cabin, and I was not surprised that he did not recognize me at first. "What's all this, Ben?" said he, in hurried speech. "Every dollar counts now, and I can't afford to lose a thousand by leaving my boat here. I was to deliver her to the purchaser to-morrow at St. Joseph. What do you mean about officers? Collingsby hasn't the remotest suspicion that anything is wrong." "Yes, he has," I replied, coughing and choking, so that I could not have identified my own voice. "What has happened?" he demanded, in obvious alarm. "He knows everything," I barked, with my handkerchief over my mouth. "He has telegraphed to St. Joseph and fifty other places before this time to have you arrested." "Arrested!" I heard the long breath he drew in his terror. "We must be off at once." "What's the matter with you? What makes you cough so?" "A cold." "What will you do with the fawn, Ben?"