The work was accomplished, and the pilot and engineer went on deck. Ethan repaired to his post and stopped the engine. Ben half a dozen times demanded, through the speaking-tube, what the matter was; but receiving no answer, he came down himself to ascertain the cause of the sudden stoppage of the boat. CHAPTER XX THE LITTLE CAPTAIN AND HIS MOTTO As Ben Wilford, fearful that some accident to the machinery would defeat his criminal enterprise, entered the engine-room on one side, Lawry left it at the other. As the little captain went forward, he heard a noise in the forecastle, and saw that the companionway was closed and fastened. Releasing the firemen and deck-hands confined there, he directed them to follow him to the wheel-house, where he explained to them what had happened. "What are you stopping for?" demanded Ben Wilford, before he discovered that Baker was not present. "I think it is about time to go back, now," replied Ethan, holding one of the pistols in his hand. "How came you here, Ethan?" exclaimed Ben, starting back with astonishment when he saw who was in charge of the engine. "I run this machine, and this is the right place for me," replied Ethan coolly. "Where's Baker?" "He's safe; if you mean the man you left in charge of the engine." Ben was bewildered by the present aspect of affairs. It was clear that there had been a miscarriage somewhere; but he was unable to tell how or where the scheme had failed. Before he could decide what step to take next, Captain Lawry rang the bell to go ahead. "Who rang the bell?" asked Ben. "Captain Lawry." "Is he on board?" "He is," replied Ethan, as he started the engine. "Ben Wilford, you have got about to the end of your rope." "What do you mean?" "You have done a job which will send you to Sing Sing for the next ten years." "No, I haven't," said Ben, backing out of the engine-room. "Stop where you are," interposed Ethan, peremptorily, as he raised his pistol. "Two can play at that game," added Ben. "Two can; but two won't. Drop your hands, or I'll fire!" Ben obeyed; he had felt that the game was up the moment he saw Ethan at his post, and he had not the courage to draw his pistol upon one who had shot two Indians in one day. "Sit down there," continued Ethan, pointing to the bench in the engine-room, and the culprit took his seat with fear and trembling. "What shall I do?" groaned the wretched young man, as he thought of the consequence of his crime. "Jump overboard and drown yourself. That would save your friends a great deal of trouble," replied Ethan. "Give up your pistol!"