When the gripe was slightly relaxed he said: "I am a poor adventurer, and fancied I could get money by robbing you." "That is not the truth; robbery was not your object, but murder." "Well, I will confess," exclaimed Bambino, who was afraid of being killed and thought he could serve his employer better alive than dead. "Make haste." "Lord Maltravers ordered me to kill you. I am simply a hired assassin. Let me live." All was instantly clear to Jack. "I am satisfied," he replied. "You will let me go, now?" "Indeed, I will do nothing of the kind. I must make you a prisoner for my own protection, and when we reach New York the authorities will decide what is to be done with you." It was in vain for Bambino to protest; he submitted to his fate in sullen silence, allowing himself to be dragged amidship, when Jack explained to the first officer what had happened. The watch was called, and the would-be murderer, gnashing his teeth at the failure of his attempt, was taken below and confined. The next morning Jack appeared at breakfast in the saloon as if nothing had happened, but he told Mr. Mole and Harvey that an emissary of Lord Maltravers had attempted his life. "This is very important," observed the professor. "It shows to what lengths Maltravers will go to remove you from his path. Let the man's full confession be taken; he can then be used as a means for the arrest of his lordship, who, if I am right in my law, can be sent to prison, as the fellow's accomplice." "Certainly, he can," replied Harvey. "It is not very pleasant," remarked Jack, "to know that an enemy is plotting against you in a far-off country and sending out men to kill you." "I have an idea," said Mole. "Something novel for you, sir." "Oh! no. This old head has been prolific in its time. Let us form ourselves into the Jack Harkaway guard." "Splendid idea," cried Harvey. "I volunteer for the service. You and I will arm ourselves and one or both of us will be with him, night and day." "No, no," said Jack, much touched at this proof of the devotion or his friends, "it is unnecessary." "On the contrary," answered Mole, "I am sure that this attempt will be followed by others." "Well! If you insist upon it--" "We do," said both the professor and Harvey in chorus. Jack shook their hands in token of gratitude, and as Mr. Mole had brought out a small arsenal of pistols and knives in his trunk, for use in an emergency, he promptly armed both himself and Harvey. Meanwhile Jack remained on deck. Suddenly the man on the look-out reported a sail to leeward. The steamer altered her course and made directly for the vessel, as she showed signals of distress and appeared to be in a water-logged condition. When near enough the captain ordered the engines to be stopped and a boat lowered. This was done and a crew manned the boat to row to the distressed craft. An event like this relieved the monotony of a sea voyage and the deck was soon crowded with passengers.