“I wanted to report to you that that revenue-steamer is bearing down upon us, and, for aught I know, means to board us,” replied the mate. “Why didn’t you report it before?” “I came down here; but you seemed to be busy, and I did not like to disturb you,” answered the mate with a smile. “Is she headed for the yacht?” inquired the captain; and he appeared to be anxious on the subject. “She seems to be doing so.” “Do you suppose her people saw the ‘Housatonic’s’ boat carry off those passengers?” “If they used their glasses, they couldn’t well help seeing it,” replied the mate, who did not seem to be at all troubled about the matter. “What odds does it make if they did? I suppose the transaction was all right wasn’t it?” “Of course it was. But where is that boy?” “He went on deck.” Capt. Bendig, afraid that Wade would tell the other two stowaways what he had seen, hastened on deck to secure him again. He saw the cutter was headed directly towards the “Moonlight.” Wade stood in the waist, with both eyes open. The skipper was intent on catching him again, intending to lock him into his state-room until the cutter had passed, and then give him the promised flogging. Wade retreated towards the stern, and then around the mast to the forecastle. “Stop, you little villain!” said he. “You will get an extra flogging for this.” When Wade saw he could not escape, he leaped upon the rail, and then jumped overboard. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE LORDS OF THE SEA. Wade Brooks did not take to the water from mere impulse, and because he saw no other way to escape from the captain of the “Moonlight.” In the morning, when the cutter seemed to attract some attention on board of the yacht, he had asked something about her; for he had no more idea of a revenue-cutter than a baby has. Pollish told him that she was a kind of missionary vessel, which not only caught the rogues that attempted to cheat the government, but she assisted vessels in distress, and looked out for all violations of the laws on the water. If the crew of a ship mutinied, she was ready to step in, and make the men do their duty; in a word, she was to serve the government and individuals as best she could. From this description of her, Wade concluded that he ought to find friends on board of her. He knew that the “Housatonic” was bearing away a man who had cheated a bank--a national bank--out of a hundred thousand dollars. He had been robbed of his hundred dollars, and he did not feel obliged to keep his secret any longer. Though Mr. Wallgood had treated him very well, still he was a robber of the bank; and, if his secret was betrayed, he must blame Capt. Bendig for it. He had only agreed to keep the secret if he was allowed to retain the money, which Capt. Bendig had not permitted him to do.