won't
break the company to give him a pass and his meals for a few days.
Besides, I'm not going to let you get ahead of me in doing him a good
turn."

Three days later, when the _Mermaid_ reached Detroit, Hugo Kesterberg
bade Nat, and his other friends aboard the ship, good-by. With a note
of recommendation to a big firm, he could face the future in better
spirits. Some time later Nat had a letter from the German youth,
stating that he had a better position than the one in New York, and
was doing well. The missive was full of thanks to Nat and Captain
Turton.

Detroit was as far as the _Mermaid_ was to go on the present voyage,
and after taking on a big cargo, and quite a number of passengers, she
turned about and began to traverse her way over Lake Huron again.

Captain Turton went ashore at the first port they made, after leaving
Detroit, and when he came aboard again, he sought out Nat. The
captain's manner betrayed some excitement.

"I have some news for you," he said to the young pilot.

"Am I going to be arrested again?"

"Not exactly. This concerns your enemy, Bumstead."

"Have they got him? Did he give up the money?"

"No, but I heard from a captain friend of mine ashore a little while
ago, that the _Spray_ is docked at Cove Point, about fifty miles above
here. She had to lay up for repairs. She's an old boat and her engines
are continually getting out of order."

"Are we going to stop there?" asked Nat eagerly.

"No, but I know what you are thinking of. There is a chance to cause
the arrest of the mate, and here is my plan. You can take a train from
here to Cove Point. The railroad runs quite near there. You have the
warrant, made out by the police. Take that with you, and the
authorities in Cove Point will make the arrest, I'm sure."

"But how can I get back to this boat?"

"I'll tell you. There is a train that leaves here at midnight, which
will get you to Cove Point about two o'clock in the morning. The
police are up at all hours. You can get them to serve the warrant at
once, for Bumstead will probably be aboard the _Spray_ at her dock.
Then, after he is safe in jail, you can hire a boat to take you out,
and I'll pick you up as I pass. I'll be on the watch for you to-morrow
morning."

The plan was very feasible, and Nat thanked the captain for his
thoughtfulness. He made his arrangements hurriedly, and began to have
visions of recovering the money that was rightfully his.

"Be out about t