he officer.

It was not far to the dock where the _Spray_ was tied up. Even in the
darkness Nat knew the boat. He wondered if the mate was aboard. Once
he reached the ship, the officer's manner changed. He proceeded
cautiously, and seemed to know what he was about.

"Do you know which his cabin is?" he asked of Nat, in a whisper.

"No, but I know where the mate usually sleeps aboard these boats."

"You go ahead then."

The young pilot led the way. Though he had never been aboard the
_Spray_ he thought he could find where Bumstead slept. Fortunately,
they did not meet the anchor watch, who was probably asleep.

"This ought to be his cabin," said Nat, indicating one in the same
relative position as that occupied by the mate aboard the _Jessie
Drew_.

"Then I'll go in and get him," said the officer.

It was beginning to get light, a streak of dawn showing in the east.
The policeman pushed open the cabin door, which was not locked.

"Is Joseph Bumstead here?" he asked in loud tones.

"That's me. What's wanted?" was the answer, and Nat recognized the
mate's voice.

"Come out here," said the officer.

He backed out of the cabin, and in the growing light Nat saw that he
had his revolver drawn. Wondering what could be wanted of him,
Bumstead jumped out of his bunk, partly dressed.

"You're my prisoner!" suddenly exclaimed the policeman, throwing back
his coat to display the big star. At the same time he grabbed the mate
with one hand, and in the other leveled his weapon at him.

"What's the trouble? Is this a joke?" demanded the mate.

"You'll find it quite different from a joke," replied the officer. "I
have a warrant for your arrest, sworn out by Nat Morton, charging you
with the embezzlement of fifteen hundred dollars. You'll have to come
with me."

At that moment the mate caught sight of Nat, who stood to one side.

"So! This is your work, eh?" he cried. "Well, I'll not go with you!
You haven't got me yet!"

With a sudden motion he broke away from the officer.

"Hold on or I'll shoot!" threatened the policeman.

"Shoot then!" cried the mate.

[Illustration: "Shoot, then!" cried the mate (Page 180)]

He ran to the rail. An instant later he had mounted it, poised on the
top a moment, and with a shout of defiance he leaped over the side. A
splash in the water told that he had landed in the lake.

"Stop! Hold on!" yelled the officer, as he rushed to the side. "Come
back or I'll shoot!"

He peered