"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.