"Then we must set a trap and catch him," returned Oscar, decidedly. "I cannot risk the loss of the Holland at such an important time as this."
It was decided to set a close watch all along the canal.
Trustworthy men were hired at Oscar's expense, the young captain knowing full well that the Navy Department would reimburse him for any outlay thus made.
The plan worked well, for about midnight a small boat was seen to approach the lock.
It contained two men, Pargloss and a confederate.
Pargloss' craft contained a large can of dynamite and this was placed close to the gate of the lock.
Pargloss was about to depart when Oscar and several men fell upon him.
"Halt!" ordered the young captain of the new Holland, and aimed a pistol at Pargloss' head.
The wretched man, however, was game, and he flung himself upon the young captain and both tumbled over the brink of the lock into the waters below.
Pargloss had Oscar by the neck and the young captain was in peril of either being choked to death or drowned.