"I run this machine, and this is the right place for me," replied
Ethan coolly.
"Where's Baker?"
"He's safe; if you mean the man you left in charge of the engine."
Ben was bewildered by the present aspect of affairs. It was clear that there had been a miscarriage somewhere; but he was unable to tell how or where the scheme had failed. Before he could decide what step to take next, Captain Lawry rang the bell to go ahead.
"Who rang the bell?" asked Ben.
"Captain Lawry."
"Is he on board?"
"He is," replied Ethan, as he started the engine. "Ben Wilford, you have got about to the end of your rope."
"What do you mean?"
"You have done a job which will send you to Sing Sing for the next ten years."