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diff --git a/17756-tei/17756-tei.tei b/17756-tei/17756-tei.tei new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a04fce --- /dev/null +++ b/17756-tei/17756-tei.tei @@ -0,0 +1,8336 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
+ +<!-- +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Submarine Boys and the Middies by
+Victor G. Durham
+
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no
+restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under
+the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or
+online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+
+Title: The Submarine Boys and the Middies
+
+Author: Victor G. Durham
+
+Release Date: 2006-02-12 [Ebook #17756]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
--> +
+<!DOCTYPE TEI.2 SYSTEM "http://www.gutenberg.org/tei/marcello/0.4/dtd/pgtei.dtd">
+
+<TEI.2 lang="en">
+ <teiHeader>
+ <fileDesc>
+ <titleStmt>
+ <title>The Submarine Boys and the Middies</title>
+ <author>Victor G. Durham</author>
+ </titleStmt>
+ <publicationStmt>
+ <publisher>Project Gutenberg</publisher>
+ <date>2006-02-12</date>
+ <idno type='etext-no'>17756</idno>
+ <idno type='DPid'>projectID0000000000000</idno>
+ <availability>
+ <p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and
+ with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it
+ away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg
+ License online at www.gutenberg.org/license</p>
+ </availability>
+ </publicationStmt>
+ <sourceDesc>
+ <bibl>
+ <title>The Submarine Boys and the Middies</title>
+ <author>Victor G. Durham</author>
+ <imprint>
+ <pubPlace>Akron, Ohio</pubPlace>
+ <publisher>The Saalfield Publishing Company</publisher>
+ <date>1909</date>
+ </imprint>
+ </bibl>
+ </sourceDesc>
+ </fileDesc>
+ <encodingDesc>
+ <projectDesc>
+ <p>Produced by Roger Frank, Taavi Kalju
+ and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+ <http://www.pgdp.net/c>.</p>
+ </projectDesc>
+ </encodingDesc>
+ <profileDesc>
+ <langUsage>
+ <language id="en">English</language>
+ </langUsage>
+ </profileDesc>
+ <revisionDesc>
+ <change>
+ <date value="2005-12">December 2005</date>
+ <respStmt>
+ <name>Roger Frank, Taavi Kalju<lb /></name>
+ <name>Online Distributed Proofreading Team</name>
+ </respStmt>
+ <item>Project Gutenberg Edition</item>
+ </change> + <change>
+ <date value="2006-6">June 2006</date>
+ <respStmt>
+ <name>Joshua Hutchinson</name>
+ </respStmt>
+ <item>Added PGHeader/PGFooter.</item>
+ </change>
+ </revisionDesc>
+ </teiHeader>
+
+<pgExtensions>
+ <pgStyleSheet>
+ figure { text-align: center; page-float: 'htb' }
+ .w100 { }
+ .w75 { }
+ .w66 { }
+ .w50 { }
+ .w25 { }
+ @media pdf {
+ .w100 { width: 100% }
+ .w75 { width: 75% }
+ .w66 { width: 66% }
+ .w50 { width: 50% }
+ .w25 { width: 25% }
+ }
+ </pgStyleSheet>
+</pgExtensions>
+
+<text>
+<front>
+
+ <div>
+ <divGen type="pgheader" />
+ </div>
+
+ <div rend="page-break-before: right">
+ <p>This ebook was produced by Roger Frank, Taavi Kalju and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net</p>
+ </div>
+
+ <div>
+
+<figure url="images/image01.jpg" rend="w50">
+ <anchor id="image01" />
+ <index index="fig" />
+ <head rend="font-size: x-small"><q>You Are Not Likely to Be of Any Use Here.</q></head>
+ <figDesc>Illustration: "You Are Not Likely to Be of Any Use Here."</figDesc>
+</figure>
+
+ <p rend="text-align: center">
+ <hi rend="font-style: italic"> Frontispiece.</hi>
+ </p>
+ </div>
+
+ <titlePage rend="page-break-before: right; text-align: center">
+ <docTitle>
+ <titlePart type="main" rend="font-size: large">The Submarine Boys and the Middies</titlePart><lb /><lb />
+ <titlePart type="sub" rend="font-size: small">OR</titlePart><lb /><lb />
+ <titlePart type="sub" rend="font-size: large">The Prize Detail at Annapolis</titlePart><lb /><lb />
+ </docTitle>
+ <byline>
+ By <docAuthor>Victor G. Durham</docAuthor><lb /><lb />
+ Author of The Submarine Boys on Duty, The Submarine
+ Boys' Trial Trip, The Submarine Boys
+ and the Spies, Etc.<lb /><lb />
+ </byline>
+ <docEdition>
+ <hi rend="font-style: italic">Illustrated</hi><lb /><lb />
+ </docEdition>
+ <docImprint>
+ THE SAALFIELD PUBLISHING COMPANY<lb />
+ Akron, Ohio · New York<lb />
+ Made in U.S.A.
+ </docImprint>
+ </titlePage>
+
+<div rend="page-break-before: always">
+ <index index="pdf" />
+ <head>Contents</head>
+ <divGen type="toc" />
+</div>
+
+<div rend="page-break-before: always">
+ <index index="pdf" />
+ <head>List of Figures</head>
+ <divGen type="fig" />
+</div>
+</front>
+
+<body>
+
+<div rend="page-break-before: right">
+<pb n="007" /><anchor id="Pg007" />
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER I: THE PRIZE DETAIL</head>
+
+<p>
+<q>The United States Government doesn't
+appear very anxious to claim its property,
+does it, sir?</q> asked Captain Jack
+Benson.</p>
+
+<p>The speaker was a boy of sixteen, attired in a
+uniform much after the pattern commonly worn
+by yacht captains. The insignia of naval rank
+were conspicuously absent.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, that I've had the good luck to sell the
+'Pollard' to the Navy,</q> responded Jacob Farnum,
+principal owner of the shipbuilding yard,
+<q>I'm not disposed to grumble if the Government
+prefers to store its property here for a while.</q></p>
+
+<p>Yet the young shipbuilder—he was a man in
+his early thirties, who had inherited this shipbuilding
+business from his father—allowed his
+<pb n="008" /><anchor id="Pg008" />
+eyes to twinkle in a way that suggested there
+was something else behind his words.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson saw that twinkle, but he did not
+ask questions. If the shipbuilder knew more
+than he was prepared to tell, it was not for his
+young captain to ask for information that was
+not volunteered.</p>
+
+<p>The second boy present, also in uniform, Hal
+Hastings by name, had not spoken in five minutes.
+That was like Hal. <hi rend="font-style: italic">He</hi> was the engineer
+of the submarine torpedo boat, <q>Pollard.</q>
+Jack was captain of the same craft, and could
+do all the talking.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum sat back, sideways, at his rolltop
+desk. On top of the desk lay stacked a
+voluminous though neat pile of papers, letters,
+telegrams and memoranda that some rival builders
+of submarine torpedo boats might have been
+willing to pay much for the privilege of examining.
+For, at the present moment, there was
+fierce competition in the air between rival
+American builders of submarine fighting craft
+designed for the United States Navy. Even
+foreign builders and inventors were clamoring
+for recognition. Yet just now the reorganized
+Pollard Submarine Boat Company stood at the
+top of the line. It had made the last sale to the
+United States Navy Department.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, out in the little harbor that
+<pb n="009" /><anchor id="Pg009" />
+was a part of the shipyard, the <q>Pollard</q> rode
+gently at anchor. She was the first submarine
+torpedo boat built at this yard, after the designs
+of David Pollard, the inventor, a close personal
+friend of Jacob Farnum.</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, the second boat, named the <q>Farnum,</q>
+had just been launched and put in commission,
+ready at an hour's notice to take the sea
+in search of floating enemies of the United
+States.</p>
+
+<p><q>The United States will take its boat one of
+these days, Captain,</q> Mr. Farnum continued,
+after lighting a cigar. <q>By the way, did Dave
+tell you the name we are thinking of for the
+third boat, now on the stocks?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Dave</q> was Mr. Pollard, the inventor of the
+Pollard Submarine boat.</p>
+
+<p><q>No, sir,</q> Captain Jack replied.</p>
+
+<p><q>We have thought,</q> resumed Mr. Farnum,
+quietly, after blowing out a ring of smoke, <q>of
+calling the third boat, now building, the 'Benson.'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The—the—what, sir?</q> stammered Jack,
+flushing and rising.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, don't get excited, lad,</q> laughed the
+shipbuilder.</p>
+
+<p><q>But—but—naming a boat for the United
+States Navy after me, sir—</q></p>
+
+<p>Captain Jack's face flushed crimson.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="010" /><anchor id="Pg010" />
+<q>Of course, if you object—</q> smiled Mr. Farnum,
+then paused.</p>
+
+<p><q>Object? You know I don't, sir. But I am
+afraid the idea is going to my head,</q> laughed
+Jack, his face still flushed. <q>The very idea of
+there being in the United States Navy a fine and
+capable craft named after me—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, if the Navy folks object,</q> laughed Farnum,
+<q>then they'll change the name quickly
+enough. You understand, lad, the names we
+give to our boats last only until the craft are
+sold. The Navy people can change those names
+if they please.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It will be a handsome compliment to me,
+Mr. Farnum. More handsome than deserved, I
+fear.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Deserved, well enough,</q> retorted the shipbuilder.
+<q>Dave Pollard and I are well enough
+satisfied that, if it hadn't been for you youngsters,
+and the superb way in which you handled
+our first boat, Dave and I would still be sitting
+on the anxious bench in the ante-rooms of the
+Navy Department at Washington.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, I don't deserve to have a boat named
+after me any more than Hal does, or Eph
+Somers.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Give us time, won't you, Captain?</q> pleaded
+Jacob Farnum, his face straight, but his eyes
+laughing. <q>We expect to build at least five
+<pb n="011" /><anchor id="Pg011" />
+boats. If we didn't, this yard never would have
+been fitted for the present work, and you three
+boys, who've done so handsomely by us,
+wouldn't each own, as you now do, ten shares of
+stock in this company. Never fear; there'll be
+a 'Hastings' and a 'Somers' added to our fleet
+one of these days—even though some of our
+boats have to be sold to foreign governments.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>If a boat named the 'Hastings' were sold to
+some foreign government,</q> laughed Jack Benson,
+<q>Hal, here, wouldn't say much about it.
+But call a boat named the 'Somers,' after Eph,
+and then sell it, say, to the Germans or the
+Japanese, and all of Eph's American gorge
+would come to the surface. I'll wager he'd
+scheme to sink any submarine torpedo boat,
+named after him, that was sold to go under a
+foreign flag.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I hope we'll never have to sell any of our
+boats to foreign governments,</q> replied Jacob
+Farnum, earnestly. <q>And we won't either, if
+the United States Government will give us half
+a show.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's just the trouble,</q> grumbled Hal
+Hastings, breaking into the talk, at last. <q>Confound
+it, why don't the people of this country
+run their government more than they do?
+Four-fifths of the inventors who get up great
+things that would put the United States on top,
+<pb n="012" /><anchor id="Pg012" />
+and keep us there, have to go abroad to find a
+market for their inventions! If I could invent
+a cannon to-day that would give all the power
+on earth to the nation owning it, would the
+American Government buy it from me? No,
+sir! I'd have to sell the cannon to England,
+Germany or Japan—or else starve while Congress
+was talking of doing something about it
+in the next session. Mr. Farnum, you have the
+finest, and the only real submarine torpedo boat.
+Yet, if you want to go on building and selling
+these craft, you'll have to dispose of most of
+them abroad.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I hope not,</q> responded the shipbuilder,
+solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>Having said his say, Hal subsided. He was
+likely not to speak again for an hour. As a
+class, engineers, having to listen much to noisy
+machinery, are themselves silent.</p>
+
+<p>It was well along in the afternoon, a little past
+the middle of October. For our three young
+friends, Jack, Hal and Eph, things were dull
+just at the present moment. They were drawing
+their salaries from the Pollard company, yet
+of late there had been little for them to do.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the three submarine boys knew that big
+things were in the air. David Pollard was
+away, presumably on important business.
+Jacob Farnum was not much given to speaking
+<pb n="013" /><anchor id="Pg013" />
+of plans until he had put them through to the
+finish. Some big deal was at present <q>on</q>
+with the Government. That much the submarine
+boys knew by intuition. They felt,
+therefore, that, at any moment, they were likely
+to be called into action—to be called upon for
+big things.</p>
+
+<p>As Jack and Hal sat in the office, silent, while
+Jacob Farnum turned to his desk to scan one of
+the papers lying there, the door opened. A boy
+burst in, waving a yellow envelope.</p>
+
+<p><q>Operator said to hustle this wire to you,</q>
+shouted the boy, panting a bit. <q>Said it might
+be big news for Farnum. So I ran all the
+way.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum took the yellow envelope,
+opening it and glancing hastily through the
+contents.</p>
+
+<p><q>It <hi rend="font-style: italic">is</hi> pretty good news,</q> assented the shipbuilder,
+a smile wreathing his face. <q>This is
+for you, messenger.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>This</q> proved to be a folded dollar bill.
+The messenger took the money eagerly, then
+demanded, more respectfully:</p>
+
+<p><q>Any answer, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Not at this moment, thank you,</q> replied Mr.
+Farnum. <q>That is all; you may go, boy.</q></p>
+
+<p>Plainly the boy who had brought the telegram
+was disappointed over not getting some
+<pb n="014" /><anchor id="Pg014" />
+inkling of the secret. All Dunhaven, in fact,
+was wildly agog over any news that affected the
+Farnum yard. For, though the torpedo boat
+building industry was now known under the
+Pollard name, after the inventor of these boats,
+the yard itself still went under the Farnum
+name that young Farnum had inherited from
+his father.</p>
+
+<p>While Jacob Farnum is reading the despatch
+carefully, for a better understanding, let us
+speak for a moment of Captain Jack Benson
+and his youthful comrades and chums.</p>
+
+<p>Readers of the first volume in this series,
+<q>The Submarine Boys on Duty,</q> remember
+how Jack Benson and Hal Hastings strayed into
+the little seaport town of Dunhaven one hot
+summer day, and how they learned that it was
+here that the then unknown but much-talked-about
+Pollard submarine was being built. Both
+Jack and Hal had been well trained in machine
+shops; they had spent much time aboard salt
+water power craft, and so felt a wild desire to
+work at the Farnum yard, and to make a study
+of submarine craft in general.</p>
+
+<p>How they succeeded in getting their start in
+the Farnum yard, every reader of the preceding
+volumes knows; how, too, Eph Somers, a
+native of Dunhaven, managed to <q>cheek</q> his
+way aboard the craft after she had been
+<pb n="015" /><anchor id="Pg015" />
+launched, and how he had always since managed
+to remain there.</p>
+
+<p>Our same older readers will remember the
+thrilling experiences of this boyish trio during
+the early trials of the new submarine torpedo
+boat, both above and below the surface. These
+readers will remember, also, for instance, the
+great prank played by the boys on the watch
+officer of one of the stateliest battleships of the
+Navy.</p>
+
+<p>Readers of the second volume, <q>The Submarine
+Boys' Trial Trip,</q> will recall, among
+other things, the desperate efforts made by
+George Melville, the capitalist, aided by the latter's
+disagreeable son, Don, to acquire stealthy
+control of the submarine building company, and
+their efforts to oust Jack, Hal and Eph from
+their much-prized employment. These readers
+will remember how Jack and his comrades
+spoiled the Melville plans, and how Captain
+Jack and his friends handled the <q>Pollard</q> so
+splendidly, in the presence of a board of Navy
+officers, that the United States Government was
+induced to buy that first submarine craft.</p>
+
+<p>After that sale, each of the three boys received,
+in addition to his regular pay, a bank
+account of a thousand dollars and ten shares of
+stock in the new company. Moreover, Messrs.
+Farnum and Pollard had felt wholly justified in
+<pb n="016" /><anchor id="Pg016" />
+promising these talented, daring, hustling submarine
+boys an assured and successful future.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum at last looked up from the final
+reading of the telegram in his hands. Captain
+Jack Benson's gaze was fixed on his employer's
+face. Hal Hastings was looking out of a window,
+with almost a bored look in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p><q>You young men wanted action,</q> announced
+Mr. Farnum, quietly. <q>I think you'll get it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Soon?</q> questioned Jack, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Immediately, or a minute or two later,</q>
+laughed the shipbuilder.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm ready,</q> declared Captain Jack, rising.</p>
+
+<p><q>It'll take you a little time to hear about it
+all and digest it, so you may as well be seated
+again,</q> declared Farnum.</p>
+
+<p>Hal, too, wandered back to his chair.</p>
+
+<p><q>You've been wondering how much longer
+the Government would leave the 'Pollard'
+here,</q> went on Mr. Farnum. <q>I am informed
+that the gunboat 'Hudson' is on her way here,
+to take over the 'Pollard.'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What are the Navy folks going to do?</q> demanded
+Captain Jack, all but wrathfully. <q>Do
+they propose to <hi rend="font-style: italic">tow</hi> that splendid little craft
+away?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Hardly that, I imagine,</q> replied Farnum.
+<q>It's the custom of the United States Navy, you
+know, to send a gunboat along with every two
+<pb n="017" /><anchor id="Pg017" />
+or three submarines. They call the larger craft
+the 'parent boat.' The parent boat looks out
+for any submarine craft that may become disabled.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The cheek of it,</q> vented Jack, disgustedly.
+<q>Why, sir, I'd volunteer to take the 'Pollard,'
+unassisted, around the world, if she could carry
+fuel enough for such a trip.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But the Navy hasn't been accustomed to
+such capable submarine boats as ours, you
+know,</q> replied Mr. Farnum. <q>Hence the
+parent boat.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Parent boat?</q> interjected Hal Hastings,
+with his quiet smile. <q>You might call it the
+'Dad' boat, so to speak.</q></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Farnum laughed, then continued:</p>
+
+<p><q>A naval crew will take possession of the
+'Pollard,' and the craft will proceed, under the
+care of the Dad boat</q>—with a side glance of
+amusement at Hal—<q>to the United States
+Naval Academy at Annapolis.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Annapolis—where they train the naval
+cadets, the midshipmen, into United States
+Naval officers? Oh, how I'd like to go there!</q>
+breathed Captain Jack Benson, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p><q>As a cadet in the Navy, do you mean?</q>
+asked Mr. Farnum.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, that would have been well enough,</q>
+assented Jack, <q>before I had such a chance in
+<pb n="018" /><anchor id="Pg018" />
+your submarine service. No; I mean I'd like
+to see Annapolis. I'd like to watch the midshipmen
+at their training, and see the whole
+naval life there.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It's too bad every fellow can't have his wish
+gratified as easily,</q> continued Jacob Farnum.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you mean we're going to Annapolis,
+too?</q> asked Jack Benson, his eyes glowing.
+Even Hal Hastings sat up straighter in his
+chair, watching the shipbuilder's face closely.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> nodded Jacob Farnum. <q>Permission
+has been granted for me to send our second
+boat, the 'Farnum,' along with the 'Pollard'—both
+under the care of the—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The Dad boat,</q> laughed Hastings.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; that will give us a chance to have the
+'Farnum' studied most closely by some of the
+most capable officers in the United States Navy.
+It ought to mean, presently, the sale of the
+'Farnum' to the Government.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's just what it will mean,</q> promised
+Captain Jack, <q>if any efforts of ours can make
+the Navy men more interested in the boat.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You three youngsters are likely to be at
+Annapolis for some time,</q> went on Mr. Farnum.
+<q>In fact—but don't let your heads become
+too enlarged by the news, will you?</q></p>
+
+<p>Hal, quiet young Hal, neatly hid a yawn behind
+one hand, while Benson answered for both:</p>
+
+<p><pb n="019" /><anchor id="Pg019" />
+<q>We're already wearing the largest-sized
+caps manufactured, Mr. Farnum. Don't tempt
+us too far, please!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, you boys are safe from the ordinary
+perils of vanity, or your heads would have burst
+long ago. Well, then, when you arrive at Annapolis,
+you three are to act as civilian instructors
+to the middies. You three are to teach the
+midshipmen of the United States Navy the
+principles on which the Pollard type of boat is
+run. There; I've told you the whole news.
+What do you think of it?</q></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Farnum's cigar having burned low, he
+tossed it away, then leaned back as he lighted
+another weed.</p>
+
+<p><q>What do we think, sir?</q> echoed Captain
+Jack, eagerly. <q>Why, we think we're in sight
+of the very time of our lives! Annapolis! And
+to teach the middies how to run a 'Pollard' submarine.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>How soon are we likely to have to start,
+sir!</q> asked Hal Hastings, after a silence that
+lasted a few moments.</p>
+
+<p><q>Whenever the 'Hudson' shows up along this
+coast, and the officer in command of her gives
+the word. That may be any hour, now.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then we'd better find Eph,</q> suggested
+Captain Jack, <q>and pass him the word. Won't
+Eph Somers dance a jig for delight, though?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="020" /><anchor id="Pg020" />
+<q>Yes; we'd better look both boats over at
+once,</q> replied Mr. Farnum, picking up his hat.
+<q>And we'll leave word for Grant Andrews and
+some of his machinists to inspect both craft
+with us. There may be a few things that will
+need to be done.</q></p>
+
+<p>As they left the office, crossing the yard, Captain
+Jack Benson and Hal Hastings felt exactly
+as though they were walking on air. Even
+Hal, quiet as he was, had caught the joy-infection
+of these orders to proceed to Annapolis.
+To be sent to the United States Naval Academy
+on a tour of instruction is what officers of the
+Navy often call <q>the prize detail.</q></p>
+
+<p>Farnum and his two youthful companions
+went, first of all, to the long, shed-like building
+in which the third submarine craft to be
+turned out at this yard was now being built.
+From inside came the noisy clang of hammers
+against metal. The shipbuilder stepped inside
+alone, but soon came out, nodding. The three
+now continued on their way down to the little
+harbor. All of a sudden the three stopped
+short, almost with a jerk, in the same second,
+as though pulled by a string.</p>
+
+<p>At exactly the same instant Jacob Farnum,
+Captain Jack Benson and Engineer Hal Hastings
+put up their hands to rub their eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Their senses had told them truly, however.
+<pb n="021" /><anchor id="Pg021" />
+While the <q>Pollard</q> rode serenely at her moorings,
+the <q>Farnum,</q> the second boat to be
+launched, was nowhere to be seen!</p>
+
+<p><q>What on earth has happened to the other
+submarine?</q> gasped the shipbuilder, as soon
+as he could somewhat control his voice.</p>
+
+<p>What, indeed?</p>
+
+<p>There was not a sign of her. At least, she
+had not sunk at her moorings, for the buoys
+floated in their respective places, with no manner
+of tackle attached to them.</p>
+
+<p><q>A submarine boat can't slip its own cables
+and vanish without human hands!</q> gasped the
+staggered Jack Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>There's something uncanny about this,</q>
+muttered Hal Hastings.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum stood rooted to the spot, opening
+and closing his hands in a way that testified
+plainly to the extent of his bewilderment.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER II: HOW EPH FLIRTED WITH SCIENCE</head>
+
+<p>
+Jack Benson was the first of the trio to
+move.</p>
+
+<p>Without a word he broke into a run,
+heading for the narrow little shingle of beach.</p>
+
+<p><q>Got an idea, Captain?</q> shouted Jacob Farnum,
+<pb n="022" /><anchor id="Pg022" />
+darting after his young submarine
+skipper.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir!</q> floated back over Jack's shoulder.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then what's at the bottom—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Eph and the boat, both together, or I miss
+my guess,</q> Captain Jack shouted back as he
+halted at the water's edge, where a rowboat lay
+hauled up on the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum's face showed suddenly pallid
+as he, also, reached the beach. Hal, who was
+in the rear, did not seem so much startled.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you think Eph has gone off on a cruise
+all alone?—that he has come to any harm?</q>
+gasped the shipbuilder.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't know, but I'm not going to worry
+a mite about Eph Somers until I have to,</q> retorted
+Jack Benson, easily.</p>
+
+<p><q>Eph can generally take care of himself,</q>
+added Hal Hastings. <q>He rarely falls into
+any kind of scrape that he can't climb out
+of.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But this is a bad time for him to take the
+'Farnum' and cruise away,</q> objected the owner
+of the yard. <q>The 'Hudson' may be here at
+any hour, you know, and we ought to be ready
+for orders.</q></p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, Mr. Farnum scanned the horizon
+away to the south, out over the sea.</p>
+
+<p><q>There's a line of smoke, now, and not many
+<pb n="023" /><anchor id="Pg023" />
+miles away,</q> he announced. <q>It may, as likely
+as not, be smoke from the 'Hudson's' pipe.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Going out with us, sir?</q> inquired Captain
+Jack Benson, as Hal took his place at a pair of
+oars.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> nodded the owner of the yard, dropping
+into a seat at the stern of the boat, after
+which Benson pushed off at the bow.</p>
+
+<p>Down on the seashore, on this day just past
+the middle of October, the air was keen and
+brisk. There had been frost for several nights
+past. Sleighing might be looked for in another
+month.</p>
+
+<p><q>Cable's gone from this buoy,</q> declared Captain
+Jack, as Hal rowed close. <q>Over to the
+other one, old fellow.</q></p>
+
+<p>Here, too, the cable was missing. Evidently
+the <q>Farnum</q> had made a clean get-away. If
+there had been any accident, it must have taken
+place after the new submarine boat had slipped
+away from her moorings.</p>
+
+<p><q>Humph!</q> grunted Jack, scanning the sea.
+<q>No sign of the boat anywhere. Eph may be
+anywhere within twenty miles of here.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Or within twenty feet, either,</q> grinned Hal,
+looking down into the waters that were lead-colored
+under the dull autumn sky.</p>
+
+<p><q>What are we going to do, Captain?</q> inquired
+Jacob Farnum. <q>There are Grant Andrews
+<pb n="024" /><anchor id="Pg024" />
+and three of his machinists coming down
+to the water.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I reckon, sir, we'd better put them aboard
+the 'Pollard' first, sir,</q> Benson suggested.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Farnum nodding, the boat was rowed in
+to the shore and Andrews and his men were
+put aboard the <q>Pollard</q> at the platform deck.
+Captain Jack Benson unlocking the door to the
+conning tower, was himself the first to disappear
+down below. When he came back he carried
+a line to which was attached a heavy sounding-lead.</p>
+
+<p><q>It won't take us long to sound the deep
+spots in this little harbor,</q> said the young skipper,
+as he dropped down once more into the
+bow of the shore boat. <q>Row about, Hal, over
+the places where the submarine could go below
+out of sight.</q></p>
+
+<p>As Hal rowed, Skipper Jack industriously
+used the sounding-lead.</p>
+
+<p>For twenty minutes nothing resulted from
+this exploration. Then, all of a sudden, Benson
+shouted:</p>
+
+<p><q>Back water, Hal! Easy; rest on your oars.
+Steady!</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson raised the lead two or three
+feet, then let it down again, playing it up and
+down very much as a cod fisherman uses his
+line and hook.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="025" /><anchor id="Pg025" />
+<q>I'm hitting something, and it is hardly a
+rock, either,</q> declared young Benson. <q>Pull
+around about three points to starboard, Hal,
+then steal barely forward.</q></p>
+
+<p>Again Benson played see-saw with his sounding-line
+over the boat's gunwale.</p>
+
+<p><q>If my lead isn't hitting the 'Farnum,'</q>
+declared the young skipper, positively, <q>then
+it's the 'Farnum's' ghost. Hold steady, now,
+Hal.</q></p>
+
+<p>Immediately afterward, Benson caused the
+lead fairly to dance a jig on whatever it touched
+at bottom.</p>
+
+<p><q>What's the good of that, anyway?</q> demanded
+Jacob Farnum.</p>
+
+<p><q>You don't think I'm doing this just for fun,
+do you, sir?</q> asked Captain Jack, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p><q>No; I know you generally have an object
+when you do anything unusual,</q> responded the
+shipbuilder, good-humoredly.</p>
+
+<p><q>You know, of course, sir, that noises sound
+with a good deal of exaggeration when you hear
+them under water?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; of course.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You also know that all three of us have
+been practicing at telegraphy a good deal during
+the past few weeks, because every man who
+follows the sea ought to know how to send and
+receive wireless messages at need.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="026" /><anchor id="Pg026" />
+<q>Yes; I know that, Benson.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, sir, I guess that the lead has been
+hitting the top of the 'Farnum's' hull, and I've
+been tapping out the signal—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The signal, 'Come up—rush!'</q> broke in
+Hal, with an odd smile.</p>
+
+<p><q>Right-o,</q> nodded Jack Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>How on earth did <hi rend="font-style: italic">you</hi> know what the signal
+was, Hastings?</q> demanded Mr. Farnum.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, sir, I've been sitting so that I could
+see Jack's arm. I've been reading, from the
+motions of his right arm, the dots and dashes of
+the Morse telegraph alphabet.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You youngsters certainly get me, for the
+things you think of,</q> laughed the shipyard's
+owner.</p>
+
+<p><q>And the 'Farnum,' or whatever it is, is coming
+up,</q> called Captain Jack, suddenly. <q>I just
+felt my lead slide down over the top of her hull.
+Hard-a-starboard, Hal, and row hard,</q> shouted
+young Benson, breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>Though Hastings obeyed immediately he was
+barely an instant too soon. To his dismay, Mr.
+Farnum saw something dark, unwieldy, rising
+through the water. It appeared to be coming
+up fairly under the stern of the shore boat,
+threatening to overturn the little craft and
+plunge them all into the icy water.</p>
+
+<p>Hal shot just out of the danger zone, though.
+<pb n="027" /><anchor id="Pg027" />
+Then a round little tower bobbed up out of the
+water. Immediately afterward the upper third
+of a long, cigar-shaped craft came up into view,
+water rolling from her dripping sides, which
+glistened brightly as the sun came out briefly
+from behind a fall cloud.</p>
+
+<p>In the conning tower, through the thick plate
+glass, the three people in the shore boat made
+out the carroty-topped head and freckled,
+good-humored, honest, homely face of Eph
+Somers. The boat lay on the water, under no
+headway, drifting slightly with the wind-driven
+ripples. Then Eph raised the man-hole cover
+of the top of the conning tower, thrusting out
+his head to hail them.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hey, you landsmen, do you know a buoy
+from an umbrella?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Do <hi rend="font-style: italic">you</hi> know the difference between a Sunday-school
+text and petty larceny?</q> retorted
+Jack Benson, sternly. <q>What do you mean by
+taking the submarine without leave?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I've been experimenting—flirting with
+science,</q> responded Eph, loftily. <q>Say, if you
+landsmen know a buoy from a banana, get down
+to the bow moorings of this steel mermaid, and
+I'll pass you the bow cable. It's a heap easier
+to lead this submarine horse out of the stall,
+single-handed, than it is to take him back and
+tie him.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="028" /><anchor id="Pg028" />
+Hal rowed easily to the buoy, while Eph, returning
+to the steering wheel and the tower controls,
+ran the <q>Farnum,</q> with just bare headway,
+up to where he could toss the bow cable to
+those waiting in the boat. A few moments later
+the stern cable, also, was made fast, in such a
+way as to allow a moderate swing to the bulky
+steel craft.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, you can take me ashore, if you feel
+like it,</q> proposed Eph, standing on the platform
+deck.</p>
+
+<p><q>Not quite yet,</q> returned Skipper Jack,
+though the small boat lay alongside. <q>We've
+got some inspecting to do. But how did you get
+on board in the first place?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, the night watchman was in the yard
+for a few minutes, and I got him to put me on
+board. I figured I could hail somebody else
+when I was ready to go on shore.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But what on earth made you do such a
+thing?</q> demanded Captain Jack, in a low tone.
+<q>It's really more than you had a right to do,
+Eph, without getting Mr. Farnum's permission.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, I've known you to take the 'Pollard'
+and try something when Mr. Farnum wasn't
+about,</q> retorted Somers, looking surprised.</p>
+
+<p><q>You never knew me to do it when I could
+ask permission, although, as captain, I have the
+<pb n="029" /><anchor id="Pg029" />
+right to handle the boat. But that leave doesn't
+extend to all the rest, Eph. What were you
+doing down there, anyway?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, I came on board, and left the manhole
+open for ten minutes,</q> answered Somers.
+<q>Then I found the cabin thermometer standing
+at 49 degrees. I wondered how much warmth
+could be gained by going below the surface.
+I had been down an hour and five minutes
+when you began to signal with that sledge-hammer—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Sounding-lead,</q> Jack corrected him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Well, it sounded like a sledge-hammer, anyway,</q>
+grinned young Somers. <q>While I was
+down below I found that the temperature rose
+four degrees.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Part of that was likely due to the warmth of
+your body, and the heat of the breath you gave
+off,</q> hinted Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>You could have gotten it up to eighty
+or ninety degrees by turning on the electric
+heater far enough,</q> suggested Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>I wanted to see whether it would be warmer
+in the depths; wanted to find out how low I could
+go and be able to do without heat in winter,</q>
+Somers retorted.</p>
+
+<p><q>I could have told you that, from my reading,
+without any experiment,</q> retorted Skipper
+Jack. <q>Close your conning tower and go down
+<pb n="030" /><anchor id="Pg030" />
+a little way, and the temperature would gradually
+rise a few degrees. That's because of the
+absence of wind and draft. But, if you could
+go down very, very deep without smashing the
+boat under the water pressure, you'd find the
+temperature falling quite a bit.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Where did you read all that?</q> inquired
+Eph, looking both astonished and sheepish.</p>
+
+<p><q>Here,</q> replied Jack, going to a small wall
+book-case, taking down a book and turning
+several pages before he stopped.</p>
+
+<p><q>Just my luck,</q> muttered Eph, disconsolately.
+<q>Here I've been dull as ditch-water
+for an hour, trying to find out something new,
+and it's all stated in a book printed—ten years
+ago,</q> he finished, after rapidly consulting the
+title-page.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum had been no listener to this
+conversation. Taking the marine glasses from
+the conning tower, the shipbuilder was now well
+forward on the platform deck, scanning what
+was visible of the steam craft to the southward.
+At last the yard's owner turned around to say:</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't believe you young men can have
+things ship-shape a second too soon. The craft
+heading this way has a military mast forward.
+She must be the 'Hudson.' If there's anything
+to be done, hustle!</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack and Hal sprang below, to scan their respective
+<pb n="031" /><anchor id="Pg031" />
+departments. Five minutes later Grant
+Andrews hailed from the <q>Pollard,</q> and Eph
+rowed over in the shore boat to ferry over the
+machinists.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour later Andrews and his men had
+put in the few needed touches aboard the newer
+submarine boat. The sun, meanwhile, had gone
+down, showing the hull of a naval vessel some
+four miles off the harbor.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness came on quickly, with a clouded sky.
+As young Benson stepped on deck Grant Andrews
+followed him.</p>
+
+<p><q>All finished here, Grant?</q> queried the
+yard's owner.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir. There's mighty little chance to
+do anything where Hal Hastings has charge of
+the machinery.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's our gunboat out there, I think,</q> went
+on Mr. Farnum, pointing to where a white masthead
+light and a red port light were visible,
+about a mile away.</p>
+
+<p><q>Dunhaven must be on the map, all right,
+if a strange navigating officer knows how to
+come so straight to the place,</q> laughed Jack
+Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, you trust a United States naval officer
+to find any place he has sailing orders for,</q> returned
+Jacob Farnum. <q>I wonder if he'll
+attempt to come into this harbor?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="032" /><anchor id="Pg032" />
+<q>There's safe anchorage, if he wants to do
+so,</q> replied Captain Jack.</p>
+
+<p>While Somers was busy putting the foreman
+and the machinists ashore, Mr. Farnum, Jack
+and Hal remained on the platform deck, watching
+the approach of the naval vessel, which was
+now plainly making for Dunhaven.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, a broad beam of glaring white light
+shot over the water, resting across the deck of
+the <q>Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I guess that fellow knows what he wants to
+know, now,</q> muttered Benson, blinking after
+the strong glare had passed.</p>
+
+<p><q>There, he has picked up the 'Pollard,' too,</q>
+announced Hastings. <q>Now, that commander
+must feel sure he has sighted the right place.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>There go the signal lights,</q> cried Captain
+Jack, suddenly. <q>Hal, hustle below and turn
+on the electric current for the signaling
+apparatus.</q></p>
+
+<p>Then Benson watched as, from the yards high
+up on the gunboat's signaling mast, colored
+electric lights glowed forth, twinkling briefly in
+turn. This is the modern method of signaling
+by sea at night.</p>
+
+<p><q>He wants to know,</q> said Benson, to Mr.
+Farnum, as he turned, <q>whether there is safe
+anchorage for a twelve-hundred-ton gunboat of
+one hundred and ninety-five feet length.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="033" /><anchor id="Pg033" />
+Reaching the inside of the conning tower at a
+bound, the young skipper rapidly manipulated
+his own electric signaling control. There was
+a low mast on the <q>Farnum's</q> platform deck,
+a mast that could be unstepped almost in an
+instant when going below surface. So Captain
+Jack's counter-query beamed out in colors
+through the night:</p>
+
+<p><q>What's your draught?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Under present ballast, seventeen-eight,</q>
+came the answer from the gunboat's signal
+mast.</p>
+
+<p><q>Safe anchorage,</q> Captain Jack signaled
+back.</p>
+
+<p><q>Can you meet us with a pilot?</q> questioned
+the on-coming gunboat.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> Captain Jack responded.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do so,</q> came the laconic request.</p>
+
+<p><q>That's all, Hal,</q> the young skipper called,
+through the engine room speaking tube. <q>Want
+to row me out and put me aboard the gunboat?</q></p>
+
+<p>In another jiffy the two young chums had
+put off in the boat, Hal at the oars, Jack at the
+tiller ropes. The gunboat was now lying to,
+some seven hundred yards off the mouth of the
+little harbor. Hastings bent lustily to the oars,
+sending the boat over the rocking water until
+he was within a hundred yards of the steam
+craft's bridge.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="034" /><anchor id="Pg034" />
+<q>Gun boat ahoy!</q> roared Hal, between his
+hands. Then, by a slip of the tongue, and
+wholly innocent of any intentional offense, he
+bellowed:</p>
+
+<p><q>Is that the 'Dad' boat?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What's that?</q> came a sharp retort from
+the gunboat's bridge. <q>Don't try to be funny,
+young man!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Beg your pardon, sir. That was a slip of
+the tongue,</q> Hal replied, meekly, as he colored.
+<q>Are you the gunboat 'Hudson?'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No; I'm her commanding officer, young
+man! Who in blazes are you?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm the goat, it seems,</q> muttered Hastings,
+under his breath. But, aloud, he replied:</p>
+
+<p><q>I have the pilot you requested.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then why don't you bring him on board?</q>
+came the sharp question. <q>Did you think I
+only wanted to look at a pilot?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>All right, sir. Shall I make fast to your
+starboard side gangway?</q> Hal called.</p>
+
+<p><q>In a hurry, young man!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's the naval style, I guess,</q> murmured
+Jack to his chum. <q>No fooling in the talk. I
+wonder if that fellow eats pie? Or is his temper
+due to coffee?</q></p>
+
+<p>Answering only with a quiet grin, Hal rowed
+alongside the starboard side gangway. Jack,
+waiting, sprang quickly to the steps, ascending,
+<pb n="035" /><anchor id="Pg035" />
+waving his hand to Hal as he went. Young
+Hastings quickly shoved off, then bent to his
+oars.</p>
+
+<p><q>Where's the pilot?</q> came a stern voice,
+from the bridge, as Jack Benson's head showed
+above the starboard rail.</p>
+
+<p><q>I am the pilot, sir,</q> Jack replied.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, you're a boy.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Guilty,</q> Jack responded.</p>
+
+<p><q>What does this fooling mean? You're not
+old enough to hold a pilot's license.</q></p>
+
+<p>By this time Benson was on the deck, immediately
+under the bridge. A half dozen sailors,
+forward, were eyeing him curiously.</p>
+
+<p><q>I have no license, sir,</q> Jack admitted.
+<q>Neither has anyone else at Dunhaven. For
+that matter, the harbor's a private one, belonging
+to the shipyard.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Hasn't Mr. Farnum a <hi rend="font-style: italic">man</hi> he can send
+out?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No one who knows the harbor better than I
+do, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Who are you? What are you?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Jack Benson, sir. Captain of the Pollard
+submarine boats.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why didn't you tell me that before?</q></p>
+
+<p>The question came sharply, almost raspingly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Beg your pardon, sir, but you didn't ask
+me,</q> Jack replied.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="036" /><anchor id="Pg036" />
+<q>Come up here, Benson,</q> ordered the lieutenant
+commander, in a loud voice intended to
+drown out the subdued titter of some of the
+sailors forward.</p>
+
+<p>Jack ascended to the bridge, to find himself
+facing a six-footer in his early thirties. There
+was a younger officer at the far end of the
+bridge.</p>
+
+<p><q>Does Mr. Farnum consider you capable of
+showing us the way into the harbor?</q> demanded
+the commanding officer of the <q>Hudson.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I think so, sir. He trusts me with his own
+boats.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then you are—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Benson, Mr. Farnum's captain of the submarine
+boats.</q></p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Commander Mayhew gazed in astonishment
+for a moment, then held out his
+hand as he introduced himself, remarking:</p>
+
+<p><q>I was told that I would find a very young
+submarine commander here, but—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You didn't expect to find one quite as
+young,</q> Jack finished, smiling.</p>
+
+<p><q>No; I didn't. Mr. Trahern, I want you to
+know Captain Jack Benson, of the Pollard
+submarines.</q></p>
+
+<p>Ensign Trahern also shook hands with young
+Benson.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="037" /><anchor id="Pg037" />
+<q>And now,</q> went on the commander of the
+<q>Hudson,</q> <q>I think you may as well show us
+the way into the harbor.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You'll want to go at little more than headway,
+sir,</q> Jack replied. <q>The harbor is small,
+though there's enough deep water for you. In
+parts there are some sand ledges that the tide
+washes up.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I can't allow you to pilot us, exactly, but
+you'll indicate the course to me, won't you, Mr.
+Benson?</q></p>
+
+<p>The <q>mister</q> was noticeable, now. Naval
+officers are chary of their bestowal of the title
+<q>captain</q> upon one who does not hold it in
+the Army or Navy service.</p>
+
+<p>At Mr. Mayhew's order the <q>Hudson</q> was
+started slowly forward, the searchlight playing
+about the entrance to the harbor.</p>
+
+<p><q>For your best anchorage, sir,</q> declared
+Captain Jack, after he had brought the gunboat
+slowly into the harbor, <q>you will do well
+to anchor with that main arc-light dead ahead,
+that shed over there on your starboard beam,
+and the front end of the submarine shed about
+four points off your port bow.</q></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mayhew slowly manœuvred his craft,
+while men stood on the deck below, forward,
+prepared to heave the bow anchors.</p>
+
+<p><q>Go four points over to port, Mr. Trahern,</q>
+<pb n="038" /><anchor id="Pg038" />
+instructed Mr. Mayhew. <q>Now, back the engines—steady!</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson opened his mouth wide. Then,
+as he saw the way the <q>Hudson</q> was backing,
+he suddenly called:</p>
+
+<p><q>Slow speed ahead, quick, sir!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You said—</q> began Mr. Mayhew.</p>
+
+<p>Gr-r-r-r! The stern of the gunboat dug its
+way into a sand ledge, lifting the stern considerably.</p>
+
+<p><q>Slow speed ahead!</q> rasped Lieutenant
+Commander Mayhew, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>But the gunboat could not be budged. She
+was stuck, stern on, fast in the sand-ledge.</p>
+
+<p><q>Benson!</q> uttered the lieutenant commander,
+bitterly, <q>I congratulate you. You've succeeded
+in grounding a United States Naval
+vessel!</q></p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER III: <q>YOU MAY AS WELL LEAVE THE BRIDGE!</q></head>
+
+<p>
+There was so much of overwhelming
+censure in the naval officer's tone that
+Jack's spirit was stung to the quick.</p>
+
+<p><q>It's your mistake, sir,</q> he retorted. <q>You
+didn't follow the course I advised. You swung
+the ship around to port, and—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Silence, now, if you please, while men are
+<pb n="039" /><anchor id="Pg039" />
+trying to get this vessel out of a scrape a boy
+got her into,</q> commanded Mr. Mayhem, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>Jack flushed, then bit his tongue. In another
+moment a pallor had succeeded the red in his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>He was blamed for the disaster, and he was
+not really at fault.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, under the rebuke he had just received,
+he did not feel it his place to retort further for
+the present.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mayhew and Mr. Trahern conferred in
+low tones for a moment or two.</p>
+
+<p><q>You may as well leave the bridge, young
+man,</q> resumed Mr. Mayhew, turning upon the
+submarine boy. <q>You are not likely to be of
+any use here.</q></p>
+
+<p>As Jack, burning inwardly with indignation,
+though managing to keep outwardly calm, descended
+to the deck below, he caught sight of
+Hal Hastings, hovering near in the rowboat.
+Hal signaled to learn whether he should put in
+alongside to take off his chum, but Benson
+shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>Over on the <q>Farnum</q> the yard's owner and
+Eph Somers watched wonderingly. They understood,
+well enough, that the new, trim-looking
+gunboat was in trouble, but they did not
+know that Jack Benson was held at fault.</p>
+
+<p>Down between decks the engines of the <q>Hudson</q>
+<pb n="040" /><anchor id="Pg040" />
+were toiling hard to run the craft off out
+of the sand. Then the machinery stopped. An
+engineer officer came up from below. He and
+Mr. Mayhew walked to the stern, while a seaman,
+accompanying them, heaved the lead,
+reading the soundings.</p>
+
+<p><q>We're stuck good and fast,</q> remarked the
+engineer officer. <q>We can't drive off out of
+that sand for the reason that the propellers are
+buried in the grit. They'll hardly turn at all,
+and, when they do, they only churn the sand
+without driving us off.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Confound that ignoramus of a boy!</q> muttered
+Mr. Mayhew, walking slowly forward. It
+was no pleasant situation for the lieutenant commander.
+Having run his vessel ashore, he
+knew himself likely to be facing a naval board
+of inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>Hal, finding that the shore boat was not
+wanted for the present, had rowed over to the
+<q>Farnum's</q> moorings. Now Jacob Farnum
+came alongside in the shore boat.</p>
+
+<p><q>May I speak with your watch officer?</q> he
+called.</p>
+
+<p><q>I am the commanding officer,</q> Mr. Mayhew
+called down, in the cold, even, dulled voice
+of a man in trouble.</p>
+
+<p><q>I am Mr. Farnum, owner of the yard. May
+I come on board?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="041" /><anchor id="Pg041" />
+<q>Be glad to have you,</q> Lieutenant Commander
+Mayhew responded.</p>
+
+<p>So Mr. Farnum went nimbly up over the side.</p>
+
+<p><q>May I ask what is the trouble here, sir?</q>
+asked the yard's owner.</p>
+
+<p><q>The trouble is,</q> replied Mr. Mayhew, <q>that
+your enterprising boy pilot has run us aground—hard,
+tight and fast!</q></p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum glanced swiftly at his young
+captain. Jack shook his head briefly in dissent.
+Jacob Farnum, with full confidence in his young
+man, at once understood that there was more yet
+to be learned.</p>
+
+<p><q>Come up on the bridge, sir, if you will,</q> requested
+the commander of the gunboat, who was
+a man of too good breeding to wish any dispute
+before the men of the crew. <q>You may come,
+too, Benson.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack followed the others, including the
+engineer officer of the <q>Hudson.</q> Yet Benson
+was clenching his hands, fighting a desperate
+battle to get full command over himself. It
+was hard—worse than hard—to be unjustly
+accused.</p>
+
+<p>Jacob Farnum wished to keep on the pleasantest
+terms with these officers of the Navy. At
+the same time he was man enough to feel determined
+that Jack, whether right or wrong, should
+have a full chance to defend himself.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="042" /><anchor id="Pg042" />
+<q>I understand, sir,</q> began Mr. Farnum,
+<q>that you attach some blame in this matter to
+young Benson?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Perhaps he is not to be blamed too much, on
+account of his extreme youth,</q> responded Mr.
+Mayhew.</p>
+
+<p><q>Forget his youth altogether,</q> urged Mr.
+Farnum. <q>Let us treat him as a man. I've
+always found him one, in judgment, knowledge
+and loyalty. Do you mind telling me, sir, in
+what way he erred in bringing you in here?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>An error in giving his advice,</q> replied
+Mr. Mayhew. <q>Or else it was ignorance of how
+to handle a craft as large as this gunboat. For
+my anchorage he told me—</q></p>
+
+<p>Here the lieutenant commander repeated the
+first part of Jack's directions correctly, but
+wound up with:</p>
+
+<p><q>He advised me to throw my wheel over four
+points to port.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Pardon me, sir,</q> Jack broke in, unable to
+keep still longer. <q>What I said, or intended to
+say, was to bring your vessel so that the forward
+end of the submarine shed over there would be
+four points off the port bow.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What did you hear Mr. Benson say, Mr.
+Trahern?</q> demanded the gunboat's commander,
+turning to the ensign who had stood
+with him on the bridge.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="043" /><anchor id="Pg043" />
+<q>Why, sir, I understood the lad to say what
+he states that he said.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You are sure of that, Mr. Trahern?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Unless my ears tricked me badly,</q> replied
+the ensign, <q>Mr. Benson said just what he now
+states. I wondered, sir, at your calling for slow
+speed astern.</q></p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Commander Mayhew gazed for
+some moments fixedly at the face of Ensign
+Trahern. Then, of a sudden, the gunboat's
+commander, who was both an officer and a gentleman,
+broke forth, contritely:</p>
+
+<p><q>As I think it over, I believe, myself, that
+Benson advised as he now states he did. It was
+my own error—I am sure of it now.</q></p>
+
+<p>Wheeling about, Mayhew held out his right
+hand.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson,</q> he said, in a deep voice full of
+regret, <q>I was the one in error. I am glad to
+admit it, even if tardily. Will you pardon my
+too hasty censure?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Gladly, sir,</q> Benson replied, gripping the
+proffered hand. Jacob Farnum stood back,
+wagging his head in a satisfied way. It had
+been difficult for him to believe that his young
+captain had been at fault in so simple a matter,
+or in a harbor with which he was so intimately
+acquainted.</p>
+
+<p>As for the young man himself, the thing that
+<pb n="044" /><anchor id="Pg044" />
+touched him most deeply was the quick, complete
+and manly acknowledgment of this lieutenant
+commander.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Farnum,</q> inquired the gunboat's commander,
+<q>have you any towboats about here
+that can be used in helping me to get the 'Hudson'
+off this sand ledge?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The only one in near waters, sir,</q> replied
+the yard's owner, <q>is a craft, not so very much
+larger than a launch, that ties up some three
+miles down the coast. She's the boat I use when
+I need any towing here. Of course, I have the
+two torpedo boats, though their engines were
+not constructed for towing work.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>May I offer a suggestion?</q> asked Jack,
+when the talk lagged.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll be glad to have you, Mr. Benson,</q> replied
+Mr. Mayhew, turning toward the submarine
+boy.</p>
+
+<p><q>Flood tide will be in in about two hours and
+a half, sir,</q> Benson followed up. <q>That ought
+to raise this vessel a good deal. Then, with the
+towboat Mr. Farnum has mentioned, and with
+such help as the engines of the submarines may
+give, together with your own engines, Mr. Mayhew,
+I think there ought to be a good chance of
+getting the 'Hudson' afloat with plenty of water
+under her whole keel. We can even start some
+of the engines on shore, and rig winches to haul
+<pb n="045" /><anchor id="Pg045" />
+on extra cables. Altogether, we can give you a
+strong pull, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That sounds like the best plan to me,</q>
+nodded Jacob Farnum. <q>I'll have a message
+sent at once for that towboat.</q></p>
+
+<p>A white-coated steward now appeared on
+deck, moving near the lieutenant commander.</p>
+
+<p><q>Is dinner ready, Greers?</q> called Mr. Mayhew.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Lay two more plates, then. Mr. Farnum, I
+trust you and your young submarine commander
+will sit as my guests to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p>This invitation the yard's owner accepted,
+asking only time enough to arrange for keeping
+some of his workmen over-time, awaiting the
+coming of flood-tide.</p>
+
+<p>So, presently, Jack and his employer found
+themselves seated at table in the gunboat's
+handsome wardroom. Besides the lieutenant
+commander there were Lieutenant Halpin, two
+ensigns, two engineer officers and a young medical
+officer. In the <q>Hudson's</q> complement of
+officers there were also four midshipmen, but
+these latter ate in their own mess.</p>
+
+<p>The time passed most pleasantly, Mr. Mayhew
+plainly doing all in his power to atone for
+his late censure of the submarine boy.</p>
+
+<p>Before dinner was over the small towboat was
+<pb n="046" /><anchor id="Pg046" />
+in the harbor. At the coming of flood tide this
+towing craft had a hawser made fast to the gunboat.
+With the help of some of the naval
+machinists aboard the <q>Hudson,</q> both submarine
+craft were also manned and hawsers
+made fast. Two cables were passed ashore to
+winches to which power was supplied by the
+shipyard's engines. When all was ready a
+mighty pull was given, the gunboat's own propellers
+taking part in the struggle. For two or
+three minutes the efforts continued. Then, at
+last, the <q>Hudson,</q> uninjured, ran off into deep
+water and shortly afterwards anchored in
+safety.</p>
+
+<p>It was a moment of tremendous relief for
+Mr. Mayhew.</p>
+
+<p><q>Call the tugboat captain aboard, and I'll
+settle with him at my own expense,</q> proposed
+the lieutenant commander.</p>
+
+<p><q>I trust you will think of nothing of the sort,</q>
+replied Jacob Farnum, quickly. <q>In this harbor
+I wish to consider you and your vessel as
+my guests.</q></p>
+
+<p>Again Mr. Mayhew expressed his thanks.
+Presently, glancing ashore through the night, he
+asked:</p>
+
+<p><q>What sort of country is it hereabouts?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Mostly flat, as to the surface,</q> Mr. Farnum
+replied. <q>If your question goes further, there
+<pb n="047" /><anchor id="Pg047" />
+are some fine roads and several handsome
+estates within a few miles of here. Mr. Mayhew,
+won't you and a couple of your officers
+come on shore with me? I'll telephone for my
+car and put you over quite a few miles this
+evening.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Delighted,</q> replied the commander of the
+gunboat.</p>
+
+<p>One of the <q>Hudson's</q> cutters being now in
+the water alongside, the party went ashore in
+this. Jack, after bidding the naval officers
+good-night, found Hal and Eph, who had just
+come ashore from supper on board the <q>Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No sailing orders yet, I suppose?</q> Hal
+asked.</p>
+
+<p><q>None,</q> Jack replied. <q>I reckon we'll start,
+all right, some time to-morrow morning.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What'll we do to-night?</q> Eph wondered.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't know,</q> replied Jack. <q>We've few
+friends around here we need to take the trouble
+to say good-bye to. We could call on Mrs. Farnum,
+but I imagine we'd run into the naval party
+up at the Farnum house. We want to keep a bit
+in the background with these naval officers,
+except when they may ask for our company.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Let's take a walk about the old town, then,</q>
+Hal suggested.</p>
+
+<p>So the three submarine boys strolled across
+<pb n="048" /><anchor id="Pg048" />
+the shipyard. Just as they were passing
+through the gate a man of middle height and
+seemingly about thirty years of age quickened
+his pace to reach them.</p>
+
+<p><q>Is this shipyard open nights?</q> he queried.</p>
+
+<p><q>Only to some employees,</q> Jack answered.</p>
+
+<p><q>I suppose Mr. Farnum isn't about?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Captain Benson?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Benson is my name.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>This letter is addressed to Mr. Farnum,</q>
+went on the stranger, <q>but Mr. Pollard told me
+I could hand it to you.</q></p>
+
+<p>Captain Jack took the letter from the unsealed
+envelope.</p>
+
+<p><q>My dear Farnum,</q> ran the enclosure,
+<q>since you're short a good machinist for the
+engine room of the 'Farnum,' the bearer, Samuel
+Truax, seems to me to be just the man you
+want. I've examined him, and he understands
+the sort of machinery we use. Better give him
+a chance.</q> The note was signed in David Pollard's
+well-known, scrawly handwriting.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm sorry you can't see Mr. Farnum to-night,</q>
+said Benson, pleasantly. <q>He'll be
+here early in the morning, though.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>When do you sail?</q> asked Truax, quickly.</p>
+
+<p><q>That you would have to ask Mr. Farnum,
+too,</q> smiled Jack.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="049" /><anchor id="Pg049" />
+<q>But, see here, Mr. Pollard engaged me to
+work aboard one of your submarines.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It looks that way, doesn't it?</q> laughed the
+young skipper.</p>
+
+<p><q>And you're the captain?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; but I can't undertake to handle Mr.
+Farnum's business for him.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You'll let me go aboard the craft to sleep
+for to-night, anyway?</q> coaxed Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, that's just what I'm not at liberty to
+do,</q> replied the young submarine captain.
+<q>No; I couldn't think of that, in the absence
+of Mr. Farnum's order.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But that doesn't seem hardly fair,</q> protested
+Truax. <q>See here, I have spent all my
+money getting here. I haven't even the price
+of a lodging with me, and this isn't a summer
+night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, I'll tell you what I'll do,</q> Benson
+went on, feeling in one of his pockets. <q>Here's
+a dollar. That'll buy you a bed and a breakfast
+at the hotel up the street. If you want to get
+aboard with us in time, you'd better show up
+by eight in the morning.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's really all I can do,</q> Jack Benson
+hastily assured the fellow. <q>I'm not the
+owner of the boat, and I can't take any liberties.
+Oh, wait just a moment. I'll see if there's
+<pb n="050" /><anchor id="Pg050" />
+any chance of Mr. Farnum coming back to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack knew well enough that there wasn't any
+chance of Mr. Farnum returning, unless possibly
+at a very late hour with the naval officers, but
+the boy had seen the night watchman peering
+out through the gateway.</p>
+
+<p>Retracing his steps, Jack drew the night
+watchman inside, whispering:</p>
+
+<p><q>Just a pointer for you. You've seen that
+man on the street with us? He has a letter
+from Mr. Pollard to Mr. Farnum, but I wouldn't
+let him in the yard to-night, unless Mr. Farnum
+appears and gives the order.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I understand,</q> said the night watchman,
+nodding.</p>
+
+<p><q>That's all, then, and thank you.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson hastily rejoined the others on
+the sidewalk.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't believe, Mr. Truax, it will be worth
+your while to come here earlier than eight in
+the morning. Better go to the hotel and tie
+up to a good sleep. Good night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Say, why did you take such a dislike to the
+fellow?</q> queried Eph, as the three submarine
+boys strolled on up the street, Truax following
+slowly at some distance in the rear.</p>
+
+<p><q>I didn't take a dislike to him,</q> Jack replied,
+opening his eyes wide.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="051" /><anchor id="Pg051" />
+<q>You choked him off mighty short, then.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>If it looked that way, then I'm sorry,</q> Benson
+protested, in a tone of genuine regret. <q>All
+I wanted to make plain was that I couldn't pass
+him on to our precious old boat without Mr.
+Farnum's order.</q></p>
+
+<p>Truax plodded slowly along behind the submarine
+boys, a cunning look in the man's eyes
+as he stared after Jack Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>You're a slick young man, or else a wise
+one,</q> muttered Truax. <q>But I think I'm smart
+enough to take it out of you!</q></p>
+
+<p>Nor did Sam Truax go to the hotel. He had
+his own plans for this evening—plans that
+boded the submarine boys no good.</p>
+
+<p>The three boys strolled easily about town,
+getting a hot soda or two, and, finally, drifting
+into a moving picture show that had opened
+recently in Dunhaven. This place they did not
+leave until the show was over. They were half-way
+home when Captain Jack remembered that
+he had left behind him a book that he had
+bought earlier in the evening.</p>
+
+<p><q>You fellows keep right on down to the yard.
+I'll hurry back, get the book and overtake
+you,</q> he proposed.</p>
+
+<p>Jack ran back, but already the little theatre
+was closed.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm out that book, then, if we sail in the
+<pb n="052" /><anchor id="Pg052" />
+morning,</q> he muttered, as he trudged along
+after his friends.</p>
+
+<p>On the way toward the water front Benson
+had to pass a vacant lot surrounded by a high
+board fence on a deserted street. He had
+passed about half way along the length of the
+fence, when a head appeared over the top followed
+by a pair of arms holding a small bag
+of sand. Down dropped the bag, striking Jack
+Benson on the top of the head, sending him unconscious
+to the ground.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER IV: MR. FARNUM OFFERS ANOTHER GUESS</head>
+
+<p>
+Close at hand there was a loose board in
+the fence. Through this Sam Truax
+thrust his head, peering up and down
+the street. Not another soul was in sight.</p>
+
+<p>With a chuckle Truax stepped through the
+hole in the fence. Swiftly he gathered up the
+young submarine captain, bearing him through
+the aperture and dropping him on the ground
+behind the fence. At the same time he took
+with him the small bag of sand.</p>
+
+<p><q>Knocked you out, but I don't believe you'll
+be unconscious long,</q> mused Truax, standing
+over his young victim, regarding him critically.
+<pb n="055" /><anchor id="Pg055" />
+<q>There wasn't steam enough in the blow to
+hurt you for long. You're sturdy, following
+the sea all the time, as you do.</q></p>
+
+<p>With a thoughtful air Sam Truax drew a
+small bottle from his pocket, sprinkling some
+of the contents over Jack's uniform coat. Immediately
+the nauseating smell of liquor rose
+on the air.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, if someone finds you before you come
+to, you'll look like a fellow that has been drinking
+and fighting,</q> muttered Truax under his
+breath. <q>If you come to and get back to the
+yard without help, you'll walk unsteadily and
+have that smell about your clothes. Usually,
+it needs only a breath of suspicion to turn folks
+against a boy!</q></p>
+
+<figure url="images/image02.jpg" rend="w50">
+ <anchor id="image02" />
+ <index index="fig" />
+ <head rend="font-size: x-small">Down Dropped the Bag.</head>
+ <figDesc>Illustration: Down Dropped the Bag.</figDesc>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Pausing only long enough to learn that Jack's
+pulses were beating, and that the submarine
+boy was breathing, Truax stole off into the
+night, carrying the bag of sand under his overcoat.
+At one point he paused long enough to
+empty the sand from the bag over a fence. The
+bag itself he afterwards burned in the open fireplace
+in the room assigned to him at Holt's
+Hotel.</p>
+
+<p>For twenty minutes Jack Benson lay as he
+had been left. Then he began to stir, and groan.
+Then he opened his eyes; after a while he managed
+to sit up.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="056" /><anchor id="Pg056" />
+<q>Ugh!</q> he grunted. <q>What's the odor?
+Liquor! How does that happen? Oh, my
+head!</q></p>
+
+<p>He got slowly to his feet, using the board
+fence as a means to help steady himself. Then,
+though he found himself weak and tormented
+by the pain in his head, Benson managed to feel
+his way along the fence until he came to the
+opening made by the loose board. Holding
+himself here, he thrust his head beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Now, Hal and Eph, having waited for some
+time at the shore boat, before going out on board
+the <q>Farnum,</q> had at last made up their minds
+to go back and look for their missing leader.
+They came along just at the moment that the
+young captain's head appeared through the
+opening in the fence.</p>
+
+<p><q>There he is,</q> muttered Hal, stopping short.
+<q>Gracious! He acts queerly. I wonder if
+anything can have happened to him? Come
+along, Eph!</q></p>
+
+<p>The two raced across the street.</p>
+
+<p><q>Jack, old fellow! What on earth's the matter?</q>
+demanded Hal Hastings, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p><q>I wish you could tell me,</q> responded Jack
+Benson, speaking rather thickly, for he was still
+somewhat dazed. <q>Oh, my head!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>There has been some queer work here,</q> muttered
+Hal in Eph's ear. <q>Don't torment him
+<pb n="057" /><anchor id="Pg057" />
+with questions. Just help me to get him down
+to the yard.</q></p>
+
+<p>While the two submarine boys were guiding
+their weak, dizzy comrade out to the sidewalk
+a man came by with a swinging stride. Then
+he stopped short, staring in amazement.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hullo, boys! What on earth has happened?</q></p>
+
+<p>It was Grant Andrews, foreman of the submarine
+work at the yard, and a warm personal
+friend of Benson's.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't believe the old chap feels like telling
+us just now,</q> muttered Hal, with a sour
+face.</p>
+
+<p><q>Whiskey!</q> muttered Andrews, almost under
+his breath. <q>What does it mean? Benson
+never touched a drop of that vile stuff, did
+he?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>He'd sooner drown himself,</q> retorted Hal,
+with spirit.</p>
+
+<p><q>Of course he would,</q> agreed Grant Andrews.
+<q>But what is the meaning of all this?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, there's some queer, hocus-pocus business
+on foot,</q> muttered Hal, bitterly. <q>But I
+don't believe Jack feels much like telling us
+anything about it at present.</q></p>
+
+<p>In truth, Jack didn't seem inclined to conversation.
+He was too sore and dazed to feel
+like talking. He couldn't collect his ideas
+<pb n="058" /><anchor id="Pg058" />
+clearly. The most that he actually knew was
+that the pain in his head was tormenting.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll pick him right up in my arms and carry
+him,</q> proposed Andrews. <q>I'll take him to
+Mr. Farnum's office. Then I'll get a doctor.
+We don't want much noise about this, or folks
+will be telling all sorts of yarns against Jack
+Benson and his drinking habits, when the truth
+is he's about the finest, steadiest young fellow
+alive!</q></p>
+
+<p>Just as Andrews was about to carry his purpose
+into action, however, an automobile turned
+the nearest corner and came swiftly toward
+them. In another instant it stopped alongside.
+It contained Mr. Farnum and his chauffeur, besides
+three naval officers.</p>
+
+<p><q>What's wrong, Andrews?</q> called the
+yard's owner. <q>Why, that's Jack Benson!
+What has happened to him?</q></p>
+
+<p>Hal and Eph stood supporting their comrade,
+almost holding him, in fact. Jacob Farnum
+leaped from his automobile. Lieutenant
+Commander Mayhew followed him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Liquor, eh?</q> exclaimed the naval officer, the
+odor reaching his nostrils.</p>
+
+<p><q>No such thing,</q> retorted Farnum, turning
+upon the officer. <q>At least, Jack Benson has
+been drinking no such stuff.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It was only a guess,</q> murmured Mr. Mayhew,
+<pb n="059" /><anchor id="Pg059" />
+apologetically. <q>You know your young
+man better than I do, Mr. Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>There is liquor on his clothing,</q> continued
+the shipbuilder. <q>It looks as though someone
+had assaulted the lad, laid him out, and then
+sprinkled him. It's a wasted trick, though. I
+know him too well to be fooled by any such
+clumsy bit of nonsense.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>A stupid trick, indeed,</q> agreed Lieutenant
+Commander Mayhew, but the naval officer did
+not quite share the shipbuilder's confidence in
+the submarine boy's innocence. Mr. Mayhew
+had known of too many cases of naval apprentices
+ruined through weak indulgence in liquor.
+Indeed, he had even known of rare instances in
+which cadets had been dismissed from the Naval
+Academy for the same offense. The lieutenant
+commander's present doubt of Jack Benson was
+likely to work to that young man's disadvantage
+later on.</p>
+
+<p>Others of the party left the auto. Hal and
+Mr. Farnum got into the tonneau, supporting
+Jack there between them. Thus they carried
+him to Mr. Farnum's office at the yard, Grant
+Andrews then going in the car after a doctor,
+while the others stretched Jack on the office sofa.
+The naval officers returned to the <q>Hudson,</q> at
+anchor in the little harbor below.</p>
+
+<p><q>The young man acts as though he had been
+<pb n="060" /><anchor id="Pg060" />
+struck on the head,</q> was the physician's verdict.
+<q>No bones of the skull are broken. The
+odor of liquor is on his coat, but I can't seem to
+detect any on the breath.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Of course you can't,</q> commented Jacob
+Farnum, crisply. <q>Will Benson be fit to sail in
+the morning?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I think so,</q> nodded the doctor. <q>But there
+ought to be a nurse with him to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Take my car, Andrews, and get a man nurse
+at once,</q> directed Mr. Farnum. <q>Doctor, can
+the young man be moved to his berth on the
+'Farnum'?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Safely enough,</q> nodded the medical man.
+They waited until the nurse arrived, when Jack
+was put to bed on the newer submarine craft.</p>
+
+<p>Jack slept through the night, moaning once
+in a while. Mr. Farnum and the Dunhaven
+doctor were aboard early to look at him. The
+surgeon from the <q>Hudson</q> also came over.</p>
+
+<p>Under the effects of medicine Jack Benson
+was asleep when, at ten o'clock that morning, the
+two submarine torpedo boats slipped their
+moorings, following the <q>parent boat,</q> the
+<q>Hudson,</q> out of the harbor.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later the motion of the sea awoke
+the young skipper.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<pb n="061" /><anchor id="Pg061" />
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER V: TRUAX SHOWS THE SULKS</head>
+
+<p>
+<q>Hullo!</q> muttered the young submarine
+skipper, staring curiously
+about the little stateroom aft. He
+had it to himself, the nurse having been put on
+shore. <q>Under way, eh? This is the queerest
+start I ever made on a voyage.</q></p>
+
+<p>Nor was it many moments later when Jack
+Benson stood on his feet. His clothes were
+hung neatly on nails against the wall. One after
+another Jack secured the garments, slowly donning
+them.</p>
+
+<p><q>How my head throbs and buzzes!</q> he muttered,
+his voice sounding unsteady. <q>Gracious!
+What could have happened? Let me see. The
+last I remember—passing that high fence—</q></p>
+
+<p>But it was all too great a puzzle. Benson
+finally decided to stop guessing until some
+future time. He went on with his dressing.
+Finally, with his blouse buttoned as exactly as
+ever, and his cap placed gingerly on his aching
+head, he opened the stateroom door, stepping
+out into the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>Accustomed as he was to sea motion, the slight
+roll of the <q>Farnum</q> did not bother the young
+<pb n="062" /><anchor id="Pg062" />
+skipper much. He soon reached the bottom of
+the short spiral stairway leading up into the conning
+tower. Up there, in the helmsman's seat,
+he espied Hal Hastings with his hands employed
+at the steering apparatus. Hal was looking out
+over the water, straight ahead.</p>
+
+<p><q>Sailing these days without word from your
+captain, eh?</q> Jack called, in a voice that carried,
+though it shook.</p>
+
+<p><q>Gracious—you?</q> ejaculated Hal, looking
+down for an instant. Then Hastings pressed a
+button connecting with a bell in the engine room.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm going up there with you,</q> Jack volunteered.</p>
+
+<p><q>Right-o, if you insist,</q> clicked Eph Somers,
+appearing from the engine room and darting to
+the young skipper's side. True, Jack's head
+swam a bit dizzily as he climbed the stairs, but
+Eph's strong support made the task much
+easier. There was space to spare on the seat
+beside Hal, and into this Jack Benson sank.</p>
+
+<p><q>Say, you ought to sleep until afternoon,</q>
+was Hastings's next greeting, but Jack was
+looking out of the conning tower at the scene
+around him.</p>
+
+<p>The three craft were leaving the coast directly
+behind. About three hundred yards away,
+abeam, steamed the <q>Hudson</q> at a nine-knot
+gait.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="063" /><anchor id="Pg063" />
+<q>The 'Pollard' is on the other side of the gunboat,
+isn't she?</q> asked Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> Hal nodded.</p>
+
+<p><q>Naval crew aboard her?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; Government has taken full possession
+of the 'Pollard.'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Who's running this boat? Just you and
+Eph?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No; that new man, Truax, is on board, and
+at the last moment Mr. Farnum put Williamson,
+one of the machinists, aboard, also. You can
+send Williamson back from Annapolis whenever
+you're through with him.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Williamson is all right,</q> nodded Jack,
+slowly. <q>But how about Truax?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I think he's going to be a useful man,</q> Hal
+responded. <q>He seems familiar with our type
+of engines. Of course, he knows nothing about
+the apparatus for submerging the boat or making
+it dive. But he doesn't need to. Now,
+Jack, old fellow, we're going along all right.
+Why not let Eph help you back to your bunk, or
+one of the seats in the cabin, and have your sleep
+out?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I've had it out,</q> Benson declared, with a
+laugh. <q>I'm ready, now, to take my trick at the
+wheel.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Nonsense,</q> retorted Hal Hastings. <q>I've
+been here a bare quarter of an hour, and I'm
+<pb n="064" /><anchor id="Pg064" />
+good for more work than that. Jack, you're
+nothing but a fifth wheel. You're not needed;
+won't be all day, and at night we anchor in some
+harbor down the coast. Go and rest, like a good
+fellow.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Can't rest, when I know I'm doing nothing,</q>
+Benson retorted, stubbornly. <q>Besides, this is
+the first time I've ever found myself moving
+along in regular formation with the United
+States Navy. I feel almost as if I were a Navy
+officer myself, and I mean to make the most of
+the sensation. Say, Hal, wouldn't it be fine if
+we really <hi rend="font-style: italic">did</hi> belong to the Navy?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Gee-whiz!</q> murmured young Hastings, his
+cheeks glowing and his eyes snapping.</p>
+
+<p><q>If we only belonged to the old Flag for life,
+and knew that we were practising on a boat like
+this as a part of the preparation for real war
+when it came?</q></p>
+
+<p><q><hi rend="font-style: italic">Don't!</hi></q> begged Hal, tensely. <q>For you
+know, old fellow, it can't come true. Why, we
+haven't even a residence anywhere, from which
+a Congressman could appoint one of us to
+Annapolis!</q></p>
+
+<p><q><hi rend="font-style: italic">One</hi> of us?</q> muttered Jack, scornfully.
+<q>Then it would have to be you. <hi rend="font-style: italic">I</hi> wouldn't go,
+even as a cadet at Annapolis, and leave you behind
+in just plain, ordinary life, Hal Hastings!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, it's no use thinking about it,</q> sighed
+<pb n="065" /><anchor id="Pg065" />
+Hal, practically. <q>Neither one of us is in any
+danger of getting appointed to Annapolis, so
+there's no chance that either one of us ever will
+become an officer in the Navy. Let's not talk
+about it, Jack. I've been contented enough, so
+far, but now it makes me almost blue, to think
+that we can only go on testing and handling submarine
+craft like these, while others will be their
+real officers in the Navy, and command them in
+any war that may come.</q></p>
+
+<p>Though his head throbbed, and though a dizzy
+spell came over him every few minutes, Jack
+Benson stuck it out, up there beside his chum,
+for an hour. Then, disdaining aid, he crept
+down the stairs, stretching himself out on one of
+the cabin seats. Eph brought him a pillow and
+a blanket. Jack soon slept, tossing uneasily
+whenever pain throbbed dully in his head.</p>
+
+<p><q>Guess I'll go out and have a little look at the
+young captain,</q> proposed Sam Truax, an hour
+later.</p>
+
+<p><q>Try another guess,</q> retorted Eph, curtly.
+<q>You'll stay here in the engine room. Jack
+Benson isn't going to be bothered in any way.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm not going to bother him; just going to
+take a look at him,</q> protested Truax, moving
+toward the door that separated the engine room
+from the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>But young Somers caught the stranger by the
+<pb n="066" /><anchor id="Pg066" />
+sleeve of the oily jumper that Sam had donned
+on beginning his work.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you know what folks say about me?</q> demanded
+Eph, with a significant glare.</p>
+
+<p><q>What do they say?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Folks have an idea that, at most times, I'm
+one of the best-natured fellows on earth,</q> declared
+Eph, solemnly. <q>Yet they <hi rend="font-style: italic">do</hi> say that,
+when I'm crossed in anything my mind's made
+up to, I can be tarnation ugly. I just told you
+I don't want the captain disturbed. Do you
+know, Sam Truax, I feel a queer notion coming
+over me? I've an idea that that feeling is just
+plain ugliness coming to life!</q></p>
+
+<p>Truax came back from the door, a grin on his
+face. Yet, when he turned his head away, there
+was a queer, almost deadly flash in the fellow's
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Jack slept, uneasily, until towards the middle
+of the afternoon. As soon as Eph found him
+awake, that young man brought the captain a
+plate of toast and a bowl of broth, both prepared
+at the little galley stove.</p>
+
+<p><q>Sit up and get away with these,</q> urged Eph,
+placing the tray on the cabin table. <q>Wait a
+minute. I'll prop you up and put a pillow at
+your back.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>This boat isn't a bad place for a fellow
+when he's knocked out,</q> smiled Jack.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="067" /><anchor id="Pg067" />
+<q>Any place ought to be good, where your
+friends are,</q> came, curtly, from young Somers.</p>
+
+<p>As Captain Jack ate the warm food he felt his
+strength coming back to him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Poor old Hal has been up there in the conning
+tower all these hours,</q> muttered Captain
+Jack, uneasily. <q>He must have that cramped
+feeling in his hands.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Humph!</q> retorted Eph. <q>Not so you could
+notice it much, I guess. It's a simpleton's job
+up in the conning tower to-day. All he has to
+do is to shift the wheel a little to port, or to starboard,
+just so as to keep the proper interval
+from the 'Dad' boat. Besides, I've been up
+there on relief, for an hour while you slept, and
+Hal came down and sat with the engines. Cheer
+up, Jack. No one misses you from the conning
+tower.</q></p>
+
+<p>Benson laughed, though he said, warningly:</p>
+
+<p><q>I reckon we'll do as well to drop calling the
+gunboat the 'Dad boat' instead of the 'parent
+vessel.'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, you needn't bother at all about the
+conning tower to-day,</q> wound up Eph, glancing
+at his watch. <q>It's after half-past three at this
+moment and I understand we're to drop anchor
+about five o'clock.</q></p>
+
+<p>So Skipper Jack settled back with a comfortable
+sigh. Truth to tell, it was pleasant not to
+<pb n="068" /><anchor id="Pg068" />
+have any immediate duty, for his head throbbed,
+every now and then, and he felt dizzy when he
+tried to walk.</p>
+
+<p><q>Who could have hit me in that fashion, last
+night, and for what earthly purpose?</q> wondered
+the boy. <q>I've had some enemies, in the
+past, but I don't know a single person about
+Dunhaven, now who has any reason for wishing
+me harm.</q></p>
+
+<p>Never a thought crossed his mind of suspecting
+Sam Truax. That worthy had come with a
+note from David Pollard, the inventor of the
+boats. Sam, therefore, must be all right, the
+boy reasoned.</p>
+
+<p>Jack lay back on the upholstered seat. He
+sat with his eyes closed most of the time, though
+he did not doze. At last, however, he heard the
+engine room bell sound for reduced speed. Getting
+up, the young captain made his way to the
+foot of the conning tower stairs.</p>
+
+<p><q>Making port, Hal?</q> he called.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yep,</q> came the reply. <q>We'll be at anchor
+in five minutes more.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack made his way slowly to the door of the
+engine room.</p>
+
+<p><q>Eph,</q> he called, <q>as soon as you've shut
+off speed, take Truax above and you two attend
+to the mooring.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Take this other man up with you,</q> urged
+<pb n="069" /><anchor id="Pg069" />
+Sam Truax. <q>I don't know anything about tying
+a boat up to moorings.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Time you learned, then,</q> returned Eph
+Somers, <q>if you're to stay aboard a submarine
+craft.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Take this other man up with you,</q> again
+urged Truax.</p>
+
+<p>Eph Somers turned around to face him with
+a good deal of a glare.</p>
+
+<p><q>What ails you, Truax? You heard the captain's
+order. You'll go with me.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Don't be too sure of that,</q> uttered Sam
+Truax, defiantly.</p>
+
+<p><q>If you don't go above with me, and if you
+don't follow every order you get aboard this
+boat, I know where you <hi rend="font-style: italic">will</hi> go,</q> muttered
+Eph, decisively.</p>
+
+<p><q>Where?</q> jeered Sam.</p>
+
+<p><q>Ashore—in the first boat that can take you
+there.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You seem to forget that I'm on board by
+David Pollard's order,</q> sneered Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>All I am sure of,</q> retorted Eph, <q>is that
+Jack Benson is captain on board this craft.
+That means that he's sole judge of everything
+here when this boat is cruising. If you were
+here by the orders of both owners, Jack Benson
+would fire you ashore for good, just the
+same, after you've balked at the first order.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="070" /><anchor id="Pg070" />
+<q>Humph! I—</q></p>
+
+<p>Clang! Jangle! The signal bell was sounding.</p>
+
+<p><q>Shut up,</q> ordered Eph Somers, briskly.
+<q>I've got the engine to run on signal from the
+watch officer.</q></p>
+
+<p>There followed a series of signals, first of all
+for stopping speed, then for a brief reversing of
+engines. A moment later headway speed ahead
+was ordered. So on Eph went through the
+series of orders until the <q>Farnum</q> had been
+manœuvred to her exact position. Then, from
+above, Captain Jack's voice was heard, roaring
+in almost his usual tones:</p>
+
+<p><q>Turn out below, there, to help make fast!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Take the lever, Williamson,</q> directed Eph.
+<q>Come along lively, Truax.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Humph! Let Williamson go,</q> grumbled
+Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>You come along with me, my man!</q> roared
+Eph, his face blazing angrily. <q>Hustle, too, or
+I'll report you to the captain for disobedience of
+orders. Then you'll go ashore at express speed.
+Coming?</q></p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax appeared to wage a very brief
+battle within himself. Then, nodding sulkily,
+he followed.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hustle up, there!</q> Jack shouted down.
+<q>We don't want to drift.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="071" /><anchor id="Pg071" />
+Jack Benson stood out on the platform deck,
+holding to the conning tower at the port side.
+A naval launch had just placed a buoy over an
+anchor that had been lowered.</p>
+
+<p><q>Get forward, you two,</q> Jack called briskly,
+<q>and make the bow cable fast to that buoy.</q></p>
+
+<p>Hal still sat at the wheel in the tower. As
+Eph and Truax crept forward over the arched
+upper hull of the <q>Farnum,</q> Hal sounded the
+engine room signals and steered until the boat
+had gotten close enough to make the bow cable
+fast. Then the stern cable was made fast, with
+more line, to another buoy.</p>
+
+<p><q>A neat hitch, Mr. Benson,</q> came a voice
+from the bridge of the <q>Hudson,</q> which lay a
+short distance away. Jack, looking up, saw
+Lieutenant Commander Mayhew leaning over
+the bridge rail.</p>
+
+<p><q>Thank you, sir,</q> Jack acknowledged, saluting
+the naval officer.</p>
+
+<p>The parent vessel and her two submarine
+charges now lay at anchor in the harbor at Port
+Clovis, one of the towns down the coast from
+Dunhaven. This mooring overnight was to be
+repeated each day until Annapolis should be
+reached.</p>
+
+<p>Within fifteen minutes the craft were surrounded
+by small boats from shore. Some of
+these contained merchandise that it was hoped
+<pb n="072" /><anchor id="Pg072" />
+sailors would buy. Other boats <q>ran</q> for
+hotels, restaurants, drinking places, amusement
+halls, and all the varied places on shore that
+hope to fatten on Jack Tar's money.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'd like to go ashore, sir,</q> announced Sam
+Truax, approaching Captain Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>When?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Now.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>For how long?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Until ten o'clock to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Be back by that hour, then,</q> Jack replied.
+<q>If you're not, you'll find everything shut tight
+aboard here.</q></p>
+
+<p>Truax quickly signaled one of the hovering
+boats, and put off in it. Eph watched the boat
+for a few moments before he turned to Captain
+Jack to mutter:</p>
+
+<p><q>Somehow, I wouldn't feel very badly about
+it if that fellow got lost on shore!</q></p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER VI: TWO KINDS OF VOODOO</head>
+
+<p>
+On the second day of the cruise Jack
+Benson returned to full duty.</p>
+
+<p>For four nights, in all, the submarine
+squadron tied up at moorings in harbors
+along the coast. On the fifth night, as
+<pb n="073" /><anchor id="Pg073" />
+darkness fell, the squadron continued under
+way, in Chesapeake Bay, for Annapolis was but
+three hours away.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after supper Captain Jack took
+his place in the conning tower. He concerned
+himself principally with the compass, his only
+other task being to keep the course by the <q>Hudson's</q>
+lights, for the parent boat supplied in
+its own conduct all the navigation orders beyond
+the general course. The <q>Farnum's</q> searchlight
+was not used, the gunboat picking up all
+the coast-marks as they neared land.</p>
+
+<p><q>Annapolis is the place I've always wanted to
+see,</q> Jack declared, as Hal joined him in the
+conning tower.</p>
+
+<p><q>It's the place where I've always wanted to
+be a cadet,</q> sighed Hal. <q>But there's no
+chance for me, I fear. Jack, I'd rather be an
+officer of the Navy than a millionaire.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Same here,</q> replied Jack, steadily. <q>It's
+hard to have to feel that I'll never be either.</q></p>
+
+<p>As she entered the mouth of the Severn River
+the <q>Hudson</q> signaled to the submarines to
+follow, in file, the <q>Pollard</q> leading. A little
+later the three craft entered the Basin at the
+Academy. While the gunboat anchored off the
+Amphitheatre, the two submarine boats were
+ordered to anchorage just off the Boat House.
+Then a cutter came alongside.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="074" /><anchor id="Pg074" />
+<q>The lieutenant commander's compliments
+to Mr. Benson. Will Mr. Benson go aboard the
+'Hudson'?</q> asked the young officer in command
+of the cutter. Captain Jack lost no time
+in presenting himself before the lieutenant
+commander.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson,</q> said Mr. Mayhew, after greeting
+the submarine boy, <q>your craft will be under
+a marine guard to-night, and at all times while
+here at the Naval Academy. If you and your
+crew would like to spend the night ashore, in
+the quaint little old town of Annapolis, there's
+no reason why you shouldn't. But you will all
+need to report back aboard, ready for duty, by
+eight in the morning.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack thanked the naval commander, then hastened
+back to the <q>Farnum</q> to communicate
+the news.</p>
+
+<p><q>Me for the shore trip,</q> declared Eph,
+promptly. All the others agreed with him.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll come back by ten o'clock to-night,
+though,</q> volunteered Sam Truax. <q>One of the
+crew ought to be aboard.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>We'll stay ashore,</q> decided Jack, <q>and return
+in the morning.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm coming back to-night,</q> retorted Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>Keep still, and follow orders,</q> muttered
+Eph, digging his elbow into Truax's ribs. <q>The
+captain gives the orders here.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="075" /><anchor id="Pg075" />
+Jack, however, had turned away. Within
+five minutes a boat put off from shore, bringing
+two soldiers of the marine guard alongside.
+With them, in the shore boat, was a corporal of
+the guard.</p>
+
+<p><q>Any of your crew coming back to-night,
+sir?</q> asked the corporal.</p>
+
+<p><q>None,</q> Benson answered. <q>Will you instruct
+the sentries to see that none of the crew
+are allowed aboard during the night?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Very good, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>The shore boat waited to convey them to the
+landing. Before going, young Captain Benson
+closed and locked the manhole entrance to the
+conning tower. A sullen silence had fallen over
+Truax. The instructions to the corporal of the
+guard, and the prompt acceptance of those instructions,
+told Sam, beyond any doubt, that he
+was <hi rend="font-style: italic">not</hi> coming back on board that night.</p>
+
+<p>Truax followed the others as they passed
+through the Academy grounds. Beyond the
+large, handsome buildings, there was not much
+to be seen at night. Lights shone behind all the
+windows in Cadet Barracks. Nearly all of the
+cadets of the United States Navy were in their
+quarters, hard at study. Here and there a
+marine sentry paced. A few naval officers, in
+uniform, passed along the walks. That was all,
+and the submarine party had crossed the
+<pb n="076" /><anchor id="Pg076" />
+grounds to the gate through which they were to
+pass into the town of Annapolis.</p>
+
+<p><q>Coming with us, Truax?</q> asked Williamson,
+as the party passed out into a dimly lighted
+street.</p>
+
+<p><q>No,</q> replied the fellow, sullenly. <q>I'll
+travel by myself.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You're welcome to,</q> muttered Eph, under
+his breath.</p>
+
+<p>The others climbed the steps to the State Capitol
+grounds, continuing until they reached one
+of the principal streets of the little town.</p>
+
+<p><q>Say, but this place must have gone to sleep
+before we got ashore,</q> grumbled Eph.
+<q>Hanged if I don't think Dunhaven is a livelier
+little place!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>There isn't much to do, except to wander
+about a bit, then go to the Maryland House for a
+good sleep on shore,</q> Jack admitted.</p>
+
+<p>For more than an hour the submarine boys
+wandered about. The principal streets contained
+some stores that had a bright, up-to-date
+look, and in these principal streets the evening
+crowds much resembled those to be found in any
+small town. There were other streets, however,
+on which there was little traffic. In some of these
+quieter streets were quaint, old-fashioned houses
+built in the Colonial days.</p>
+
+<p><q>Annapolis is more of a place to see by daylight,
+<pb n="077" /><anchor id="Pg077" />
+I reckon,</q> suggested Hal. <q>How about
+that sleep, Jack?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The greatest fun, by night, I guess, consists
+in finding a drug-store and spending some of our
+loose change on ice cream sodas,</q> laughed the
+young submarine skipper.</p>
+
+<p>This done, they found their way to the Maryland
+House. Jack and Hal engaged a room together,
+Eph and Williamson taking the adjoining
+one.</p>
+
+<p><q>As for me, in an exciting place like this,</q>
+grimaced Eph, <q>I'm off for bed.</q></p>
+
+<p>Williamson followed him upstairs. For some
+minutes Hal sat with his chum in the hotel office.
+Then Jack went over and talked with the night
+clerk for a few moments.</p>
+
+<p><q>There's a place near here, Hal, where a fellow
+can get an oyster fry,</q> Benson explained,
+returning to his chum. <q>With that information
+came the discovery that I have an appetite.
+Come and join me?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No,</q> gaped Hal. <q>I reckon I'll go up and
+turn in.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'll be along in half an hour, then.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack found the oyster house readily. As he
+entered the little, not over-clean place, he found
+himself the only customer. He gave his order,
+then picked up the local daily paper. As he ate,
+Jack found himself yawning. The drowsiness
+<pb n="078" /><anchor id="Pg078" />
+of Annapolis by night was coming upon him.
+Little did he dream how soon he was to discover
+that Annapolis, in some of its parts, can be
+lively enough.</p>
+
+<p>As he paid his bill and stepped to the street, a
+young mulatto hurried up to him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Am Ah correct, sah, in supposin' yo' Cap'n
+Jack Benson?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's my name,</q> Jack admitted.</p>
+
+<p><q>Den Ah's jes' been 'roun' to de hotel, lookin'
+fo' yo', sah. One ob yo' men, Mistah Sam
+Truax, am done took sick, an' he done sent me
+fo' yo'.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Truax ill? Why, I saw him a couple of
+hours ago, and he looked as healthy as a man
+could look,</q> Jack replied, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p><q>I reckon, sah, he's mighty po'ly now, sah,</q>
+replied the mulatto. <q>He done gib me money
+fo' to hiah a cab an' take yo' to him. Will yo'
+please to come, sah?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> agreed Jack. <q>Lead the way.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>T'ank yo', sah; t'ank yo', sah. Follow me,
+sah.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack's mulatto guide led him down the street
+a little way, then around a corner. Here a
+rickety old cab with a single horse attached,
+waited. A gray old darkey sat on the driver's
+seat.</p>
+
+<p><q>Step right inside, sah. We'll be dere
+<pb n="079" /><anchor id="Pg079" />
+direckly. Marse Truax'll be powahful glad to
+see yo', sah.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>See here,</q> demanded Jack, after they had
+driven several blocks at a good speed, <q>Truax
+hasn't been getting into any drinking scrapes,
+has he? Hasn't been getting himself arrested,
+has he?</q></p>
+
+<p>For young Benson had learned, from the night
+clerk at the hotel, that, quiet and <q>dead</q> as
+Annapolis appears to the stranger, there are
+<q>tough</q> places into which a seafaring stranger
+may find his way.</p>
+
+<p><q>No, sah; no, sah,</q> protested the mulatto.
+<q>Marse Truax done got sick right and proper.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, confound it, we're leaving the town
+behind,</q> cried Jack, a few moments later, after
+peering out through the cab window.</p>
+
+<p><q>Dat's all right, sah. Dere ain' nuffin' to be
+'fraid ob, sah.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Afraid?</q> uttered Jack, scornfully, with a
+side glance at the mulatto. The submarine boy
+felt confident that, in a stretch of trouble, he
+could thrash this guide of his in very short
+order.</p>
+
+<p><q>Ah might jess well tell yo' wheah we am
+gwine, sah,</q> volunteered the mulatto, presently.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> Benson retorted, drily. <q>I think you
+may.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Marse Truax, sah, he done hab er powah ob
+<pb n="080" /><anchor id="Pg080" />
+trouble, sah, las' wintah, wid rheumatiz, sah.
+He 'fraid he gwine cotch it again dis wintah,
+sah. Now, sah, dere am some good voodoo
+doctahs 'roun' Annapolis, so Marse Truax, he
+done gwine to see, sah, what er voodoo can
+promise him fo' his rheumatiz. I'se a runnah,
+sah, for de smahtest ole voodoo doctah, sah, in
+de whole state ob Maryland.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then you took Truax to a voodoo doctor to-night?</q>
+demanded Jack, almost contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sah; yes, sah.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I thought Truax had more sense than to go
+in for such tomfoolery,</q> Jack Benson retorted,
+bluntly.</p>
+
+<p>The mulatto launched into a prompt, energetic
+defense of the voodoo doctors. Young
+Benson had heard a good deal about these clever
+old colored frauds. In spite of his contempt,
+the submarine boy found himself interested.
+He had heard about the charms, spells, incantations
+and other humbugs practised on colored
+dupes and on some credulous whites by these
+greatest of all quacks. The voodoo methods of
+<q>healing</q> are brought out of the deepest jungles
+of darkest Africa, yet there are many
+ignorant people, even among the whites, who
+believe steadfastly in the <q>cures</q> wrought by
+the voodoo.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="081" /><anchor id="Pg081" />
+While the mulatto guide was talking, or answering
+Jack's half-amused questions, the cab
+left Annapolis further and further behind.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yo' see, sah,</q> the guide went on, <q>Marse
+Truax wa'n't in no fit condition, sah, to try de
+strongest voodoo medicine dat he called fo'. So,
+w'ile de voodoo was sayin' his strongest chahms,
+Marse Truax done fall down, frothin' at de
+mouth. He am some bettah, now, sah, but he
+kain't be move' from de voodoo's house 'cept
+by a frien'.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'll get a chance to see one of these old voodoo
+frauds, anyway,</q> Jack told himself. <q>This
+new experience will be worth the time it keeps
+me out of my bed. What a pity Hal missed a
+queer old treat like this!</q></p>
+
+<p>When the cab at last stopped, Benson looked
+out to find that the place was well down a lonely
+country road, well lined with trees on either
+side. The house, utterly dark from the outside,
+was a ramshackle, roomy old affair.</p>
+
+<p><q>Shall Ah wait fo' yo'?</q> asked the old colored
+driver.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, wait for me,</q> directed Jack, briefly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yeah; wait fo' de gemmun. He's all right,</q>
+volunteered the mulatto.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mebbe yo' kin see some voodoo wo'k, too, ef
+yo's int'rested,</q> hinted the guide, in a whisper,
+as he fitted a key to a lock, and swung a door
+<pb n="082" /><anchor id="Pg082" />
+open. In a hallway stood a lighted lantern,
+which the guide picked up.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, go quiet-lak, on tip-toe. Sh!</q> cautioned
+the guide, himself moving stealthily into
+the nearest room. Jack Benson began to feel
+secretly awestruck and <q>creepy,</q> though he
+was too full of grit to betray the fact.</p>
+
+<p>At the further end of the room the guide,
+holding the lantern behind his body as though by
+accident, threw open another door.</p>
+
+<p><q>Pass right on through dis room, ahead ob
+me, sah,</q> begged the guide, respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>But Jack drew back, instinctively, out of the
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p><q>Don' yo', a w'ite man, be 'fraid ob ole voodoo
+house,</q> advised the mulatto, still speaking
+respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>Afraid? Of course not. Relying on his muscle
+and his agility, Jack stepped ahead. By a
+sudden jerk of his arm the mulatto guide shook
+out the flame in the lantern.</p>
+
+<p><q>Here, you! What are you about?</q> growled
+Jack Benson, wheeling like a flash upon his
+escort.</p>
+
+<p><q>Go 'long, yo' w'ite trash!</q> jeered the
+mulatto. He gave the boy a sudden, forceful
+shove.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson, under the impetus of that push,
+staggered ahead, seeking to recover his balance.
+<pb n="083" /><anchor id="Pg083" />
+Without a doubt he would have done so, but,
+just then, the floor under his feet ended. With
+a yell of dismay, the submarine boy tottered,
+then plunged down, alighting on a bed of soft
+dirt many feet below.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER VII: JACK FINDS SOMETHING <q>NEW,</q> ALL RIGHT</head>
+
+<p>
+Jack Benson was on his feet in an instant.
+An angrier boy it would have
+been hard to find.</p>
+
+<p>From overhead came the sound of a loud
+guffaw.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, you infernal scoundrel!</q> raged the submarine
+boy, shaking his fist in the dark.</p>
+
+<p><q>W'at am de matter wid yo', w'ite trash?</q>
+came the jeering query.</p>
+
+<p><q>Let me get my hands on you, and I'll show
+you!</q> quivered Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yah! Listen to yo'! Yo' wait er minute,
+an' Ah'll show yo' a light.</q></p>
+
+<p>Gr-r-r-r! Gr-r-r-r! That sound from overhead
+was not pleasant. Jack, in the few
+seconds that were left to him, could only guess
+as to the cause of the sounds. Then, some fifteen
+feet over his head, a tiny flame sputtered.
+This match-end was carried to the wick of the
+<pb n="084" /><anchor id="Pg084" />
+lantern that the yellowish guide had been carrying,
+and now the light illumined the place into
+which Jack Benson had fallen.</p>
+
+<p>That place was a square-shaped pit, with
+boarded sides. Up above, on a shelf of flooring,
+knelt the late guide, grinning down with a
+look of infernal glee. On either side of the
+mulatto stood a heavy-jowled bull-dog. Both
+brutes peered down, showing their teeth in a
+way to make a timid man's blood run cold.</p>
+
+<p><q>Put those dogs back and come down here,</q>
+challenged Jack, shaking his fist. <q>Come down,
+and I'll teach you a few things, you rascal!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Don' yo' shake yo' fist at me, or dem dawgs
+will sure jump down and tackle yo',</q> grinned
+the guide, gripping at the collars of the brutes,
+which, truly, showed signs of intending to spring
+below.</p>
+
+<p>Jack fell back, his hands dropping to his sides.
+Had there been but one dog, the submarine boy,
+with all his grit forced to the surface, might
+have chosen to face the brute, hoping to despatch
+it with a well-aimed kick. But with two dogs,
+both intent on <q>getting</q> him, young Benson
+knew that he would stand the fabled chance of
+a snow-flake on a red-hot stove.</p>
+
+<p><q>Dat's right, gemmun, yo' keep cool,</q> observed
+the mulatto, mockingly.</p>
+
+<p><q>You've decoyed me—trapped me here with
+<pb n="085" /><anchor id="Pg085" />
+a mess of lies,</q> flung back Captain Jack,
+angrily. <q>What's your game?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Dis am a free lodgin' house—ho, ho, ho!</q>
+chuckled the late guide. <q>Ah's gwine gib yo'
+er place to sleep fo' de night. Yo' sho'ly must
+feel 'bleeged to me—ho, ho, ho!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You lied to me about Sam Truax!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yeah! Ah done foun' dat was de name ob a
+gemmun in yo' pahty dat wasn't wid yo'.
+Truax do as well as any odder name—yah!
+Now, Ah's gwine leab yo' heah t' git a sleep.
+Ah'll toss down some blankets. 'Pose yo'se'f
+and gwine ter sleep, honey. Don't try to clim'
+up outer dat, or dem dawgs'll sho'ly jump down
+at yo'. Keep quiet, an' go ter sleep, an' de
+dawgs done lay heah an' jest watch. But don'
+try nuffin' funny, or de dawgs'll sho'ly bring
+trubble to yo'. Dem is trained dawgs—train'
+fo' dis business ob mine. Ho, ho, ho!</q></p>
+
+<p>Mulatto and light vanished, but enraged,
+baffled, helpless Captain Jack could hear the
+two dogs moving about ere they settled down on
+the shelf of flooring overhead.</p>
+
+<p><q>No matter how much of a liar that rascal is,
+he didn't lie to me about the dogs,</q> reflected
+Jack, his temper cooling, but his bitterness increasing.
+<q>They're fighting dogs, and one
+wrong move would bring them bounding down
+here on me—the two together. Ugh-gh!</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="086" /><anchor id="Pg086" />
+After a few moments the mulatto reappeared
+with a light and tossed down three heavy
+blankets.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, Ah's gwine leave yo' fo' de night,</q>
+clacked the late guide. <q>Ef yo' done feel lonesome,
+yo' jes' whistle de dawgs down to yo'.
+Dey'll come!</q></p>
+
+<p>While the light was still there Benson, in raging
+silence, gathered the blankets and arranged
+them.</p>
+
+<p><q>Roll up one fo' a pillow, under yo' haid,</q>
+grinned the mulatto. <q>Dat's all right, sah.
+Now, good night, Marse Benson. Ef yo' feel
+lonesome, Marse Benson, jes' whistle fo' de
+dawgs. <hi rend="font-style: italic">Dey'll come!</hi></q></p>
+
+<p>The light vanished while the mulatto's sinister
+words were ringing in the boy's ears. Would
+the dogs jump down? Jack knew they would,
+at the first false move or sound on his part. He
+huddled softly, stealthily, on the blankets, there
+in the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>As he lay there, thinking, Benson's sense of
+admiration gradually got to the surface.</p>
+
+<p><q>Well, of all the slick man-traps!</q> he gasped.
+<q>I never heard of anything more clever. Nor
+was there ever a bigger idiot than I, to walk
+stupidly into this same trap! What's the game,
+I wonder? Robbery, it must be. And I have a
+watch, some other little valuables and nearly a
+<pb n="087" /><anchor id="Pg087" />
+hundred and fifty dollars in money on me. Oh,
+I'm the sleek, fat goose for plucking!</q></p>
+
+<p>Lying there, in enforced stillness, Jack Benson,
+after an hour or so, actually fell asleep. A
+good, healthy sleeper at all times, he slumbered
+on through the night. Once he awoke, just a
+trifle chilled. He heard one of the dogs snoring
+overhead. Crawling under one of the blankets,
+Benson went to sleep again.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hey, yo', Marse Benson. It am mawnin'.
+Time yo' was wakin' up an' movin' erlong!</q></p>
+
+<p>It was the voice of the same mulatto, calling
+down into the pit. Again the rays of the lantern
+illumined the darkness. Both bull-dogs
+displayed their ferocious muzzles over the edge
+of the pit. Jack sat up cautiously, not caring to
+attract unfriendly interest from the dogs.</p>
+
+<p><q>Ah want yo' to take off all yo' clothes 'cept
+yo' undahclothes, an' den Ah'll let down a string
+fo' yo' to tie 'em to,</q> declared the mulatto,
+grinning. <q>Yo' needn't try ter slip yo' wallet,
+nor nuffin' outer mah sight, cause Ah'll be
+watchin'. Now, git a hurry on, Marse Benson,
+or Ah'll done push dem dawgs ober de aidge
+ob dis flooring.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack hesitated only a moment. Then, with a
+grunt of rage, he began removing his outer garments.
+Down came a twine, to the lower end of
+which the boy made fast his garments, one after
+<pb n="088" /><anchor id="Pg088" />
+another. His money and valuables went up in
+the pockets, for the sharp eyes of the mulatto
+could not have been eluded by any amateur
+slight-of-hand.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, yo' cap an' yo' shoes,</q> directed the
+grinning monster above.</p>
+
+<p>These, too, Benson passed up at the end of the
+cord. The mulatto disappeared, leaving the
+two dogs still on guard. At last, back came the
+light and the yellowish man with it.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yo' sho' is good picking, Marse Benson,</q>
+grinned the guide of the night before. <q>Yo'
+has good pin feathers. Ah hope Ah'll suttinly
+meet yo' again.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I hope we do meet at another time!</q> Jack
+Benson flared back, wrathily. The cool insolence
+of the fellow cut him to the marrow, yet
+where was the use of disobeying a rascal flanked
+by two such willing and capable dogs?</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, yo' jes' put dese t'ings on, Marse Benson,
+ef yo' please, sah,</q> mocked the mulatto,
+tossing down some woefully tattered, nondescript
+garments, and, after them, a battered,
+rimless Derby hat and a pair of brogans out at
+the toes.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll be hanged if I'll put on such duds!</q>
+quivered Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Jes' as yo' please, ob co'se, Marse Benson,</q>
+came the answer, from above. <q>But, ef yo'
+<pb n="089" /><anchor id="Pg089" />
+don' put dem t'ings on, yo'll sho'ly hab ter
+gwine back ter 'Napolis in yo' undahclo's.
+An' yo's gwine back right away, too, so, ef yo'
+wants ter gwine back weahin' ernuff clo'es—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, well, then—!</q> ground out the submarine
+boy, savagely enough.</p>
+
+<p>He attired himself in these tattered ends of
+raiment. Had he not been so angry he must
+have roared at sight of his comical self when the
+dressing was completed.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER VIII: A YOUNG CAPTAIN IN TATTERS</head>
+
+<p>
+<q>Now, yo'll do, Ah reckons.</q></p>
+
+<p>With that, the mulatto guide of the
+night before threw down one end of
+an inch rope.</p>
+
+<p><q>Ah reckon yo's sailor ernuff to clim' dat.
+Come right erlong, 'less yo' wants de dawgs ter
+jump down dar.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But they'll tackle me if I come up,</q> objected
+Jack Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>No, dey won't. Dem dawgs is train' to dis
+wo'k. Ah done tole yo' dat. Come right
+erlong. Ah'll keep my two eyes on dem
+dawgs.</q></p>
+
+<p>It looked like a highly risky bit of business,
+<pb n="090" /><anchor id="Pg090" />
+but Jack told himself that, now he had been deprived
+of his valuables, this yellow worthy must
+be genuinely anxious to be rid of the victim. So
+he took hold of the rope and began to climb.
+The mulatto and the dogs disappeared from the
+upper edge of the pit.</p>
+
+<p>As his head came up above the level of the
+flooring Benson saw the mulatto and the dogs
+in the next room, the connecting door of which
+had been taken from its hinges.</p>
+
+<p><q>Come right in, Marse Benson. Dere ain'
+nuffin' gwineter hu't yo',</q> came the rascal's
+voice reassuringly. Jack obeyed by stepping
+into the next room, though he kept watch over
+the dogs out of the corners of his eyes.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, yo' lie right down on de flo', Marse
+Benson,</q> commanded the master of the situation.
+<q>Ah's gotter tie yo' up, befo' Ah can
+staht yo' back ter 'Napolis, but dere ain' no
+hahm gwine come ter yo'.</q></p>
+
+<p>Making a virtue of necessity, Captain Jack
+lay down as directed, passing his hands behind
+his back. These were deftly secured, after
+which his ankles were treated in the same
+fashion. Immediately the mulatto, who was
+strong and wiry, lifted the boy and the lantern
+together. The dogs remaining behind, Jack
+was carried out into the yard, where he discovered
+that daylight was coming on in the East.
+<pb n="091" /><anchor id="Pg091" />
+He was dumped on the ground long enough to
+permit his captor to lock the door securely.
+Then the submarine boy was lifted once more,
+carried around the corner of the house and
+dumped in the bottom of a shabby old delivery
+wagon. A canvas was pulled over him, concealing
+him from any chance passer. Then the
+mulatto ran around to the seat, picking up the
+reins and starting the horse.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed like a long drive to the boy, though
+Benson was certainly in no position to judge
+time accurately. At last the team was halted,
+along a stretch of road in a deep woods. The
+mulatto lifted the submarine boy out to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, w'en yo's got yo' se'f free, yo' can
+take de road in dat direckshun,</q> declared the
+fellow, pointing. <q>Bimeby yo' come in sight ob
+de town. Now, Marse Benson, w'at happen to
+yo' las' night am all in de co'se ob a lifetime, an'
+Ah hope you ain't got no bad feelin's. Yo' suttinly
+done learn somet'ing new in de way ob
+tricks. Good-bye, sah, an' mah compliments to
+yo', Marse Benson.</q></p>
+
+<p>With that the guide of the night before swiftly
+cut the cords at Jack's wrists, then as swiftly
+leaped to the seat of the wagon, whipping up the
+horse and disappearing in a cloud of dust.</p>
+
+<p>Jack, having now no knife, and the bonds
+<pb n="092" /><anchor id="Pg092" />
+about his ankles being tied with many hard
+knots, spent some precious minutes in freeing
+his feet. At last he stood up, fire in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, pshaw! There's no sense in trying to
+run after that rascal and his wagon,</q> decided
+the young submarine skipper. <q>I haven't the
+slightest idea what direction he took after he
+got out of sight, and—oh, gracious! I'm under
+orders to be aboard the 'Farnum' at eight this
+morning. And on Mr. Farnum's business, at
+that!</q></p>
+
+<p>Clenching his hands vengefully, Jack started
+along in the direction pointed out by his late
+captor. Brisk walking wore some of the edge
+off his great wrath. Catching a comprehensive
+glimpse of himself, Jack could not keep back a
+grim laugh.</p>
+
+<p><q>Well, I certainly am a dandy to spring myself
+on the trim and slick Naval Academy!</q> he
+gritted. <q>What a treat I'll be to the cadets!
+That is, if the sentry ever lets me through the
+gate into the Academy grounds.</q></p>
+
+<p>As he hurried along, Jack Benson decided
+that he simply could not go to the Naval
+Academy presenting any such grotesque picture
+as he did now. Yet he had no money about him
+with which to purchase more presentable clothes
+in town. So he formed another plan.</p>
+
+<p>Within a few minutes he came in sight of
+<pb n="093" /><anchor id="Pg093" />
+Annapolis. Hurrying on faster, he at last entered
+the town. The further he went the more
+painfully conscious the boy became of the
+ludicrous appearance that he made. He saw
+men and women turn their heads to look after
+him, and his cheeks burned to a deep scarlet that
+glowed over the sea-bronze of his skin.</p>
+
+<p><q>The single consolation I have is that not a
+solitary person in town knows me, anyway,</q>
+he muttered. Then he caught sight of a clock
+on a church steeple—twenty-five minutes of
+eight.</p>
+
+<p><q>That means a fearful hustle,</q> he muttered,
+and went ahead under such steam that he all but
+panted. At last he came to the Maryland
+House, opposite the State Capitol grounds.
+Into the office of the hotel he darted, going
+straight up to the desk.</p>
+
+<p>A clerk who had been on duty for hours, and
+who was growing more drowsy every moment,
+stared at the boy in amazement.</p>
+
+<p><q>See here, you ragamuffin, what—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>My name is Benson,</q> began the boy, breathlessly.
+<q>I'm a guest of the house—arrived last
+night. I—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You, a guest of <hi rend="font-style: italic">this</hi> house?</q> demanded the
+clerk of the most select hotel in the town.
+<q>You—</q></p>
+
+<p>That was as far as the disgust of the clerk
+<pb n="094" /><anchor id="Pg094" />
+would permit him to go in words. A score of
+well-dressed gentlemen were staring in astonishment
+at the scene. The clerk nodded to two
+stout porters who had suspended their work
+nearby.</p>
+
+<p>It had been Jack Benson's purpose to go to
+his room and keep out of sight, while despatching
+one of the colored bell-boys of the hotel with
+a note to Hal Hastings, asking that chum to send
+him up a uniform and other articles of attire.
+However, before the young submarine captain
+fully realized what was happening, the two porters
+had seized him. Firmly, even though
+gently, they hustled him out through the entrance
+onto the street.</p>
+
+<p><q>Scat!</q> advised one of the pair.</p>
+
+<p>Jack started to protest, then realized the
+hopelessness of such a course. In truth, he did
+not blame the hotel folks in the least.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, well,</q> he sighed, paling as soon as the
+new flush of mortification had died out, <q>there's
+nothing for it but to hurry to the Academy. I
+hope the sentries won't shoot when they see
+me,</q> he added, bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>Across the State Capitol grounds he hurried,
+then down through a side street until he arrived
+at the gate of the Academy grounds.</p>
+
+<p><q>Halt!</q> challenged a sentry, as soon as Jack
+showed his face through the gateway.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="095" /><anchor id="Pg095" />
+Young Benson stopped, bringing his heels together
+with a click.</p>
+
+<p><q>What do you want? Where are you going?</q>
+demanded the marine.</p>
+
+<p><q>I know I look pretty tough,</q> Jack admitted,
+shamefacedly. <q>But I belong aboard the 'Farnum,'
+one of the submarines that arrived last
+night. And I'm due there at this minute.
+Please don't delay me.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>All right,</q> replied the sentry, after surveying
+the boy from head to foot once more. Then
+he added, in a lower tone, with just the suspicion
+of a grin showing at the corners of his mouth:</p>
+
+<p><q>Say, friend, for a stranger, you must have
+had a high old frolic in the town last night.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack frowned. The sentry's grin broadened
+a bit. As he did not offer to detain the boy
+longer, Benson hurried on along one of the
+walks. He took as short a course as he could
+making straight for the Basin, where he made
+out the <q>Hudson</q> and the two submarines.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hey! There's the captain!</q> shouted Eph,
+wonderingly, for Somers's eyes were sharp at
+all times.</p>
+
+<p>Out of the conning tower sprang Hal Hastings,
+looking eagerly in the direction in which
+Eph Somers pointed:</p>
+
+<p><q>Eh?</q> muttered another person, lounging
+near the rail of the gunboat. Then Lieutenant
+<pb n="096" /><anchor id="Pg096" />
+Commander Mayhew, after a keen, wholly disapproving
+look at the hard-looking figure of a
+young man at the landing, started, as he muttered:</p>
+
+<p><q>Benson, by all that's horrible! How did he
+come to be in that fearful shape? He must have
+been in one of the worst resorts within miles of
+Annapolis!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>This isn't the first time the young man has
+come back the worse for wear,</q> the lieutenant
+commander continued, under his breath. <q>His
+friends were loyal enough to him, that time. I
+wonder if they can be, to-day?</q></p>
+
+<p>One of the shore boats, waiting about in the
+Basin, put young Benson aboard the <q>Farnum</q>
+as soon as he explained who he was. Hal
+and Eph stood awaiting the coming of their
+young commander, their faces full of concern
+and anxiety. Both gripped Jack's hand as soon
+as he gained the platform deck of the submarine.</p>
+
+<p><q>Come below,</q> whispered Hal. <q>We'll talk
+there. You need a bath and to get into a uniform
+as quickly as you can.</q></p>
+
+<p>This need Jack Benson proceeded to realize
+without an instant's delay. While he washed
+himself off, in one of the staterooms aft, he
+talked through the door, which had been left
+ajar. He continued his story while he dressed.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="097" /><anchor id="Pg097" />
+<q>We were fearfully anxious this morning,</q>
+Hal confessed. <q>I went to sleep last night, and
+didn't know of your absence until this morning.
+Then Eph and I decided to come on down to the
+boat to see if you were here. We were just
+planning to send quiet word to the Annapolis
+police when Eph spotted you coming.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And Truax?</q> inquired Captain Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>He and Williamson are forward in the
+engine-room, now, at breakfast.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, well, Truax wouldn't know anything
+about the scrape, anyway,</q> returned Jack.
+<q>His name was learned and used—that's all.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Are you going to try to find that place, catch
+the mulatto and force the return of your
+money?</q> demanded Eph Somers.</p>
+
+<p><q>I've got to think that over,</q> muttered Jack,
+as he drew on a spick-and-span uniform blouse.
+<q>I don't know whether there'll be any use in
+trying to find that mulatto. I haven't the least
+idea where his place is. Even if I found it, it's
+ten to one I wouldn't find the fellow there.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>'Farnum,' ahoy!</q> roared a voice alongside,
+the voice coming down through the open conning
+tower.</p>
+
+<p>Eph ran to answer. When he returned, he
+announced:</p>
+
+<p><q>Compliments of Lieutenant Commander
+Mayhew, and will Mr. Benson wait on the lieutenant
+<pb n="098" /><anchor id="Pg098" />
+commander on board the parent boat?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I will,</q> assented Jack, with a wry face, <q>and
+here's where I have to do some tall but truthful
+explaining to a man who isn't in the least likely
+to believe a word I say. I can guess what Mr.
+Mayhew is thinking, and is going to keep on
+thinking!</q></p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER IX: TRUAX GIVES A HINT</head>
+
+<p>
+It was a tailor-made, clean, crisp and new-looking
+young submarine commander who
+stepped into the naval cutter alongside.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson looked as natty as a young man
+could look, and his uniform was that of a naval
+officer, save for the absence of the insignia of
+rank.</p>
+
+<p>Up the side gangway of the gunboat Jack
+mounted, carrying himself in the best naval
+style. On deck stood a sentry, an orderly waiting
+beside him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Lieutenant Commander Mayhew will see
+you in his cabin, sir,</q> announced the orderly.
+<q>I will show you the way, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mayhew was seated before a desk in his
+cabin when the orderly piloted the submarine
+boy in. The naval officer did not rise, nor did
+he ask the boy to take a seat. Jack Benson was
+<pb n="099" /><anchor id="Pg099" />
+very well aware that he stood in Mr. Mayhew's
+presence in the light of a culprit.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson,</q> began Mr. Mayhew, eyeing
+him closely, <q>you are not in the naval service,
+and are not therefore amenable to its discipline.
+At the same time, however, your employers have
+furnished you to act, in some respects, as a civilian
+instructor in submarine boating before the
+cadets. While you are here on that duty it is
+to be expected, therefore, that you will conform
+generally to the rules of conduct as laid down at
+the Naval Academy.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir,</q> replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>As I am at present in charge of the submarine
+purchased by the United States from
+your company, and at least in nominal charge
+of the 'Farnum,' as well, I am, in a measure,
+to be looked upon, for the present, as your commanding
+officer.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir,</q> assented the boy.</p>
+
+<p><q>You came aboard your craft, this morning,
+in a very questionable looking condition.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson's composure was perfect. His
+sense of discipline was also exact. He did not
+propose to offer any explanations until such
+were asked of him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Have you anything to say, Mr. Benson, as
+to that condition, and how you came to be in it?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="100" /><anchor id="Pg100" />
+<q>Shall I explain it to you, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I shall be glad to hear your explanation.</q></p>
+
+<p>Thereupon, the submarine boy plunged into
+a concise description of what had happened to
+him the night before. The lieutenant commander
+did not once interrupt him, but, when
+Jack had finished, Mr. Mayhew observed:</p>
+
+<p><q>That is a very remarkable story, Mr. Benson.
+Most remarkable.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir, it is. May I ask if you doubt my
+story?</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack looked straight into the officer's eyes as
+he put the question bluntly. An officer of the
+Army or of the Navy <hi rend="font-style: italic">must not</hi> answer a question
+untruthfully. Neither, as a rule, may he
+make an evasive answer. So the lieutenant
+commander thought a moment, before he replied:</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't feel that I know you well enough,
+Mr. Benson, to express an opinion that might be
+wholly fair to you. The most I can say, now,
+is that I very sincerely hope such a thing will
+not happen again during your stay at the Naval
+Academy.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It won't, sir,</q> promised Jack Benson, <q>if I
+have hereafter the amount of good judgment
+that I ought to be expected to possess.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I hope not, Mr. Benson, for it would destroy
+your usefulness here. A civilian instructor
+<pb n="101" /><anchor id="Pg101" />
+here, as much as a naval instructor, must possess
+the whole confidence and respect of the
+cadet battalion. I hope none of the cadets who
+may have seen you this morning recognized
+you.</q></p>
+
+<p>Then, taking on a different tone, Mr. Mayhew
+informed his young listener that a section of
+cadets would board the <q>Farnum</q> at eleven
+that morning, another section at three in the
+afternoon, and a third at four o'clock.</p>
+
+<p><q>Of course you will have everything aboard
+your craft wholly shipshape, Mr. Benson, and I
+trust I hardly need add that, in the Navy, we
+are punctual to the minute.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You will find me punctual to the minute
+before, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Very good, Mr. Benson. That is all. You
+may go.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack saluted, then turned away, finding his
+way to the deck. The cutter was still alongside,
+and conveyed him back to the <q>Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Mayhew demanded your story, of
+course?</q> propounded Hal Hastings. <q>What
+did he think?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>He didn't say so,</q> replied Jack Benson,
+with a wry smile, <q>but he let me see that he
+thought I was out of my element on a submarine
+boat.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>How so?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="102" /><anchor id="Pg102" />
+<q>Why, it is very plain that Mr. Mayhew
+thinks I ought to employ my time writing improbable
+fiction.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, Mayhew be bothered!</q> exploded Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hardly,</q> retorted Jack. <q>Mr. Mayhew is
+an officer and a gentleman. I admit that my
+yarn <hi rend="font-style: italic">does</hi> sound fishy to a stranger. Besides,
+fellows, Mr. Mayhew represents the naval officers
+through whose good opinion our employers
+hope to sell a big fleet of submarine torpedo
+boats to the United States Government.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then what are you going to do about it?</q>
+asked Hal, as the three boys reached the cabin
+below.</p>
+
+<p><q>First of all, I'm going to rummage about and
+get myself some breakfast.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>If you do, there'll be a fight,</q> growled Eph
+Somers. <q>I'll hash up a breakfast for you.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And, afterwards?</q> persisted Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm going to try to win Mr. Mayhew's good
+opinion, and that of every other naval officer or
+cadet I may happen to meet.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why the cadets, particularly?</q> asked Eph
+Somers.</p>
+
+<p><q>Because, for one business reason, the cadets
+are going to be the naval officers of to-morrow,
+and the Pollard Submarine Boat Company
+hopes to be building craft for the Navy for a
+good many years to come.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="103" /><anchor id="Pg103" />
+<q>Good enough!</q> nodded Hal, while Eph
+dodged away to get that breakfast ready.</p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax lounged back in the engine room,
+smoking a short pipe. With him stuck Williamson,
+for Eph had privately instructed the
+machinist from the Farnum yard not to leave
+the stranger alone in the engine room.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why don't you go up on deck and get a few
+whiffs of fresh air?</q> asked Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, I'm comfortable down here,</q> grunted
+the machinist, who was stretched out on one of
+the leather-cushioned seats that ran along the
+side of the engine room.</p>
+
+<p><q>I should think you'd want to get out of here
+once in a while, though,</q> returned Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why?</q> asked the machinist. <q>Anything
+you want to be left alone here for?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, of course not,</q> drawled Truax, blowing
+out a cloud of tobacco smoke.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then I guess I'll stay where I am,</q> nodded
+Williamson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Sorry, but you'll have to stop all smoking in
+here now,</q> announced Eph, thrusting his head
+in at the doorway. <q>There'll be a lot of cadets
+aboard at eleven o'clock, and we want the air
+clear and sweet. You'd better go all over the
+machinery and see that everything is in applepie
+order and appearance. Mr. Hastings will
+be in here soon to inspect it.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="104" /><anchor id="Pg104" />
+<q>Just what rank does <hi rend="font-style: italic">that</hi> young turkey-cock
+hold on board?</q> sneered Truax, when the door
+had closed.</p>
+
+<p><q>Don't know, I'm sure,</q> replied Williamson.
+<q>All I know is that the three youngsters are
+aboard here to run the boat and show it off to
+the best advantage. My pay is running right
+along, and I've no kick at taking orders from
+any one of them.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>This is where I go on smoking, anyway,</q>
+declared Truax, insolently, striking a match and
+lighting his pipe again. Williamson reached
+over, snatching the pipe from between the other
+man's teeth and dumping out the coals, after
+which the machinist coolly dropped the pipe into
+one of his own pockets.</p>
+
+<p><q>If you go on this way,</q> warned Williamson,
+<q>Captain Benson will get it into his head to put
+you on shore in a jiffy, and for good.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'd like to see him try it,</q> sneered Sam
+Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>You'll get your wish, if you go on the way
+you've been going!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Humph! I don't believe the Benson boy
+carries the size or the weight to put me ashore.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>He doesn't need any size or weight,</q> retorted
+Williamson, crisply. <q>If Captain Benson
+wants you off this boat, it's only the matter
+of a moment for him to get a squad of marines
+<pb n="105" /><anchor id="Pg105" />
+on board—and you'll march off to the 'Rogues'
+March.'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>So that's the way he'd work it, eh?</q> demanded
+Sam Truax, turning green and ugly
+around the lips.</p>
+
+<p><q>You bet it is,</q> retorted the machinist.
+<q>We're practically a part of the United States
+Navy for these few days, and naval rules will
+govern any game we may get into.</q></p>
+
+<p>On that hint things went along better in the
+engine room. When Hal Hastings came in to
+inspect he found nothing to criticise.</p>
+
+<p>At the minute of eleven o'clock a squad of
+some twenty cadets came marching down to the
+landing in front of the boat house. There Lieutenant
+Commander Mayhew and one of his
+engineer officers met them. Two cutters manned
+by sailors brought the party out alongside,
+where Jack and Hal stood ready to receive them.</p>
+
+<p>A very natty looking squad of future admirals
+came aboard, grouping themselves about on the
+platform deck. It was rather a tight squeeze
+for so many human beings in that space.</p>
+
+<p>After greeting the submarine boys, Mr. Mayhew
+turned to the cadets, calling their attention
+to the lines and outer construction of the <q>Farnum.</q>
+Then he turned to the three submarine
+boys, signing to them to crowd forward.</p>
+
+<p><q>These young gentlemen,</q> announced the
+<pb n="106" /><anchor id="Pg106" />
+lieutenant commander, <q>are Mr. Benson, Mr.
+Hastings and Mr. Somers. All three are thoroughly
+familiar with the Pollard type of boat.
+As the Navy has purchased one Pollard boat,
+and may acquire others, it is well that you
+cadets should understand all the working details
+of the Pollard Submarine Company's crafts. A
+few of you at a time will now step into the conning
+tower, and Mr. Benson will explain to you
+the steering and control gear used there.</q></p>
+
+<p>Half a dozen of the cadets managed to squeeze
+into the conning tower. Jack experienced an
+odd feeling, half of embarrassment, as he explained
+before so many attentive pairs of eyes.
+Then another squad of cadets took the place of
+the first on-lookers. After a while all had been
+instructed in the use of the conning tower
+appliances.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson,</q> continued the lieutenant commander,
+<q>will now lead the way for all hands to
+the cabin. There he will explain the uses of the
+diving controls, the compressed air apparatus,
+and other details usually worked from the
+cabin.</q></p>
+
+<p>Down below came the cadets, in orderly fashion,
+without either haste or lagging. Having
+warmed up to his subject, Jack Benson lectured
+earnestly, even if not with fine skill. At last he
+paused.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="107" /><anchor id="Pg107" />
+<q>Any of the cadets may now ask questions,</q>
+announced Lieutenant Commander Mayhew.</p>
+
+<p>There was a pause, then one of the older
+cadets turned to Jack to ask:</p>
+
+<p><q>What volume of compressed air do you
+carry at your full capacity?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson's present status,</q> rapped Mr.
+Mayhew, quickly, <q>is that of a civilian instructor.
+Any cadet who addresses Mr. Benson will
+therefore say 'sir,' in all cases, just as in addressing
+an officer of the Navy.</q></p>
+
+<p>The cadet so corrected, who was at least
+twenty-one years old, flushed as he glanced
+swiftly at sixteen-year-old Jack. To say <q>sir</q>
+to such a youngster seemed almost like a
+humiliation. Yet the cadet repeated his question,
+adding the <q>sir.</q> Jack quickly answered
+the question. Then two or three other questions
+were asked by other cadets. It was plain,
+however, that to all of the cadets the use of
+<q>sir</q> to so young a boy appealed, at least, to
+their sense of humor.</p>
+
+<p>Through the engine room door Sam Truax
+and Williamson stood taking it all in. Sam saw
+a flash in the eye of one big cadet when the question
+of <q>sir</q> came up.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the squad filed into the engine room.
+Here Hal Hastings had the floor for instruction.
+He did his work coolly, admirably, though he
+<pb n="108" /><anchor id="Pg108" />
+asked Jack Benson to explain a few of the
+points.</p>
+
+<p>Then the questions began, directed at Hal.
+This time none of the cadets, under the watchful
+eyes of Mr. Mayhew, forgot to say <q>sir</q> when
+speaking to Hastings.</p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax edged up behind the big cadet
+whose eyes he had seen flash a few moments
+before.</p>
+
+<p><q>Go after Benson, good and hard,</q> whispered
+Truax.</p>
+
+<p>The cadet looked keenly at Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>You can have a lot of fun with Benson,</q>
+whispered Truax, <q>if you fire a lot of questions
+at him, hard and fast. Benson is a conceited fellow,
+who knows a few things about the boat, but
+you can get him rattled and red-faced in no
+time.</q></p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER X: A SQUINT AT THE CAMELROORELEPHANT</head>
+
+<p>
+The big cadet wheeled upon Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson, how long have you been
+engaged on submarine boats, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Since July,</q> Jack replied.</p>
+
+<p><q>July of this year?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And it is now October. Do you consider
+<pb n="109" /><anchor id="Pg109" />
+that enough time, sir, in which to learn much
+about submarine boats?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That depends,</q> Skipper Jack replied,
+<q>upon a man's ability in such a subject.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Is it long enough time, sir, for a boy?</q></p>
+
+<p>That was rather a hard dig. Instantly the
+other cadets became all attention.</p>
+
+<p><q>It depends upon the boy, as it would upon
+the man,</q> Jack answered.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you consider, Mr. Benson, that you know
+all about submarine boats, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, no.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Who does, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No one that I ever heard of,</q> Jack answered.
+<q>Few men interested in submarine
+boats know much beyond the peculiarities of
+their own boats.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And that applies equally to boys, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> Jack smiled.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you consider yourself, sir, fully competent
+to handle this craft?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'd rather someone else would say it,</q> Jack
+replied. <q>My employers, though, seem to consider
+me competent.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What is this material, sir?</q> continued the
+cadet, resting a hand on a piston rod.</p>
+
+<p><q>Brass,</q> Benson replied, promptly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you know the specific gravity and the
+tensile strength of this brass?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="110" /><anchor id="Pg110" />
+Before Jack could answer Mr. Mayhew broke
+in, crisply:</p>
+
+<p><q>That will do, Mr. Merriam. Your questions
+appear to go beyond the limits of ordinary instruction,
+and to partake more of the nature of
+a cross-examination. Such questions take up
+the time of the instruction tour unnecessarily.</q></p>
+
+<p>Cadet Merriam flushed slightly, as he saluted
+the naval officer. Then the cadet's jaws settled
+squarely. He remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>A few more questions and the hour was up.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Commander Mayhew gave the
+order for the cadets to pass above and embark
+in the cutters. He remained behind long
+enough to say to the three submarine boys:</p>
+
+<p><q>You have done splendidly, gentlemen—far
+better than I expected you to do. If you manage
+the sea instruction as well, in the days to
+come, our cadets will have a first-class idea of
+the handling of the Pollard boats.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I wish, sir,</q> Jack replied, after thanking the
+officer, <q>that the cadets were not required to say
+'sir' to us. It sounds odd, and I am quite certain
+that none of the young men like it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It is necessary, though,</q> replied Mr. Mayhew.
+<q>They are required to do it with all
+civilian instructors, and it would never do to
+draw distinctions on account of age. Yes; it is
+necessary.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="111" /><anchor id="Pg111" />
+When the second squad of cadets arrived, in
+the afternoon, the three submarine boys found
+themselves ready for their task without misgivings.
+Eph took more part in the explanations
+than he had done in the forenoon. Then came a
+third squad of cadets, to be taken over the same
+ground. The young men of both these squads
+used the <q>sir</q> at once, having been previously
+warned by one of the naval officers.</p>
+
+<p><q>That will be all for to-day, Mr. Benson, and
+thank you and your friends for some excellent
+work,</q> said Lieutenant Commander Mayhew,
+when the third squad had filed away.</p>
+
+<p><q>Say, for hard work I'd like this job right
+along,</q> yawned Eph Somers, when the three
+were alone in the cabin. <q>Just talking three
+times a day—what an easy way of living!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It's all right for a while,</q> agreed Jack.
+<q>But it would grow tiresome after a few weeks,
+anyway. Lying here in the Basin, and talking
+like a salesman once in a while, isn't like a life
+of adventure.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, you can sigh for adventure, if you
+wish,</q> yawned Eph. <q>As for me, I've had
+enough hard work to appreciate a rest once in a
+while. Going into the town to-night, Jack?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Into town?</q> laughed the young skipper.
+<q>I went last night—and some of the folks didn't
+do a thing to me, did they?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="112" /><anchor id="Pg112" />
+<q>Aren't you going to report the robbery to
+the police?</q> demanded Hal, opening his eyes in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p><q>Not in a rush,</q> Jack answered. <q>If I do,
+the police may start at once, and that mulatto
+and his friends, being on the watch, will take
+the alarm and get away. If I wait two or three
+days, then the mulatto's crowd will think I've
+dropped the whole thing. I reckon the waiting
+game will fool them more than any other.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, and all the money they got away from
+you will be spent,</q> muttered Eph.</p>
+
+<p>Jack, none the less, decided to wait and think
+the matter over.</p>
+
+<p>Supper over, the submarine boys, for want of
+anything else to do, sat and read until about nine
+o'clock. Then Jack looked up.</p>
+
+<p><q>This is getting mighty tedious,</q> he complained.
+<q>What do you fellows say to getting
+on shore and stretching our legs in a good
+walk?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>In town?</q> grinned Eph, slyly.</p>
+
+<p>Jack flushed, then grinned.</p>
+
+<p><q>No!</q> he answered quietly; <q>about the
+Academy grounds.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I wonder if it would be against the regulations
+for a lot of rank outsiders like us to go
+through the grounds at this hour?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>'Rank outsiders'?</q> mimicked Jack Benson,
+<pb n="113" /><anchor id="Pg113" />
+laughing. <q>You forget, Hal, old fellow, that
+we're instruct—hem! civilian instructors—here.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I wonder, though, if it would be in good
+taste for us to go prowling through the grounds
+at this hour?</q> persisted Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>There's one sure way to find out,</q> proposed
+Benson. <q>We can try it, and, if no marine sentry
+chases us, we can conclude that we're moving
+about within our rights. Come along, fellows.</q></p>
+
+<p>Putting on their caps, the three went up on
+the platform deck. The engine room door was
+locked and Williamson and Truax had already
+turned in. There was a shore boat at the landing.
+Jack sent a low-voiced hail that brought
+the boat out alongside.</p>
+
+<p><q>Will it be proper for us to go through the
+Academy grounds at this hour?</q> Jack inquired
+of the petty officer in the stern.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir; there's no regulation against it.
+And, anyway, sir, you're all stationed here, just
+now.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Thank you. Then please take us ashore.</q></p>
+
+<p>At this hour the walks through the grounds
+were nearly deserted. A few officers, and some
+of their ladies living at the naval station, were
+out. The cadets were all in their quarters in
+barracks, hard at study, or supposed to be.</p>
+
+<p>For some time the submarine boys strolled
+<pb n="114" /><anchor id="Pg114" />
+about, enjoying the air and the views they obtained
+of buildings and grounds. Back at Dunhaven
+the air had been frosty. Here, at this
+more southern port, the October night was
+balmy, wholly pleasant.</p>
+
+<p><q>I wonder if these cadets here ever have any
+real fun?</q> questioned Eph Somers.</p>
+
+<p><q>I've heard—or read—that they do,</q>
+laughed Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>What sort of fun?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, for one thing, the cadets of the upper
+classes haze the plebe cadets a good deal.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Humph! That's fun for all but the plebes.
+Who are the plebes, anyway?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The new cadets; the youngest class at the
+Academy,</q> Hal replied.</p>
+
+<p><q>What do they do to the plebe?</q> Eph wanted
+to know.</p>
+
+<p><q>I guess the only way you could find that out,
+Eph, would be to join the plebe class.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Reckon, when I come to Annapolis, I'll enter
+the class above the plebe,</q> retorted Somers.</p>
+
+<p>The three submarine boys had again approached
+the cadet barracks building.</p>
+
+<p><q>Here comes a cadet now, Eph,</q> whispered
+Jack. <q>If he has the time, I don't doubt he'd
+be glad to answer any questions you may have
+for him.</q></p>
+
+<p>Young Benson offered this suggestion in a
+<pb n="115" /><anchor id="Pg115" />
+spirit of mischief, hoping the approaching cadet,
+when questioned, would resent it stiffly. Then
+Eph would be almost certain to flare up.</p>
+
+<p>The cadet, however, suddenly turned, coming
+straight toward them, smiling.</p>
+
+<p><q>Good evening, gentlemen,</q> was the cadet's
+greeting.</p>
+
+<p><q>Good evening,</q> was Jack's hearty reply.</p>
+
+<p><q>You've never been here before, have you,
+sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Never,</q> Jack confessed.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then I take it you have never, sir, seen the
+camelroorelephant?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The cam—</q> began Eph Somers.</p>
+
+<p>Then he stopped, clapping both hands to his
+right jaw.</p>
+
+<p><q>Won't you please hand that to us in
+pieces?</q> begged Eph, speaking as though with
+difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>The cadet laughed heartily, then added:</p>
+
+<p><q>Don't try to pronounce it, gentlemen, until
+you've seen the camelroorelephant. It's a cadet
+joke, but it's well worth seeing. Shall I take
+you to it?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, yes, if you'll be good enough,</q> Jack
+assented, heartily.</p>
+
+<p>The cadet glanced quickly about him, then
+said in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p><q>This way, please, gentlemen.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="116" /><anchor id="Pg116" />
+He led the strangers quickly around the end
+of barracks to an open space in the rear. Here
+he halted.</p>
+
+<p><q>Gentlemen, I must ask you to close your
+eyes, and keep them closed, on honor, until I ask
+you to open them again. You won't have to
+keep your eyes closed more than sixty seconds
+before the camelroorelephant will be ready for
+inspection. Now, eyes closed, please.</q></p>
+
+<p>Lingering only long enough to make sure that
+his request had been met, the cadet stole noiselessly
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was it many seconds later when all three
+of the submarine boys began to feel suddenly
+suspicious.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm going to open my eyes,</q> whispered
+Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>You're on honor not to,</q> warned Jack Benson,
+also in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p><q>I didn't give my word,</q> retorted Eph, <q>and
+I'm going to—oh, great shades of Santiago!</q></p>
+
+<p>The very genuine note of concern in Eph's
+voice caused Jack and Hal to open their own
+eyes instantly.</p>
+
+<p>Nor could any of the three repress a quick
+start.</p>
+
+<p>From all quarters naval cadets were advancing
+stealthily upon them. Something in the
+very attitude and poise of the young men told
+<pb n="117" /><anchor id="Pg117" />
+the submarine boys that these naval cadets were
+out for mischief.</p>
+
+<p><q>We're in for it!</q> breathed Jack, in an undertone.
+<q>We're in for something real and
+startling, I reckon. Fellows, brace up and take
+your medicine, whatever it is, like men!</q></p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XI: BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED!</head>
+
+<p>
+Nor was Jack's guess in the least wrong.</p>
+
+<p>Even had the submarine boys attempted
+to bolt they would have found
+it impossible. They were surrounded.</p>
+
+<p>The cadets closed quickly in upon them.
+There were more than thirty of these budding
+young naval officers.</p>
+
+<p>It was Cadet Merriam who stepped straight
+up to Jack, giving him a grotesque and exaggerated
+salute, as he rumbled out:</p>
+
+<p><q>Good evening, SIR!</q></p>
+
+<p>Like a flash Jack Benson comprehended.
+These cadets intended fully to even up matters
+for having been obliged to say <q>sir</q> to these
+very youthful <q>civilian instructors.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Good evening,</q> Jack smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"You have come to see the camelroorelephant,
+SIR?"</p>
+
+<p><pb n="118" /><anchor id="Pg118" />
+<q>We've been told that we might have that
+pleasure,</q> Jack responded, still smiling.</p>
+
+<p><q>Perhaps you may,</q> retorted Cadet Merriam,
+<q>though, first of all, it will be necessary
+to prove yourselves worthy of the privilege,
+SIR.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Anything within our power,</q> promised
+Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then, SIR, let me see you all three stand 'at
+attention.'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>At attention</q> is the rigid attitude taken by
+a United States soldier or sailor when in the
+presence of his officers. Jack had already seen
+men in that attitude, and did his best to imitate
+it in smart military manner. Eph and Hal did
+likewise.</p>
+
+<p><q>No, no, no, you dense blockheads!</q> uttered
+Cadet Midshipman Merriam. <q>'At attention'
+upside down—on your hands!</q></p>
+
+<p>The other cadet midshipmen now hemmed in
+closely about the three. Jack thought he caught
+the idea. He bent over, throwing his feet up in
+the air and resting on his hands. Unable to
+keep his balance, he walked two or three steps.</p>
+
+<p><q>I didn't tell you to walk your post, blockhead!</q>
+scowled Mr. Merriam. <q>Stand still
+when at attention.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack tried, but of course made a ludicrous
+failure of standing still on his hands. So did
+<pb n="119" /><anchor id="Pg119" />
+Hal and Eph. The latter, truth to tell, didn't
+try very hard, for his freckled temper was coming
+a bit to the surface.</p>
+
+<p><q>You're the rawest recruits, the worst landlubbers
+I've ever seen,</q> declared Cadet Midshipman
+Merriam, with severe dignity. <q>Rest,
+before you try it any further.</q></p>
+
+<p>The smile had all but left Jack Benson's lips,
+though he tried to keep it there. Hal Hastings
+made the most successful attempt at looking
+wholly unconcerned. Eph's face was growing
+redder every minute. It is a regrettable fact
+that Eph was really beginning to want to fight.</p>
+
+<p><q>See here,</q> ordered Mr. Merriam, suddenly,
+taking Jack by the arm, <q>you're a horse, a full-blooded
+Arab steed—understand!</q></p>
+
+<p>He gave young Benson a push that sent that
+youngster down to the ground on all fours.</p>
+
+<p><q>You're General Washington, out to take a
+ride on your horse,</q> announced Mr. Merriam,
+turning to Hal. <q>It's a ride for your health.
+Do you understand? It will be wholly for your
+health to take that ride!</q></p>
+
+<p>Hal Hastings couldn't help comprehending.
+With a sheepish grin he sat astride of Jack Benson's
+back as the latter stood on all fours.</p>
+
+<p><q>Go ahead with your ride, General,</q> called
+Mr. Merriam.</p>
+
+<p>Jack pranced as best he could, on all fours,
+<pb n="120" /><anchor id="Pg120" />
+Hal making the load of his own weight as light
+as he could. Over the ground the pair moved
+in this nonsensical ride, the cadets following and
+grinning their appreciation of the nonsense.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the young men followed, holding Eph
+by the arms between them. Mr. Merriam now
+turned upon the unhappy freckled boy.</p>
+
+<p><q>Down on all fours,</q> ordered Mr. Merriam.
+<q>You're the measly dog that barked at General
+Washington on that famous ride. Bark, you
+wretched yellow cur—bark, bark, <hi rend="font-style: italic">bark</hi>!</q></p>
+
+<p>Though Eph Somers was madder than ever,
+he had just enough judgment remaining to feel
+that the wisest thing would be to obey instructions.
+So, on all fours, Eph raced after Jack,
+barking at him.</p>
+
+<p><q>See how frightened the horse is,</q> muttered
+one of the midshipmen.</p>
+
+<p>Taking the hint, Jack shied as well as he
+could.</p>
+
+<p><q>That's all,</q> said Mr. Merriam, at last.
+<q>All of that, at least.</q></p>
+
+<p>As the three submarine boys rose, each found
+himself gently held by a pair of cadet midshipmen.
+It was a more or less polite hint that the
+ordeal was not yet over. Mr. Merriam turned to
+whisper to one of the cadets, who darted inside
+the barracks building. He was back, promptly,
+carrying a folded blanket on his arm.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="123" /><anchor id="Pg123" />
+A grin spread over the faces of the assembled
+cadet midshipmen. The bearer of the blanket
+at once unfolded it. As many of the cadets as
+could got hold of the edges, bending, holding the
+blanket spread out over the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson's two captors suddenly hurled
+him across the length of the blanket with no gentle
+force. Instantly the cadets holding the
+blankets straightened up, jerking it taut. Up
+into the air a couple of feet bounded Jack. As
+his body came down the cadets holding the
+blanket gave it a still harder jerk. This time
+Jack shot up into the air at least four feet. It
+was the same old blanket-tossing, long popular
+both in the Army and Navy. Every time Jack
+landed the blanket was given a harder jerk by
+those holding it. Benson began to go higher
+and higher.</p>
+
+<figure url="images/image03.jpg" rend="w50">
+ <anchor id="image03" />
+ <index index="fig" />
+ <head rend="font-size: x-small">Eph Raced After Jack, Barking at Him.</head>
+ <figDesc>Illustration: Eph Raced After Jack, Barking at Him.</figDesc>
+</figure>
+
+<p>And now the cadets broke into a low, monotonous
+chant, in time to their movements. It
+ran:</p>
+
+<lg type="limerick">
+<l rend="text-indent: 2">Sir, sir, surcingle!</l>
+<l rend="text-indent: 4">Sir, sir, circle!</l>
+<l rend="text-indent: 2">Sir, sir, with a shingle—</l>
+<l rend="text-indent: 4">Sir, sir, sir!</l>
+</lg>
+
+<p>As regular as drumbeats the cadets ripped out
+the syllables of the refrain. At each word Jack
+Benson's body shot higher and higher. These
+young men were experts in the gentle art of
+<pb n="124" /><anchor id="Pg124" />
+blanket-tossing. Ere long the submarine boy
+was going up into the air some eight or nine feet
+at every tautening of the blanket.</p>
+
+<p>As for escape, that was out of the question.
+No sooner did the submarine boy touch the
+blanket than he shot skyward again. Had he
+desired to he could not have called out. The
+motion and the sudden jolts shook all the breath
+out of him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Ugh! Hm! Pleasant, isn't it?</q> uttered
+Hal Hastings, grimly, under his breath.</p>
+
+<p><q>If they try to do that to me,</q> whispered
+Eph, hotly, under his breath, <q>I'll fight.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>More simpleton you, then!</q> Hal shot back
+at him in warning. <q>What chance do you think
+you stand against a crowd like this?</q></p>
+
+<p>Just as suddenly as it had begun the blanket-tossing
+stopped. Yet, hardly had Jack been allowed
+to step out than Hal Hastings was unceremoniously
+dropped athwart the blanket. The
+tossing began again, to the chant of:</p>
+
+<lg type="limerick">
+<l rend="text-indent: 2">Sir, sir, surcingle!</l>
+<l rend="text-indent: 4">Sir, sir, circle!</l>
+</lg>
+
+<p>Right plentifully were these cadet midshipmen
+avenging themselves for having had to say
+<q>sir</q> to these young submarine boys that day.</p>
+
+<p><q>Woof!</q> breathed Jack, as soon as breath
+entered his body again. Eph clenched his fists
+<pb n="125" /><anchor id="Pg125" />
+tightly, as Hal continued to go higher and
+higher. But at last Hastings's ordeal was over.</p>
+
+<p><q>I suppose they'll try that on me!</q> gritted
+Eph Somers to himself. <q>If they do—</q></p>
+
+<p>That was far as he got, for Eph was suddenly
+flung upon the blanket.</p>
+
+<lg type="limerick">
+<l rend="text-indent: 2">Sir, sir, surcingle!</l>
+</lg>
+
+<p>Then how Eph <hi rend="font-style: italic">did</hi> go up and down! It was
+as though these cadet midshipmen knew that it
+would make Eph mad, madder, maddest! These
+budding young naval officers fairly bent to their
+work, tautening and loosening on the blanket
+until their muscles fairly ached.</p>
+
+<p>It was lofty aerial work that Eph Somers was
+doing. Up and up—higher and higher! Without
+the need of any effort on his own part young
+Somers was now traveling upward at the rate of
+ten or eleven feet at every punctuated bound.</p>
+
+<p>Then, suddenly, there came a sound that
+chilled the blood of every young cadet midshipman
+hazer present.</p>
+
+<p><q><hi rend="font-style: italic">Halt!</hi> Where you are!</q></p>
+
+<p>Under the shadow of the barracks building a
+naval officer had appeared. He now came forward,
+a frown on his face, eyeing the culprits.</p>
+
+<p>It is no merry jest for cadet midshipmen to
+be caught at hazing! And here were some
+thirty of them—red-handed!</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<pb n="126" /><anchor id="Pg126" />
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XII: JACK BENSON, EXPERT EXPLAINER</head>
+
+<p>
+At the first word of command from the
+officer several of the cadet midshipmen
+who were near enough to an open doorway
+vanished through it.</p>
+
+<p>As the officer strode through the group of
+startled young men a few more, left behind his
+back, made a silent disappearance.</p>
+
+<p>There were left, however, as the officer looked
+about him, sixteen of the young men, all too
+plainly headed and led by Cadet Midshipman
+Merriam.</p>
+
+<p><q>Young gentlemen,</q> said the officer, severely,
+<q>I regret to find so many of you engaged in
+hazing. It is doubly bad when your victims are
+men outside the corps. And, if I mistake not,
+these young gentlemen are here as temporary
+civilian instructors in submarine work.</q></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merriam and his comrades made no reply
+in words. Nor did their faces express much.
+They stood at attention, looking stolidly ahead
+of them, though their faces were turned toward
+the officer. It was not the place of any of them
+to speak unless the officer asked questions.</p>
+
+<p>Severe as the hazing had been, however, Jack
+<pb n="127" /><anchor id="Pg127" />
+and Hal, at least, had taken it all in good part.
+Nor was Jack bound by any of the rules of etiquette
+that prevented the cadets from speaking.</p>
+
+<p><q>May I offer a word, sir?</q> asked Jack,
+wheeling upon the officer.</p>
+
+<p><q>You were one of the victims of a hazing,
+were you not?</q> demanded the officer, regarding
+Jack, keenly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, could you call it that, sir?</q> asked
+Jack, a look of innocent surprise settling on his
+face. <q>We called it a demonstration—an
+explanation.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Demonstration? Explanation?</q> repeated
+the officer, astonished in his turn. <q>What do
+you mean, Mr.—er—?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Benson,</q> Jack supplied, quietly.</p>
+
+<p><q>I think you would better tell me a little more,
+Mr. Benson,</q> pursued the unknown naval
+officer.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, it was like this, sir,</q> Jack continued.
+<q>My two friends—Hastings and Somers—and
+myself were talking about the West Point and
+Annapolis hazings, of which we had heard and
+read. We were talking about the subject when
+a cadet came along. I suggested to Somers that
+we ask the cadet about hazing. Well, sir, to
+make a long story short, some of the cadets
+undertook to show us just how hazing is—or
+used to be—done at Annapolis.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="128" /><anchor id="Pg128" />
+<q>Oh! Then it was all thoroughly good-natured,
+all in the way of a joke, to show you
+something you wanted to know?</q> asked the
+naval officer, slowly.</p>
+
+<p><q>That's the way I took it,</q> replied Jack.
+<q>So did Hastings and Somers. We've enjoyed
+ourselves more than anyone else here has.</q></p>
+
+<p>This was truth surely enough, for, in the last
+two minutes, not one of the cadet midshipmen
+present could have been accused of <hi rend="font-style: italic">enjoying</hi>
+himself.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then what took place here, Mr. Benson,
+really took place at your request?</q> insisted the
+naval officer.</p>
+
+<p><q>It all answered the questions that we had
+been asking,</q> Jack replied, promptly, though,
+it must be admitted, rather evasively.</p>
+
+<p><q>This is your understanding, too, Mr. Hastings?</q>
+demanded the officer.</p>
+
+<p><q>Surely,</q> murmured Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>You, Mr. Somers?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I—I haven't had so much fun since the gasoline
+engine blew up,</q> protested Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>We entered most heartily into the spirit of
+the thing,</q> Jack hastened on to say, <q>and feel
+that we owe the deepest thanks to these young
+gentlemen of the Navy. Yet, if our desire to
+know more about the life—that is, the former
+life—of the Academy is to result in getting our
+<pb n="129" /><anchor id="Pg129" />
+entertainers into any trouble, we shall never
+cease regretting our unfortunate curiosity.</q></p>
+
+<p>For some moments the naval officer regarded
+the three submarine boys, solemnly, in turn.
+From them he turned to look over the cadet midshipmen.
+The latter looked as stolid, and stood
+as rigidly at attention, as ever.</p>
+
+<p><q>Under this presentation of the matter,</q> said
+the officer, after a long pause, <q>I am not prepared
+to say that there has been any violation
+of discipline. At least, no grave infraction.
+However, some of these young gentlemen are, I
+believe, absent from their quarters without
+leave. Mr. Merriam?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I have permission to be absent from my
+quarters between nine and ten, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Caldwell?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Absent from quarters without permission,
+sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>So on down through the list the officer ran.
+Nine of the young men proved to have leave to
+be away from their quarters. The other seven
+did not have such permission. The names of
+these seven, therefore, were written down to be
+reported. The seven, too, were ordered at once
+back to their quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Having issued his instructions, the naval officer
+turned and walked away. Jack and his
+comrades, too, left the scene.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="130" /><anchor id="Pg130" />
+Yet they had not gone far when they heard
+a low hail behind. Turning, they saw Cadet
+Midshipmen Merriam hastening toward them.</p>
+
+<p><q>Gentlemen,</q> he said, earnestly, as he
+reached them, <q>it may not be best for me to be
+seen lingering here to talk with you. But my
+comrades wanted me to come after you and to
+say that we think you bricks. You carried that
+off finely, Mr. Benson. None of us will ever
+forget it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It wasn't much to do,</q> smiled Jack,
+pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p><q>It was quick-witted of you, and generous
+too, sir,</q> rejoined Mr. Merriam, finding it now
+very easy to employ the <q>sir.</q> <q>Probably you
+agree with us that no great crime was committed,
+anyway. But, just the same, hazing is
+under a heavy ban these days. If you hadn't
+saved the day as you did, sir, all of our cadet
+party might have been dismissed the Service.
+Those absent from quarters without leave
+will get only a few demerits apiece. We
+have that much to thank you for, sir, and we
+do. All our thanks, remember. Good night,
+sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>My courage was down in my boots for a
+while,</q> confessed Hal Hastings, as the three
+chums continued their walk back to the Basin.</p>
+
+<p><q>When?</q> demanded Eph, grimly. <q>When
+<pb n="131" /><anchor id="Pg131" />
+your boots—and the rest of you—were so high
+up in the air over the blanket?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No; when the cadets were caught at it,</q>
+replied Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>Say, Jack,</q> demanded Eph, <q>do you ever
+give much thought to the future life?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Meaning the life in the next world?</q> questioned
+Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I sometimes give a good deal of thought to
+it,</q> Jack confessed.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then where do you expect to go, when the
+time comes?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>After the whoppers you told that officer?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I didn't tell him even a single tiny fib,</q> protested
+Jack, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, you George Washington!</q> choked Eph
+Somers.</p>
+
+<p><q>Well, I didn't,</q> insisted Jack. <q>Now, just
+stop and think. Weren't we all three discussing
+hazing?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then that part of what I told the officer was
+straight. Now, Eph, when we saw that first
+cadet come along, didn't I suggest to you to ask
+him about hazing?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Ye-es,</q> admitted Somers, thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then, didn't the cadet midshipmen offer to
+<pb n="132" /><anchor id="Pg132" />
+show us all about hazing pranks, and didn't they
+do it?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, rather,</q> muttered Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, young man, that's all I told the officer,
+except that we enjoyed our entertainment
+greatly.</q></p>
+
+<p><q><hi rend="font-style: italic">Did</hi> we enjoy it, though?</q> demanded Eph
+Somers, bridling up.</p>
+
+<p><q>I did,</q> replied Jack, <q>and I spoke for myself.
+I enjoyed it as I would enjoy almost any
+new experience.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>So did I,</q> added Hal, warmly. <q>It was
+rough—mighty rough—but now I know what an
+Annapolis hazing is like, and I'm glad I do.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, I want to tell you I didn't enjoy it,</q>
+blazed Eph. <q>It was a mighty cheeky—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then why did you let the officer imagine you
+enjoyed it?</q> taunted Jack.</p>
+
+<p>While Hal put in, slyly:</p>
+
+<p><q>Eph, you're too quick to talk about others
+fibbing. From the evidence just put in, it's
+evident that you're the only one of the three who
+fibbed any. Won't you please walk on the
+other side of the road? I never did like to
+travel with liars.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, you go to Jericho!</q> flared Eph. But,
+as he walked along, he blinked a good deal, and
+did some hard thinking.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll tell you,</q> broke out Jack, suddenly,
+<pb n="133" /><anchor id="Pg133" />
+<q>who thanks us even more than the cadets themselves
+do.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Who?</q> queried Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>That officer who caught the crowd at it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Do you think he cared?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Of course he did,</q> said Jack, positively.
+<q>He'd rather have gone hungry for a couple of
+days than have to report that bunch for
+hazing.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then why was he so infernally stiff with
+the young men?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>He had to be; that's the answer. That officer,
+like every other officer of the Navy detailed
+here, is sworn to do his full duty. So he has to
+enforce the regulations. But don't you suppose,
+fellows, that officer was hazed, and did
+some hazing on his own account, when he was
+a cadet midshipman here years ago? Of course!
+And that's why the officer didn't question us any
+more closely than he did. He was afraid he
+might stumble on something that would oblige
+him to report the whole crowd for hazing. <hi rend="font-style: italic">He</hi>
+didn't want to do it. That officer, I'm certain,
+knew that, if he questioned us too closely, he'd
+find a lot more beneath the surface that he
+simply didn't want to dig up.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Would you have told the truth, if he had
+questioned you searchingly, and pinned you
+right down?</q> demanded Eph Somers.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="134" /><anchor id="Pg134" />
+<q>Of course I would,</q> Jack replied, soberly.
+<q>I'm no liar. But I feel deeply grateful to that
+officer for not being keener.</q></p>
+
+<p>Before nine o'clock the next morning news of
+the night's doings back of barracks had spread
+through the entire corps of cadet midshipmen.</p>
+
+<p>With these young men of the Navy there was
+but one opinion of the submarine boys—that
+they were trumps, wholly of the right sort.</p>
+
+<p>As a result, Jack, Hal and Eph had hundreds
+of new friends among those who will officer the
+Navy of the morrow.</p>
+
+<p>Not so bad, even just as a stroke of business!</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XIII: READY FOR THE SEA CRUISE</head>
+
+<p>
+For the next ten days things moved along
+without much excitement for the submarine
+boys.</p>
+
+<p>During that time they had an average of four
+sections a day of cadet midshipmen to instruct
+in the workings of the Pollard type of submarine
+torpedo boat.</p>
+
+<p>During the last few days short cruises were
+taken on the Severn River, in order that the
+middies might practise at running the motors
+and handling the craft. At such times one
+<pb n="135" /><anchor id="Pg135" />
+squad of midshipmen would be on duty in the
+engine room, another in the conning tower and
+on the platform deck.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, when the midshipmen handled the
+<q>Farnum,</q> under command of a Navy officer,
+the submarine boys had but little more to do
+than to be on board. Certainly they were not
+overworked. Yet all three were doing fine
+work for their employers in making the Navy
+officers of the future like the Pollard type of
+craft.</p>
+
+<p>After waiting a few days Jack Benson reported
+to the Annapolis police his experience
+with the mulatto <q>guide.</q> The police thought
+they recognized the fellow, from the description,
+and did their best to find him. The mulatto,
+however, seemed to have disappeared from that
+part of the country.</p>
+
+<p>There came a Friday afternoon when, as the
+last detachment of middies filed over the side
+into the waiting cutter, Lieutenant Commander
+Mayhew announced:</p>
+
+<p><q>This, Mr. Benson, completes the instruction
+desired in the Basin and in the river. To-morrow
+and Sunday you will have for rest. On
+Monday, at 10 <hi rend="font-variant: small-caps">a.m.</hi>, a section will report aboard
+for the first trip out to sea. Then you will show
+our young men how the boat dives, and how she
+is run under water. As none of our cadet midshipmen
+<pb n="136" /><anchor id="Pg136" />
+have ever been below in a submarine
+before, you will be sure of having eager
+students.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And perhaps some nervous ones,</q> smiled
+Skipper Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Possibly,</q> assented Mr. Mayhew. <q>I doubt
+it, though. Nervousness is not a marked trait
+of any young man who has been long enrolled at
+the Naval Academy.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Can we have a slight favor done us, Mr.
+Mayhew?</q> Jack asked.</p>
+
+<p><q>Any reasonable favor, of course.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then, sir, we'd like to spend a little time
+ashore, as we've been confined so long aboard.
+If I lock up everything tight on the boat until
+Sunday night, may we know that the 'Farnum'
+will be under the protection of the marine
+guard?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I feel that there will not be the slightest difficulty
+in promising you that,</q> replied Mr. Mayhew.
+<q>I will telephone the proper authorities
+about it as soon as I go on shore.</q></p>
+
+<p>All hands on board were pleased over the
+prospect of going ashore, with the exception of
+Sam Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>You don't need any guard on the boat,</q> he
+protested. <q>I don't want to go ashore. Leave
+me here and I'll be all the guard necessary.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>We're all going ashore,</q> Jack replied.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="137" /><anchor id="Pg137" />
+<q>But I haven't any money to spend ashore,</q>
+objected Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll let you have ten dollars on account,
+then,</q> replied Jack, who was well supplied with
+money, thanks to a draft received from Jacob
+Farnum.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't want to go ashore, anyway.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm sorry, Truax, but it doesn't really make
+any difference. The boat will be closed up
+tight, and there wouldn't be any place for you
+to stay, except on the platform deck.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You're not treating me fairly,</q> protested
+Sam Truax, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm sorry you think so. Still, if you're not
+satisfied, all I can do is to pay you off to date.
+Then you can go where you please.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm here by David Pollard's order. Do you
+forget that?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>He sent you along to us, true,</q> admitted
+Jack, <q>but I have instructions from Mr. Farnum
+to dismiss anyone whose work on board I
+don't like. Now, Truax, you're a competent
+enough man in the engine room, and there's no
+sense in having to let you go. You're well paid,
+and can afford the time on shore. I wouldn't
+make any more fuss about this, but do as the
+rest of us are going to do.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, I'll have to, then, since you're boss
+here,</q> grumbled Truax, sulkily.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="138" /><anchor id="Pg138" />
+<q>I don't want to make it felt too much that I
+<hi rend="font-style: italic">am</hi> boss here,</q> Jack retorted, mildly. <q>At the
+same time, though, I'm held responsible, and
+so I suppose I'll have to have things done the
+way that seems best to me.</q></p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax turned to get his satchel. The
+instant his back was turned on the young commander
+Sam's face was a study in ugliness.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, I'll take this all out of you,</q> muttered
+the fellow to himself. <q>I don't believe, Jack
+Benson, you'll go on the cruising next week.
+If you do, you won't be much good, anyway!</q></p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later a shore boat landed the
+entire party from the submarine craft.</p>
+
+<p><q>Going with the rest of us, Truax?</q> inquired
+Jack, pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p><q>No; I'm going to find a boarding-house.
+That will be cheaper than the hotel.</q></p>
+
+<p>So the other four kept straight on to the
+Maryland House, giving very little more thought
+to the sulky one.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until after supper that Eph turned
+the talk back to Sam Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't like the fellow, at all,</q> declared
+young Somers. <q>He always wants to be left
+alone in the engine room, for one thing.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And I've made it my business, regular,</q>
+added Williamson, the machinist, <q>to see that
+he doesn't have his wish.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="139" /><anchor id="Pg139" />
+<q>He's always sulky, and kicking about everything,</q>
+added Eph. <q>I may be wrong, but I
+can't get it out of my head that the fellow came
+aboard on purpose to be a trouble-maker.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, what object could he have in that?</q>
+asked Captain Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Blessed if I know,</q> replied Eph. <q>But
+that's the way I size the fellow up. Now, take
+that time you were knocked senseless, back in
+Dunhaven. Who could have done that? The
+more I think about Sam Truax, the more I suspect
+him as the fellow who stretched you out.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Again, what object could he have?</q> inquired
+Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Blessed if I know. What object could anyone
+have in such a trick against you? It was a
+state prison job, if the fellow had been caught
+at the time.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Well, there's one thing Truax was innocent
+of, anyway,</q> laughed Captain Jack. <q>He
+didn't have any hand in the way I was tricked
+and robbed by the mulatto.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Blamed if I'm so sure he didn't have a hand
+in that, too,</q> contended Eph Somers, stubbornly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yet Mr. Pollard recommended him,</q> urged
+Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, and a fine fellow Dave Pollard is—true
+as steel,</q> put in Hal Hastings, quietly. <q>Yet
+<pb n="140" /><anchor id="Pg140" />
+you know what a dreamer he is. Always has his
+head in the air and his thoughts among the stars.
+He'd as like as not take a fellow like Truax on
+the fellow's own say-so, and never think of looking
+him up.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, we've no reason to think Truax isn't
+honest enough,</q> contended Jack Benson.
+<q>He's certainly a fine workman. As to his
+being sulky, you know well enough that's a common
+fault among men who spend their lives listening
+to the noise of great engines. A man
+who can't make himself heard over the noise of
+a big engine hasn't much encouragement to talk.
+Now, a man who can't find much chance to talk
+becomes sulky a good many times out of ten.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>We'll have trouble with that fellow, Truax,
+yet,</q> muttered Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, I hope not,</q> Jack answered, then added,
+significantly:</p>
+
+<p><q>If he <hi rend="font-style: italic">does</hi> start any trouble he may find that
+he has been trifling with the wrong crowd!</q></p>
+
+<p>Very little more thought was given to the
+sulky one. The submarine boys and their companion,
+Williamson, enjoyed Saturday and
+Sunday ashore.</p>
+
+<p>All of them might have felt disturbed, however,
+had they known of one thing that happened.</p>
+
+<p>The naval machinists aboard the first submarine
+<pb n="141" /><anchor id="Pg141" />
+boat, the <q>Pollard,</q> now owned by the
+United States Government, found something
+slightly out of order with the <q>Pollard's</q>
+engine that they did not know exactly how to
+remedy.</p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax, hanging around the Basin that
+Sunday forenoon, was called upon. He gladly
+responded to the call for help. For four hours
+he toiled along in the <q>Pollard's</q> engine room.
+Much of that time he spent there alone.</p>
+
+<p>The job done, at last, Truax quietly received
+the thanks of the naval machinists and went
+ashore again.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, as he turned and walked toward the main
+gate of the grounds, there was a smile on Sam
+Truax's face that was little short of diabolical.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, if I can only get the same chance at the
+'Farnum's' engines!</q> he muttered, to himself.
+<q>If I can, I think Mr. Jack Benson will find himself
+out of favor with his company, for his company
+will be out of favor with the Navy Department
+at Washington!</q></p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<pb n="142" /><anchor id="Pg142" />
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XIV: THE <q>POLLARD</q> GOES LAME</head>
+
+<p>
+<q>The submarine boats when out in the
+Bay will keep abreast of the 'Hudson,'
+two hundred yards off on either
+beam. The speed will be fourteen knots when
+the signal is given for full speed. The general
+course, after leaving the mouth of the Bay will
+be East.</q></p>
+
+<p>Such were the instructions called from the
+rail of the gunboat, through a megaphone,
+Monday forenoon.</p>
+
+<p>On each of the submarine craft were sixteen
+cadet midshipmen, out for actual practice in
+handling a submarine in diving and in running
+under water. On board the gunboat were eighty
+more cadets. Thus a large class of the young
+men were to receive instruction during the
+cruise, for the detachments aboard the submarines
+could be changed at the pleasure of
+Lieutenant Commander Mayhew, who was in
+charge of the cruise.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Jack, his own hands on the conning
+tower wheel, ran the <q>Farnum</q> out into the
+river, first of all. Then the <q>Pollard,</q> under
+command of a naval officer, followed. Both
+<pb n="143" /><anchor id="Pg143" />
+backed water, then waited for the <q>Hudson</q> to
+come out, for the gunboat was to lead the way
+until the Bay was reached. Then the formation
+ordered would be followed.</p>
+
+<p>Though it was nearing the first of November,
+the day, near land, was ideally soft and balmy.
+As many of the midshipmen as could sought the
+platform deck of the <q>Farnum.</q> Those, however,
+who belonged to the engineer division were
+obliged to spend the greater part of their time
+below.</p>
+
+<p>By the time that the three craft were in the
+ordered formation, abreast, and well started
+down Chesapeake Bay, the parent vessel signaled
+that the designated cadets were to take
+charge of the handling of the submarine
+boats.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson cheerfully relinquished the wheel
+to Cadet Midshipman Merriam, and stepped out
+on to the platform deck. At need, as in case of
+accident or misunderstanding of signals or
+orders, Benson was still in command. While all
+ran smoothly, however, Mr. Merriam enjoyed
+command.</p>
+
+<p>Hal, being likewise relieved in the engine
+room, came also out on deck.</p>
+
+<p><q>Where's Eph?</q> inquired the young commander
+of the <q>Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>In the engine room,</q> smiled Hal. <q>He said
+<pb n="144" /><anchor id="Pg144" />
+I could leave, if I wanted, but that he'd be
+hanged if he'd let Truax out of his sight while
+I was away.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Eph seems to have Truax on the brain,</q>
+laughed Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Well, Truax <hi rend="font-style: italic">is</hi> a queer and surly one,</q> Hal
+admitted. <q>This morning he gives one the impression
+of peeking over his shoulder all the
+time to see whether he's being watched.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>So Eph means to humor him by watching
+him, eh?</q> asked Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Hal laughed quietly.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the cadets who were familiar with
+the landmarks of Chesapeake Bay pointed out
+many of the localities and sights to the two
+submarine boys.</p>
+
+<p>At last, however, Eph was obliged to call for
+Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>You know, Hal, old fellow, I've got to look
+out for the feeding of a lot of boarders to-day,</q>
+complained Eph, whimsically.</p>
+
+<p>This task of Eph's took time, though it was
+not a hard one. The food for the cadets had
+been sent aboard. Eph had to make coffee and
+heat soup. For the rest, cold food had to do.
+The young men, on this trip, were required to
+wait on themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Hal found Sam Truax sitting moodily in a
+corner of the engine room, though there was
+<pb n="145" /><anchor id="Pg145" />
+something about the fellow's appearance that
+suggested the watchfulness of a cat.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why don't you go on deck a while, Truax?</q>
+asked Hal, kindly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Don't want to,</q> snapped the fellow, irritably.
+So Hal turned his back on the man.</p>
+
+<p><q>Doesn't that part need loosening up a bit,
+sir?</q> asked the cadet in charge of the engineer
+division.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> replied Hastings, after watching a
+moment; <q>it does.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'll do it, then,</q> proposed Truax, roughly.
+He attempted to crowd his way past Hal, but the
+latter refused to be crowded, and stood his
+ground until the midshipman passed him a
+wrench. Then Hastings loosened up the part.</p>
+
+<p><q>You might let me do a little something,</q>
+growled Sam Truax, in a tone intentionally
+offensive.</p>
+
+<p><q>Don't forget, Truax, that I'm in command
+in this department,</q> retorted Hal, in a quieter
+tone than usual, though with a direct, steady
+look that made Sam Truax turn white with
+repressed wrath.</p>
+
+<p><q>You won't let me forget it, will you?</q>
+snarled the fellow.</p>
+
+<p><q>No; for I don't want you to forget it, and
+least of all on this cruise,</q> responded Hal Hastings.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="146" /><anchor id="Pg146" />
+<q>You don't give me any chance to—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Silence!</q> ordered Hal, taking a step toward
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax opened his mouth to make some
+retort, then wisely changed his mind, dropping
+back into his former seat.</p>
+
+<p>The noon meal was served to all hands. By
+the time it was well over the mouth of the Bay
+was in sight, the broad Atlantic rolling in
+beyond.</p>
+
+<p>The sea, when reached, proved to be almost
+smooth. It was ideal weather for such a cruise.</p>
+
+<p>Then straight East, for an hour they went,
+getting well out of the path of coasting vessels.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hullo! What in blazes does that mean?</q>
+suddenly demanded Hal, pointing astern at
+starboard.</p>
+
+<p>The <q>Pollard</q> lay tossing gently on the
+water, making no headway. Hardly ten seconds
+later the <q>Hudson</q> signaled a halt.</p>
+
+<p>Then followed some rapid signaling between
+the gunboat and the submarine that had
+stopped. There was some break in the <q>Pollard's</q>
+machinery, but the cause had not yet
+been determined.</p>
+
+<p><q>Blazes!</q> muttered Jack, uneasily. <q>It
+couldn't have happened at a worse time. This
+looks bad for our firm, Hal!</q></p>
+
+<p>The <q>Farnum</q> now lay to, as did the <q>Hudson,</q>
+<pb n="147" /><anchor id="Pg147" />
+for the officer in command of the <q>Pollard</q>
+signaled that his machinists were making
+a rapid but thorough investigation of the unfortunate
+submarine's engines.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, a cutter put off from the <q>Hudson,</q>
+with a cadet midshipman in charge. The small
+boat came over alongside, and the midshipman
+called up:</p>
+
+<p><q>The lieutenant commander's compliments,
+and will Mr. Benson detail Mr. Hastings to go
+over to the 'Pollard' and assist?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>My compliments to the lieutenant commander,</q>
+Jack replied. <q>And be good enough
+to report to him, please, that Mr. Hastings and
+I will both go.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>My orders, sir, are to convey you to the
+'Pollard' before reporting back to the parent
+vessel,</q> replied the midshipman.</p>
+
+<p>The cutter came alongside, taking off the two
+submarine boys, while Eph Somers devoted himself
+to watching Sam Truax as a bloodhound
+might have hung to a trail.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived on board the good, old, familiar
+<q>Pollard,</q> Jack and Hal hurried below.</p>
+
+<p><q>The machinery is too hot to handle, now,
+sir,</q> reported one of the naval machinists, <q>but
+it looks as though something was wrong right in
+there</q>—pointing.</p>
+
+<p><q>Put one of the electric fans at work there, at
+<pb n="148" /><anchor id="Pg148" />
+once,</q> directed Hal. <q>Then things ought to be
+cool enough in half an hour, to make an examination
+possible.</q></p>
+
+<p>After seeing this done, the two submarine boys
+left for the platform deck, for the engine room
+was both hot and crowded.</p>
+
+<p><q>How long is it going to take you, Mr. Hastings?</q>
+asked the naval officer in command of the
+<q>Pollard.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Half an hour to get the parts cool enough
+to examine, but I can't say, sir, how long the
+examination and repairs will take.</q></p>
+
+<p>So the officer in command signaled what
+proved to be vague and unsatisfactory information
+to Lieutenant Commander Mayhew.</p>
+
+<p><q>This is a bad time to have this sort of thing
+happen,</q> observed the naval officer in charge.</p>
+
+<p><q>A mighty bad time, sir,</q> Jack murmured.</p>
+
+<p><q>And the engines of the 'Pollard' were supposed
+to be in first-class condition.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>They <hi rend="font-style: italic">were</hi> in A-1 condition, when the boat
+was turned over to the Navy,</q> Jack responded.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you imagine, then, Mr. Benson, that
+some of the naval machinists have been careless
+or incompetent?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, that would be a wild guess to make,
+sir, when one remembers what high rank your
+naval machinists take in their work,</q> Jack
+Benson replied.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="149" /><anchor id="Pg149" />
+<q>And this boat was sold to the Navy with the
+strongest guarantee for the engines,</q> pursued
+the officer in charge.</p>
+
+<p>Jack and Hal were both worried. The sudden
+break had a bad look for the Pollard boats,
+in the success of which these submarine boys
+were most vitally interested.</p>
+
+<p>At last, from below, the suspected parts of
+the engine were reported to be cool enough for
+examination. The naval officer in charge followed
+Jack and Hal below.</p>
+
+<p>Taking off his uniform blouse and rolling up
+his sleeves, Hal sailed in vigorously to locate the
+fault. Machinists and cadets stood about, passing
+him the tools he needed, and helping him
+when required.</p>
+
+<p>At last, after disconnecting some parts, Hal
+drew out a long, slender brass piston.</p>
+
+<p>As he held it up young Hastings's face went
+as white as chalk.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you see this?</q> he demanded, hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p><q>Filed, crazily, and it also looks as though the
+inner end had been heated and tampered with,</q>
+gasped Jack Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>This, sir,</q> complained Hal, turning around
+to face the naval officer in charge, <q>looks like a
+direct attempt to tamper with and damage the
+engine. Someone has done this deliberately,
+sir. It only remains to find the culprit.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="150" /><anchor id="Pg150" />
+<q>Then we'll find out,</q> retorted the naval officer,
+<q>if it takes a court of inquiry and a court
+martial to do it. But are you sure of your
+charge, Mr. Hastings?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Am I sure?</q> repeated Hal, all the soul of
+the young engineer swelling to the surface.
+<q>Take this piston, sir, and examine it. Could
+such a job have been done, unless by sheer
+design and intent?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Will the lieutenant permit me to speak?</q>
+asked the senior machinist, taking a step forward
+and saluting.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; go ahead.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yesterday morning, sir,</q> continued the
+senior machinist, <q>we thought the engines
+needed some overhauling by someone more accustomed
+to them than we were. We saw one
+of the machinists of the 'Farnum,' sir, hanging
+about on shore. So we invited him aboard and
+asked him to look the engines over.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Describe the man,</q> begged Jack.</p>
+
+<p>The senior machinist gave a description that
+instantly denoted Sam Truax as the man in
+question.</p>
+
+<p><q>Did you leave him alone in here, at any
+time?</q> demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>Let me see. Why, yes, sir. The man must
+have been alone in here some three-quarters of
+an hour.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="151" /><anchor id="Pg151" />
+Jack and Hal exchanged swift glances.</p>
+
+<p>There seemed, now, very little need of carrying
+the investigation further.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XV: ANOTHER TURN AT HARD LUCK</head>
+
+<p>
+When he could trust himself to speak
+Hal Hastings addressed the naval
+officer.</p>
+
+<p><q>I think Mr. Benson and myself understand,
+sir, how it happened that this damage was done.
+There are extra parts in the repair kit. In
+twenty minutes, sir, I think we can have the
+engines running smoothly once more.</q></p>
+
+<p>The naval officer was wise enough not to press
+the questioning further just then. Instead, he
+went on deck.</p>
+
+<p>Working like beavers, and with the assistance
+of others standing about, Jack and Hal had the
+piston replaced and all the other parts in place
+within fifteen minutes. Then, once more, Hal
+turned on the gasoline, set the ignition, and
+watched.</p>
+
+<p>The engine ran as smoothly as ever.</p>
+
+<p><q>There won't be any more trouble, unless
+someone is turned loose here with files and a
+blast lamp,</q> pronounced Hal. Then he and
+<pb n="152" /><anchor id="Pg152" />
+his chum sought the deck, to report to the officer
+in charge.</p>
+
+<p><q>You think we're in running order, now?</q>
+asked that officer.</p>
+
+<p><q>If you give the speed-ahead signal, sir, I
+think you'll feel as though you had a live engine
+under your deck,</q> Hal assured him.</p>
+
+<p>The signal was given, the <q>Pollard</q> immediately
+responding. She cut a wide circle, at
+good speed, returning to her former position,
+where the propellers were stopped.</p>
+
+<p><q>You suspect your own machinist, who was
+aboard?</q> asked the naval officer, in a low tone,
+of the submarine boys.</p>
+
+<p><q>If you'll pardon our not answering directly,
+sir,</q> Captain Jack replied, <q>we want to have
+more than suspicions before we make a very
+energetic report on this strange accident. But
+we shall not be asleep, sir, in the matter of finding
+out. Then we shall make a full report to
+Mr. Mayhew.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Success to you—and vigilance!</q> muttered
+the naval officer.</p>
+
+<p>The gunboat's cutter came alongside, transferring
+Jack and Hal back to the <q>Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p>Hal went directly below to the engine room.</p>
+
+<p><q>You fixed the trouble with the 'Pollard'?</q>
+demanded Eph Somers, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> Hal admitted.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="153" /><anchor id="Pg153" />
+<q>What was wrong?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, I don't know as I'd want to commit
+myself in too offhand a way,</q> replied Hal,
+slowly, as though thinking.</p>
+
+<p><q>What appeared to be at the bottom of the
+trouble?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, it <hi rend="font-style: italic">may</hi> have been that one of the naval
+machinists, not understanding our engines any
+too well, allowed one of the pistons to get overheated,
+and then resorted to filing,</q> Hal replied.</p>
+
+<p><q>What? Overheat a piston, and then try to
+correct it with a file?</q> cried young Somers, disgustedly.
+<q>The crazy blacksmith! He ought
+to be set to shoeing snails—that's all he's fit
+for.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It looks that way,</q> Hal assented, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>Artful, clever Hal! He had carried it all off
+so coolly and naturally that Sam Truax, who
+had been closely studying Hastings's face from
+the background, was wholly deceived.</p>
+
+<p><q>This fellow, Hastings, isn't as smart as I had
+thought him,</q> muttered Truax, to himself.</p>
+
+<p>The interrupted cruise now proceeded, the
+parent vessel signaling for a temporary speed
+of sixteen knots in order to make up for lost
+time.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty minutes later came the signal from
+the <q>Hudson:</q></p>
+
+<p><q>At the command, the submarines will dash
+<pb n="154" /><anchor id="Pg154" />
+ahead at full speed, each making its best time.
+During this trial, which will end at the firing of
+a gun from the parent vessel, all cadets will be
+on deck.</q></p>
+
+<p>Word was immediately passed below, and all
+the cadets of the engineer division came
+tumbling up.</p>
+
+<p>To these, who had been in the engine room
+constantly for hours, the cool wind blowing
+across the deck was highly agreeable.</p>
+
+<p>For the speed dash Captain Jack Benson had
+again taken command. He passed word below
+to Eph Somers to take the wheel in the conning
+tower.</p>
+
+<p>Eph, therefore, came up with the last of the
+cadets from below. In the excitement of the
+pending race it had not been noticed by any of
+the submarine boys that Williamson was already
+on deck, aft. That left Sam Truax below in sole
+possession of the boat's engine quarters.</p>
+
+<p>The gunboat now fell a little behind, leaving
+the two submarines some four hundred yards
+apart, but as nearly as possible on a line.</p>
+
+<p><q>Look at the crowd over on the 'Pollard's'
+decks,</q> muttered Hal. <q>They're all Navy
+folks over there.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And they mean to beat such plain 'dubs' as
+they must consider us,</q> laughed Captain Jack,
+in an undertone.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="155" /><anchor id="Pg155" />
+<q>Will they beat us, though?</q> grinned Hal
+Hastings. <q>You and I, Jack, happen to know
+that the 'Farnum' is a bit the faster boat by
+rights.</q></p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the signal broke out from the gunboat.</p>
+
+<p><q>Race her, Eph!</q> shouted Captain Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>Aye, aye, sir!</q></p>
+
+<p>Eph Somers's right hand caught at the speed
+signals beside the wheel. He called for all
+speed, the bell jangling merrily in the engine
+room.</p>
+
+<p>A little cheer of excitement went up from the
+cadets aboard the <q>Farnum</q> as that craft shot
+ahead over the waters. The cadets were catching
+the thrill of what was virtually a race. At
+the same time, though, these midshipmen could
+not help feeling a good deal of interest in the
+success of the <q>Pollard,</q> which was manned
+wholly by representatives of the Navy.</p>
+
+<p>In the first three minutes the <q>Farnum</q> stole
+gradually, though slowly, ahead of the <q>Pollard.</q>
+Then, to the disgust of all three of the
+submarine boys, the other craft was seen to be
+gaining. Before long the <q>Pollard</q> had the
+lead, and looked likely to increase it. Already
+gleeful cheers were rising from the all-Navy
+crowd on the deck of the other submarine.</p>
+
+<p>Behind the racers sped the <q>Hudson,</q> keeping
+<pb n="156" /><anchor id="Pg156" />
+just far enough behind to be able to observe
+everything without interfering with either
+torpedo craft.</p>
+
+<p>From looking at the <q>Pollard</q> Captain Jack
+glanced down at the water. His own boat's
+bows seemed to be cutting the water at a fast
+gait. The young skipper, knowing what he
+knew about both boats, could not understand this
+losing to the other craft.</p>
+
+<p><q>The Navy men must know a few tricks with
+engines that we haven't guessed,</q> he observed,
+anxiously, to young Hastings.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't know what it can be, then,</q> murmured
+Hal, uneasily. <q>There aren't so confusingly
+many parts to a six-cylinder gasoline
+motor. They aren't hard engines to run. More
+depends on the engine itself than on the
+engineer.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But look over there,</q> returned Captain
+Jack Benson. <q>You see the 'Pollard' taking
+the wind out of our teeth, don't you?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> Hal admitted, looking more puzzled.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you think our engines are doing the top-notch
+of their best?</q> asked Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; for Williamson is a crackerjack
+machinist. He knows our engines as well as
+any man alive could do.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Do you think it would do any good for you
+to go below, Hal?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="157" /><anchor id="Pg157" />
+<q>I will, if you say so,</q> offered Hastings.
+<q>Yet there's another side to it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Williamson might get it into his head that
+I went below because I thought he was making
+a muddle of the speed. As a matter of fact, he
+knows every blessed thing I do about our motors,
+and Williamson is loyal to the core.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I know,</q> nodded Captain Jack. <q>I'd hate to
+hurt a fine fellow's feelings. Yet—confound it,
+I <hi rend="font-style: italic">do</hi> want to win this burst of speed. It means,
+perhaps, the quick sale of this boat to the Navy.
+If we're beaten it means, to the Secretary of the
+Navy, that he already has our best boat, and he
+might not see the need of buying the 'Farnum'
+at all.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Give Williamson two or three minutes
+more,</q> begged Hal. <q>You might tell Eph,
+though, to repeat, and repeat, the signal for top
+speed. That'll show Williamson we're losing.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson walked to the conning tower, instructing
+Eph Somers in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p><q>I've signaled twice, since the first time,</q>
+Eph replied. <q>But here goes some more.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I wonder what's going wrong with our engines,
+then,</q> muttered Captain Jack, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p><q>It ain't in careless steering, anyway,</q>
+grumbled Eph. <q>I'm going as straight as a
+chalk line.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="158" /><anchor id="Pg158" />
+<q>I noticed that,</q> Captain Jack admitted.</p>
+
+<p>He continued to look worried, for, by this
+time, the <q>Pollard</q> was at least a good two
+hundred and fifty yards to the good in the lead.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm afraid,</q> muttered Hal, rejoining Benson,
+<q>that I'll simply have to go below.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm afraid so,</q> nodded Jack. <q>We simply
+can't afford to lose this or any other race to the
+'Pollard.'</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Williamson knows that fully as well as we
+do, though,</q> Hal Hastings went on. <q>And
+Williamson—</q></p>
+
+<p>Of a sudden Hal stopped short. He half
+staggered, clutching at a rail, while his eyes
+stared and his lips twitched.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why—why—there's Williamson—aft on the
+deck!</q> muttered Hastings.</p>
+
+<p><q>What!</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack, too, wheeled like a flash. Back there
+in a crowd of cadets stood the machinist upon
+whom the submarine boys were depending for
+the best showing that the <q>Farnum</q> could
+make.</p>
+
+<p><q>Williamson up here!</q> gasped Hal. <q>And—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That fellow, Truax, all alone with the
+motors!</q> hissed Captain Jack. Then, after a
+second or two of startled silence:</p>
+
+<p><q>Come on, Hal!</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="159" /><anchor id="Pg159" />
+The naval cadets were too much absorbed in
+watching the race to have overheard anything.
+Williamson, too, standing at the rail, looking out
+over the water, had not yet discovered that Hal
+Hastings was up from the engine room.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson stole below on tip-toe, though
+with the machinery running so much stealth was
+not necessary. Right behind him followed Hal.</p>
+
+<p>As the two gained the doorway of the engine
+room Sam Truax had his back turned to them,
+and so did not note the sudden watchers.</p>
+
+<p>There was a smile of malicious triumph on
+Truax's face as he turned a lever a little way
+over, thus decreasing the ignition power of the
+motors.</p>
+
+<p>Both Jack and Hal could see that the gasoline
+flow had been turned on nearly to the full
+capacity. It was the poor ignition work that
+was making the motors respond so badly. A
+little less, and a little less, of the electric spark
+that burned the gasoline and air mixture—that
+was the secret of the gradually decreasing
+speed, while all the time it looked as though the
+<q>Farnum</q> was doing her level best to win the
+race.</p>
+
+<p>Whistling, as he bent over, Sam Truax caught
+up a long, slender steel bar. With this he
+stepped forward, intent upon his next wicked
+step.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="160" /><anchor id="Pg160" />
+<q>Gracious! The scoundrel is going to run
+that bar in between the moving parts of the
+engine and bring about a break-down!</q>
+quivered Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax stood watching for his chance to
+thrust the steel bar in just where it would inflict
+the most damage. Then raising the bar
+quickly, he poised for the blow.</p>
+
+<p><q>Stop that, you infernal sneak!</q> roared Jack
+Benson, bounding into the engine room.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XVI: BRAVING NOTHING BUT A SNEAK</head>
+
+<p>
+<q>You—here?</q> hissed Truax, wheeling
+about.</p>
+
+<p>He had not had time to make the
+thrust with the steel bar.</p>
+
+<p>Instead, as he wheeled, he raised it above his
+head, drawing back in an attitude of guard.</p>
+
+<p>As he did so, a vile oath escaped Truax's lips.</p>
+
+<p><q>Put that bar down!</q> commanded Jack
+Benson, standing unflinchingly before the angry
+rascal.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll put it down on your head, if you don't
+get out of here!</q> snarled the wretch.</p>
+
+<p><q>Put it down, and consider yourself off duty
+here, for good and all,</q> insisted Jack.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="161" /><anchor id="Pg161" />
+<q>Are you going to get out of here, or shall
+I brain you?</q> screamed Truax, his face working
+in the height of his passion.</p>
+
+<p><q>Neither,</q> retorted Captain Jack, coolly.
+<q>I command here, and you know it. Put that
+bar down, and leave the engine room.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Come and take the bar from me—if you
+dare!</q> taunted the fellow, a more wicked gleam
+flashing in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hal!</q> called Jack, sharply.</p>
+
+<p><q>Aye!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Call two or three of the cadets down here.
+Don't make any noise about it.</q></p>
+
+<p>This order was called without Benson's turning
+his head. He still stood facing the sneak
+while Hal sped away.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, I've got you alone!</q> gloated Truax.
+<q>I'll finish you!</q></p>
+
+<p>A scornful smile curled Jack's lips as he gazed
+steadily back at his foe.</p>
+
+<p><q>Truax, you're a coward, as well as a sneak.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I am—eh?</q></p>
+
+<p>With another nasty oath Truax stepped
+quickly forward, the steel bar upraised.</p>
+
+<p>He took but one step, however, for Captain
+Jack Benson had not retreated an inch.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did Jack have his hands up in an attitude
+of guard.</p>
+
+<p><q>Are you going to put that bar down,
+<pb n="162" /><anchor id="Pg162" />
+Truax?</q> the young skipper demanded, in a
+voice that betrayed not a tremor.</p>
+
+<p><q>No.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then you'll have to make good in a moment,
+for we're going to attack you.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Bah! I can stave in two or three heads before
+any number of you could stop me,</q> sneered
+the fellow, in an ugly voice.</p>
+
+<p><q>You could, but you won't dare.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I won't?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Not you!</q></p>
+
+<p>At that instant rapid steps were heard. Hal
+Hastings returned with three of the midshipmen,
+behind them Williamson trying to crowd
+his way into the scene.</p>
+
+<p><q>Just tell us what you want, Mr. Benson,</q>
+proposed Cadet Merriam, amiably.</p>
+
+<p><q>This fellow has been 'doping' our engines,</q>
+announced Captain Jack. <q>And now he's
+threatening to stand us off. We'll close in on
+him from both sides. If he tries to use that
+steel bar on any of us—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>If he does, he'll curse his unlucky star,</q>
+declared Midshipman Merriam. <q>Come on,
+gentlemen. We'll show him some of the Navy
+football tactics!</q></p>
+
+<p>The three midshipmen approached Truax
+steadily from the right. Jack, Hal and Williamson
+stepped in on the left.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="163" /><anchor id="Pg163" />
+With a yell like that of a maniac Sam Truax
+swung the bar.</p>
+
+<p>Having to watch both sides at once, however,
+he made a fizzle of it. The bar came down, but
+struck the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with a yell, the midshipmen leaped in on
+one side, Jack leading the submarine forces on
+the other. Mr. Merriam's trip and Jack's
+smashing blow with the fist brought Truax down
+to the floor in a heap.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, cart this human rubbish out of here!</q>
+ordered Jack Benson, sternly. <q>Don't hit him—he
+isn't man enough to be worthy of a blow!</q></p>
+
+<p>Swooping down upon the prostrate one, Hal
+and the midshipmen seized Sam Truax by his
+arms and legs, carrying him bodily out of the
+engine room.</p>
+
+<p><q>Williamson,</q> commanded Captain Jack,
+<q>stop the speed.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>In the race, sir. We—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Stop the speed,</q> repeated Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>You're the captain,</q> admitted Williamson.
+Grasping the twin levers of the two motors he
+swung them backward.</p>
+
+<p><q>Disregard any signal to go ahead until
+we've had a chance to inspect the motors,</q>
+added Captain Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Then the submarine skipper darted out into
+the cabin.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="164" /><anchor id="Pg164" />
+Sam Truax lay sprawling on the floor. Midshipman
+Merriam, a most cheerful smile on his
+face, sat across the fellow, while Hal and the
+other two midshipmen stood by, looking on.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hold him please, until I can have the wretch
+taken care of,</q> requested Captain Jack, making
+for the spiral stairway to the conning tower.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the young skipper stepped out on deck
+he heard the <q>Hudson's</q> bow-gun break out
+sharply in the halting signal.</p>
+
+<p>Taking a megaphone, Benson stood at the rail
+until the gunboat ranged up alongside.</p>
+
+<p><q>Have you broken down?</q> came the hail
+from the gunboat's bridge.</p>
+
+<p><q>I thought it best to stop speed, sir. We'll
+have to look over our engines before it will be
+safe to attempt any more speed work,</q> Captain
+Jack answered. <q>I've caught a fellow tampering
+with our machinery. We hold him a
+prisoner, now. Can you take him off our
+hands, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>One of <hi rend="font-style: italic">your own</hi> men?</q> came back the
+question.</p>
+
+<p><q>Of course, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>We'll send a marine guard to take him, on
+your complaint, Mr. Benson.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Thank you, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>The gunboat's engines slowed down. Ere
+long her port side gangway was lowered. Jack
+<pb n="165" /><anchor id="Pg165" />
+saw not only two marines and a corporal come
+down over the side, but Lieutenant Commander
+Mayhew appeared in person. That officer came
+over in the cutter.</p>
+
+<p><q>You've had treachery aboard, have you?</q>
+asked the lieutenant commander, as he climbed
+up over the side.</p>
+
+<p><q>Rather. A new machinist, taken aboard
+just before we sailed from Dunhaven. The
+same fellow who must have played the trick on
+the 'Pollard's' engines yesterday,</q> Benson
+replied.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll be glad to have a fellow like that in irons
+in the brig aboard the 'Hudson,' then,</q> muttered
+Mr. Mayhew. <q>I couldn't understand,
+Mr. Benson, how you were doing so badly in the
+full speed ahead dash.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The prisoner below is the answer, sir,</q> Captain
+Jack replied. He then led the corporal and
+two marines below. The corporal produced a
+pair of handcuffs, which he promptly snapped
+over Truax's wrists.</p>
+
+<p><q>You'll be sorry for this, one of these days,</q>
+threatened Truax, with a snarl that showed his
+teeth.</p>
+
+<p><q>Some day, then, if you please, when I have
+more leisure than I have now,</q> Jack retorted,
+dryly. <q>This man is all yours, corporal.</q></p>
+
+<p>Truax was foolish enough to try to hang back
+<pb n="166" /><anchor id="Pg166" />
+on his conductors. A slight jab through the
+clothing from one of the marines' bayonets
+caused the prisoner to stop that trick. He was
+taken on deck and over the side.</p>
+
+<p><q>Coxswain, return for me after you've taken
+the prisoner to the 'Hudson,'</q> directed Mr.
+Mayhew. <q>Now, Mr. Benson, I would like to
+see what has been done to your engines.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's just what I want to know, too,</q>
+responded Jack.</p>
+
+<p>They found Hal and Williamson hard at
+work, inspecting the motors.</p>
+
+<p><q>The ignition power was lowered, and that
+may have been the most that the fellow did,</q>
+said Hal. <q>Yet, at the same time, before putting
+these engines to any severe test, I believe
+they ought to be cooled and looked over.</q></p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Commander Mayhew frowned.</p>
+
+<p><q>These delays eat up our practice cruise time
+a whole lot,</q> he grumbled.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll put the engines through their paces, and
+chance mischief having been done to them, if
+you wish, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No; that won't do either, Mr. Hastings,</q>
+replied the naval officer. <q>This craft is private
+property, and I have no right to give orders that
+may damage private property. I'll hold the
+fleet until you've had time to inspect your
+engines properly. By that time, however, we'll
+<pb n="167" /><anchor id="Pg167" />
+have to put back to the coast for the night, for
+our practice time will be gone.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>In the days to follow, sir,</q> put in Benson,
+earnestly, <q>I think we can more than make up
+for this delay. We won't have the traitor
+aboard after this.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What earthly object can the fellow have had
+for wanting to damage your motors?</q> demanded
+the naval officer, looking hopelessly
+puzzled.</p>
+
+<p><q>I can't even make a sane guess, sir,</q> Jack
+Benson admitted.</p>
+
+<p>An hour and a half later the <q>Hudson</q> and
+the two submarines headed back for a safe little
+bay on the coast. Here the three craft anchored
+for the night.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XVII: THE EVIL GENIUS OF THE WATER FRONT</head>
+
+<p>
+It was nearly eight in the evening when the
+three craft were snug at anchor.</p>
+
+<p>The bay was a small one, hardly worthy
+of the name. The only inhabited part of the
+shore thereabouts consisted of the fishing village
+known as Blair's Cove, a settlement containing
+some forty houses.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had all been made snug aboard the
+<pb n="168" /><anchor id="Pg168" />
+<q>Farnum</q> when Jack, standing on the platform
+deck after the cadets had been transferred
+to the <q>Hudson</q> for the night, saw a small boat
+heading out from shore.</p>
+
+<p><q>Is that one of the new submarine crafts?</q>
+hailed a voice from the bow of the boat.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir,</q> Jack answered, courteously.</p>
+
+<p>No more was said until the boat had come up
+alongside.</p>
+
+<p><q>I thought maybe you'd be willing to let me
+have a look over a craft of this sort,</q> said the
+man in the bow. He appeared to be about forty
+years of age, dark-haired and with a full, black
+beard. The man was plainly though not
+roughly dressed; evidently he was a man of some
+education.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, I'm mighty sorry, sir,</q> Captain Jack
+Benson replied. <q>But I'm afraid it will be impossible
+to allow any strangers on board during
+this cruise.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, I won't steal anything from your craft,</q>
+answered the stranger, laughingly. <q>I won't
+be inquisitive, either, or go poking into forbidden
+corners. Who's your captain?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I am, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Then you'll let me come aboard, just for a
+look, won't you?</q> pleaded the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>Such curiosity was natural. The man seemed
+like a decent fellow. But Jack shook his head.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="169" /><anchor id="Pg169" />
+<q>I'm sorry, sir, but I'm positive our owners
+wouldn't approve of our allowing any strangers
+to come on board.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Had any trouble, so far, with strangers?</q>
+asked the man.</p>
+
+<p><q>I didn't say that,</q> Jack replied, evasively.
+<q>But the construction of a submarine torpedo
+boat is a secret. It is a general rule with our
+owners that strangers shan't be allowed on
+board, unless they're very especially vouched
+for. Now, I hate to appear disobliging; yet, if
+you've ever been employed by anyone else, you
+will appreciate the need of obeying an owner's
+orders.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You're under the orders of the boss of that
+gunboat?</q> asked the stranger, pointing to the
+<q>Hudson.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>On this cruise, yes, sir,</q> Jack nodded.</p>
+
+<p><q>Maybe, if I saw the fellow in command of
+the gunboat, then he'd give me an order allowing
+me to come on board.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm very certain the lieutenant commander
+wouldn't do anything of the sort,</q> Benson
+responded.</p>
+
+<p>The stranger gave a comical sigh.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then I'm afraid I don't see a submarine boat
+to-night—that is, any more than I can see of it
+now.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's about the way it looks to me, also,</q>
+<pb n="170" /><anchor id="Pg170" />
+Jack answered, smiling. <q>Yet, believe me, I
+hate awfully to seem discourteous about it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, all right,</q> muttered the stranger, nodding
+to the two boatmen, who had rowed him out
+alongside.</p>
+
+<p><q>Good!</q> grunted Eph. <q>I'm glad you
+didn't let him on board, Captain. On this cruise
+our luck doesn't seem to run with strangers.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It doesn't, for a fact,</q> laughed Jack Benson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hi, ho—ah, hum!</q> yawned young Somers,
+stretching. <q>It will be mine for early bunk
+to-night, I reckon.</q></p>
+
+<p>At this moment a boat was observed rounding
+the stern of the <q>Hudson.</q> It came up alongside,
+landing a marine sentry.</p>
+
+<p><q>Anybody on the 'Farnum' want to go ashore
+to-night?</q> hailed a voice from the gunboat's
+rail. <q>The shore boat will be ready in five
+minutes.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I believe I would like to take just a run
+through the village,</q> declared Jack, turning to
+his chum. <q>Do you feel like a land-cruise with
+me, Hal?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I think I'd better go,</q> laughed Hastings.
+<q>You seem to get into trouble when you go
+alone.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>All right, then. And, Eph since you're so
+sleepy, you can turn in as soon as you want.
+The boat will be under sufficient protection,</q>
+<pb n="171" /><anchor id="Pg171" />
+Jack added, nodding toward the marine slowly
+pacing the platform deck.</p>
+
+<p>Williamson was called too, but declared that
+he felt like turning in early. So, when the shore
+boat came, it had but two passengers to take
+from the submarine. There were a few shore-leave
+men, however, from the gunboat.</p>
+
+<p><q>This boat will return to the fleet, gentlemen,
+every hour up to midnight,</q> stated the petty
+officer in charge, as Jack and Hal stepped ashore
+at a rickety little wharf.</p>
+
+<p><q>Judging from what we can see of the town
+from here, we'll be ready to go back long before
+midnight,</q> Jack Benson laughingly told his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p><q>All I want is to shake some of the sea-roll
+out of my gait,</q> nodded Hastings. <q>It surely
+doesn't seem to be much of a town.</q></p>
+
+<p>By way of public buildings there turned out
+to be a church, locked and dark, a general store
+and also a drug-store that contained the local
+post-office. But the drug-store carried no ice
+cream or soda, so the submarine boys turned
+away.</p>
+
+<p>There was one other <q>public</q> place that the
+boys failed to discover at once. That was a low
+groggery at the further end of the town. Here
+two of the sailors who had come on shore leave
+turned in for a drink or two. They found a
+<pb n="172" /><anchor id="Pg172" />
+suave, black-bearded man quite ready to buy
+liquor for Uncle Sam's tars.</p>
+
+<p>Three-quarters of an hour later Jack and Hal
+felt they had seen about as much of the town as
+they cared for, when a hailing voice stopped
+them.</p>
+
+<p><q>Finding it pretty dull, gentlemen?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, good evening,</q> replied Captain Jack,
+recognizing the bearded man whom he had
+refused admittance to the <q>Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Pretty stupid town, isn't it, Captain?</q>
+asked the stranger, holding out his hand, which
+Jack Benson took.</p>
+
+<p><q>As lively as we thought it would be,</q> Hal
+rejoined. <q>We just came ashore to stretch ourselves
+a bit. Thought we might lay a course to
+an ice-cream soda, too, but failed.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>These fishermen don't have such things,</q>
+smiled the stranger. <q>They are content with
+the bare necessities of life, with a little grog and
+tobacco added. Speaking of grog, would you
+care to try the best this town has, gentlemen?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Thank you,</q> Jack answered, politely.
+<q>We've never either of us tasted the stuff, and
+we don't care to begin.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Drop into the drug-store and have a cigar,
+then?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>We don't smoke, either, thank you,</q> came
+from Hal.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="173" /><anchor id="Pg173" />
+<q>You young men are rather hard to entertain
+in a place like this,</q> sighed the stranger, but his
+eyes twinkled.</p>
+
+<p><q>We are just as grateful for the intention,</q>
+Jack assured him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Tell you what I can do, gentlemen,</q> proposed
+the stranger, suddenly. <q>I might invite
+you down to my shack for a little while, and
+show you my books and some models of yachts
+and ships that I've been collecting. I'm quite
+proud of my collection in that line. Won't you
+come?</q></p>
+
+<p>Anything in the line of yacht or ship-models
+interested both of these sea-loving boys from the
+shipyard at Dunhaven. Jack graciously accepted
+the invitation for them both.</p>
+
+<p><q>And, though I have no soda fountain,</q> continued
+the bearded one, <q>I can offer you some
+soft drinks. I always keep some about the
+place.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>How do you come to be living in a place like
+this, if I'm not too inquisitive?</q> queried Benson,
+as the three strolled down the street.</p>
+
+<p><q>Doctor's orders,</q> replied the bearded one.
+<q>So I've rented the best old shack I could get
+here, down by the water. I spend a good deal
+of my time sailing a sloop that I have. Curtis
+is my name.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack and Hal introduced themselves in turn.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="174" /><anchor id="Pg174" />
+Curtis's shack proved to be well away from
+the village proper, and down near the waterfront.
+A light shone from a window near the
+front door as the three approached the small
+dwelling.</p>
+
+<p><q>I think I can interest you for an hour, gentlemen,</q>
+declared the bearded one, as he
+slipped a key in the lock of the door.</p>
+
+<p>He admitted them to a little room off the hallway,
+a room that contained not much beyond a
+table and four chairs, a side-table and some of
+the accessories of the smoker.</p>
+
+<p><q>Just take a seat here,</q> proposed Curtis,
+<q>while I get some sarsaparilla for you. I'll be
+right back in a moment.</q></p>
+
+<p>It was four or five minutes before Curtis came
+back, bearing a tray on which were three tall
+glasses, each containing a brownish liquid.</p>
+
+<p><q>The stuff isn't iced, yet it's fairly cold,</q> the
+bearded one explained. <q>Well, gentlemen,
+here's to a pleasant evening!</q></p>
+
+<p>Hal, who was thirsty, took a long swallow of
+the sarsaparilla, finding the flavor excellent.
+Jack drank more slowly, though he enjoyed the
+beverage.</p>
+
+<p><q>If you don't mind,</q> suggested Curtis, <q>I
+will light a cigar. And say, by the way, gentlemen,
+what if we take a little walk down to my
+beach? Before showing you the models I spoke
+<pb n="175" /><anchor id="Pg175" />
+of, I'd like to have your opinion of the lines of
+my sloop.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>We'll go down and take a look with great
+pleasure,</q> Jack Benson agreed, rising. <q>And
+I'm glad, sir, that you're able to show us
+more courtesy than we were able to offer you
+to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, that was all right,</q> declared their host,
+smiling good-humoredly. <q>Rules are rules, and
+you have your owners to please. No hard feelings
+on that score, I assure you.</q></p>
+
+<p>Curtis led the way through a dark yard down
+to a pier. Moored there lay a handsome white
+sloop, some forty-two feet in length—a boat of
+a good and seaworthy knockabout type.</p>
+
+<p><q>This is a sloop, all right,</q> Jack agreed, cordially.
+<q>Rather different from the lumbering
+fishing craft hereabouts.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, hah, yum!</q> yawned Hal, at which Curtis
+shot a quick glance at him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Come on board,</q> invited Curtis, stepping
+down to the deck of the craft. <q>Let me show
+you what a comfortable cruising cabin I have.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Hi, oh, yow!</q> yawned Hal, again. <q>Jack,
+I think I shall enjoy my rest to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Same case here,</q> agreed Benson, stifling a
+yawn that came as though in answer to Hal's.</p>
+
+<p><q>I won't keep you long, gentlemen, if I am
+boring you,</q> agreed their host, amiably.
+<pb n="176" /><anchor id="Pg176" />
+<q>Now, I'll go below first and light up. So!
+Now, come down and take a look. Do you find
+many yacht cabins more comfortable than this
+one?</q></p>
+
+<p>It was, indeed, a cozy place. Up forward
+stood a miniature sideboard, complete in every
+respect with glass and silver. In the center of
+the cabin was a folding table. There were
+locker seats and inviting looking cushions. The
+trim was largely of mahogany. On either side
+was a broad, comfortable-looking berth.</p>
+
+<p><q>Just get into that berth and try it, Mr. Hastings,</q>
+urged the bearded one.</p>
+
+<p><q>I—I'm afraid to,</q> confessed Hal, stifling
+another yawn.</p>
+
+<p><q>Afraid?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Very sure thing!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm—hah-ho-hum!</q> yawned Hal Hastings.
+<q>I'm afraid I'd—yow!—abuse your hospitality
+by going to sleep.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson leaned against the edge of the
+opposite berth, feeling unaccountably drowsy.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, nonsense,</q> laughed Curtis. <q>Just pile
+into that berth for a moment, Hastings, and see
+what a soft, restful place it is. I'll agree to pull
+you out, if necessary.</q></p>
+
+<p>Not realizing much, in his approaching
+stupor, Hal Hastings allowed himself to be
+<pb n="177" /><anchor id="Pg177" />
+coaxed to stretch himself at full length in the
+downy berth.</p>
+
+<p>Almost immediately he closed his eyes, drifting
+off into stupor.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, your friend <hi rend="font-style: italic">is</hi> drowsy, isn't he?</q>
+laughed the bearded one, turning to the submarine
+skipper.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Benson's own eyelids were suspiciously
+close together.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why—what—ails you?</q></p>
+
+<p>Curtis spoke in a low, droning, far-away voice
+that caused Jack Benson's upper eyelids to sink.
+Curtis stood watching him, in malicious glee, for
+some moments. Then, at last, he took hold of
+the young skipper.</p>
+
+<p><q>Come, old fellow,</q> coaxed the bearded one,
+<q>you'll do best to join your friend in a good
+nap. Get up in the berth.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Lemme alone,</q> protested the boy, thickly,
+feeling that he was being lifted. Jack struggled,
+partly rousing himself.</p>
+
+<p><q>Come, get up into the berth. You'll be more
+comfortable there.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Lemme alone. What are you trying to do?</q>
+demanded Jack, swinging an arm.</p>
+
+<p>Curtis dodged the light blow, then gripped
+Jack Benson resolutely.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, see here, young man,</q> hissed the
+bearded one, <q>I'm not going to have any more
+<pb n="178" /><anchor id="Pg178" />
+nonsense out of you. Up into the berth you go!
+Do you want me to hit you?</q></p>
+
+<p>Another man thrust his head down the cabin
+hatchway, showing an evil, grinning face.</p>
+
+<p><q>Got 'em right?</q> demanded the one from the
+hatchway.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes,</q> snapped the bearded one, then turned
+to give his attention to Jack Benson, who was
+putting up an ineffectual fight while Hal slumbered
+on. <q>Now, see here, Benson, quit all
+your fooling!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You lemme up,</q> insisted the submarine boy,
+in a low, dull voice, though he swung both his
+arms in an effort to assert himself. <q>'M not
+goin' t' stay here. Lemme up, I say! 'M goin'
+back to—own boat.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The submarine?</q> jeered the bearded man.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yep.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Guess again, son,</q> laughed Curtis, jeeringly.
+<q>You're not going back aboard the submarine
+to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Am so,</q> declared Benson, obstinately,
+though his tone was growing more drowsy every
+instant, and his busy hands moved almost as
+weakly as an infant's.</p>
+
+<p><q>Listen, if you've got enough of your senses
+left,</q> growled the bearded men. <q>You're not
+going back to the 'Farnum'—neither to-night,
+nor at any other time during the next few
+<pb n="179" /><anchor id="Pg179" />
+months. You're bound on a long cruise, but not
+on a submarine boat. I am the captain here,
+and I'll name the cruise!</q></p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XVIII: HELD UP BY MARINES</head>
+
+<p>
+It was barely a minute afterward that Jack
+Benson lapsed into a very distinct snore.</p>
+
+<p><q>No more trouble from this pair,</q>
+laughed the bearded one to his companion at the
+hatchway. <q>Now, I'll douse the cabin light,
+and then we'll cast off. This thing has moved
+along very slickly.</q></p>
+
+<p>Eph, after having made up his mind to turn
+in early, had found his sleepy fit passing. He
+read for a while in the cabin, then pulled on a
+reefer and went up on deck. Williamson was
+already in a berth, sound asleep.</p>
+
+<p><q>It would be a fine night if there was a
+moon,</q> Eph remarked to the marine sentry on
+deck.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>The marine—<q>soldier, and sailor, too</q>—not
+being there for conversational purposes, continued
+his slow pacing, his rifle resting over his
+right shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>As Eph strolled about in the limited space of
+<pb n="180" /><anchor id="Pg180" />
+the platform deck he heard a distant creaking.
+It was a sound that he well knew—the hoisting
+of sail.</p>
+
+<p><q>I wonder if the local fishermen start out at
+this time of the night?</q> Eph Somers remarked,
+musingly, to the sentry.</p>
+
+<p><q>It may be so, sir; I don't know,</q> replied the
+marine.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Eph made out the lines and the
+spread of canvas of a handsome knockabout
+sloop standing on out of the harbor.</p>
+
+<p>The course being narrow, the sloop was
+obliged to sail rather close to the fleet.</p>
+
+<p><q>That's no fisherman!</q> muttered Somers,
+watching, his hands thrust deep in his pockets.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the sloop's hull was lost to Eph's
+sight beyond the gunboat. Then the boy heard
+a voice from the <q>Hudson's</q> deck roar out:</p>
+
+<p><q>Look alive, you lubber! Do you want to
+foul our anchor chain?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No, sir,</q> came from the sloop's deck.
+<q>We'll clear you all right.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>See that you do, then!</q></p>
+
+<p>Then the sloop's hull came into view again,
+as the craft headed out toward the open water
+beyond.</p>
+
+<p><q>That's the kind of a craft Jack would give
+a heap to be on,</q> thought Eph. <q>Queer that
+he should spend all his time on gasoline peanut-roasters
+<pb n="181" /><anchor id="Pg181" />
+when he's so fond of whistling for a
+breeze behind canvas.</q></p>
+
+<p>As the sloop neared the mouth of the little
+bay, and her lines became rather indistinct in
+the darkness, Eph Somers turned to resume his
+pacing of the deck.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hullo,</q> muttered the submarine boy, two
+or three minutes later. <q>Here's the shore boat
+coming on its regular trip. I wonder if Jack
+and Hal are in it? It's about time for them to
+be coming on board.</q></p>
+
+<p>But the shore boat, instead of coming out to
+the submarine, lay in at the side gangway of
+the gunboat opposite, and Eph discovered that
+his two comrades were not in the boat.</p>
+
+<p><q>I say,</q> hailed Eph, <q>have you seen Mr. Benson
+and Mr. Hastings on shore!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No, sir,</q> replied the petty officer in charge.</p>
+
+<p>Then one of the sailors in the boat spoke in
+an undertone.</p>
+
+<p><q>This man says, sir,</q> continued the petty
+officer, <q>that he saw your friends, sir, going
+aboard a white knockabout sloop.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>He did, eh?</q> demanded the astonished Eph.
+<q>How long ago was that?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Only a few minutes ago, sir,</q> replied the
+sailor.</p>
+
+<p><q>You're sure you saw Mr. Benson and Mr.
+Hastings?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="182" /><anchor id="Pg182" />
+<q>Yes, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That's queer,</q> reflected Eph. <q>It wouldn't
+be like them to go sailing at this time of the
+night, and without notifying me, either. But,
+then, I didn't see anything of 'em aboard that
+sloop, either.</q></p>
+
+<p>Eph was silent for a few moments, thinking.
+Then, suddenly, he leaped up in the air, coming
+down flat-footed.</p>
+
+<p><q>Crackey!</q> ejaculated Eph Somers.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment or two his face was a study in
+bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mighty strange things have been happening
+all through this cruise,</q> Eph muttered, half-aloud.
+<q>Especially happening to Jack! Now,
+the two of them go aboard that sloop, and immediately
+after the boat puts out to sea in the
+dead of night. What if Jack and Hal have
+been shanghaied on that infernal sloop?</q></p>
+
+<p>Cold chills began to chase each other up and
+down the spine of Eph Somers. He was not,
+ordinarily, an imaginative youth, but just now
+the gruesome thought that had entered his mind
+persisted there.</p>
+
+<p>He began to pace the platform deck in deep
+agitation.</p>
+
+<p><q>Anything wrong, sir?</q> questioned the marine
+sentry, halting and throwing his rifle over
+to port arms.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="183" /><anchor id="Pg183" />
+<q>That's just what I'd give a million dollars
+and ten cents to know!</q> exploded Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>Gunboat, ahoy!</q> he shouted, some twenty
+seconds later.</p>
+
+<p><q>'Farnum,' ahoy!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I half believe, sir,</q> Eph rattled on, <q>that
+my two comrades, Mr. Benson and Mr. Hastings
+have been tricked, in some way, and carried
+out to sea on that knockabout. They'd have
+been back from shore by this time, if nothing
+had happened.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What do you want to do, Mr. Somers?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Want to do, sir?</q> retorted Eph. <q>I know
+what I'm going to do. I'm going to slip moorings
+and chase after that knockabout. What
+I wish to know from you, sir, is whether you'll
+send another marine or two on board, so that I
+can back up my demand to find my friends?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'll have to ask the lieutenant commander
+about that, Mr. Somers.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Can you do it, now, sir?</q> asked Eph, energetically.</p>
+
+<p><q>Instantly. I'll let you know the decision as
+soon as it's made.</q></p>
+
+<p>Eph, hanging at the rail in the silence that
+followed, had no notion of whether his request
+had been a correct one. All he knew was that
+his suspicions had surged to the surface, and
+were threatening to boil over. It was a huge
+<pb n="184" /><anchor id="Pg184" />
+relief to the boy when Mr. Mayhew's voice
+sounded from the rail of the gunboat. Somers
+swiftly answered all questions.</p>
+
+<p><q>Your craft and crew are in a measure under
+our protection and orders,</q> decided Mr. Mayhew.
+<q>I think we may properly extend you
+some help. I will send some men to you, and a
+cadet midshipman who will have my instructions.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Will you send them quickly, sir?</q> begged
+Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll have men on board of you by the time
+that your engines are running,</q> promised the
+lieutenant commander.</p>
+
+<p><q>Engines?</q> That word came as a fortunate
+reminder to the submarine boy. He darted below,
+almost yanking Williamson from his berth,
+nearly pulling the machinist into his clothes.
+By the time that Williamson was really wide
+awake he found himself standing by the motors
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>Then young Somers darted onto deck again,
+just in time to see the boat coming alongside.
+It brought two more marines, one of them a corporal.
+There were also two sailors. A cadet
+midshipman commanded them.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Somers,</q> reported the cadet midshipman,
+<q>I am not intended to displace you from
+the command of this boat. I am here only with
+<pb n="185" /><anchor id="Pg185" />
+definite instructions in case you succeed in overhauling
+that white sloop.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What—</q> began Eph. Then he paused,
+with a half-grin. <q>Really,</q> he added, <q>I ought
+to know better than to quiz you about your instructions
+from your superior officer.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir,</q> assented the midshipman, simply.</p>
+
+<p>Eph turned on the current to the search-light,
+swinging the ray about the bay. Then, too impatient
+to sit in the conning tower, the submarine
+boy took his place by the deck wheel.</p>
+
+<p><q>Will your seamen cast loose from the moorings?</q>
+Somers asked.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir,</q> replied the midshipman.</p>
+
+<p><q>If there's anything wrong, good luck to
+you,</q> sounded the cool voice of Lieutenant
+Commander Mayhew, from the gunboat's rail.</p>
+
+<p><q>Thank you, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>No sooner had the moorings been cast loose
+from than Eph sounded the slow speed ahead
+bell. Within sixty seconds the propellers of
+the <q>Farnum</q> were doing a ten-knot stunt,
+which was soon increased to fourteen.</p>
+
+<p>One of the seamen now stood by to swing the
+searchlight under Eph's orders.</p>
+
+<p>By the time that the submarine reached the
+mouth of the bay the light faintly picked up
+a spread of white sail, off to the East.</p>
+
+<p><q>That's the knockabout,</q> cried Eph, excitedly.
+<pb n="186" /><anchor id="Pg186" />
+<q>Now, see here, keep that ray right
+across the boat as soon as we get half a mile
+nearer.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It'll show the boat that you're chasing 'em,
+sir,</q> advised the midshipman.</p>
+
+<p><q>I know it,</q> admitted Eph. <q>But it will also
+keep the rascals from dumping my friends overboard
+without our catching 'em at it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What do you think the men in charge of
+that boat are, sir—pirates?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>They're mighty close to it, if they've shanghaied
+Mr. Benson and Mr. Hastings and put to
+sea with 'em,</q> rejoined Eph. Then he rang for
+more speed. Down below, Williamson almost
+instantly responded. The <q>Farnum</q> now
+fairly leaped through the water.</p>
+
+<p><q>Turn the light on the knockabout, now, and
+keep it there,</q> directed the submarine boy.</p>
+
+<p>There was a seven-knot breeze blowing. At
+the speed at which the submarine boat was traveling
+the distance was soon covered.</p>
+
+<p>And now the searchlight revealed two men
+in the standing-room of the sloop, one of whom,
+a bearded man, was looking backward over his
+wake much of the time.</p>
+
+<p><q>Can one of the marines fire a shot to stop
+those fellows?</q> asked Eph Somers.</p>
+
+<p><q>In the air, do you mean, sir?</q> asked the
+midshipman. <q>Certainly.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="187" /><anchor id="Pg187" />
+<q>Then I wish he'd do it.</q></p>
+
+<p>Bang! The discharge of the rifle sounded
+sharply on the night air.</p>
+
+<p><q>It ain't stopping 'em any,</q> muttered Eph,
+after a few seconds had gone by.</p>
+
+<p><q>Nothing would, unless fired into them,</q> volunteered
+Midshipman Terrell.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take long, however, to run the submarine
+up alongside of the sloop, at a distance
+of about one hundred yards.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, we want you men to stop,</q> called Midshipman
+Terrell, between his hands. <q>We are
+United States naval forces, from the gunboat,
+and you will regard this as an order that you
+must obey. No!</q> thundered the midshipman,
+suddenly, as the bearded one started to step
+down into the cabin. <q>You will both keep on
+deck. Otherwise we shall be obliged to fire into
+you. We mean business, remember!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What do you want to board us for?</q> demanded
+Curtis, pausing.</p>
+
+<p><q>We will explain when we come aboard.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>How are you coming, aboard? You've no
+small boat.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>We can land this submarine right up beside
+you,</q> responded the midshipman, <q>if you keep
+straight to your present course.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>And scrape all the paint off our side,</q> objected
+Curtis.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="188" /><anchor id="Pg188" />
+<q>That has no bearing on my instructions, sir.
+I direct you to keep straight to your present
+course. We will come up alongside.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What if we don't do it?</q> demanded Curtis,
+with sudden bluster.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then your danger will be divided between
+being shot where you stand and having your
+craft cut in two by the bow of our craft,</q> retorted
+Mr. Terrell. <q>You will realize, I think,
+that there can be no parleying with our orders.</q></p>
+
+<p>The bearded one swore, but the corporal and
+his two marines stood at the rail with their
+rifles ready, waiting only the midshipman's
+order to aim and fire.</p>
+
+<p>Eph allowed the <q>Farnum</q> to fall back a
+little way. Then he exerted himself to show his
+best in seamanship as he ran the submarine up
+to board the sloop by the starboard quarter.
+The two boats barely touched. Mr. Terrell, his
+three marines and two seamen leaped to the
+standing room of the yacht. Eph, all aquiver,
+let the nose of the <q>Farnum</q> fall back slightly.
+Then he trailed along, under bare headway.</p>
+
+<p>Then a shout came from the sloop, as the two
+seamen reappeared, bearing the forms of Jack
+and Hal.</p>
+
+<p><q>We've found them aboard, Mr. Somers,</q>
+shouted Terrell. <q>Drugged, I think, sir. Will
+you come alongside, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="189" /><anchor id="Pg189" />
+Eph quickly rang the signal, then did some
+careful manœuvring. As he touched, one of the
+marines leaped back to the platform deck, then
+passed a line to Mr. Terrell. The two craft
+were held together until Jack and Hal had been
+passed, still unconscious, over the side. The
+naval party quickly followed, then cast loose
+from the sloop.</p>
+
+<p><q>This whole proceeding is high-handed,</q>
+growled Curtis, as soon as he saw that he was
+not to be molested.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, you shut up, and keep your tongue padlocked,</q>
+retorted Midshipman Terrell, in high
+disgust. <q>You're lucky as it is. Now, Mr.
+Somers, are you going back to the bay, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Aren't you going to take those two—body-snatchers?</q>
+demanded Eph, glaring venomously
+at the pair on the sloop.</p>
+
+<p><q>My instructions don't cover that, sir,</q> replied
+the cadet midshipman.</p>
+
+<p><q>Then hang your orders!</q> muttered young
+Somers, but he kept the words behind his teeth.
+Eph veered off, next headed about, while the
+two seamen bore Jack and Hal below to their
+berths.</p>
+
+<p><q>Will you take the wheel, Mr. Terrell?</q>
+asked Eph, edging away, with one hand on the
+spokes.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="190" /><anchor id="Pg190" />
+Eph hurried below to the port stateroom.
+Jack lay in the lower berth, Hal in the upper.
+The two seamen, after feeling for pulse, stood
+by looking at the unconscious submarine
+boys.</p>
+
+<p><q>What's been done to them?</q> demanded
+Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>The same old knockout drops, sir, that sailors
+in all parts of the world know so well, sir, I
+think,</q> answered one of the men, with a quiet
+grin.</p>
+
+<p><q>Humph!</q> gritted Eph, bending over Jack's
+face. <q>Smell his breath.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir,</q> said the sailor, obeying.</p>
+
+<p><q>There's no smell of liquor, there, is there?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>No, sir,</q> admitted the sailor, looking up,
+rather puzzled.</p>
+
+<p><q>There is some infernally mean trick in all
+this,</q> growled Eph. <q>I am mighty sorry we
+didn't bring those rascals back with us.</q></p>
+
+<p>When he went on deck again the submarine
+boy relieved Mr. Terrell at the wheel, completing
+the run in to moorings.</p>
+
+<p><q>Did you find your comrades aboard the
+sloop, Mr. Somers?</q> hailed the lieutenant commander,
+from the gunboat.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Are they all right?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Drugged, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="191" /><anchor id="Pg191" />
+<q>Hm! Mr. Terrell and his detachment will
+return to this vessel.</q></p>
+
+<p>The boat took them away. It was five minutes
+later when the boat returned, bringing the
+lieutenant commander, Doctor McCrea, the surgeon,
+and a sailor belonging to the hospital
+detachment aboard the <q>Hudson.</q> Eph conducted
+them below.</p>
+
+<p><q>Drugged,</q> announced the medical officer,
+after a brief examination.</p>
+
+<p><q>Humph!</q> uttered Mr. Mayhew. <q>That
+sort of trick isn't played on folks in any decent
+resort on shore. I don't understand Mr. Benson's
+conduct. I remember his mishap at Dunhaven.
+I remember the plight he got into at
+Annapolis; and now he and Mr. Hastings are
+found in this questionable shape. I am very
+much afraid these young men do not conduct
+themselves, on shore, in the careful manner that
+must be expected of civilian instructors to
+cadets.</q></p>
+
+<p>Eph Somers felt something boiling up inside
+of him.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<pb n="192" /><anchor id="Pg192" />
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XIX: THE LIEUTENANT COMMANDER'S VERDICT</head>
+
+<p>
+<q>Let me try to get at your meaning, sir, if
+you please,</q> begged Somers, after
+standing for a few seconds with
+clenched fists. <q>Do you mean that my friends
+have been going into tough resorts on shore?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Where else do sailors usually get drugged?</q>
+inquired Mr. Mayhew. <q>What kind of people
+usually feed sea-faring men with what are generally
+known as knock-out drops?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>How should I know?</q> demanded Eph,
+solemnly.</p>
+
+<p><q>You see your friends, and you see their
+condition.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Smell their breaths, sir. There isn't a trace
+of the odor of liquor.</q></p>
+
+<p>The surgeon did so, confirming Eph's claim.</p>
+
+<p><q>But I remember that Mr. Benson came
+aboard, at Dunhaven, with a very strong odor of
+liquor,</q> continued the lieutenant commander.</p>
+
+<p><q>That had been sprinkled on his clothes, sir,</q>
+argued Somers.</p>
+
+<p><q>Perhaps. But then there was the Annapolis
+affair.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson explained that to you, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="193" /><anchor id="Pg193" />
+<q>It's very strange,</q> returned the lieutenant
+commander, <q>that such things seem to happen
+generally to Mr. Benson when he gets on shore.
+I know I have been ashore, in all parts of the
+world, without having such things happen to
+me.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>There is something behind this, sir, that
+doesn't spell bad conduct on the part of either
+of my friends,</q> cried Eph, hotly. <q>There's
+some plot, some trick in the whole thing that we
+don't understand. And we might understand
+much more about it, sir, if your midshipman had
+arrested that pair of blackguards on the sloop,
+and brought them back with us.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Had Mr. Benson and Mr. Hastings been
+members of the naval forces we could have done
+that,</q> replied Mr. Mayhew. <q>Probably you
+don't understand, Mr. Somers, how very careful
+the Navy has to be about making arrests in times
+of peace, when the civil authorities are all-supreme.
+We carried our right as far as it
+could possibly be stretched when we boarded
+and searched that sloop for you.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I don't care so much about that,</q> contended
+Eph, warmly. <q>But it does jar on me, sir, to
+have you take such a view of my friends. You
+don't know them; you don't understand them as
+Mr. Farnum and Mr. Pollard do.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Perhaps you wouldn't blame me as much for
+<pb n="194" /><anchor id="Pg194" />
+my opinions,</q> replied Mr. Mayhew, <q>if you
+could look at the matter from my viewpoint, Mr.
+Somers. I am in charge of this cruise, which
+is one of instruction to naval cadets, and I am
+in a very large measure responsible for the conduct
+and good behavior of young men who
+have been selected as instructors to the
+cadets. If you were in my place, Mr. Somers,
+would you be patient over young men who, when
+they get ashore, get into one unseemly scrape
+after another? Or would you wonder, as I do,
+whether it will not be best for me to end this
+practice cruise and sail back to Annapolis, there
+to make my report in the matter?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>For heaven's sake don't do that,</q> begged
+Eph Somers, hoarsely. <q>At least, not until you
+have talked with Mr. Benson and Mr. Hastings.
+You'll wait until morning, sir?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm afraid I shall have to, if I want to talk
+with your friends,</q> replied the lieutenant commander,
+smiling coldly. <q>And now, Mr. Somers,
+you and I had better leave here. The doctor
+and his nurse will want the room cleared in order
+to look after their patients. I hope your friends
+will be all right in the morning,</q> added the
+naval officer, as the pair gained the deck.</p>
+
+<p><q>Now, see here, sir,</q> began Eph, earnestly,
+all over again. <q>I hope you'll soon begin to
+understand that, whatever has happened, there
+<pb n="195" /><anchor id="Pg195" />
+are no two straighter boys alive than Jack Benson
+and Hal Hastings.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I trust you're right,</q> replied Mr. Mayhew,
+less coldly. <q>Yet, what can you expect me to
+think, now that Benson has been in such scrapes
+three different times? And, in this last instance,
+he drags even the quiet Mr. Hastings into
+the affair with him.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I see that I'll have to wait, sir,</q> sighed Eph,
+resignedly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; it will be better in every way to wait,</q>
+agreed the lieutenant commander. <q>It is plain
+justice, at the least, to wait and give the young
+men a chance to offer any defense that they
+can.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Now, of course, from his way of looking at
+it, I can't blame him so very much,</q> admitted
+Eph Somers, as he leaned over the rail, watching
+Mr. Mayhew going back through the darkness.
+<q>But Jack—great old Jack!—having any
+liking at all for mixing up in saloons and such
+places on shore! Ha, ha! Ho, ho!</q></p>
+
+<p>Williamson, now able to leave his motors,
+came on deck, asking an account of what had
+happened. The machinist listened in amazement,
+though, like Eph, he needed no proof that
+the boys, whatever trouble they had encountered,
+had met honestly and innocently.</p>
+
+<p><q>Of course that naval officer is right, too, from
+<pb n="196" /><anchor id="Pg196" />
+his own limited point of view,</q> urged Williamson.</p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, yes, I suppose so,</q> nodded Somers,
+gloomily. <q>I've been trying to tell myself that.
+But it would be fearful, wouldn't it, if the 'Farnum'
+were ordered away from the fleet, and
+Jack disgraced, just because of things he really
+didn't do.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It's a queer old world,</q> mused the machinist,
+thoughtfully. <q>We hear a lot about the
+consequences of wrong things we do. But how
+often people seem to have to pay up for things
+they never did!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Oh, well,</q> muttered Eph, philosophically,
+<q>let's wait until morning. A night's sleep
+straightens out a lot of things.</q></p>
+
+<p>Williamson, however, having had some sleep
+earlier in the night, was not drowsy, now. He
+lighted a pipe, lingering on the platform deck.
+Eph, not being a user of tobacco, went below to
+find that Doctor McCrea, from the gunboat, was
+sitting in the cabin, reading a book he had
+chosen from the book-case.</p>
+
+<p><q>I've brought the young men around somewhat,</q>
+reported the physician. <q>I've made
+them throw off the drug, and now I've left some
+stuff with the nurse to help brace them up.
+They'll have sour stomachs and aching heads in
+the morning, though.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="197" /><anchor id="Pg197" />
+<q>But you noticed one thing, Doctor?</q>
+pressed Somers.</p>
+
+<p><q>What was that?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>That there were no signs of liquor about
+them? Those boys never tasted a drop of the
+vile stuff in their lives!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm inclined to believe you,</q> nodded the
+surgeon. <q>They have splendid, clear skins,
+eyes bright as diamonds, sound, sturdy heart-beats,
+and they're full of vitality. I've met
+boys from the slums, once in a while—beer-drinkers
+and cigarette-smokers. But such boys
+never show the splendid physical condition that
+your friends possess.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You know, then, as well as I do, Doctor, that
+neither of my chums are rowdies, and that,
+whatever happened to them to-night, they didn't
+get to it through any bad habits or conduct?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'm much inclined to agree with you, Mr.
+Somers.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I hope, then, you'll succeed in impressing all
+that on Lieutenant Commander Mayhew in the
+morning.</q></p>
+
+<p>With that the submarine boy passed on to the
+starboard stateroom. He would have given
+much to have stepped into the room opposite,
+but felt, from the doctor's manner, that the latter
+did not wish his patients disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>Eph slept little that night. Though Jack and
+<pb n="198" /><anchor id="Pg198" />
+Hal fared better in that single respect, Somers
+looked far the best of the three in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>Jack and Hal came out with bandages about
+their heads, which buzzed and ached.</p>
+
+<p>The two, however, told their story to Somers
+and Williamson as soon as possible.</p>
+
+<p><q>Just as I supposed,</q> nodded Eph, vigorously.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, how did you guess it all?</q> asked Benson,
+in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p><q>I mean, I knew you hadn't been in any low
+sailor resorts.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Who said we had?</q> demanded Jack, flaring
+in spite of his dizziness.</p>
+
+<p><q>Some of the Navy folks didn't know but you
+had,</q> replied Eph, then bit his tongue for having
+let that much out of the bag.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor McCrea came aboard early. He
+looked the boys over.</p>
+
+<p><q>Eat a little toast, if you want, and drink
+some weak tea,</q> he suggested. <q>After that, eat
+nothing more until to-night.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>But the day's work—?</q> hinted Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>I don't know,</q> replied the doctor, shrugging
+his shoulders. <q>I'm not a line officer, and
+therefore know nothing about the fleet's
+manœuvres.</q></p>
+
+<p>That reply, however, was quite enough to send
+Jack Benson's suspicions aloft.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="199" /><anchor id="Pg199" />
+<q>Eph,</q> he cried, wheeling upon his friend the
+moment Doctor McCrea was gone, <q>there's
+something you haven't told us.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Such as—what?</q> asked Somers, doing his
+best to look mighty innocent.</p>
+
+<p><q>Doctor McCrea as good as admitted that we
+won't have anything to do to-day. What's
+wrong?</q> Then, after a brief pause: <q>Good
+heavens, does Mr. Mayhew believe we've been
+acting disgracefully? Are we barred out of the
+instruction work?</q></p>
+
+<p>Hal had been raising a glass of cold water to
+his lips. The glass fell, with a crash. He
+wheeled about, then clutched at the edge of the
+cabin table, most unsteadily.</p>
+
+<p><q>We-e-ll,</q> admitted Somers, reluctantly,
+<q>Mr. Mayhew said he would want to question
+you some, perhaps, this morning.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What did he say? Out with it all, Eph!</q></p>
+
+<p>A moment before Jack Benson had been pallid
+enough. Now, two bright, furious spots burned
+in either cheek.</p>
+
+<p>The red-haired boy, however, was spared the
+pain of going any further, for, at that moment,
+a heavy tread was heard on the spiral staircase.
+Then Lieutenant Commander Mayhew, holding
+himself very erect, one hand resting against the
+scabbard of the sword that he wore at his side,
+came into view below.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="200" /><anchor id="Pg200" />
+Many were the questions that the naval officer
+put to the victims of the night's mishap.</p>
+
+<p><q>Well, gentlemen,</q> Mr. Mayhew said at last,
+rising, <q>your story is strange. Yet, I believe
+you are young men of honor. I'm sorry we
+have not in custody the men who sailed that
+sloop.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Pardon me, sir!</q> burst out Eph.</p>
+
+<p><q>Well, Mr. Somers?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Perhaps, sir, if you should question Truax
+you could learn something from him. I tell
+you, sir, there's a scheme to ruin Jack Benson;
+and that's only part of a bigger plot to discredit
+our company with the Navy!</q></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mayhew, looking thoughtful, replied:</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll find some way of questioning Truax.
+And now, Mr. Benson, since you and Mr. Hastings
+are not fit to instruct the cadets to-day, I'll
+send out sections under Lieutenant Halpin on
+board the 'Pollard' only. To-morrow you
+should be in shape to resume your duties.
+Meanwhile, I must make one condition.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It will not be necessary, sir, to make any
+conditions with us,</q> Jack replied. <q>Your instructions
+will be sufficient.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>While you are on this present tour of duty,
+I shall ask Mr. Benson and Mr. Hastings not to
+leave the 'Farnum' without my consent.</q></p>
+
+<p>As soon as Mr. Mayhew had left the <q>Farnum</q>
+Eph Somers cried bitterly:</p>
+
+<p><pb n="201" /><anchor id="Pg201" />
+<q>You heard the verdict in the case! A great
+verdict! Not guilty—but don't do it again!</q></p>
+
+<p>At half past eight the next morning a section
+of cadets, under the command of Ensign Trahern,
+came aboard the <q>Farnum.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The lieutenant commander sends word, with
+his compliments,</q> reported Trahern, <q>that
+after leaving the bay the formation will be as
+usual. The signal to halt and be ready for the
+tour of instruction will be given when we're
+about ten miles off shore.</q></p>
+
+<p>Six of the cadets, of the engineer division,
+went below to the engine room. To one of the
+ten left on deck Jack turned and said:</p>
+
+<p><q>You will take charge, Mr. Surles. Assume
+all the responsibilities of the officer of the
+deck.</q></p>
+
+<p>In all, five of the midshipmen had commanded
+briefly before the laying-to signal was given.
+Hal Hastings then appeared on deck.</p>
+
+<p><q>Captain Benson,</q> Hal stated, saluting, <q>I
+have inspected all the submerging machinery,
+and I find everything in good order. We can
+go below the surface at any time.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Thank you, Mr. Hastings. All below!</q>
+ordered Jack crisply.</p>
+
+<p>After the cadets and the ensign had filed below,
+Jack, having seen that all was in order,
+followed. He made all fast in the conning
+<pb n="202" /><anchor id="Pg202" />
+tower, then called Midshipman Surles up the
+stairway to the tower wheel.</p>
+
+<p><q>Do you think you can head due east and
+keep to that course under water, Mr. Surles?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes, sir.</q></p>
+
+<p>Going down to the cabin floor, Jack ordered
+two more midshipmen to the tower as observers.</p>
+
+<p><q>The rest crowd about me and ask questions
+while I handle the submerging machinery.</q></p>
+
+<p>Under the impetus from the electric motors,
+the propeller shafts began to throb. The next
+instant the submarine shot below, going down
+at so steep an angle that many of the middies
+were forced to reach for new footing.</p>
+
+<p><q>The gauge registers sixty feet below,</q> announced
+Jack.</p>
+
+<p>In another moment, by the quick flooding of
+some of the compartments astern, the young
+skipper brought the boat to an even keel.</p>
+
+<p>Having finished the prescribed distance
+under water, Captain Jack turned on the compressed
+air to expel the water from the compartments.
+The conning tower soon rose above
+the water, and a moment later the <q>Pollard</q>
+also emerged.</p>
+
+<p>Other cadets were transferred from the gunboat
+to the submarines, and the instruction proceeded.
+The manœuvers for the day were ended
+with a half-hour run under water.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="203" /><anchor id="Pg203" />
+<q>By the way, sir, did you question Truax to
+see what you could learn about his reasons for
+acting as he did on the 'Farnum'?</q> asked Jack
+Benson the next day. Jack and Doctor McCrea
+were talking with Mr. Mayhew.</p>
+
+<p><q>I had him before me last night, and again
+this morning,</q> replied Mr. Mayhew. <q>He said
+he hadn't an idea what I meant, and that is all
+I could get out of him.</q></p>
+
+<p>Jack looked thoughtfully at Doctor McCrea
+for a moment before he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p><q>Doctor, if I had anything like your chance,
+I'd have Sam Truax talking!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>How?</q> Doctor McCrea looked interested.</p>
+
+<p><q>Why, I'd—</q> Jack hesitated, glancing toward
+the gunboat's commanding officer.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'd better go and see how the midshipmen
+are doing,</q> laughed Mr. Mayhew, rising.</p>
+
+<p>For some minutes Jack talked with Doctor
+McCrea. As the medical officer listened, he
+grinned, then laughed unrestrainedly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson, you're certainly ingenious!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Will you do what I've suggested?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Why, I—er—er—</q> Doctor McCrea hesitated.
+<q>I—well, I'll think it over.</q> Again
+Doctor McCrea roared with laughter.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<pb n="204" /><anchor id="Pg204" />
+<index index="toc" />
+<index index="pdf" />
+<head rend="text-align: center; font-size: large">CHAPTER XX: CONCLUSION</head>
+
+<p>
+Sam Truax sat in the brig, between decks
+on the <q>Hudson,</q> his scowling face turned
+toward the barred door, when the marine
+guard, taking a turn, peered in.</p>
+
+<p><q>Good heavens, man! What ails you?</q> demanded
+the marine.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'm all right,</q> growled the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p><q>I'll be hanged if you look it.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What are you talking about!</q> demanded
+the prisoner angrily.</p>
+
+<p><q>Man alive, I wish you could see your face!</q></p>
+
+<p>Three minutes later a sailor halted at the
+door, looked at Truax, then wheeled about to
+the marine.</p>
+
+<p><q>Say, what ails that man? What's the matter
+with his face?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Don't know. Looks fearful, doesn't he?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Awful! Ought to have the doctor.</q></p>
+
+<p>Sam shifted uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later a sailor wearing on one
+sleeve the Red Cross of the hospital squad came
+along.</p>
+
+<p><q>Say,</q> said the marine, <q>I wish you'd look
+at the feller in the brig.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="205" /><anchor id="Pg205" />
+The hospital man showed his face at the grating
+and looked at Truax keenly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Wow! The sawbones officer has got to look
+at this chap!</q></p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax sprang to his feet, but his legs
+wobbled. He felt his heart-beats racing and
+his face flushing.</p>
+
+<p><q>I felt all right a little while ago, but I certainly
+feel queer now,</q> he muttered.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor McCrea soon hurried below.</p>
+
+<p><q>Sentry, unlock the door! Let me in there!</q></p>
+
+<p>Doctor McCrea made a brief examination.</p>
+
+<p><q>How long have you been feeling ill?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>N-not long,</q> faltered Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>Hospital man!</q> called Doctor McCrea.</p>
+
+<p><q>Aye, aye, sir!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Have the stretcher brought here at once.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Aye, aye, sir!</q></p>
+
+<p>The stretcher was brought, and the attendants
+put Truax on it.</p>
+
+<p><q>I can walk, Doctor,</q> he protested feebly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Can't risk it! To the 'sick bay,' men.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What's wrong, Doctor?</q> Truax asked, when
+he was lifted from the stretcher and placed in
+one of the berths.</p>
+
+<p><q>Don't talk, my man. Just lie quietly and
+let us get you on your feet—if we can,</q> he
+added under his breath, but not so softly but
+that Sam Truax heard him.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="206" /><anchor id="Pg206" />
+The attendant came with a glass of liquid.</p>
+
+<p><q>Drink this,</q> ordered the surgeon, <q>and in
+a few minutes you'll feel better.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I—I feel awful,</q> Truax groaned.</p>
+
+<p>The dose was repeated, but the patient continued
+to grow worse. His nausea was overwhelming
+and he vomited over and over. In an
+interval of quiet the doctor leaned over him.</p>
+
+<p><q>Have you anything on your mind, man?
+Any wrong you'd like to set straight before—before—</q></p>
+
+<p>A look of fright came into Truax's eyes.</p>
+
+<p><q>Doctor, I—I wonder if Jack Benson would
+come to see me?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I'll see,</q> replied the doctor, rising and leaving
+the <q>sick bay.</q></p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later the naval surgeon returned
+with Benson. Hal Hastings, Mr. Mayhew and
+Ensign Trahern followed Jack and the doctor.</p>
+
+<p><q>Here's Mr. Benson, Truax,</q> announced
+Doctor McCrea. <q>If there's anything you wish
+to confess, the rest of us can bear witness and
+help straighten matters out if you've done any
+wrong that you now regret.</q></p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax feebly stretched out a hand that
+was hot and dry.</p>
+
+<p><q>Benson, will you give me your hand?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Certainly.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Can you ever forgive me?</q> moaned the man.</p>
+
+<p><pb n="207" /><anchor id="Pg207" />
+<q>Why, what have you done?</q> asked Jack.</p>
+
+<p><q>That assault back in Dunhaven—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Was it you who knocked me out there?</q> demanded
+Benson sharply.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes.</q> In a shaking voice Truax confessed
+the details of the affair and from that passed to
+Jack's trip to the suburbs of Annapolis.</p>
+
+<p><q>I found the mulatto in a low den. I told
+him you carried a lot of money and that he
+could have it all if he'd decoy you somewhere,
+keep you all night, and send you back to the
+Naval Academy looking like a tramp.</q> He
+then added the name of the mulatto.</p>
+
+<p><q>But why have you done this?</q> demanded
+Jack. <q>What have you against me?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I didn't do it on my own account. I did
+it for Tip Gaynor, a salesman for Sidenham.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The Sidenham Submarine Company?</q>
+cried Jack, deeply interested. <q>The Sidenham
+people are our nearest competitors in the
+submarine business!</q> he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p><q>Yes; and they wanted to get the business
+away from the Pollard Company. They told
+Tip Gaynor it would be worth ten thousand
+dollars to him for each Sidenham boat he could
+sell to the Government. Tip hired me—</q></p>
+
+<p><q>One moment, please,</q> interrupted Jack.
+<q>Did the Sidenham officials know that Gaynor
+intended to use such methods?</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="208" /><anchor id="Pg208" />
+<q>I don't believe they did,</q> replied Truax.</p>
+
+<p><q>Humph! So Gaynor hired you to do all you
+could to disgrace me in the eyes of the naval
+authorities and to injure the machinery in the
+engine room of the submarine!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Yes. Tip said it was highly important that
+the Pollard boats should break down while
+under the eyes of all Annapolis, so that it would
+seem that they could not be depended upon.</q></p>
+
+<p>Truax here became so ill that his audience
+had to wait until he could proceed. Then Jack
+asked:</p>
+
+<p><q>What sort of looking fellow is Gaynor?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>He was the black-bearded man who shanghaied
+you in the white knockabout. He doesn't
+usually wear a beard. He grew it for the occasion.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>So, acting for Tip Gaynor, you undertook to
+ruin us all and the good name of our boats!
+You even met Dave Pollard and got him to take
+you on as a machinist for our boats!</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Tip knew a man who was willing to introduce
+me to Mr. Pollard.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>It was like kindly, unsuspicious Dave Pollard
+to be taken in by a rascal like that,</q> muttered
+Jack to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Sam Truax added a few more details to his
+confession, then said:</p>
+
+<p><q>I couldn't die without telling you this, Benson.
+I hope you forgive me.</q></p>
+
+<p><pb n="209" /><anchor id="Pg209" />
+Before Jack Benson could reply Lieutenant
+Commander Mayhew stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p><q>Truax, have you told us the exact truth?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I have.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You thought it would be easy to get the
+better of a boy like Benson, I suppose.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Easy enough,</q> admitted Sam. <q>So did
+Tip.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>You shot far below the mark in guessing at
+Benson's ingenuity and brains,</q> remarked
+Doctor McCrea, laughing. <q>It was he who suggested
+this way of inducing you to make this
+confession after you had refused to answer the
+lieutenant commander's questions.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What?</q> demanded Truax harshly.</p>
+
+<p><q>When I was first called in to you, you were
+not sick, only scared by the remarks of others.
+After we got you in here, we dosed you with
+ipecac. That started your stomach to moving
+up and down.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>What? You poisoned me?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>The ipecac was my choice. It isn't poison.
+The general idea was Captain Benson's. With
+a lad like him you haven't a chance.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>Benson, you infernal cheat, you!</q> muttered
+Truax, and started to get out of the berth. But
+he was weak, and the attendant had no difficulty
+in thrusting him back.</p>
+
+<p><q>In view of what you've been telling us,
+<pb n="210" /><anchor id="Pg210" />
+you'd better not sprinkle bad names about,</q>
+said the surgeon, turning on his heel. He was
+followed by the others, all chuckling.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson,</q> said Doctor McCrea, when
+the party was in the cabin, <q>are you my
+friend?</q></p>
+
+<p><q>I certainly am, sir,</q> cried Jack warmly.</p>
+
+<p><q>Thank you,</q> said the doctor, making a comical
+face. <q>With your head for doing things,
+Mr. Benson, I feel safer with your friendship
+than I should if I had your enmity.</q></p>
+
+<p>While they were still chatting in the cabin
+of the gunboat a shot sounded on deck. Then
+a corporal of marines rushed in, saluting.</p>
+
+<p><q>The prisoner, Truax, sir, escaped while
+walking under guard on deck. He dived headlong,
+sir. The marine guard fired after him
+through the darkness, sir. The officer of the
+deck sends his compliments, sir, and wants to
+know if Truax is to be pursued in a small boat.</q></p>
+
+<p><q>At once, and with all diligence,</q> ordered the
+lieutenant commander.</p>
+
+<p>Though a thorough search was made, Truax
+was not found. It was thought that the fellow
+had been drowned. But months later it was
+learned that he was skulking in Europe with
+Tip Gaynor, who had received word in time to
+make his escape also.</p>
+
+<p>For two days more the instruction continued
+<pb n="211" /><anchor id="Pg211" />
+at sea. Then, the tour of instruction over, the
+little flotilla returned to the Academy at Annapolis.
+From there Captain Benson wired Mr.
+Farnum for further orders. Without delay
+came back the dispatch:</p>
+
+<p><q>Navy Department requests that for present
+'Farnum' be left at Annapolis. You and crew
+return by rail when ready.</q></p>
+
+<p>Soon after this Jack was informed that the
+Annapolis police had run down the mulatto who
+had decoyed the young submarine skipper on
+that memorable night. Jack's money, watch
+and other valuables were later recovered and
+returned to him.</p>
+
+<p>Just before Jack and his mates were to leave
+the <q>Farnum</q> for the last time, Lieutenant
+Commander Mayhew came aboard, followed by
+Ensign Trahern and three of the midshipmen
+who had been under submarine instruction.</p>
+
+<p><q>Mr. Benson and gentlemen,</q> said Mr. Mayhew,
+<q>I shall not make a set speech. What I
+have to say is that the cadet midshipmen who
+have been under your capable and much-prized
+instruction of late wish each of you to take
+away a slight memento of your stay here.</q></p>
+
+<p>Machinist Williamson had not been omitted.
+Each of the four received from the lieutenant
+commander a small box, each containing a small
+gold shield. In the center was the coat of arms
+<pb n="212" /><anchor id="Pg212" />
+of the United States Naval Academy. At the
+top of each pin was the name of the one to whom
+it was given. Across the bottom were the
+words:</p>
+
+<p rend="text-align: center">
+FROM THE<lb />
+BATTALION OF NAVAL CADETS<lb />
+IN KEEN APPRECIATION<lb />
+OF ADMIRABLE INSTRUCTION<lb />
+</p>
+
+<p>"I think," said Mr. Mayhew, "that none of
+you will hesitate to wear this pin on vest or
+coat lapel. The gift is a simple one, but it
+practically makes you honorary members of the
+United States Navy of the future, and I am glad
+of it."</p>
+</div>
+</body>
+<back>
+<div rend="page-break-before: always">
+<divGen type="pgfooter" />
+</div>
+</back>
+</text>
+</TEI.2>
+
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