leepy-eyed boys came from their cabins, going up
to the bridge for what they felt was their last hour of real sea-glory.

Ensign Fullerton appeared half an hour before anchorage was made.

"You have the satisfaction, sir, of knowing that your task was put
through in record time," said Fullerton, by way of congratulation.

"For which I'm truly glad," smiled Benson. "Yet I could wish our
experience with the Navy had not ended so soon."

"Why, it hasn't ended yet, sir," smiled the executive officer.

"It will, in a few minutes more, however," sighed Jack. "My last
official act will be to order the gig into the water to take us on
shore. We're under orders to take the next train for Washington,
you know."

"Very true," smiled Ensign Fullerton. "But, sir, you are commanding
officer of the 'Sudbury,' no matter where you may be, until you receive
an order to relinquish command. Also, sir, your present appointments as
officers in the service run until the orders appointing you are revoked."

"But that will all happen before the day is much older," replied Jack,
with a forced smile.

It was going to come harder than he had thought, after this brief taste
of real naval life, to give it all up!

No sooner had the "Sudbury" let go her anchors than Jack called for the
gig. He and his comrades hurried below, doffing their uniforms, which
went back into the dress suit cases. Then, in citizen dress, with
their precious swords again wrapped in chamois skin, the three
submarines went over the side.

There was the same ceremony, however, which had attended their coming
aboard. The marine guard turned out, presenting arms as Lieutenant
Jack Benson passed to the side gangway. Ensign Fullerton and Mr. Drake
stood by to salute Jack, and to receive his formal acknowledgment of
their courtesy.

Their feet touched the bottom of the gig. They seated themselves, and
the short row to the landing stage commenced.

On the landing stage stood an orderly, who promptly saluted.

"The Commandant's compliments to Lieutenant Benson, and will the
Lieutenant and his comrades report at the Commandant's office."

Early as the hour was, the commandant was at his desk, in uniform, and
received the young officers most graciously.

"Mr. Benson, and gentlemen," declared the commandant of the navy yard,
"you have done your work well, and as quickly as it could have been
done. I congratulate you. The Secretary of the Navy, I believe, will