ubmarine boys went quickly
to the coat-room for his hat, then descended in the elevator.

"Vairee strange place, zis, for a lady to follow a zhentleman--to hees
club," drawled a French captain.

One or two of the others laughed, imagining that this was some flirtation
in which the submarine boy had been engaged. But Eph flared up a bit,
looking very red, as he muttered:

"It's only fair to tell you, gentlemen, that we submarine boys don't
appreciate jokes at the expense of the finest fellow who ever lived--Mr.
Jack Benson!"

"Good boy" murmured Teal.

Yet, when an hour had slipped by, and Benson had not returned, even his
loyal comrades began to wonder a good deal. From that frame of mind
they passed on, at the end of another hour, to worry.

CHAPTER XX

THE GIRL IN THE CAB

As Jack reached the door of the United Service Club he found no one at
the doorway.

"That's strange," he muttered.

But in another moment he looked down the street. A hundred feet away
stood a closed cab. From it a woman leaned, beckoning slightly.

Had she been veiled, Jack would have been instantly suspicious.

But her face showed, and it was a young, fresh, pretty and wholesome
looking face.

"I don't know her, but she is very evidently a lady," thought Jack
Benson, quickly.

Accordingly, he stepped along the sidewalk, lifting his hat courteously
as he neared the vehicle.

"You are Mr. Benson?" inquired the young woman.

"Yes, madam."

"I trust you will pardon my calling here, and sending you a message. But
it was very urgent that I see you at once--how urgent you cannot yet
understand."

"I am here, madam," Jack replied; not knowing what else to say.

"I am going to make another strange request of you."

"It is granted in advance, if possible."

"Will you step inside with me, and drive a little way?" inquired the
young woman.

Jack glanced quickly at her. Her face was flushed; evidently she was
embarrassed.

"Won't you tell me a little more, madam, about your reason for wishing
to see me?" he suggested.

"Yes; but not here--_please!_" she begged. "I do not want to be seen
about here. I shall not detain you long, Mr. Benson. All I ask is
that you sit here beside me, and that we drive a little way, while I
say a few words to you."

Jack hesitated. He did not like the look of the adventure. Yet, on
the other hand, it was hard to see harm or danger in it. The young
woman was evidently, as he h