the naval officer put to the two victims
of the last night's mishap. All the time his eyes studied their faces
keenly. Apparently, it needed a lot of assurance to half convince Mr.
Mayhew that the two submarine boys were telling him the truth.
"Well, gentlemen," he said, at last, rising and speaking with great
deliberation, "I believe you to be gentlemen, which means that you are
young men of honor, if it means anything at all. Your story is so
strange that--pardon me--it is difficult to credit. Yet I have no
evidence that it is not true. I am sorry we have not in custody the
two men who sailed that sloop last night--"
"Pardon me, sir," broke in Eph, "but I have an idea to spring."
"Well, Mr. Somers?"
"It is a mighty likely thing that, if you question that fellow, Truax,
that you have on board, you may be able to learn something from him.
For I tell you, sir, there's some plot on hand to discredit the Pollard
submarine boats with the United States Government. There's a scheme,
too, to ruin Jack Benson--but that's only a part of the bigger plot
to discredit our company's boats with the Navy, sir."
An expression of wonder crept into Mr. Mayhew's face. Then he looked
thoughtful.
"I'll see if I can hit upon a tactful way of questioning Truax," replied
the naval officer, after a while. "And now, Mr. Benson, since you
and Mr. Hastings are not in the least fit to instruct any of the cadets
to-day, I'll send out sections on board the 'Pollard' only, under
command of my executive officer, Lieutenant Halpin. To-morrow you
should be in shape to resume your duties. Yet, if I permit this, I
must make one condition."
"It will be hardly necessary, sir, to make any conditions with us,"
Jack replied, with spirit. "Your instructions will be sufficient.
We are wholly at your orders, sir. What are your commands?"
"As long as you remain on this present tour of duty, Mr. Benson, and
you, also, Mr. Hastings, you are requested not to leave the 'Farnum,'
except with my knowledge and consent. Will that be satisfactory to
you?"
"It will, sir," Captain Jack Benson replied, saluting.
"Very good, then. And now, young gentlemen, I will wish you good
morning. Remain at anchor, to-day, and on board."
As soon as Mr. Mayhew and his clanking sword had gone up the stairway,
and then over the side into a cutter, Eph Somers struck an attitude.
"O wise judge! O just judge!" exclaimed the red-haired one,
dramatically.
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