Benson have his own way, unless the members of the
board have other instructions," replied Jacob Farnum, promptly.

"Well, Captain Benson, if you deem it wise to work your propellers at
their best at the present level, go ahead and try it," laughed the
president of the board.

"Half speed ahead, Hal," called the young submarine captain. "Full
speed as soon as you get well started. Eph, swing around and go due
west."

"Aye, aye, sir," came the response, from both members of the crew.

Erelong the splendid little craft was making the best speed of which she
was capable. That there was a big chance of risk in it all knew. If
the hull of the boat was not of the most perfect construction there
would presently come an ear-splitting report through the bursting in of
steel plates on account of the tremendous pressure of the water all
around the boat. That would be followed by the inrush of the ocean
and prompt destruction.

There was another danger, not so great. Wrecks of ships often sink
below the surface, there to drift tediously about as long as the timbers
hold together. If the "Pollard," traveling under present conditions,
should collide with such a hull, there would be no future for anyone
aboard.

Yet, though all three of the submarine boys fully comprehended the
chances that now confronted them, all three did their work without
faltering.

In fact, none of the eight human beings aboard during this extremely
hazardous undertaking betrayed any cowardice, nor even alarm.

Lieutenant McCrea watched the gauge, the other two officers going
forward to make record of the number of revolutions per moment at which
the electric motor could drive the propeller shafts.

After ten minutes the president of the board approached Mr. Farnum
to say:

"We are satisfied with this part of the work. Let us return to the
surface for a welcome look at the sky."

"Will you hold your watches, gentlemen," inquired Captain Jack, "in
order to see how much time passes before we are running on the surface?"

One of the members of the board, watch in hand, climbed up the staircase
to stand beside Eph in the conning tower.

"Awash, sir," Eph soon called down.

The time was noted.

"Now, show us anything that you wish," suggested Commander Ennerling.

Captain Jack looked significantly at Messrs. Pollard and Farnum. Both
nodded.

"Then, sir," rejoined Captain Benson, "if don't mind, we'll run back to
Dunhaven, and show you