have cooled, he must
have figured that he would be rather safe from the law.
"I have investigated his doings aboard this boat. Among other things I
have learned that he deposited with our paymaster, taking a receipt for
the same, an iron box--a small affair--which, the fellow said,
contained papers regarding the history of his family. He had been years
in getting the papers together, he explained to the paymaster, and
wanted them put in a place of safe-keeping."
Jacob Farnum sprang to his feet, a great light of suspicion shining in
his eyes.
"I have had that box taken from the paymaster's safe and forced open,"
continued Admiral Bentley with a smile. "It is a right that we exercise
over any package at need. It was opened in the presence of three
officers of this fleet, and it was found to contain, probably, close
to a half million dollars in bills of large denominations. The paymaster
will be able to give you more exact figures. He has the money in his
safe again. It will be transferred to the custody of civil authorities
ashore until the courts have issued an order for its further
disposition."
"It's Miss Desmond's money," cried Farnum. "Only a little while to wait,
and then that splendid young woman will come into her own."
Tears glistened in the boatbuilder's eyes.
"If you think I am unusually affected over this matter," explained Mr.
Farnum, presently, "let me, with your permission, sir, tell you of the
fine, brave conduct of the girl in saving Captain Benson and the
submarine boat."
Admiral Bentley was greatly interested in the recital that followed.
In due time the flagship's shore boat carried the three to land again.
With fingers that shook Jacob Farnum penned a most exultant telegram
to Grace Desmond.
That sent, they engaged a boatman to put them aboard the "Pollard." It
was now the turn of Hal Hastings and Eph Somers to share in the
excitement and the joy.
In the days that followed the "Pollard" did not take any official part
in the naval manoeuvres, though whenever there was time for officers
to get leave from their ships Captain Jack and his friends were busy
enough showing all the workings of the fine boat to their visitors.
Admiral Bentley and his naval staff spent one entire forenoon aboard
the natty little submarine. They were delighted with all that they
were shown.
"Mr. Pollard," exclaimed the admiral, just before leaving, "it is my
unofficial opinion, from what I
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