asked Jack

"She wasn't with him. The fellow traveled alone. Of course, the
handsome daughter was only borrowed for the occasion."

From the hospital came the word that unfortunate David Pollard was
resting comfortably.

"The scheme was one that was intended to put our whole party out of
business," declared Jack Benson, his eyes shining savagely. "I won't
go so far as to say the Rhinds crowd wanted us killed, but they hoped
we'd all be too badly hurt to go on with the submarine tests. Oh, what
a rascally way to succeed in business!"

CHAPTER XIV

RADWIN DOESN'T SEE HIS BEST CHANCE

Late in the afternoon Farnum went up to the hospital to see David
Pollard again.

As too many visitors would not be wise the shipbuilder represented, also,
his young submarine officers. He left them in the lobby of the Somerset.

"Don't go away from here," smiled Mr. Farnum, wearily. "Don't let
anybody coax you away from here. Just stay right here, and I won't have
to worry about you while I'm away. We can't take any chances--can't
lose any more of our crowd."

"Those are orders, sir," Jack Benson answered. "You'll be obeyed."

For the better part of an hour the boys remained where Farnum had left
them.

Then something happened that brought the flush of anger to all their
bronzed, honest young faces.

One of the outer doors opened, and Fred Radwin, catching sight of the
submarine boys as he entered, hastened over to where they sat, a look
of pretended sympathy on his handsome but snake-like face.

"Boys," he called, in a low voice, as all three rose as though to ward
off blows, "it was only little while ago that I heard of the fearful
accident. Poor Pollard! I want to tell you how heartily sorry I am to
hear--"

"Stop right where you are, sir!"

Jack Benson's voice thundered out. The young submarine captain did not
realize that he was using even more than a quarter-deck tone. Everyone
in the lobby turned to look on. A few, more curious than the others,
hastened to where the little group stood.

"What--what do you mean?" stammered Fred Radwin, looking mightily
bewildered.

"In the future, sir," and Jack's voice barely fell, "do us the honor not
to speak to us."

"What on earth--" protested Radwin.

"If you don't heed my request," Jack continued, angrily, "I don't
believe I shall be able to curb my desire to land both fists in your
face."

Radwin drew back before the darkening, menacing glare i