oard.

"I cannot, sir, but all the evidence points to the truth of my suspicion.
For one thing, while some of the submarines were in line with us, yet
all were too far away to drive a torpedo that far. Besides, as I have
stated, the 'Thor' turned briefly toward us, at just the time when the
torpedo would have been fired from her, then swung around promptly."

All of the naval officers present showed, in their faces, the horror
they felt over the situation.

"It does not seem to me," declared Captain Magowan, glancing around at
his associates, "that there can be any doubt as to our course. The
evidence, though wholly circumstantial, is about as strong as it could
be."

"Besides which, sir," advanced Mr. Danvers, "The 'Thor' was provided
with a stated number of torpedoes."

"Four," nodded Captain Magowan; "just as was the case with each of the
other submarine boats."

"Then, if you search the 'Thor,' and find but three torpedoes aboard,
now--"

"That will be all the evidence needed." admitted Captain Magowan. "We
will make the search, and, on finding but three torpedoes aboard the
'Thor,' we will place everyone on board under arrest, and send the
'Thor' into port under charge of one of our own naval crews. Gentlemen,
there is no need of further delay. Commander Ellis, I will ask of you
a cutter, a crew, a corporal and a file of marines."

"The boat and men shall be ready at once, sir," replied the gunboat's
commander, hastening from the room.

Grimly the three officers comprising the board rose and hooked their
swords to their belts, for they were going on an official visit.

Nor was any time lost. Jack Benson and Lieutenant Danvers were ordered
to accompany the members of the board.

So John Rhinds's question was destined to have a prompt answer, even if
of a kind different from what he had expected.

On the platform deck of the "Thor," as the cutter approached, stood
several men whose faces expressed the utmost astonishment.

And again Rhinds inquired, this time with a little tremor in his voice:

"What's wrong gentlemen? What has happened?"

"We're coming aboard," retorted Captain Magowan. "Have your men stand
by to catch our lines."

John Rhinds submitted, in silence, while the members of the board, the
corporal's file of marine rifles and Lieutenant Danvers boarded the
"Thor." But when Jack started to bring up the rear Rhinds's voice rose
in angry protest.

"That young Benson fellow ca