n't come aboard here!" cried the old man,
his cheeks purple, his eyes aflame with anger. "Benson represents a
rival submarine company!"

"If he represents a dozen companies, he's coming aboard this time,"
retorted Captain Magowan, coldly. "Corporal, see to it that no
interference with Mr. Benson is attempted."

"Yes, sir," replied the corporal, saluting.

So Jack came aboard, and took his place quietly beside Lieutenant
Danvers.

"Mr. Rhinds," began Captain Magowan, solemnly, "a torpedo only just
barely missed striking the 'Hastings' a while ago. We have evidence that
your craft was pointing nose-on to the 'Hastings,' just before the
torpedo appeared by the Pollard craft."

"Do you mean, sir, that we are charged with--or suspected of--firing
a torpedo at a rival submarine boat?" demanded John Rhinds, heavily, in
a voice vibrating with astonishment.

"Some of the evidence seems to point that way," returned Captain Magowan,
dryly.

"Why, sir," began Rhinds, indignantly, "it's preposterous. It's--"

But Captain Magowan cut him short by a wave of the hand.

"What we want, now, Mr. Rhinds, is to go below and examine your stock of
loaded torpedoes. You should have four on board. If you prove to have
only three--"

"Step this way, gentlemen. Follow me," begged Mr. Rhinds, making a
rather ceremonious bow. Then he led the way below. Danvers and Jack
followed the others.

And here all hands encountered a tremendous surprise. The "Thor" still
carried her full supply of four loaded torpedoes!

Over the intense astonishment that followed this discovery came the oily,
tones of John C. Rhinds:

"Now, gentlemen, I won't speak of an apology, for I know you must have
strong seeming reasons before you went so far as to suspect anyone
aboard the 'Thor' of an atrocious crime. But, in the face of the
evidence you have here, you will admit that it is impossible to attach
any guilt to anyone aboard this craft."

"Well, Mr. Benson," broke in Captain Magowan, dumfounded.

"So it would seem," murmured the captain's two puzzled associates on
the board.

"What the deuce can it mean?" was what Lieutenant Danvers said, but he
was discreet enough to say it under his breath.

"Come, young Benson," challenged John Rhinds, "even you must admit that
the 'Thor' shows a clean bill of moral health!"

"I'll admit that two and two make five, and that the moon is made of
sage cheese," retorted Captain Jack. "I'll admit that t