ed Mr. Farnum, uneasily.

"Luckily, sir, we're ready, at a single moment's notice," interposed
Captain Jack Benson.

"As soon as we get through," proposed Mr. Rhinds, easily, "I'll take you
over and present you to Captain Magowan and his associates on the board."

"That is kind of you," nodded Mr. Farnum, gratefully.

Accordingly, a few minutes later, Mr. Rhinds arose, sauntering, cigar in
mouth, over to the table of the officers of the naval board. He spoke
with them a few moments, then returned.

"Mr. Farnum, and Mr Pollard," announced Rhinds, "Captain Magowan and his
associates invite you to come over and sit at their table. Radwin, will
you look after our young friends? See whether you can show them any
courtesies."

A highly significant look passed between the portly rascal and his
secretary. None of the Farnum party, however, noted it.

"Well, what shall we do, boys?" inquired Radwin, genially, as, the four
sauntered down the lobby toward the hotel entrance.

"I reckon taking things easily and restfully will suit us as well as
anything," smiled Jack. "That is, unless you have some plan you
particularly wish to suggest."

"Well," continued Radwin, thoughtfully, "the town is rather full of
sailors, just at present, and they're making the nights lively in some
sections. Do you care to go around with me, and see what the sailors are
doing to drive dull care away?"

"Well, that is a question," said Jack Benson quickly. "We're boys, you
know!"

"Sensible young fellows," cried Fred Radwin, in a tone so full of
approval as to disarm all suspicion. "Then, for a while, what do you say
if we take window seats here near the entrance, and note whatever may be
passing on the street? By that time your employers may be through with
the board members and come out."

"Why not go outside in the air, and walk up and down the block?"
suggested Jack.

"Excellent!" agreed Radwin, readily. He accompanied them outside,
though, a few moments later, he excused himself, saying that he had to go
to the nearest drugstore to write a short letter and post it.

"What do you think of Radwin?" Hal asked.

"Why, I guess he's a good deal the sort of fellow that Rhinds wants,"
Captain Jack answered, slowly.

"Don't you like Rhinds?" demanded Eph.

"Now, would it be just right to say that?" asked Jack, slowly. "Mr.
Rhinds has tried to be very pleasant to us to-night. So has Mr. Radwin.
Probably they're both good fellow