Thees SUBMARINE-BOYS LIGHTNING-CRUISE VICTOR G.DURHAM @ A Big mm ws SUBMARINE BOYS SERIES UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SI QUERIS PENINSULAM AMO NAM 0:17 nu SCIENTIA ARTES VERITAS LIBRARY OF THE TCEBOR CIRCUMSPICE MORE Boo-oom! Frontispiece. The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise OR The Young Kings of the Deep By VICTOR G. DURHAM Author of The Submarine Boys on Duty, The Submarine Boys Trial Trip, The Submarine Boys and the Middies, The Submarine Boys and the Spies, Etc., Etc. Illustrated PHILADELPHIA HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY Chinit. Col. PS •1174 583 1910 COPYRIGHT, 1910, BY HOWARD E. ALTEMUS Spec, chil 500137362,5CLCL.2002 Merring's Prints and Maps 3-25-2004 CONTENTS PAGE 7 23 40 49 60 69 79 88 96 CHAPTER I. WHY THE DANGER SIGN WAS UP.. II. TORPEDO PRACTICE AT LAST III. STRUCK BY A SUBMERGED FOE IV. A SUBMARINE'S REVENGE V. THE MYSTERIOUS ORDER COMES. VI. JUDAS & CO. INTRODUCE THEMSELVES, VII. EPH SOMERS PLAYS GALLANT... VIII. ONE, TWO, THREE-A FULL BAG.. IX. BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED NEXT. X. JOHN C. RHINDS ADVOCATES FAIR SPORT!. XI. THE STRAIN OF RED-HOT METAL..... XII. LET A SAILOR STICK TO HIS DECK... XIII. THE TRICK IS EASILY SEEN THROUGH. XIV. RADWIN DOESN'T SEE HIS BEST CHANCE. XV. THE GOAL OF THE LIGHTNING CRUISE. XVI. JACK GIVES THE ORDER, "FIRE!”. XVII. THE MESSAGE OF TERROR.. XVIII. THE FINDINGS ON THE 6THOR' XIX. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FORCED DOOR. XX. CAPTAIN JACK PULLS A NEW STRING.. XXI. JACK MEETS A HUMAN Fact, FACE TO FACE. XXII. A CORNERED SUBMARINE CAPTAIN. XXIII. A COWARD'S LAST DITCH. XXIV. CONOLUSION ..108 ..116 ..124 .138 ..148 .155 .169 .176 .181 195 206 ..215 .225 231 241 The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise CHAPTER I WHY THE “DANGER” SIGN WAS UP “D ANGER!" That sign might have been over an air-hole in the ice; or it might have been near rapidly moving shafting and belting in a factory. As a matter of fact, the letters, white against the red paint on the door of the shed, meant danger in the most terrible form. It was the sort of danger, which, defied too far, would send one traveling skyward. The shed stood in a lonely corner of the big Farnum shipbuilding yards at Dunhaven. Now, it was the Farnum yard in which the Pollard submarine boats were built, and this shed con- tained some two dozen Whitehead submarine torpedoes, each with its fearful load of two hun- dred pounds of that dread high explosive, gun- cotton, 7. 8 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' It was in the month of February, and the day, at this seacoast point, was cold and blustery, when two boys of seventeen, each in natty blue uniforms and caps resembling those worn by naval officers, crossed the yard toward the shed. Over their uniforms both boys wore heavy, padded blue ulsters, also of naval pattern. “Danger?” laughed young Captain Jack Benson, stopping before the door and fumbling for the key. “Well, I should say so!” “Something like two tons and a half of gun- cotton in this old shed,” smiled Hal Hastings. “That's not mentioning some other high explo- sives." “It's this gun-cotton that begins to make our calling in life look like a really dangerous one, muttered Jack, as he produced the key and fitted it into the lock. “Once upon a time,” murmured Hal, “we thought there was sufficient danger, just in go- ing out on the ocean in a submarine torpedo craft, and diving below the surface.” "Yet we found that submarine travel wasn't really dangerous,” pursued Captain Jack. “Really, riding around in a submarine craft seems as safe, and twice as pleasant, as cruising in any other kind of yacht.” ‘After we've gotten more used to having hun- dreds of pounds of gun-cotton on board,” smiled LIGHTNING CRUISE 9 Hal, “I don't suppose we'll ever think of the danger in that stuff, either.” Jack unlocked the door, swinging it open. Then both young men passed inside the red shed. It needed hardly more than a glance, from an observing person, to make certain that neither boy was likely to be much bothered by any ordi- nary form of danger. For a number of months, now, Jack Benson and Hal Hastings had lived all but continually aboard submarine torpedo boats. They had operated such craft, when awake, and had dreamed of doing it when asleep. Being youths of intense natures, and unusually quick to learn, they had long before qualified as experts in handling submarine craft. They had yet, however, one thing to learn practically. It needs the deadly torpedo, fired below the water, and traveling under the sur- face, to make the torpedo boat the greatest of all dangers that menace the haughty battleship of a modern navy. Now, at last, Captain Jack Benson, together with his engineer, Hal Hastings, and Eph Som- ers, another young member of the crew, were about to have their first practical drill with the actual torpedo. An officer of the United States Navy, especially detailed for the work, was ex- pected hourly at Dunhaven. The three subma- 10 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' rine boys were eager for their first taste of this work. Barely less interested were Jacob Far- num, shipbuilder, and president of the submarine company, and David Pollard, inventor of the Pollard type of submarine craft. In this shed, placed on racks in three tiers, lay the two dozen Whitehead torpedoes with which the first work was to be done. As Jack stepped about the shed, looking to see that every- thing was in order, he was thinking of the ex- citing work soon to come. Eph Somers was near at hand, though up in the village at that particular moment. There was a fourth member of the crew, however, named Williamson. He was a grown man, a machinist who had been long in Farnum's em- ploy, and who was considered a most valuable hand to have in the engine room of a submarine. Williamson, during the preceding fortnight, had been away in the interior of the country. He had taken a midwinter vacation, and had gone to visit his mother. Now, however, the machinist knew of the work at hand, and his re- turn was expected. “Really,” declared Jack, turning around to his chum, “Williamson ought to be here not later than to-morrow morning. He had Mr. Farnum's letter in good season." At this moment a heavy tread was heard on LIGHTNING CRUISE 11 the light crust of snow outside. Then a man's head appeared in the doorway. “Speaking of angels!” laughed Hal. “Williamson, I'm mighty glad to see you back," hailed Captain Jack, delightedly. "I'm glad to be back, if there's anything un- usual going to happen,” replied the machinist, as they shook hands all around. Then, as they fell to chatting, the machinist seated himself on a keg, the top of which was about half off, re- vealing, underneath, a layer of jute bagging. “We're going to have some great practice work,” declared Hal, moving about. “We're just waiting for that Navy man, and then we're going out on the new submarine the one that's named after me, you know." Out in the little harbor beyond rode at anchor two grim-looking little torpedo boats, each about one hundred and ten feet long. The older one was named the “Benson,” after Captain Jack. But the latest one to be launched, which had had its full trial trip only some few days before, bore the name of “Hastings” after the capable young chief engineer of the Pollard boats. Both of the boys, by this time, happened to be looking away from the machinist. William. son, in utter unconcern, drew a pipe out of one of his pockets, filled it, and stuck the stem between 12 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' his lips. Next, he struck a safety match, softly, against the side of the match-box, and lighted his pipe, drawing in great whiffs. “Just how far does this practice go?” in- quired the machinist, still sitting on the keg and smoking contentedly. At that moment Captain Jack Benson caught, in his nostrils, the scent of burning tobacco. In an instant a steely glitter shone in the young captain's eyes. Firm, strong lines ap- peared about his mouth. All that part of the face showed white and pallid. Just a second or tw later Hal Hastings also turned. Like a flash his lower jaw dropped, as though the hinge thereof had broken. When Captain Jack's voice came to him it sounded low, yet hard and metallic. One would have wondered whether he had suddenly become ugly. “Williamson,” he directed, "just step outside and see if Eph is there?” Hardly noting the unusual ring in the young commander's voice, the machinist, still with the pipe-stem between his teeth, rose and walked out into the open. With an almost inarticulate yell Captain Jack Benson leaped after him, striking the man in the back and sending him spinning a dozen feet beyond. Hal Hastings, too, dashed through the door- LIGHTNING CRUISE 13 way; then paused, grasping the edge of the door and shutting it with a bang. “What on earth do you mean by knocking a fellow down like that?' demanded the ma- chinist, angrily, leaping to his feet and wheeling about, leaving the lighted pipe on the snow- crust. “Look at the sign on this door," ordered Hal Hastings, pointing to the big white letters. “Danger, eh?” asked Williamson, speaking more quietly. “Well, that door was open and swung back when I came along, so I couldn't see any warning. But what is there in the shed that's so mighty dangerous ?” "What do you suppose is in the half-open keg that you were sitting on?" demanded Cap- tain Jack, rather hoarsely. “What?” queried the machinist, curiously. "The head of that keg is half off,” Jack con- tinued. “Now, if any sparks from your pipe had dropped down and set the bagging afire- well, that keg is almost full of cubes of gun-cot- ton!” “Whew!” gasped Williamson, beginning to look pallid himself. “Nor is that all,” Hal took up. “Of course, if you had touched off that gun-cotton in the keg, it would have sent us all through the roof. But the smaller explosion would have touched 14 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' off the two tons and a half of gun-cotton in those Whitehead torpedoes. That would have laid the whole shipyard flat. In fact, after the torpedoes went up, there wouldn't have been much left of any part of Dunhaven!” “Gr-great Hercules !” gasped the machinist, his face now losing every vestige of color. Then, after a moment: “With so much sky-high trouble stored in that shed, you should have a sign up." “There is one, on the door," replied Captain Jack. “But the door happened to be swung open, so that you couldn't see it. Yet I guess you're the only one in all Dunhaven who didn't know what the shed contains." “And how does the little town like the idea ?” demanded Williamson, beginning to smile as his color slowly returned. “Why, the people can't expect to have very much to say,” Jack replied. “We have a per- mit to store the explosive, and it's at the request of the United States Government. You're not afraid to be near so much rockety stuff are you?" Williamson gazed at the young skipper re- proachfully. “Now, what have I ever done, Captain, or what have I failed to do, that should make you think me only forty per cent. good on nerve? LIGHTNING CRUISE 15 Though I'll admit that my appetite for smoking won't be good when I'm near this shed. How long is the stuff going to stay here? That is, if some idiot doesn't play with matches in that shed 9" “I expect it will about all be used, after the Navy officer gets on the scene, and drills us in using torpedoes,” Captain Benson answered. “It isn't intended to keep that sort of stuff stored here all the time." "Oh! Then I reckon I won't toss my job into the harbor,' grinned the machinist. “How soon are you going to want me?" “You can go aboard the 'Hastings' at once,” replied Skipper Jack. “It won't do any harm to have the machinery of the new boat looked over with a most critical eye.” “Any gun-cotton, rack-a-rock wool or dyna- mite silk stored on board the new craft?” in- quired Williamson, with a look of mock anxiety. “Nothing more dangerous than gasoline," Captain Jack smiled. “Oh, I don't mind that stuff,” chuckled the machinist. “I want a smoke. That's why I'm particular about not going to work near any stuff that has such a big idea of itself that it swells up every time a match or a lighted pipe comes around. I'll go aboard now.' With this statement, Williamson strolled down 16 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' to the beach, untying a small skiff and pulling himself out to the newer of the pair of very capable submarine torpedo boats that lay at moorings out in the little private harbor. Hal, in the meantime, had quietly swung the shed door to and locked it. The great white word, “Danger," was once more in plain view. “What are you going to do now?” asked young Hastings of his chum. “I reckon I'll spend my time wondering where the Navy man is,” laughed Captain Jack. “Let's go up to the office, then. Mr. Farnum may have had some word in the matter." As they neared the door of the office building, Eph Somers, who was a combination of first officer, steward and general utility man on board the Pollard boats, came in through the gate, joining his friends at once. Readers of our previous volumes are now well acquainted with these young men and their friends. In “The Submarine Boys on Duty” was told how Jack and Hal came to Dunhaven at just the right moment, as it happened, to edge their way into the employ of Jacob Far- num, the young shipbuilder, who was then en- gaged in the construction of the first of those famous submarine torpedo craft. The first boat was named the “Pollard," after David Pollard, the inventor of the craft and of its successors. LIGHTNING CRUISE 17 By the time that the “Pollard” was ready for launching Jack and Hal had made themselves so valuable to their employer that the boys were allowed to take to the water with the boat when it left the stocks. Eph Somers, freckle-faced and “sunny”-haired, was a Dunhaven boy who had fairly won his way aboard the same craft by his many sided ability. Yet, under the di- rection of Messrs. Farnum and Pollard these youngsters so rapidly acquired the difficult knack of handling submarine boats that they remained aboard. In the end Jack Benson became the recognized captain of the boat. Some notable cruises were made, in which the great value of the Pollard type of submarines was splendidly proved, thanks largely to the cleverness of the boys who handled her. The “Pollard” was present during naval manæuvres of a fleet of United States warships. Captain Jack conceived and carried out a most laughable trick against one of the battleships, which attracted public attention generally to this new craft. In the second volume of the series, “The Sub- marine Boys' Trial Trip,” our readers found the young men engaged in giving further and much more startling demonstration to naval officers of the full value of the Pollard type of boat. Incidentally, it was told how a grasping 2-The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise. 18 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' financier attempted to get control of the Far- num shipyard and its submarine business, with a series of startling plots that the submarine boys were instrumental in balking. The subma- rine boat itself passed some of the severest trials that could be invented, yet the trials through which the builders and the submarine boys passed were far greater. Yet, in the end, just as Mr. Farnum and his associates were about to go to the wall, financially, the Navy Depart- ment purchased and paid for the “Pollard.' In this volume was also told how Jack and his friends were the first to discover a simple, yet seemingly mysterious, method of leaving and en- tering a submarine boat at will when it lay on the bottom of the ocean. Then, in “The Submarine Boys and the Mid- dies,” was related how Captain Jack and his chums secured the prize detail of going to An- napolis with the company's new boat, the “Far- num," there to teach the midshipmen of the Naval Academy how to operate boats of this class. That narrative was unusually full of ad- ventures, including the laughable recital of how Eph innocently brought down upon the trio a first-class sample of hazing by Uncle Sam's naval cadets. Captain Jack had many startling adventures with the secret agent of a rival sub- marine company, who sought to discredit and LIGHTNING CRUISE 19 disgrace the young commander of the submarine boys. In the volume preceding this, entitled “The Submarine Boys and the Spies," the third of the company's boats, the “Benson," named in honor of the young captain, was discovered in Florida waters. This newest submarine had been sent to Spruce Beach, in December, to un- dergo some tests and to give an exhibition, the U. S. gunboat, “Waverly” being on hand to act as host. In this volume it was related how Cap- tain Jack's very life was at stake, from the for- eign spies gathered at Spruce Beach to pry into the secrets of the mysterious submarine. Here the United States Secret Service officers were called in to aid, yet it was Captain Jack and his friends who contributed to the full success of the government sleuths. At this period of his career Captain Jack's greatest dangers came through the wiles of charming women spies, es- pecially one beautiful young Russian woman, Mlle. Sara Nadiboff, easily the most clever of all international spies. Yet the cleverness of the submarine boys carried them successfully, and with highest honor, through the gravest situa- tions in their eventful, young careers. Just at this particular time the young men had been going through dull days. Beyond the fact of the mere presence of the heavily charged LIGHTNING CRUISE 21 heard, Jack went forward with a very red face, holding out his hand. With a quiet smile, Lieu- tenant Frank Danvers, U. S. Navy, took the boy's hand. Then Hal and Eph were presented. “I see that I was mistaken about the molas- ses,” laughed Jack. “Nothing as sweet as all that about the Navy, eh?” smiled Mr. Danvers. “However, my de- lay in getting here was due entirely to delay in official orders. I am now on the ground, how- ever, and ready for prompt- At this moment the outer door shot open wit a bang. Hal looked out into the corridor to see what had caused the disturbance. “Look a-here!” sounded the voice of machin- ist Williamson, in an injured tone. “Here I am, looking about for a quiet place for a five min- utes' smoke. Captain Benson sends me out to the 'Hastings,' telling me that it will be all right there. So I light my pipe on the platform deck and go below. Great Jehosh! The first thing I run on to is a couple of torpedoes, about a mile long and two hundred yards thick, loaded up with gun-cotton or pistol-satin enough to blow the ocean up into the sky. And I haven't had my smoke yet!” “That's all right,” called Hal, quietly, as the machinist's somewhat shaking voice died out. “You're always safe, man, in following any lead 22 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' that Captain Jack Benson gives you. Go back on the ‘Hastings' and have your smoke out." “But those two torpedoes, loaded up to the muzzles with artillery-felt, or some other explod- ing kind of dry-goods ?” protested the machin- ist. “Those two torpedoes are dummies," laughed Hal Hastings. “They're aboard just for dummy torpedo practice. There isn't a kick in a dozen of 'em. Go back and get your smoke, man!" Hal must have looked at the machinist with unusual sharpness, for Williamson went promptly out through the door, closing it after him. “I'm ready to go aboard, Mr. Benson, pro- posed Lieutenant Danvers, "and make a start whenever you're so inclined.” “We'd better put it off for half an hour," proposed Skipper Jack, with a laugh. “That'll give Williamson a chance to have that smoke of his over with." "That'll suit me, " agreed the naval officer, cheerfully. '“In fact, Mr. Benson, if you won't think me too much like cold molasses"-Jack winced—“I would propose that we start at a little after one o'clock this afternoon. Even at that, we'll be out long enough between that time and dark." LIGHTNING CRUISE 23 “Any arrangement that suits you, Lieutenant, suits me," nodded Jack Benson. “You're go- ing with us to-day, aren't you, Mr. Farnum?” “Don't you believe, for a moment,” retorted the shipbuilder, “that I'd let anything keep me from the first torpedo practice on one of our boats. And I'm almost ashamed of Dave Pol- lard. That fellow, instead of being here, is away somewhere in hiding, dreaming about a new style of clutch for the after end of the tor- pedo tube. Oh, yes, I'll be with you!” “Hallo!” muttered Eph, stepping to a win- dow that looked out on the yard near the street gate. “What's this coming? A hundred peo- ple, at least, and they look like a mob!” There was, in truth, a goodly inpouring of people, and fully a dozen of these new-comers seemed to be trying to talk at the same time. CHAPTER II TORPEDO PRACTICE AT LAST “P ERHAPS they're coming to make a row about having so much gun-cotton stored close to the village,” hinted Lieutenant Danvers. The same thought was in Captain Jack Ben- son's mind. However, they were not long to be LIGHTNING CRUISE 25 “No, sir; for all the reports that have come in off the sea are of big catches. The ocean has been swarming with fish these last few days,” replied the spokesman. “Then, friends, I take it there's something you want me to do. What is it?" demanded Jacob Farnum. “We've come to ask you, sir, if you won't have one of your torpedo boats put out and look for the ‘Mary Bond.' Your boats can go a big distance in a few hours. We're afraid, Mr. Farnum, that the smack's canvas or sticks may have suffered in the big blow of yesterday. We're afraid, too, that the ‘Mary Bond' may be drifting about helplessly on the sea, just for the need of a little aid. We're afraid, sir, that good Dunhaven men may be in great danger of going to the bottom, and leaving behind families that' The spokesman stopped, a little choke in his voice. As though in answer sobs came from some of the women. “Now, now, friends, if that's the trouble, we'll soon know about it,” promised the shipbuilder, one of the biggest-hearted men living. "One of our boats is going out for practice. But, if you'll supply a good sea-going hand or two, the second boat shall go out and sweep the seas here- abouts, looking for the ‘Mary Bond.'” 26 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' A cheer went up at once. Mr. Farnum flushed with pleasure. Not above doing a kind act, he also enjoyed having it appreciated. "Who'll command the relief boat?" called one of the women. “Jack Benson?" “No," replied Mr. Farnum, shaking his head. 'Captain Benson must go out on naval business to-day." A murmur of disappointment went up from the crowd. Jack Benson was a young skipper on whose success a Dunhaven crowd would make bets. “But, see here," proposed the shipbuilder, "I'll go out myself, on the ‘Benson,' and take Williamson along with me. Now, you folks find any local salt-water captain and a couple of good deck hands to go with me." “When will you start, sir?” asked the spokes- man. “The minute you have my helpers ready. There's Captain Allen among you now. If he'll go, he's as good a salt-water dog as I want on a cruise with me. Let him pick' two sailors out of the crowd. We can start in five minutes." Another cheer went up as Jacob Farnum, leav- ing the outer door open, hurried back to his own party. Captain Allen, a retired master of coast- ing vessels, had five times as many volunteers in the crowd as he needed. LIGHTNING CRUISE 27 17 "Jack, I'm sorry I can't go with you,” sighed Mr. Farnum, as he returned. “But the call of humanity is too big a one. I'm going to take Williamson with me. The rest of you go with Lieutenant Danvers and his men. I'll hope to be able to go with you to-morrow, anyway. “Isn't there a tug hereabouts that those peo- ple could hire?" questioned the naval officer. “Oh, yes; there's a small one to the south of here, but her captain would charge at least fifty dollars a day,” replied the shipbuilder, as he drew on a heavy deck ulster. “I suppose these people expect you to go out for nothing," hinted Lieutenant Danvers. "Oh, yes, of course," nodded the shipbuilder. “But one can't be a crank, or a miser, when women are red-eyed and weeping from worry over their missing husbands and sons." There was a suspicion of moisture in Mr. Farnum's own eyes as he snatobed up a cap, bid- ding his own party a hasty good-bye ere he ran from the office. “There goes a good-natured man," laughed Lieutenant Danvers. “A big-hearted one, you mean, sir,” cor- rected Captain Jack Benson. “He's a man with a heart bigger than any torpedo craft he could possibly build and launch.” “I wish him all luck," said the naval officer, 28 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' 99 heartily. “And that crowd, and also the poor seafaring men that put out in the like of the ‘Mary Bond.' The crowd had gone from the office building, now, following Mr. Farnum and his volunteers down to the little harbor. Jack, his chums and the naval party slowly followed down to the water front. Little time did the shipbuilder lose in getting under way. A rousing cheer ascended when the grim little “Benson” slipped her moorings and turned her nose out toward the sea. “Your pipe-hungry machinist went on that craft, didn't he?” asked the naval officer, as the crowd began to turn back from the beach. “Yes," nodded Captain Jack. “So there's nothing at all to prevent our getting the ‘Has- tings' out on the wave as soon as you like.” “I'm going to send my men up to the hotel, first, for a jolly big feed," proposed Lieutenant Danvers. “They've been on the rail, eating on the jump, and now they'll appreciate a good square meal." “Suppose we all go up to the hotel for lunch- eon?” proposed Captain Jack. “Then how about having torpedoes aboard when we return?' “How many real torpedoes will you want for to-day, Mr. Danvers?” Benson inquired. LIGHTNING CRUISE 129 "Two, besides the dummies, will be plenty.' “Then I'll run over to Mr. Partridge, the superintendent of the yard, and he'll have a foreman and a gang attend to it,” suggested the young submarine skipper. Accordingly, this was done. Then the party slated for the afternoon cruise went over to the hotel. By the time that they came back from the midday meal the two service torpedoes were aboard the “Hastings” and the target was in readiness to be towed out to sea. This “target” was not a handsome-looking affair. It was an old scow, some thirty feet long and broad of beam, that had once been used, up the coast, in sea-wall construction work. Mr. Farnum had bought it a short time before and it now lay at anchor, near the beach, ready to be towed out to sea for its last service to man- kind. The scow was heavily laden with rock, this being intended to sink the craft's keel as far as was advisable. The old scow had now something more than four feet draught, with less than two feet of freeboard. Two of the workmen, in an old whaleboat, waited to row the party out to the “Hastings.” Jack was soon able to welcome Lieutenant Dan- vers on board the submarine. “You can look around all you want, Ewald and Biffens,” suggested Mr. Danvers, “and see 30 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' > if you can find any great differences between this craft and the Pollard' and the 'Farnum.'” The two sailors, accordingly, made themselves wholly at home in the interior of the subma- rine. “Both men have put in tours of duty on the first two boats turned out by your company, explained the officer. “They know all about the two Pollard boats that the Navy bought." “Then they won't find very much that is dif- ferent on board the 'Hastings,'” Jack replied. "All that is new here is in the way of a few more up-to-date little mechanisms and devices. A man used to running the old 'Pollard' would really be wholly at home here.' A few minutes, only, were allowed for in- spection of the newest submarine of the lot. By this time the workmen in the small boat had made fast a towing hawser between the bow of the old scow and the stern towing bitts of the "Hastings.” “Use my men all you need to, in casting off, or in boat handling generally,” requested Lieu- tenant Danvers. Jack therefore ordered Ewald and Biffens forward on the upper hull to cast loose from moorings. Hal stood the trick in the engine-room, while Jack himself sat at the wheel in the tower. In another minute, despite her rather heavy 32 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “I've done as much before," laughed Jack. “Either of my friends could do it, for that mat- ter." “Then you're veritable young kings of the deep!” declared Lieutenant Danvers, heartily. “Oh, we're not wonders," smiled Jack, good- humoredly; then added, more seriously, “If we really do anything worth while, my friends and I, we're to be regarded simply as the products of constant practice." “You're modest enough about it," agreed Danvers. Presently, the naval officer himself took a hand at managing the submarine. Jack, knowing that the boat was in fine professional hands, slipped unconcernedly below, to chat with Hal Hastings, who sat doggedly by his engines. “What's the matter? What makes you look so solemn, old fellow?” asked the young sub- marine skipper, when he caught sight of his chum's solemn face. “Oh, you'd laugh, if I told you,” smiled Hal. “Seeing omens of ill again?”' persisted young Benson. “I suppose," sighed Hal, “well, I have a sort of premonition." “Pre-premo ” stuttered Captain Jack, holding comically to the port side of his jaw. “Oh, pshaw! Call it a plain United States LIGHTNING CRUISE 33 'hunch.' What's the tip the spooks are giving you, anyway, Hal?” Hastings smiled again, though he went on: “Oh, it's just a queer sort of notion I have that something is going to happen to us this afternoon." “Right-o," drawled Jack. “You don't have to shove off from that, Hal. Something is go- ing to happen to us. This afternoon we're go- ing to have the first drill in the actual firing of submarine torpedoes.” "Oh, I know that,” Hastings admitted, quickly. “But what I see ahead, or feel as though I see, is some kind of disaster. Now, you'll think I'm a sailor-croaker, won't you, Jack?" “Disaster?” repeated Jack, slowly. “Well, to be sure, we've the outfit on board for a dis- aster, if we wanted one. Two real torpedoes that hold, between them, four hundred pounds of gun-cotton-or danger-calico, as Williamson would call it. But cheer up, old fellow. There's no danger, after all. Williamson and his pipe are on the other boat." “Oh, of course nothing is really going to hap- pen,” laughed Hal. “It is just the feeling that is over me. That's all." It was fully three o'clock by the time Lieu- tenant Danvers decided they were far enougla 3-The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise. 1 34 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' out to sea, and far enough from any craft in those waters. Not a stick or a stack of another vessel showed within ten miles of them. The scow was accordingly cast loose and allowed to drift. Captain Jack was at the tower wheel again, as Eph and the two sailors returned from set- ting the scow loose. “We've got to be sure to record one good hit against that old barge of stone," muttered Lieutenant Danvers, who stood beside the youth- ful submarine commander. “The sea is rough- ening, and I doubt if we could pick up that scow in tow again. We've got to destroy her, or she'd be a fearful menace to navigation, drifting about in the night in the path of incoming ves- sels.” “Oh, I guess you'll get rid of her easily enough,” spoke Jack, confidently. “You're a professional at this business, sir." “So are the two men with me," nodded the officer. “By the way, Ewald can just as well come on deck and take the wheel, if you want him to do so. Then you can go below and see all that we do with a torpedo.” “Now, that's what I call a great idea,” cried Benson, enthusiastically. “I want to know just how a torpedo is handled at the time of firing. “It's the only thing you have left to learn LIGHTNING CRUISE 35 about this business," smiled the naval officer. Then he passed the word for Ewald. When that sailor had taken the wheel, the naval officer and the young submarine skipper went below. “We'll swing in one of the dummy torpedoes, first, of course," announced Mr. Danvers. One of the dummies was, therefore, hauled forward on a truck, then forced on into the torpedo tube. Jack watched, intently, this part of the business. The torpedo itself was a cigar-shaped affair, with a propeller at the after end. This pro- peller was set in motion by means of an engine in the after part of the torpedo, the engine be- ing so constructed that it was set in operation at the moment the torpedo left the tube and entered the ocean outside. The propeller was fitted with apparatus that would drive the tor- pedo in a straight line. “The torpedo looks like a miniature subma- rine, doesn't it?" muttered young Benson. “It surely does," nodded the naval officer. “And, since the torpedo has to travel under water, what better model could have been chosen? Now, the engines in these dummy tor- pedoes can be set for two, four, six or eight hun- dred yards, and the torpedo, once it enters the water, travels forward, in a straight line until the engine gives out. That is, the torpedo 36 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' travels ahead if it doesn't hit something. So, in actual war conditions, we would always get nearer to the object than the distance for which the engine is set to run. The speed of a tor- pedo like this, under water, is a good deal bet- ter than thirty miles an hour, but the distance the torpedo can go is naturally short. That is a direct consequence of its speed. Now, Mr. Benson, would you like to know how to fire the torpedo, since it is already in the tube?” “Certainly, sir," nodded Jack. And then he continued as if reciting a lesson: “Just give that firing lever at the back of the after port a quick shove to the right and downward. That releases the charge of compressed air and forces the torpedo out. At the same instant the for- ward port opens, so that the torpedo can be shot out into the water. The compressed air also serves to keep the sea water from rushing in through the torpedo tube. When the lever is swung up and back again that closes the for- ward port, and it is then safe to open this after port." “You've committed that to memory," laughed the naval lieutenant. “Oh, we've often talked this over, all three of us,” smiled Jack. “Then, since you understand this part so well, Benson," proposed Mr. Danvers, "per- LIGHTNING CRUISE 37 haps you'd like to go forward, on deck, and see when this dummy torpedo is fired?” “I surely would,” agreed the submarine boy. “And Eph can just as well come with me.” The two submarine boys, therefore, hastened above, out on the platform deck, and then further forward on the upper hull, until they lay out along the nose of the “Hastings.” Danvers reached Ewald's side in the tower, while Biffens waited below, at the lever, for the firing signal. The “Hastings" was now drifting, rather aimlessly, something more than four hundred yards away from the scow. As the sea was roughening all the while, the two submarine boys out forward were having a hard time of it. Added to that, icy spray was falling over them. Lieutenant Danvers quickly rang for speed and then brought the submarine boat within about three hundred yards of the scow, and at a position that pointed the nose of the “Has- tings” at the middle of the scow's hull, the line of fire making a right angle with the scow. “Get ready to watch, out there!” warned the naval officer. “Now, Eph," glowed Jack, "we're going to see the thing we've so often dreamed about! We'll see that dummy torpedo leap forth, like 38 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' a real one. For a little way, at least, we ought to see the track of the torpedo.” “Feel like betting the dummy will hit the scow?” questioned young Somers, half doubt- fully. “Of course it will," retorted Jack Benson, scornfully, “with naval experts on the job!” Lieutenant Danvers gave the firing signal. In the silence that followed, the two subma- rine boys hanging over the nose of the boat heard just a muffled click below. Then- “There it goes !” shouted Jack Benson, with all the glee in the world. Down beneath them, under the nose of the “Hastings” an object shot into brief view. First the war-head, then the middle, then the tail and propeller of a fourteen-foot Whitehead torpedo swept away from them, two or three feet below the surface of the waves. A line of bubbles came to the surface, showing that the torpedo was headed, straight and clean, for the stone-laden scow over on the ocean. Then the torpedo, still under water, passed out of their range of view. "Hurrah!" yelled Jack Benson, leaping to his feet with all the glee and fervor of the en- thusiast. “Hurrah!” “Hurrah !” bellowed Eph Somers, for the glory of the game had gotten into his blood, too. LIGHTNING CRUISE 39 Both submarine boys capered up and down on the platform deck. But Lieutenant Danvers sat with left hand on the conning tower steering wheel, his watch in his right hand. He was counting the sec- onds. “Look out for the signal,” called the naval officer, coolly. “When I tell you, then look out for what happens over at the scow. Er-now!' They were too far away to hear the impact, but the two submarine boys saw a slight commo- tion in the waters under the scow's rail. Then the dummy torpedo bounded back, rising and floating on the surface-spent! Had that torpedo contained the fighting serv- ice charge of two hundred pounds of gun-cot- ton it would have shattered and sunk the big- gest, staunchest, proudest battleship afloat. “It's uncanny—isn't it?” gasped Jack Ben- son, feeling an odd shudder run over him. 40 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' CHAPTER III STRUCK BY A SUBMERGED FOE “Y EP!” agreed Eph Somers, blaster of day-dreams. “But say?" “Well?” demanded Captain Jack. “At the same time,” muttered Eph, grimly, "I'm glad that scow isn't a real battleship, with a half a dozen twelve-inch cannon turned on us.”' “Humph!” muttered Jack, dryly, “if that scow were an enemy's battleship, twelve-inch barkers and all, we'd be twenty feet under the surface, and we'd be out of sight and out of mind." “Quite right,” nodded Lieutenant Danvers. “In a contest of that sort I'd feel fifty times safer here than on the battleship we were after. Now, Benson, you've seen the first part of it. We have the other dummy to fire. The real gunner, on a submarine, is the fellow at the wheel. Do you want to take the wheel, man- @uvre the boat and give the order for the next dummy shot?” “Do I?" uttered Jack Benson. "Just!" Orders were then given to place the other dummy torpedo in the tube, and this done, Jack 42 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' low, using the compass for direction, and the number of motor revolutions to give me the knowledge of distance traveled." -“That's just the way it is done,” agreed Danvers. “After all, it's just a matter of ac- curate boat handling, and being able to judge distances by the eye alone. And now, Mr. Ben- son, if you'll run over yonder, carefully, we'll pick up the dummies. After that, we've got to make as good a shot, with a real torpedo, and sink the scow.” “And, if you don't, sir-P" smiled the young submarine skipper. Then we'll be guilty of poor shooting, and have to try the second loaded torpedo,” replied the naval officer. “If we miss with the second, then we'll have to contrive either to tow the scow, or to sink her somehow. If either of the loaded torpedoes fails to explode, we'll have to pick it up, at all hazards. If we left a loaded torpedo floating on the surface of the water, here in the paths of coast navigation, it would sink the first ship that struck the war-head of the torpedo." The sea, by this time, was rough and white- capped, and a brisk wind was blowing down from the north-east. It was no easy task to get a rope around first one dummy torpedo, and then the other. Yet at last this was done, and LIGHTNING CRUISE 43 the heavy objects were hoisted aboard and stored below. “Now, we'll get off and sink the scow, before dark,” muttered Lieutenant Danvers. “Are you going to let me fire the torpedo at her, sir?” demanded Skipper Jack Benson, eagerly. “If you feel sure you can do it,” replied the naval officer. “For that matter, if you fail, there'll be one loaded torpedo left, and I can take the second shot." At a sign from the young skipper Eph hur- ried below, to relieve Hal Hastings, who wished to see some of the fun. Hal came up into the conning tower to take the wheel while Jack Ben- son slipped below to direct the loading of the tor- pedo into the tube. Then Biffens, the sailor, took his post by the firing lever, while Ewald stood back to pass the word from the conning tower. This loaded torpedo, like the dummies, had been set to run four hundred yards. Captain Jack, therefore, determined to release the tor- pedo at a range of three hundred yards. The “Hastings” had drifted somewhat away from the scow, but Jack, one hand on steering wheel and the other at the signals, ran the sub- marine over so that he could head the craft around to deliver a broadside fire at the scow, 44 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' 9 at right angles. When he had the “Hastings” in this position he shouted down: “Be ready, Ewald !” “Aye, aye, sir!” A breathless instant followed, during which the young submarine commander took his last sight from the conning tower. “Fire!" “Fire it is, sir." Jack and Hal could just barely see, from the tower, the slight commotion that the torpedo made in the water at the bow when released. Hal, watch in hand was counting: “One, two, three, four-"and so on. Suddenly there came a low rumble, followed by- Boo-oom! The explosion was a dull and sullen one, but loud enough to make the blood of the submarine boys tingle. A column of spray shot up, fol- lowed by detached whiffs of smoke, for the tor- pedo had exploded beneath the surface. In the same instant a sound of rending tim- bers reached their ears. Then the scow-where was it? Only the waters rolled where the scow had been. Captain Jack and Hal rubbed their eyes. “The same thing would have happened to a battleship,” smiled Lieutenant Danvers, who 46 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' sible to yourself. Moreover, the commander and crew of a submarine torpedo boat, during a naval campaign, would have to take risks enough to make most men's hair turn gray.” “I'm not wishing for war," muttered Jack Benson. "Still, if one has to come, I hope I'll be in command of a torpedo craft that sees serv- ice." “And I think you'd have your wish, my lad,” nodded Lieutenant Danvers. “Of course, none but regularly commissioned naval officers may command the craft of the Navy. Still, in our Civil War, and in the War with Spain, we had to commission a good many volunteers. So, in the event of another war coming, I don't believe the Navy Department would feel that it could possibly pass by boys trained as well as you three have been." “Are you going to use the other loaded tor- pedo to-day, sir?” asked Jack. “Against what?" demanded Danvers. “You've sunk the scow as deep as the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.' “Then I suppose we may as well put back to Dunhaven, sir?” “Yes, Benson." Jack accordingly signaled for slow speed ahead, turning the nose of the “Hastings" to- 'ward the west. Hal and Eph, as the submarine LIGHTNING CRUISE 47 started back, took a drill in loading and unload- ing torpedoes into the tube, performing this work with one of the dummies, Ewald and Biffens assisting. Knowing that Hal was not in the engine room, Captain Jack was content to run along at slow speed. Nor had the boat gone more than two miles when something struck the bow. At the first impact alert Jack Benson felt his heart leap into his mouth. It was as though the “Hastings” had struck, lightly, on a reef. Almost by instinct Jack threw the wheel over to port. Something was rasping, forcefully, under the hull of the submarine. As the helm went to port that something underneath, what- ever it was, sheered off. “What was that, Benson?” called up Lieu- tenant Danvers, sharply. “Struck something, sir, I'm sure,' called back. At the first sound of trouble Hal Hastings leaped into the engine room. Lieutenant Dan- vers sprang up the stairs into the conning tower. He was in time to find Captain Jack swinging the nose of the “Hastings” around. Then the . youthful commander signaled for the stop and the reverse. “Mr. Somers!” shouted Jack, coolly but promptly. Jack ܙܕ 48 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Aye, sir,” called up Eph. “Take a lantern and get down into the com- partments along the keel forward. See whether we're taking in any water." “Aye, aye, sir.” “We struck part of a derelict, or something else submerged," guessed Lieutenant Danvers. “We're lucky, indeed, if our plates are not sprung Then he called down to Biffens to follow and aid Eph Somers. It was almost dark now. Jack, reaching over, switched on the electric sidelights outside, and also the white light at the signal masthead. Then he turned on the searchlight, sending its bright ray through the gathering darkness. “Look over there, sir,” muttered Jack, hold- ing the searchlight ray steadily on an object he believed he saw. “Don't you make out, sir, bob- bing up and down when the waves part, what looks like the stump of the broken-off mast of a vessel submerged? Is it a death-dealing dere- lict in the very path of coastwise navigation?" “By Jove, yes!” gasped Lieutenant Danvers, hoarsely. “Your eyes are sharp, Benson, and your judgment sound. That, then, was what we struck on-the mast-stump of a water-logged, sunken derelict! If our underhull plates are sprung, down we go to the bottom!" LIGHTNING CRUISE 49 They waited, in dreadful anxiety, for the re- port of Eph from the region of the keel plates. They were far out to sea, and a submarine cannot carry a lifeboat! CHAPTER IV A SUBMARINE'S REVENGE A LL now waited on Eph's word during the next few moments. If the “Hastings,” striking on that stub of a submerged mast, had had her plates so badly sprung that pumping would not drive out the water as fast as it came in, then this new- est of the submarines was doomed to go to the bottom. All that would then remain to those aboard would be to take to the ocean. True, they had life-preservers aboard, and with these, officers and men could keep afloat. In the icy waters of a February night, how- ever, with something like fifteen miles to swim to mainland through an ever-roughening sea, it was almost impossible that the strongest among them could hope to reach shore alive. Yet, desperately anxious as he was to know the news, Jack Benson did not desert his post by the steering wheel. Some one must be there. 4-The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise. 50 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Nor had Hal thought of leaving the engine room. So the naval lieutenant remained with Ben- son, duplicating, in those awful moments, the boy's cool courage. It was Ewald who presently came running up the stairs to report. “Mr. Somers orders me to report that there's a little trickle of water coming in between two plates about twelve feet abaft of the bow, sir. But Mr. Somers believes that, even without pumping, we could run forty miles without seri- ous danger, sir." Knowing his friend's ability and good judg- ment as he did, Jack Benson stood ready to ac- cept that report, without question. But Lieu- tenant Danvers inquired: “Did you see the leak, Ewald?” “Yes, sir." “What do you think about it?” “Why, sir, I agree with Mr. Somers." “I believe I'll go down and take a look at the leak," announced Danvers, slowly. “Then, while you're gone,” said Benson, “I'll keep the searchlight steadily on what I can see of the top of that mast-stump.' “Why not keep on in toward the shore?” “Because, sir,” and Jack's jaws snapped, “if we've been insulted in this fashion by an old LIGHTNING CRUISE 51 derelict, I don't believe in letting the old dere- lict get off so easily, sir." Lieutenant Danvers knitted his brow, thought- fully, as he hurried down the stairs, then fol- lowed Ewald through a steel trapway into the cramped compartments under the cabin flooring. In three or four minutes Mr. Danvers came up again. “It's all right," he said. “I can't see that the leak threatens to become serious, unless we should happen to hit that mast-stump again.' “I believed it was all right,” the young cap tain replied, quietly, “after having heard Mr. Somers's report." “You three boys certainly stick together and admire each other, don't you?” laughed Dan- vers. “We've every reason to, sir. We three have been trained together in this work. No one of the three knows anything that the others don't," came Benson's matter-of-fact reply. “When I went below you made some remark about not letting the derelict off too easily, Ben- What did you mean?” “Why, I believe we ought to get square with that old sunken hulk,” retorted Captain Jack, wheeling around and eyeing the naval officer. “Great Scott! You mean that we ought to blow up the derelict?' SON. 52 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Isn't it usually the Navy, sir, that gets such jobs to do?" “Yes, yes, Benson. But the Navy Depart- ment always sends out a vessel fitted for such work." “This is a submarine boat. We have one loaded torpedo left on board. Don't you think we answer the description of a vessel fitted for destroying a derelict?" smiled Captain Jack, coolly. “To say nothing of the itch for revenge that we feel." “It'll be a ticklish business," muttered Dan- vers, thoughtfully. “So is a lot of the Navy's work, isn't it?" per- sisted Captain Jack. “See here, lad, do you really mean that you want to make a sure-enough job of blowing up the derelict?'' "That's what I'm staying here for, sir,” re- joined Jack, again swinging the searchlight. “And over there, three hundred yards yonder, I can still make out, once in a while, that bit of mast. What do you say, Lieutenant?” “Why, if you boys have the grit to go ahead and tackle a job like that in the night, the Navy isn't going to feel chilled and run away, laughed Danvers, shortly. “Yet, my boy, do you think you fully understand the dangers of the undertaking?” 54 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' that may tear a real hole in our plates and send us all to the bottom.” “There's danger to be considered in any sub- marine game really worth the while," assented Captain Jack Benson, coolly. “Do you feel, then, Mr. Danvers, that we should be satisfied to drive back to Dunhaven and content our- selves with wiring the Navy Department news of the derelict and of her present posi- tion?" Lieutenant Danvers thoughtfully gazed at the young submarine commander's face. “No," he muttered, at last. “I think the best thing for a fellow like you, Jack Benson, will be to wade in and get your revenge! And make it as complete as you can!” "All right, sir," nodded Jack. "Thank you. And now, we'll see how complete a job we can make of it. Mr. Somers!” “Aye, aye, sir," answered Eph, from below. » Are you going to consult with your crew?” whispered Danvers. “They're not the kind of fellows who need consulting," muttered Captain Jack. “Al they want is their orders. Mr. Somers, bring up the sounding line. “Aye, aye, sir.' In a moment more young Somers was in the conning tower, and Jack, sounding line in band, LIGHTNING CRUISE 55 was out on the platform deck, where Lieuten- ant Danvers followed him. Eph knew, by this time, what was wanted of him. Hal, in the engine room, was, as yet, ig- norant of the game, but all Hal had to do was to obey engine room signals promptly. Sending the submarine craft ahead at very slow speed, Eph steered as close to the bobbing masthead as the young captain deemed safe. Jack shouted his orders back as he and Lieu- tenant Danvers crouched over the nose of the boat. In the rough sea that was running their work was doubly hard. But Eph kept the search- light all the time turned in the direction of the top of the bobbing mast stump. In a circle they went around it, barely thirty feet from the broken mast, Jack heaving the sounding lead. At last he felt it rest on the deck of the sunken derelict. The distance below was six fathoms thirty-six feet. “Now, we've got the line of the hull,” called Benson to the lieutenant. “Our next job is to find how far back this hull runs under the water." This knowledge, also, was gained, at last. Then Jack Benson, rising, hastened back to the conning tower, followed by Danvers. Jack him- self closed the manhole, while Eph still trained . 56 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' the searchlight through the darkness of the night. Stormy weather was threatening. “Now, hustle below, Eph, and get that loaded torepdo into the tube," commanded Skipper Jack Benson. “My men will help you,” added Lieutenant Danvers. Jack quickly had his figures made. He knew where the hull lay, in what direction, and how far below the surface the deck of the sunken derelict lay. He planned to land the torpedo twelve feet below the derelict's deck, which, he believed, would strike a full and fair blow. “Torpedo's loaded, sir,” called Eph, while the “Hastings," under slow speed astern, was gliding back to get into position for the attack. “Station Biffens by the firing lever, then,” called down Captain Benson. "Tell him to fire on the instant that he gets the order. Now, Mr. Somers, stand by the submerging appara- tus. Drop just forty-two feet below the sur- face, then report instantly to me." “Aye, aye, sir." Lieutenant Danvers stood by the submarine boy, intently watching, listening, and digesting Benson's plan. Yet the naval officer ventured no interference. In another moment the hull of the “Hastings" began to disappear under the waves. LIGHTNING CRUISE 57 “Forty-two feet-sir and -- stopped!" shouted up Eph Somers. ‘Ready to fire!” Jack hailed. “Aye, aye, sir!" "Fire!! “Fire it is, sir." “Have you fired, Mr. Somers?” rolled down Jack's next question. “Yes, sir." “Then turn on the compressed air, and bring us to the surface." 'Aye, aye, sir!” The instant that the conning tower stood up, dripping, through the waves, Jack turned on the searchlight again. Slow speed ahead he next signaled. As the piercing rays of light gleamed out over the waters before them the surface of the sea ahead was seen to be covered with floating litter. “Jove, look at the wreckage!” uttered Lieu- tenant Danvers, jubilantly. “Everything about that old derelict that could float has come up to the surface." “Do you think the derelict is utterly smashed, sir?” inquired Jack Benson, respectfully, for this trained naval officer knew more about such things than he did. “That derelict is blown to kindling wood," ex- claimed Danvers, himself manipulating the 58 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' searchlight as they sailed through a sea littered with small wreckage. “That derelict will never menace any skipper afloat, from now on. Ben- son, lad, you did a wonderfully keen job.” "You don't think there'd be any risk, then, in sailing back and forth amid this wreckage?" asked Jack. “Risk? Not a bit,” retorted Danvers. “Why, look over there!” as he swung the searchlight in a new direction. “There's that submerged mast-stump, free of the wreck and floating horizontally, now." Nor was it long before it was clear to trained eyes that the sunken derelict had been efficiently blown up. That water-logged ghost of a ship would never again be a source of peril to navi- gators. “Now, you can turn your nose for Dunhaven, and with a clear conscience," chuckled Lieuten- ant Danvers. “And, while you're doing that, I'm going below for another look at the little leak." Jack ran the “Hastings" the first few miles of her homeward course. Then he called Eph Somers to the wheel and went below to relax. It was well on toward eight o'clock when the “Hastings" ran into the little harbor at Dun- haven and made moorings. The night watch- man of the yard rowed out to meet them, LIGHTNING CRUISE 59 bringing the news that Mr. Farnum, in the “Benson,” had picked up the crew of the “Mary Bond” from two small boats at sea. There was a light in the office, so Jack's party went inside. There they found Jacob Farnum at his desk, putting the finishing touches to a telegram. “By Jove, I'm glad we went out after the poor fellows of the ‘Mary Bond,'” cried Mr. Far- num, wheeling around. “We found them in sore straits, in two small boats, with only a pair of oars to each boat, and the sea roughening up every minute. They lost their fishing smack. Their boat struck on the stump of a mast of a sunken derelict. The smack sprung a big leak, this morning, and went down. I've just written a telegram to the Navy Department, Mr. Dan- vers, advising them of the location of the dere- lict as well as I could gather it from the captain of the late 'Mary Bond.' With this, he handed Danvers the telegram he had written. Lieutenant Danvers glanced at the telegram, and then handed it back with a smile. "What do you mean, sir?” demanded Jacob Farnum, wonderingly. "The telegram isn't necessary—that's all,” replied the naval officer, with a smile. “We en- countered that same sunken derelict-and Jack Benson blew her to smithereens !" 60 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' CHAPTER V THE MYSTERIOUS ORDER COMES TH HAT night a machinist was stationed aboard the “Hastings” to watch the in- coming of water through the slight leak, and to apply the pump occasionally. In the morning the submarine was hauled up into an improvised drydock and her hull plates examined. It was Lieutenant Danvers's first chance to realize how superbly these Pollard boats were built and put together. He exam- ined the hull with unbounded enthusiasm. Then a gang of workmen started in to replace the two injured plates. For the next three days the “Benson” was used in target practice. Jacob Farnum scur- ried up and down the coast, finding and buying suitable old craft for targets. All three of the submarine boys had ample practice in the firing of torpedoes. After it was all over there were but four of the loaded tor- pedoes left in the shed labeled “Danger.” “If you could only have a little more prac- tice," grumbled Williamson, good-humoredly, "this would soon be a safe town for a fellow to take a quiet smoke in." LIGHTNING CRUISE 61 The “Hastings” was now in the water once more, as sound and stàunch as on the first day she was launched. Then came a few days of idleness. Lieuten- ant Danvers left Dunhaven, intending appar- ently to return soon. Ewald and Biffens, the two sailors, were quartered at the hotel at government expense, and were likely to enjoy themselves until orders came. Eph went home for two or three days. Jack and Hal slept on board the “Benson,” while Williamson quartered himself aboard the “Has- tings,” which craft no longer carried any tor- pedoes. One afternoon, as Jack Benson was strolling through the shipyard, Jacob Farnum, in the doorway of the office building, called to the young skipper. “I suppose both boats are ready, Jack?” asked the shipbuilder. “Quite, sir,” nodded Benson. He did not inquire for what they were ex- pected to be ready. Jacob Farnum was one who liked to plan by himself, and to announce a new move only when he was ready for it. “All right, lad,” nodded Farnum. “Keep both boats ready for any instant move that may be required of them. That's all.” Again young Benson nodded, then strolled on 62 THIC SUBMARINE BOYS' out of the yard. Up on the Main street of the village he encountered his chum. "There's something in the wind, Hal, for the boats," Jack announced. “All right,” nodded Hal. “We're ready when needed." Nor did either one of them waste any time in wondering what the new move was to be. When Jacob Farnum wanted them to know he would tell them and not before. The chums visited a moving picture show for an hour. Then, tiring of that, they came out into the street. The first man they encountered, almost, was Lieutenant Danvers, in citizen dress. “Back from your trip, sir?” Jack asked. “Yes. Has Farnum told you what's in the wind?" “He has only given us a hint, sir, that some- thing may happen." “Oh!” replied the naval officer, next adding: “That's rather queer on the whole.” “Not at all, sir," replied young Benson. “Mr. Farnum has a habit of telling us things only when he's ready." “Yet when" began Danvers, but checked himself. "No matter what is in the wind, Mr. Dan- vers, there's no real need of posting us about anything until the time comes. Suppose Mr. 1 LIGHTNING CRUISE 63 Farnum wants us to start for China within an hour? The galley cupboard is already as full of provisions as it will hold. Both boats are in the best possible trim. We need only time, perhaps, to fill the gasoline tanks as full as they'll hold. Then we're ready to cast off and sail for the first stopping place on the route.” “You're great fellows for system, then. So I understand why Mr. Farnum doesn't have to post you far in advance." “He certainly doesn't have to," Jack re- plied. “Where are you going? Down to the yard?” “Not yet. Mr. Farnum hasn't given us any instructions about hanging around.” “Oh!” responded Lieutenant Danvers, with a quizzical smile. “Well, I must be leaving you, now.'' Hal gazed after the shore-bound naval officer for a few moments, then observed, dryly: "I'm not a bit curious. Are you, Jack?” “Of course not,” smiled the young skipper. 'All I want to know is what's in the air so sud- denly.” “Going back to the yard earlier?” “No; later,” retorted Benson. “What is the use of letting folks suppose they have our curiosity aroused?" In fact, when evening came on, instead of go- 64 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' ing to the “Benson” for supper, Jack and Hal stopped at the hotel. Ewald and Biffens were there, at one of the tables, but the sailors seemed to be eating in more haste than usual. Then, as they left the dining room, they saluted the young captain and engineer. “Hurrying back to the yard, sir?” asked Ewald. “No,” said Jack, quietly. “That's queer. Them's our orders. We're going now, sir," replied Ewald. “You and I appear to be the only two in Dun- haven who don't know what is up," observed Hal Hastings, dryly. “I don't believe Ewald or Biffens know what is on hand," Jack answered. “They've orders to report back in haste. That's all.' “Then hadn't we better hurry back to the yard, too?" inquired Hastings. “No; we haven't any orders.” “But Mr. Farnum may be wondering where we are. “Then the sailors can tell him; they know.” Jack dawdled over his supper. “Going back to the yard now?” asked Hal. “No; to the bookstore.” "Hm!" muttered Hal. "I begin to think 9 LIGHTNING CRUISE 60 you're going to keep Mr. Farnum guessing, to pay him back in his own coin." “No; I'm going up to the store to pick out a small stack of books. Hal, I believe we're go- ing on a cruise, and I mean to have something to read." “I wonder if you know more than you've told me?" mused Hal, aloud. “Not a blessed thing. I'm on the guessing- list, and I'm doing the best I know how at guess- ing.” Hal didn't say any more, but accompanied his chum to the book-store. There was a package for each of them to carry when they came out. Then they headed down toward the shipyard. It was well on toward nine o'clock by the time that the chums stepped through the gate into the yard. “Mr. Farnum is still at his office. That's late for him," remarked Hal. “Maybe some one has him on the guessing- list, too,” laughed Benson. The night watchman came forward out of a shadow. “Boss wants to see you young gentlemen,' announced the watchman. So Jack and Hal turned in there. As they entered the office a scene of “solid comfort” met their eyes. Shipbuilder and naval officer 5- The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise. LIGHTNING CRUISE 69 CHAPTER VI JUDAS & CO. INTRODUCE THEMSELVES G ROTON BAY, as every student of geogra- phy knows, is a nearly landlocked, well sheltered body of water, some seven miles long and three wide. At the mouth of the Groton River stands Colfax, a city of more than thirty thousand inhabitants. This was about all that the submarine boys knew of their destination, until they arrived in the bay on the afternoon of the day after they left Dunhaven. Their run down had been a continuous one. Jack had had Biffens to relieve him at the wheel, while Mr. Farnum had helped Hal in the engine room. Besides, Lieutenant Danvers had kindly stood a few tricks at the wheel. While Jack came in the “Benson,' which car- ried the two remaining loaded torpedoes, Eph had handled the "Hastings,” with Ewald as re- lief. Williamson had handled the engines of the latter boat, David Pollard standing relief engine room watch. The work had been hard and confining. It was a relief to all hands when they found them- selves heading into Groton Bay. 70 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Not far from the city water front lay two United States gunboats, the “Chelsea" and the “Oakland." Near the gunboats a fleet of seven other submarine craft lay at moorings. “We're not the only crowd, then," mused Jacob Farnum, “that has seen fit to enter more than one boat. I shall have to get busy in the hunt for information.' “I'm not much worried about the triumph of the Pollard boats over competitors," declared Danvers, generously. “And, if anything can win for you, Mr. Farnum, it's the having of such enthusiasts as your submarine boys to handle your boats in the official tests." “Oh, I can depend upon my boys," replied Jacob Farnum, quickly. “I know all about them." Yet, as the shipbuilder gazed from the con- ning tower at the rival submarines actual drops of cold sweat oozed out on his forehead. Suc- cess meant so much to this shipbuilder, who had all his capital, to the last penny, invested in this submarine game. “The worst of it is, we've got to keep on the lookout for dirty tricks!” groaned the ship- builder, to himself. “We are willing to play fair to the last gasp. No doubt some of the other competing submarine builders feel the same way about it. Yet, with so many rivals in LIGHTNING CRUISE 71 the field, there are sure to be one or two rascally fellows who won't consider any trick too low to give them an advantage." Though Mr. Farnum had no particular rival, or rivals, in mind, his fears, as was afterwards proven, were only too well founded. "Take the wheel, please, Mr. Farnum," Jack begged. He ran down the steps to call: “On deck, Biffens!” 'Aye, aye, sir!" replied the sailor, scramb- ling to obey. Jack was out on the platform deck, mega- phone in hand, by the time that his employer ran up rather close to the “Chelsea." “Will you direct us to our moorings, sir?” Jack shouted to the watch officer aboard the gun- boat. “Proceed slowly east. Our launch will fol- low and show you your moorings," came the reply. Then the launch glided around the stern of the gunboat, leading the way. Ten minutes later the “Benson” and the “Hastings'' were moored, at the extreme eastern end of the line of submarine craft. Then Hal, mopping his face from the engine room heat, came up on deck for a breath of air. “I don't suppose we can get ashore,” mured young Hastings, gazing wistfully at the city beyond. mur- 72 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “No, ” muttered Jack, shaking his head. “We're short-handed as it is, and we've got to be on hand to watch these boats. There are too many of the enemy about, in the shape of rival builders and their employees, and among them there may be some mean tricksters who'd do anything in their power to put the Pollard boats out of the running in the tests to come. No; I reckon we won't see much of the shore, except from our decks, though it is mighty cramped and confining on one of these small craft." Hal took a couple of turns up and down the deck. No one, until he has tried it, can realize how cramped such small craft are when one has to remain any length of time aboard. Suddenly Hal paused, pointing landward. “Great Scott!” he gasped. “Look who's here!" A roomy whaleboat was approaching them. In it, as passengers, sat Grant Andrews, fore- man, and five workmen from the home yard. “What can have happened?” wondered Cap- tain Jack, as he and his chum waved their hands in greeting; then stood staring. “Surprised, eh, lads?” laughingly demanded Jacob Farnum, who had stolen up behind them. “Yes; what's wrong?” asked Jack. “Nothing,” replied the shipbuilder. LIGHTNING CRUISE 73 "Then what are Andrews and the other men doing here?” “Do you notice,” hinted Mr. Farnum, “that the men with Andrews are all picked from among our older, trusted shipyard men?” “Yes, sir. That's true.” "Well, in the first place,” pursued Farnum, “if any sudden repairs, fixings or other work are required in a hurry, while we're here, we have a fine lot of our own men to attend to it. Before leaving I told Grant to bring these men with him. Then they'll serve another purpose. I want you youngsters to be keyed up to your best performances all the time we're here. That you can't do if you're kept confined closely aboard until your very souls ache. So, as much of the time as is wise, you young fellows will be ashore, stretching your legs, and Grant An- drews and his men will be on board as guards." “That's great!” glowed Jack. “And mighty considerate of you, too, sir." “Considerate ? Not a bit of it!" retorted Jacob Farnum, half indignantly. “Jack Ben- son, I want to drain the last bit of performance out of you youngsters that I possibly can while we're here. That's why I am going to take some good care of you, also. Right this way, Grant!" 74 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' The hail was directed at the foreman. The whaleboat put in alongside of the “Benson," and the foreman with two of his men came aboard. “And now, everyone else over the side to go ashore!" called the shipbuilder. This order was quickly obeyed. Then the whaleboat continued on over to the “Hastings, where Eph and his companions were taken off and the remaining three workmen from the home yard left aboard as guards. Mr. Farnum had already ascertained that the naval board which was to be in charge of the tests was quartered at the leading hotel on shore. Hence, in landing, the shipbuilder was really killing two birds with a single stone, as he intended to report at once to the head of the board for whatever instructions the latter had to give. “We may as well go up to the hotel in style," announced Mr. Farnum, when the entire party, the naval lieutenant included, had landed at the wharf. The two sailors, Ewald and Biffens, had already gone away to places of their own choosing There were three or four automobiles for hire near the wharf. Two of these Mr. Farnum en- gaged for his own party. In five minutes more they stood about in the handsome lobby of the LIGHTNING CRUISE 75 Somerset House while their host registered for the party. Jack, Hal and Eph stood at ease, some dis- tance from the men of the party. Despite their easy attitudes there was yet a certain military erectness about them which was heightened by the handsome, natty uniforms that they wore. At the further end of the hotel lobby was a doorway before which stood a folding screen. Past that was a clump of potted palms. Behind the palms stood a man who, once seen, was not likely to be forgotten. He was not a handsome man. About fifty years of age, he was unusually stout; and, though his clothing was of expensive texture, it fitted him badly. On his upper lip was a heavy moustache, now iron-gray. His face was red, almost bloated. There were heavy pouches under his eyes that told of many hours of senseless, vicious dissipa- tion. A small wart on the left side of the man's nose emphasized his lack of good looks. Though the face was large, the eyes were small, beady, and often full of cunning. There was some iron-gray hair at each side of the head; the top was bald. This man was John C. Rhinds, head of the Rhinds Submarine Company. Three of the boats now at anchor in Groton Bay were his- 76 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' or, rather, his company's, though John Rhinds owned nearly all of the stock in the company. So far, Rhinds had not succeeded in selling a submarine craft to the Navy Department. Twice he had been on the point of a sale, but each time the government had decided upon a Pollard boat, instead. John C. Rhinds loved money. He was re- solved, at any cost, to make the government buy several of his boats. And he was utterly unscrupulous. As he stood behind the palms, looking toward the group of new arrivals, Rhinds's little eyes seemed to grow smaller. He knew the members of this party, though none of them as yet knew Rhinds. But the cunning man had made it his business to find out all about the people whom he hoped to beat in the coming game. “Here you are, Radwin!” Mr. Rhinds almost hissed the summons, call- ing to his side a man of some thirty years of age, tall, dark, handsome, slender and wearing his fine clothes with an air of distinction. At first glance one would be inclined to like the appearance of Fred Radwin. A closer study of the somewhat shifty eyes and general reckless expression might have turned one skilled in human nature against Mr. Fred Rad- win, who was secretary to the Rhinds Company. LIGHTNING CRUISE 77 “They "That's the crowd, right over there, that have sold two boats under our noses to the Navy De- partment,” continued Rhinds, a snarl framing about his thick, ugly lips. “That's the crowd we've got to beat.” “Then those young chaps must be the three young submarine officers with such fine rec- ords,” remarked Fred Radwin, in an undertone. are,” nodded Rhinds, slowly. “They're bright youngsters, too. I wish we had them on our side." "Couldn't they be lured over into our employ, then?” asked Radwin. “You don't know the youngsters. They're full of fool notions about loyalty to the Farnum- Pollard crowd. And, besides, the boys have an interest in the rival company. “Couldn't we offer the boys a bigger interest with us?” suggested Radwin, as he peered through the palms at the other submarine group. “No!" retorted Rhinds, sharply. “I know about that crowd. You don't. Listen to me." “I'm listening,” said Fred Radwin. “We've got to make the acquaintance of that whole crowd, Fred. We've got to get person- ally acquainted with them all. That will be easy enough, I think. Then we've got to lay our plans. The Pollard boats must have no show whatever in the coming tests, do you under- 78 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' stand? Their craft must balk, or behave badly. We must destroy all naval confidence in Pollard boats. Then we must engineer matters so that none of that crowd will be fit to find out what ails their boats—in time, anyway. The easiest point of attack will be the boys themselves. It is absolutely necessary to get them out of the game some way or other—I don't care what! Radwin, you're fertile enough in ideas, and reck- less enough in deeds. This is to be your task- put the Pollard boats and those submarine boys wholly out of the running! First of all, we'll get acquainted with them. Come along !" The Farnum party were just turning away, to follow a bell-boy to the rooms assigned to them upstairs, when John C. Rhinds, his face beaming craftily, approached them, followed by Radwin. Rhinds introduced himself to Farnum, then presented Radwin as secretary to the Rhinds Company. “We're rivals in a way, of course," declared Mr. Rhinds. “But we want to be good-natured, friendly rivals, my dear Farnum. We hope to see a good deal of you all while here." Jacob Farnum replied with equal cordiality. When it came Jack Benson's turn to be intro- duced, Rhinds seized him by the hand, patting his shoulder. “Captain Benson?” he repeated. "The LIGHTNING CRUISE 79 brainiest young man in America--with two chums who run him a close race. We must all dine together to-night," purred this Judas of the submarine boat world. CHAPTER VII EPH SOMERS PLAYS GALLANT " I DON'T know when I've enjoyed myself as much,' exclaimed Rhinds, looking round beamingly over the dinner party in one corner of the dining room. Lieutenant Danvers was not there, having pleaded another engagement. But Rhinds and his lieutenant, Radwin, Messrs. Farnum and Pol- lard and all three of the submarine boys were around the big table. Radwin had succeeded in seating himself between Jack and Hal. The dinner had been a fine one. Only one hitch had occurred; that was when Mr. Rhinds, at the beginning of the meal, had tried to order several bottles of wine. “Just a moment, Mr. Rhinds," Farnum broke in. “None of the wine for us, thank you. “Oh, then, some lighter kind of wine," pro- posed Mr. Rhinds, anxiously. "Something good, in which we can all pledge one another." “None of that stuff, according to our way of 80 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' thinking, is any good,” replied Farnum, with a good-natured smile. “Well, perhaps not for the boys,” conceded the host of this dinner. "But for the rest of us, as business men ready to cement a friend- ship.” “Alcohol isn't cement,” replied Mr. Farnum, mildly. “At least, not with our party. The time was, I admit, Mr. Rhinds, when business men often tried to cement a business friendship with wine or liquor. But those times have gone by. Drinking is out of date, nowadays. The keenest and most dependable business men are those who do not drink. In fact, I may go a little further, and say that, in our business at Dunhaven, we have come to the point where we no longer have any dealings with business men whom we know to drink. You will understand, of course, that this is said without criticism of whatever views you yourself may entertain." “Oh, well, then," grunted Rhinds, much taken back by the fairly spoken words of his rival. “I dare say there was too much drinking in the old days. Yes, Farnum, I am much inclined to agree with you, and we will do without the wine." None the less, it was plain that their host was much annoyed. “I want to get at the members of the naval 82 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' 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 gauntered 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 par- ticularly wish to suggest." “Well," continued Radwin, thoughtfully, "the town is rather full of sailors, just at pres- ent, 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 sus- picion. “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." LIGHTNING CRUISE 83 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 mo- ments 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 fel- low 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. Rad- win. Probably they're both good fellows, in their own way. Only- Only" “Well?” insisted Hal. “Why, to tell the truth,” confessed Captain Benson, “Rhinds impresses me as being just a bit coarse, and Radwin a little too smooth and slick. To put it another way, they're not just our kind of people. That is, they're not at all in the same class with gentlemen like Jake Far- num and Dave Pollard. Now, that's every word I'm going to say against Rhinds or Rad- win, for they've certainly been agreeable to us to-night.” Chatting thus, as they strolled slowly back 84 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' and forth, none of the submarine boys noted how long Radwin was gone. As a matter of fact, that enterprising, rapidly-moving young man was away for nearly half an hour-and he was tremendously busy on their account. The Somerset stood on one of the older, quieter streets of Colfax. At this time of the night there were not many passers. “Here comes Radwin," discovered Hal, at last. “I had almost forgotten that he was com- ing back to us.” “I thought he had forgotten,” laughed Jack. Then all three turned to greet Mr. Radwin. “How's this?” he asked. “Haven't Mr. Rhinds and your friends come out yet?” “They must be talking, yet, with the officers of the naval board,” suggested Eph Somers. “They're sure to be out presently,” nodded Radwin, after he had walked the submarine boys to the next corner. “At least, Mr. Rhinds is, for he always takes a walk in the evening, after dinner. Now, I've discovered the place where they serve the finest hot soda-chocolate, at that. I wanted to invite all hands there. But I'm afraid Rhinds and your employers may come out and be looking for us. Benson, do you feel like remaining here, to guide them along, while I take your comrades up to the place? You can tell the older men where we are, and LIGHTNING CRUISE 85 then Mr. Rhinds will bring you all around. He knows the place. Come along, Somers and Has- tings. Benson, bring the older ones as soon as you see them come out of the hotel." “Why, say, Jack, you go along now," urged Eph. “You know I don't care much about chocolate, and you do. So run along. I'll stay right here until I see our people.” “Good boy, Eph!” murmured Jack, grate- fully. “You know my weakness for hot choco- late. I feel as if I could punish four or five of 'em right now.” As he turned away with Jack and Hal, Mr. Radwin looked rather disappointed. In fact, he was exceedingly disappointed, for he had hoped to leave Captain Jack Benson at this corner on the block below the hotel. The street was practically deserted there. Yet barely two minutes had passed when, about a block away, in the opposite direction from that of the hotel, Eph heard a quick little feminine scream. Wheeling about, Somers saw something that aroused his blood. A girl, or young woman, he could not tell which, at the distance, cowered back from a short, thick-set young man who had raised his hand to strike her. The next instant Eph saw the blow fall. Again 86 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' the young woman cried out, though not very loudly. But the brute seemed on the point of once more striking her. “Wow!” sputtered Eph, angrily. “We'll see about that." On the run Somers went down the short block. The bully, hearing him come, turned for a look, then darted away down the side street. “I-I beg your pardon,” stammered Eph, as the young woman turned, flashing a look at him through a thin veil. “I–I don't want to inter- fere, but “I'm very glad you did, sir," responded the young woman, in a voice whose sweet- ness charmed the submarine boy. "That wretch-" "I wonder if I can overtake him and thrash him," pondered Eph, glancing down the side street. The bully had disappeared. “Oh, don't think of that,” begged the girl, in a quick, anxious way. “I don't want to set peo- ple's tongues to wagging.” “No; of course not,” Eph assented, quickly. “But, if you will escort me safe home “Gladly, miss,” nodded young Somers, again lifting his cap. “Oh, that will be so kind of you,” she mur- mured. “For I am afraid Tom might be wait- ing for me, on the way to my home- LIGHTNING CRUISE 87 “If he gets within hailing distance," uttered Eph, valiantly, “I'll plant a torpedo fist under him!” “Will you let me take your arm?” begged the girl; for, from her voice and her slight, trim figure, she appeared to be no more. That she was indeed afraid was testified to by the way in which her hand trembled on his arm. It was such a tender little hand, too! Eph was not a flirt. He did not give much thought to girls, as a rule, but he wasn't going to see one struck by a street bully. So he walked along, down the side street, turn- ing, also, at two or three other corners, talking cheerily to make the girl forget her late fright. Her face Eph couldn't see very well, on account of the veil, but he decided that the young woman possessed beantiful, flashing eyes, as he caught their expression dimly through the veil. Down another quiet side street they were pass- ing, when they came to the head of an alley-way. Just as they reached it the girl let go of Eph's arm, uttering a little scream as she darted away. Eph didn't follow her. He found himself face to face with the thick set young man, Tom. Just back of that worthy were two other sturdy-look- ing young hoodlums. “Now, you an' me have got something to set- tle, younker,” glared Tom. 88 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “All right,” retorted Eph, undauntedly. “But fair play-one at a time.” Eph's fists were up, and he sailed in, fighting manfully, sailor-fashion. Then the other two closed in behind young Somers. He was struck on the back of the head, and darkness came over him and he fell insensible to the ground. When luckless Eph came to his senses he found himself lying, bound hand and foot, on a pile of rags. The darkness around him was complete. “Well, this is a puzzle to unravel!” mut- tered the astounded submarine boy. Yet, think and ponder as he would, it never occurred to him to see, in his misfortune, the guiding hand of Fred Radwin! CHAPTER VIII ONE, TWO, THREE-A FULL BAG! AT T the hot soda place even Jack Benson, fond as he was of such decoctions, at last had his fill. “Funny Eph hasn't brought the others here,” muttered Jack. “Pardon me, a moment,” urged Radwin, ris- ing. “I'll be back directly." Radwin slipped out to the sidewalk, for he 90 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Suppose you and I walk down there, then, Hastings?” suggested Radwin. “We can leave Benson here, to tell Somers where we are, if he comes back this way." “You wait here, Hal," suggested Jack. “There's a little matter I want to speak to Mr. Farnum about, anyway. So Hastings was left at the corner. He saw Jack and the Rhinds man go in through the hotel entrance. Then, hearing steps, Hal turned to see two sailors approaching. They wore the uniform of the United States Navy. Hastings regarded them with the friendly interest that he, like most other Americans, always felt for sailors. But the two sailors came along, talking earnestly, and did not appear to see young Hastings, who stood in close to the wall. “When I first seen him fall,” one of the sail- ors was saying, “I mistook him for a Navy offi- He was pretty young, but the uniform fooled me." “He had the uniform, all right but no signs of rank on it," nodded the other sailor, thought- fully. “Was he much hurt?" “Oh, it won't kill him," replied the first sailor. “But-' “I beg your pardon," interposed Hal, spring- ing in front of the pair. “It has just struck cer. LIGHTNING CRUISE 91 me that you are speaking of a comrade of mine." “Well, he had a uniform on, just like your'n,” replied the first sailor, looking Hal Hastings over quickly. “Only the young feller we're talkin' about has red hair,” added the second. “What has happened to him?" demanded Hal, a feeling of alarm sweeping over him. “Oh, he got in a little fight-that's all,” re- sponded the first sailor. “Bit off a little bit bigger chunk of fight than he could handle. He's kinder dazed and silly, now, and talkin' about queer things. Half an hour more, though, messmate, and I guess he'll be able to walk down to the water front all right.' Eph knocked out and dazed—among strang- ers! That was the sole picture that appeared to Hal Hastings's mind at that moment. “He's a friend of mine-messmate, at that," Hal declared, quickly. “Where is the place! Or, better still, can you take me to it? I'll re- ward you.” “Oh, stow the reward, messmate," replied one of the sailors. “We fellers that foller sea- fighting for a trade have got to stand in together once in a while. When I seen your friend knocked down I jumped in and floored the big rough that hurt your messmate. We'd have 92 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' brought your friend along, but we didn't know just where to take him." It was hard for Hal to believe that clear-eyed, level-headed Eph Somers would go into any of the low drinking resorts of the town; but he thought it best not to ask any questions until he found young Somers. After some two minutes of brisk walking the two sailors turned down into an alleyway. “The place we're going to is dark on the ground floor,” stated one of them. “Don't be afraid to go up a dark stairway, messmate. We'll be with you, anyway.” “I don't believe I'm afraid, thank you," smiled Hal. One of the sailors, stepping ahead, pushed a door open, going in first. Hal followed, the other sailor bringing up the rear. Then, like a flash, Hal Hastings felt him- self seized on that dark stairway, and a big hand held over his mouth. Like a tiger Hal fought for a few moments. As nearly as he could judge, in the dark, he had four assailants. He was overborne, at last, gagged and tied. In the meantime Jack and Mr. Radwin had gone to the hotel dining room, to find that the last diners had departed, leaving only a few waiters who were arranging tables. 94 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' > "No; Somers,' corrected the other sailor. "Well, he saw a row going on, and he had to run down the street and get into it. Too many fellers in the fight, and Winter- “Somers," interposed the second sailor. “Yes; that was it. Somers got pretty badly used up. His scalp was cut some considerable. He was taken into a house nearby, and a doctor called in to stitch him up. Somers sent us to find his messmates. We found your friend, Hastings, and took him around there. Hastings wanted us to find you, and bring you there, mess- mate." “Poor old Eph!” muttered Jack. "Tough luck, and at a bad time for us. “We'll take you 'round to where your mess- mates are," volunteered the sailor. “Hastings was particular that you come at once." "I'll get a carriage to bring Mr. Somers home in," Jack suggested. “Oh, your messmate, Hastings, has sent a fel- ler for a carriage,” broke in the first sailor, hastily. “Good enough,” Jack nodded. boys, I'll just run back to the hotel. I left Rad- win in there. I'll be right back with you. You'll wait for me, surely, won't you?” "Oh, sure!" chorused both sailors. Then, as Jack Benson scurried down the street, the two "Then say, LIGHTNING CRUISE 95 supposed sailors turned to each other, chuckling softly. “Sure we'll wait!” repeated one of the pair. It was several minutes ere Jack returned, coming up almost breathlessly. “Sorry to keep you waiting, boys,” he spoke, hastily. “But I'm here at last." “Oh, that's all right, messmate. Come along and we'll pilot you straight to your friend, Winter-" “Somers,' corrected the other sailor. Between the pair, some two minutes later, Jack Benson turned off a side street into an alleyway. The houses down in this alley were dark. Most of the little buildings here were occupied only in the daytime, as junkshops and old rag stores. “Don't mind the dark,” spoke one of the sail- ors, as he pushed open a door. “There's light enough on the second floor. That's where you'll find your friend, Winter." “Somers," remonstrated the second sailor. On the dark stairway Jack Benson found him- self suddenly attacked, not only by the sailor pair, but by at least two other men, as well. 96 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' CHAPTER IX BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED NEXT 66 "O H, you- .” Jack shot out, hoarsely, as he felt himself borne under by crush- ing weight. “Go easy, messmate, and you'll sleep more peaceful to-night!” chuckled one of the sailors, holding a big hand over the submarine boy's mouth, while another unseen assailant pinned Jack's hands at the wrists. Flare! A sudden glow of light illumined the dark hallway. Then more light. “Jerushy!” howled one of the sailor pair, leaping to his feet. Instantly there was consternation among all the assailants. In the excitement young Benson was forgot- ten. Freed from assault, he leaped to his feet. The flare of light had come from two bull's- eye police lanterns, held in the open doorway below. “There are the scoundrels, men! Grab them !” shouted a voice of authority. The speaker and two other men were in police uniforms. Four other men there were in ordi- nary civilian garb. LIGHTNING CRUISE 97 In the excitement Jack Benson let his fist fly, knocking one of the sailors headlong down the stairs. But the submarine boy did not pause there. His other fist, landed on the second sailor, sending him after the first. “Club their heads off, if any of 'em put up a fight," commanded the police officer in charge. Two other men, not in sailors' uniform cow- ered on the stairs, close to the young submarine captain. There was no fight, beyond the blows that young Benson struck. Cowed by the unex- pected appearance of the law's force, the quar- tette of rascals surrendered. There was a clicking of handcuffs. “Your chief thought I was crazy, or telling him fairy stories over the telephone,” laughed Captain Jack Benson. “Now, I guess- “I am the Chief of police," retorted the offi- cer in authority. “I thought that, if anything such as you described were happening in Col- fax, then I'd better come along myself to in- vestigate. But now, perhaps you can explain more than you did over the phone from the Somerset House ?" "I have the best of reasons, " Jack replied, “for imagining that two of my friends have disappeared by the same trick that was tried on If that is so, I'm mighty anxious to find them as soon as possible.” 7- The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise. me. 98 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' SON. “Do any of you scoundrels know where this young gentleman's friends are?” demanded the chief, turning to glare at his prisoners, lined up along the wall in the lower hallway. “The man that talks quickly now may get off easier than the rest, later on.” “There's two boys bound and gagged in the sub-cellar of this place," spoke one of the two prisoners not in uniform. “Good enough," nodded the chief of police, looking at the informant. “Officer Davis, you come with me. You may come, too, Mr. Ben- The rest of you wait where you are." The door to the cellar was locked, but the po- lice chief, with a skeleton key, soon had the lock forced. Passing down into the cellar, their way lighted by one of the bull's-eye lanterns, they found a trap opening upon a stairway down into the sub-cellar below. Here they came upon Hal and Eph, both se- curely bound and gagged, and lying on piles of old rags. It was not long ere the two subma- rine boys were free and on their feet, wholly overjoyed. “Great Scott! How did you ever find us here?" quivered Eph Somers. “I'll tell you when we get away from here,' smiled Skipper Jack. Up the stairs they went. One of the police LIGHTNING CRUISE 99 party, in the meantime, had gone out to tele- phone for a covered police van. Into this the four prisoners were hustled and locked securely in. Those of the police party who did not go with the van soon vanished, all save Chief Ward. “Now, Captain Benson, " muttered the chief of police, “I want to congratulate you on your clever wit and sound judgment. I also want to thank you for enabling me to run down a gang like that. I fully understand that, in the morn- ing, you have to be away on a very important submarine test, and that it would be wholly in- convenient for you to have to appear in court. So I won't expect you. On the testimony that my men and I can give the judge will continue the case until such time as you can appear. My men already understand that none of the pris- oners are to be allowed to communicate with outside friends to-night or to-morrow morning. So you may be sure that no news of their arrest will leak out. And now, good-night, boys. Con- gratulations, again, and thanks!” Nor were Jack Benson and his friends long in vanishing, either. They did not go back at all by the way of the Somerset House. They went down to the water-front by a different route. Yet they were fortunate enough to find a shore boat that put them out on board the “Benson." 100 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “And now, Jack, old fellow,” exploded Eph, as they sat in the snug security of their little cabin, “don't you dare think of anything else until you tell us how you brought a seeming mir- acle about." “Oh, that was easy,” laughed Jack Benson, gleefully. “In the first place, it was mighty queer, Eph, that we left you on that corner- and you vanished. Then we left Hal on that same corner--and the earth swallowed him up. Then two fake sailors stopped me at that very same corner- “How did you know they were fake sailors ?” broke in Hal. “I never suspected their genu- ineness." “Why, see here,” glowed Jack, “a United States man-of-warsman has respect for an offi- cer's uniform drilled into him twenty-four hours in the day. We're not officers of the Navy, but we wear a uniform that is very much like the uniform of a naval officer, all but the insignia of rank. What is the consequence! Every sailor we meet sees the uniform, and says "sir' to us by sheer force of habit. Why, you both know that a good many sailors who pass us give us the regular salute. Yet these two fake sailors hailed me as 'messmate' and were as familiar in every other way as they knew how to be.” "Gracious! When they spoke to me, I LIGHTNING CRUISE 101 never thought of that little point,” confessed Hal. “So I told the pretended sailors,” continued Captain Jack, “that I'd run down to the hotel, and that I'd be right back.” “Did you tell anyone where you were going?” demanded Eph. “No one was there that I knew. Instead, I slipped into the telephone room, at the side of the lobby, and called up the chief of police. I happened to get the chief himself on the wire. He thought I was a drunken sailor, or else that I was out of my head. But he finally agreed to have some detectives on hand to see the sailors take me away in tow.” “Then?” pursued Eph. “Why, then I waited long enough to give the detectives a chance to reach the scene. Then I went back and walked into the trap with the fake sailors.” It was a story that was hugely enjoyed by the young submarine captain's comrades. “But who would put up such a queer job on us?" demanded Hal. “It must be some one who didn't want us to man a Pollard boat in to-morrow's speed test, of course," nodded Jack. “It seems like a mean thing to say, and we ought to be sure, but I be- lieve Rhinds and Radwin are the offenders.” LIGHTNING CRUISE 103 > later that Farnum and Pollard knocked loudly on the door of the room occupied by Rhinds. “Well?” demanded Mr. Rhinds, opening the door, and appearing, minus coat and vest. “Ah, good morning, gentlemen. Going down to breakfast? I'll be ready in a few moments. “Breakfast—nothing!" retorted Jacob Far- num, sharply. “Our young men are missing. We went to their rooms this morning, and could get no answer. We've had their doors opened with pass-keysmour three young submarine of- ficers haven't been in their beds all night long!” John C. Rhinds allowed his face to express more surprise than concern over this news. “Oh, well,” he remarked, "boys will be boys, you know—especially when they're sailors.” “Our boys are not that sort,” retorted Mr. Farnum, sharply. “They are not hoodlums or racketers." “Then of course you'll find 'em safe on one of your boats," proposed Mr. Rhinds, innocently. “Just two minutes, and I'll go down to break- fast with you." Radwin, too, joined them. He also expressed surprise, artfully. All four went to the break- fast room together. Messrs. Farnum and Pol- lard ate well enough, though they seemed badly worried. “There's just one thing about it, of course,” 104 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' sighed Jacob Farnum, as the party left the table. “If our youngsters are not on one of our boats, then we've got to lose the speed race to-day. None of us can handle the boats the way they do." “Oh, you'll find the boys all right on one of the boats,” asserted Fred Radwin, confidently. The rivals went down to the water front to- gether. It was well after nine o'clock when they entered a shore boat. “We'll go out to your craft, first," proposed Mr. Rhinds, “You'll feel so much better, gen- tlemen, when you find your crew all right. I'll feel better, too, for I wouldn't want to beat you unfairly to-day." Grant Andrews and two of his workmen stood on the platform deck of the “Benson," leaning against the conning tower, when the shore boat came within hail. “I am afraid to call out to Grant, and ask him,” faltered the shipbuilder. “Then don't do it," returned Mr. Rhinds, sympathetically. “Just wait until we get alongside, and you'll see your young men pop- ping out of the conning tower, rested and as bright as new buttons." A moment later the shore boat rounded in alongside. Then, quite suddenly, the three sub- marine boys projected themselves through the LIGHTNING CRUISE 105 manhole, and stood in full view on the platform deck. “Eh? Hey?” gasped John C. Rhinds, utterly nonplussed. Fred Radwin's lower jaw seemed to drop sev- eral inches. He stared as though he were see- ing ghosts, while a sickly, greenish pallor crept into his handsome face. “By Jove, you were right, Rhinds!” gasped Jacob Farnum, turning. “Thank you, old man, for keeping our courage up. “Good morning, Mr. Farnum! Good morn- ing, Mr. Pollard!” chorused the three subma- rine boys. Then, favoring Rhinds and Radwin with brief glances : “Good morning-gentlemen!” “Gentlemen?” repeated Eph, disgustedly, under his breath. “I think not!” Though Rhinds and his agent speedily man- aged to look pleasant, they hadn't gotten their spirits back when the shore boat pulled away. Farnum and Pollard went hurriedly below, where Jack and his comrades followed. “Jack! Jack! Thank you a million times!” gasped Farnum, seizing the young captain's hand, then giving the other boys the same hearty gripping handshake. “Your note that we got, this morning, gave us the information we needed and we knew just how to act.” 19 LIGHTNING CRUISE 107 “I guess you youngsters have the winning fire all right, for to-day,” smiled Jacob Farnum, grimly. “Are you going to enter both boats in to-day's race?” asked Jack, more thoughtfully. “We can't," replied the shipbuilder. “Cap- tain Magowan told me, last night, that, since the Rhinds people and ourselves are the only makers who have more than one boat here, to- day's race will be confined to one craft repre- sentative of each make. So, which boat do you prefer to take out to-day, Jack?” “It doesn't make a bit of difference which one,” returned young Captain Benson. “Be- tween the 'Hastings' and the ‘Benson’ there isn't a hair's breadth to choose. But with either boat, sir, I believe that, to-day, we can run any. Rhinds boat off the surface of the ocean!” It was all very good to have such confidence in their boat. Yet was it to be justified? * * * son. Almost immediately came the first blow. A telegram came on board, addressed to William- The latter's brother was seriously ill at home, and the machinist had to leave at once, going north by the next train. As it happened, the brother speedily recovered, but this incident for the time left the Farnum forces the losers of a highly useful man in the engine room. 108 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' CHAPTER X JOHN C. RHINDS ADVOCATES FAIR SPORT) B. OOM! From over the port rail of the “Oakland” a dense cloud of grayish- white smoke belched out. Through it flashed a streak of red. As the “Oakland” was the temporary flag- ship of this fleet of two gunboats, this gunfire was the signal for the submarines to move on out of the bay. Lieutenant Danvers had already come over to the “Benson” from the flagship. Danvers bore with him the orders of the naval board. Moreover, the lieutenant was to remain on the Pollard craft that day. Each submarine that was entered for the race had a naval officer on board, who was to give directions, at need, and to act as judge of conduct. “Just get under way easily, and move out, Mr. Benson," advised Danvers. “Eight or nine miles will be fast enough to go." Jack and the naval officer stood by the plat- form deck steering wheel as the “Benson" left her moorings. Back by the conning tower stood Messrs. Farnum and Pollard. Eph was below, until LIGHTNING CRUISE 109 2 otherwise needed, to render Hal any necessary help in the engine room. “There goes the Rhinds boat!” called Mr. Farnum, as one of the other submarines left her moorings, making for sea in the wake of the “Chelsea,” which gunboat was to act as the starter's boat for that day. “What's the name of that particular Rhinds boat?" asked Jack. “The 'Zelda',” replied Lieutenant Danvers. “Nice, lady-like name for a fighting boat," mocked Jack. “You don't seem to like the Rhinds people,” hinted the naval officer. “I don't,” Jack admitted, bluntly. “Well, I suppose it isn't human nature to be fond of our rivals," assented the naval officer, slowly. “I've other reasons, of my own, for disliking Rhinds," muttered the submarine boy. “He hasn't what you could call a wholesome face,” smiled Danvers. “In fact, I think Mr. Rhinds must be a self-made man, made very badly. I can't quite think that he has any- thing of the human face divine." Jack laughed, but bitterly. “The Zelda' is the boat we have to beat to- day,” he added. “I wonder if you'll do it?" muttered Lieuten- LIGHTNING CRUISE 113 ter let me have the wheel, while you keep your- self fresh for the real work." “As the race hasn't begun yet,” broke in Lieutenant Danvers, “there is no impropriety in my taking the wheel out to the start, if you'll trust me to handle your boat.” “Trust a naval officer?” laughed Jack Ben- son, flashing a smile of gratitude at the lieuten- ant. “That's a funny idea to suggest.”. Danvers took the wheel silently, then devoted his whole thought, apparently, to the for him --simple task that he had in hand. Outside the bay the “Chelsea" signaled to the submarine boats to slow up. Then the gun- boat moved over to temporary anchorage. A line between the gunboat's bow and the light- house on Groton Point, to the northward, was to furnish the imaginary starting line. This line the five competing submarine torpedo boats must, at second gunfire, cross as nearly to- gether as possible. There were penalties, of course, for any one boat trying to steal a lead over the rest. By this time the fast gunboat “Oakland,'' which had a safe speed of twenty-four knots an hour, under forced draught, lay to, some two miles further out. The “Oakland's" task was to stick close to the leaders, and, at the end, to decide which craft had won. 8- The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise, 114, THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Boom! The first gun sounded over the star- board side of the “Chelsea." In five minutes' time the second gun would thunder out-and the racers would be off! Such a scurrying as there was then among these five little craft of war! Captain Jack Benson had the wheel again. Henceforth, Lieutenant Danvers was to be but a spectator—a judge, at need, and on his honor, as an officer of the United States Navy, to show no partiality to those on whose boat he found himself. As Eph might be needed on deck, at any in- stant, he stood leaning against the conning tower. David Pollard was missing. He had gone be- low, had taken off his coat, and was standing in shirt-sleeves, ready to render any possible aid to Hal Hastings, the young chief engineer on whom so much depended in the six hours to come. Now that one of the supreme moments in his career had come, Jacob Farnum hardly dared breathe. He said not a word to Eph, who, just as anxious, stood at his elbow. As the submarine craft scurried over the waves, each seeking its best place for a start over the line, the “Zelda" came up within sixty yards, running alongside for a moment or two. John C. Rhinds, standing at the rail of his LIGHTNING CRUISE 115 own craft, with what was intended to be a smile on his face, waved his hat wildly at Jacob Far- num. “Good luck to you, Farnum-and to us!” bel- lowed Rhinds. “Of course, I'd like to win to- day, but if you've the better boat, go ahead and leave us at the finish. May the best craft win, and no hard feelings! Fair sport all the way through, Farnum, old man! And to you, Ben- son—may you never be in fitter shape than to- day!” “The old hypocrite!” gasped Jack, venge- fully. “I'm mighty sorry I can't head this boat around and run it straight down his lying throat!" “Then he'd surely gobble you up!" laughed Lieutenant Danvers. “But be careful, lad! Don't let vengeful thoughts get into your head and stick to-day. You've got to keep yourself cool and your nerve steady. Look out, now, for the second gun!” All five of the submarines were manœuvring for the starting line. Boom! The second gun roared out, and the six hours' speed and endurance test was on! 116 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' CHAPTER XI THE STRAIN OF RED-HOT METAL F IRST over the line passed the “Zelda," but it was a fair get-away. How her propellers churned the foam now! Just as it happened, and through no fault of handling, Jack Benson got the Pollard craft over the line third. At the outset, therefore, his boat was distanced some twenty-four sec- onds by the leader. “Steady, now!" called Jacob Farnum, in low tones. “We've six hours in which to make up a few seconds.' If Captain Jack heard, he gave no sign. For the next few minutes the youthful com- mander seemed to forget everything but the wheel under his hand, and the course and speed of the craft he commanded. That the “Benson” was slowly losing was not, at first, clear to anyone on board. It took time to draw out the increasing lead of the other craft, but, after a while, it became more and more evident. True, the “Benson” was second in the line- but the “Zelda' was first. At the end of an hour there were drops of LIGHTNING CRUISE 117 clammy ooze on Captain Jack's forehead. He was steering as well as he had ever steered in his life. Hal had sent up word that the “Ben- son's” engines were doing all that could fairly be required of them. That troublesome hour up, Captain Jack called to Eph to take the helm. A few moments later the youthful commander appeared again on the platform deck, carrying a range-finder on a tripod. Through the teles- cope he took some rapid sights, then did some quick figuring When he looked up Benson saw Jacob Farnum standing within four feet of him. The shipbuilder's face looked gray and haggard. “How much?” asked Jacob Farnum. “Shade more than a quarter of a mile in the lead of us, sir,” Jack replied. “Have you been down to talk to Hal?” “What's the use, sir?” demanded Jack. “Hal Hastings knows how much depends on speed. He's doing everything that his engi- neer's conscience will allow. Besides, David Pollard is there with him, sir." “I've no orders to give," Jacob Farnum ighed, stepping back. “You youngsters know what you're about, and how much depends upon our success to-day.” Indeed, Jack Benson knew! As he silently 9 118 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' took his place at the wheel again deep lines ap- peared in his youthful face. He knew, this forenoon, what it meant to suffer. At the end of the second hour, Jack again called Eph to take a short relief trick at the wheel. But Jack, instead of resting, promptly placed the range-finder. As he tried to adjust the telescope the submarine boy's hands shook. Jack glanced over at Lieutenant Danvers, cool and impassive. Danvers knew all about work- ing that range-finder. But the naval officer was aboard as an official spectator. If the lieuten- ant aided in any way, then the Pollard subma- rine would be disqualified. Jack's work was more slow, this time. It was some moments before he had the new range figured out. "How far astern of the "Zelda' are we now?" called Jacob Farnum. "A shade over a half a mile." “Whew! And the race only a third run." “In other words," went on the young cap- tain, “the Rhinds boat is gaining steadily on us at the rate of a quarter of a mile an hour. Not much, yet enough to win the race beyond any dispute.” “Can't we catch up over that distance 9" asked Jacob Farnum. "Not now, anyway, sir.” LIGHTNING CRUISE 119 Jack went back beside the wheel. Somehow, he did not feel like taking the spokes into his own hands. Instead, he wheeled, silently, go- ing back, through the conning tower, and down to the engine room. “How do we stand with the Rhinds craft?” asked David Pollard, who sat on one of the cushioned seats in the engine room. "Half a mile behind, sir." Pollard got up slowly, then went through and up the stairs to the deck. For some moments Hal and Jack talked to- gether, in low tones. Both looked rather glum, until Hal suggested something that sent a lit- tle ray of hope into Benson's eyes. “We'll see,” muttered the young captain. “It looks like a forlorn hope, though, Hal." At the end of the third hour the “Zelda” had added another quarter mile to the lead, while the “Oakland” showing the way, was a good mile ahead of the foremost racer. When four hours had gone by the Rhinds boat was discovered to be just about a mile ahead of her nearest competitor. The Seawold boat, third in line, was half a mile behind the “Benson," and the Blackson boat, last of all, was two miles behind the Pollard boat's stern. But Jack and his friends had long ago ceased to feel any interest in the tail-enders. 120 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' The race was to be over at five o'clock. At half-past three, or four hours and a half after the start, Jack found, by the help of the range- finder, that the Rhinds boat led by a mile and an eighth. “Keep the wheel, Eph!” called the young commander. “Steer as straight as you can. I'll be up soon." Then Jack Benson darted below, though his legs trembled a bit under him. “All ready, Hal!” shouted the youthful com- mander. “Play our one trump card, and play it as hard as you can! Though I'm afraid Rhinds has just such a card in his own pack. Then up to the platform deck hastened Jack Benson. He moved quietly to the wheel, tak- ing it from Eph. The young captain did not propose to leave again until the race was over. Soon after this something happened that must have made those aboard the Rhinds boat feel uneasy. The “Benson” began to crawl up on the “Zelda." “What are you doing now, Jack?” called Jacob Farnum sharply, as he and Pollard moved forward to stand by the young captain. “I'll tell you, in a few minutes, if our move seems to be any good, sir," Jack answered. By four o'clock half the space between the Rhinds boat and the Pollard craft had been LIGHTNING CRUISE 121 covered. By this time two men were observed aft on the “Zelda,” their gaze turned steadily on the “Benson.'' “Take the wheel for two or three minutes, Eph," begged the young captain, on whom the strain was beginning to tell. Then, turning to his employers, Jack went on: "The way Hal and I figured it out, sir, the 'Benson' is really the faster boat. But the Rhinds people may have been overheating their engines—slightly, systematically, and using a lot of water to cool the metal. Now, if that is the case, they may be doing their best at forced speed. Hal and I determined, if we didn't lose more than a quarter of a mile an hour, we'd rather let the ‘Zelda' keep the lead, and go on slowly overheating her engines. But now, in the last hour and a half of the race, Hal is up to the same trick. If that has been the case with the “Zelda,' and they now, at this late hour, go to any greater lengths in overheating, they're likely to blow the engines out of their hull. But we can stand the present speed, with its gradual overheating, up to the finish time for the race. If both boats keep going at the speed they're using now, and neither has an ac- cident, we stand to come in half a mile in the lead. 122 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Good strategy, that, Jack!” cried Jacob Farnum, his eyes gleaming. “To let the other fellow take the risk of overheating his machin- ery all day, while we do it only in the last part of the race. My boy, I'm hopeful we may win yet.” “So am I, sir," muttered Benson. “Still, there's the risk that John C. Rhinds may have something more up his sleeve. We'll know be- fore long, anyway.” By twenty minutes past four the “Benson" was almost close enough to the other submarine to throw a biscuit across the intervening space, had any on board the Pollard craft been inclined that way. John C. Rhinds stood by the starboard rail of his own craft, regarding the rival with anxious eyes. But Jack knew the rascal to be so wily that the look of anxiety might be feigned. Up, nearer and nearer! Jack was moving to the starboard of the “Zelda," as the “Oakland” was on that same side of the course. “The old wretch isn't shouting out anything about fair play and good luck to us, now," mut- tered Jack, vengefully, as, at half-past four, the two craft ran neck and neck, but little over a hundred yards apart. Then the “Benson” began to forge ahead. ЈДЭіятих You Win! 125 128 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' I don't stand everything. You'll need me yet, so you'll do well to keep a civil tongue behind your teeth!' “Stop that! Don't try any mighty airs on me!” quivered Rhinds. “Oh, blow off your steam, quietly, and then become reasonable,” yawned Fred Radwin. “First thing you know, you'll really make an enemy of me, and then the trick will be done, Rhinds. For you need me. Just now, you need me worse than you ever did in your life be- fore." “Need you?” sneered the other. "What for?" “Well, for one thing, there are other tests ahead of the submarine boats." “Can you win any of those tests?” jeered Rhinds, harshly. “No; but I can do what will, perhaps, be the next best thing. I can stop the boys aboard the Pollard craft from being on hand to put their boat through all its paces. All you need is to have the Pollard end blocked. You can more than hold your end against the other sub- marines.” “Well, what can you do to stop the boys on the Pollard boats?” demanded Rhinds, unbe- lievingly. "I can stop them from being on hand at the 130 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' on the sly, and go to find some handy people I know in the little city of Colfax. So that's set- tled, and I'll signal for the boat now.” Jack and his comrades slept on the "Benson" that night. For one thing, they felt so tired, after the day's long strain, that they really lacked the desire even to go to larger, softer beds on shore. So they awoke in the morning feeling as fresh as sea-larks should. "There are no tests on for to-day, and nothing to be done on board, except to clean the en- gines,” spoke Jacob Farnum over the breakfast table in the little cabin. “So, youngsters, we'll go ashore and refresh ourselves. Grant's men will clean the engines. That's what they're really here for." “Don't you think it would be wiser, sir, to remain on board?” smiled Captain Jack. “As you will remember, we found the shore rather too lively the last time we were there." "Things happened because you boys got out of our sight,” chuckled the shipbuilder, quietly. “That's the point. What you youngsters need is a brace of guardians. So, while you're to go on shore, Dave and I will go along, and you're not to get out of our sight. Remember that.” “We'll be safe, then,” nodded Eph, sagely. “I surely do want to stretch my legs, and take 132 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Then we're likely to run into that Rhinds- Radwin crowd.” "We can stand it, if they can,” replied Far- num, compressing his lips grimly. “Our con- sciences are cleaner than theirs." Indeed, in passing from the lobby to the breakfast room, where the Pollard party in- tended to take coffee, Messrs. Rhinds and Rad- win were encountered just as they were coming out. “Ah, good morning, gentlemen,” hailed John C. Rhinds, halting and holding out his hand. Fred Radwin, too, beamed cordially upon the enemy. “ 'Morning,” replied Jacob Farnum, ignoring the outstretched hand of Rhinds. Radwin's ready-made smile, too, was overlooked, as the Pollard submarine party filed by into the break- fast room. “I don't believe they'll waste any make-be- lieve cordiality on us, after that,” grimaced Mr. Pollard, as he dropped into a chair at a table. Fifteen minutes later a stout, rather short, middle-aged man entered the breakfast room in haste. He spoke to the head waiter, who pointed out the table at which the submarine party sat. Then the head waiter came over with a card and a letter which he handed to Farnum. LIGHTNING CRUISE 133 " "Mr. Walter C. Hodges,'” read Farnum, from the card. Then, glancing at the enevlope: “ 'Introducing Mr. Hodges.' It's from Judson, proprietor of the hotel where I stop when in Washington," continued the shipbuilder, as he glanced through the letter. “He asks me to extend any possible courtesies to Mr. and Miss Hodges, for whom he vouches cordially." Rising, Mr. Farnum stepped over to meet Mr. Hodges, shaking hands with the stranger. Then the pair walked back to the table. Farnum quickly presented Mr. Hodges to the others. "Judson asks me to extend to you any pos- sible courtesies,” pursued the shipbuilder. “I shall be very glad. Now, what can I do that will be most agreeable to you?” “Why-er-er began Mr. Hodges, hesi- tatingly, “the thing that my daughter and I are most interested in is your line of boats. In fact, we came over to Colfax to see what we could of the boats and the tests. Now, my daughter and I would both like very much to go aboard one of your boats. Yet, if this would be at all irregular, or cause you any inconveni- ence, I beg you to refuse us, and we shall under- stand your refusal." None the less, the shipbuilder did feel and look embarrassed. “I wish it were anything else on earth,” Far- > 140 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' 'phoned for the two nearest doctors, and for men to come and help the injured. Then he called up the garage from which the auto had been hired; this address being supplied by the chauffeur. Then, accompanied by the man of the house, young Benson hurried back to the scene of the wreck. The submarine captain found that he had at least been so bruised and shaken up that speed on his feet hurt. The first to arrive, of those summoned, was the owner of the garage in Colfax. He came in a large car, burning gasoline fast. “I'm Graves, from the garage,” he intro- duced himself, shutting off power and leaping out. “Jove, what a smash this is!” Until two doctors and several men arrived Graves devoted himself to helping make the injured victims as comfortable as possible. When the doctors and helpers appeared on the scene Graves soon called Jack Benson aside. “There's something about this affair that must be investigated," declared the garage man, in an undertone. “The cars that I keep are all of one make, and there are no stauncher, safer cars made in the world. No such accident has ever before happened to one of my cars. Come; let's see what we can find out.” Graves didn't have to look far. He halted at 142 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Oh, yes; a man expert at such work could do it in considerably less time.” “Such a defective axle might run along smoothly, quite a while at low speed ?" Benson persisted. “Yes.' “But at high speed- -9" “Look at this axle!” continued the garage man, excitedly. “You know something about steel, don't you, young man?” 'Enough to run machinery.” “You see what a flawed piece of steel this is-unsuited to any strain? I don't believe this axle could stand the strain of high speed in a big auto for the distance of a mile.” “That's about all it stood with us," mut- tered Jack Benson, his face white, his jaws firmly set. “There's been some nasty work here,” con- tinued the garage man. “It wasn't done by my chauffeur, either. He's probably the worst hurt of any in your party, which assures his innocence of a hand in the despicable work." “Oh, I don't suspect your man—not for an instant,” Jack assured the garage owner. "The truth is, I think I can guess just where to place the blame."; “Hodges turned this car over to you for a ܕܕ LIGHTNING CRUISE 145 lance had arrived, and also a car that Graves had sent to bring back Farnum and the three submarine boys. “Don't run back at anything like speed, please,” begged Mr. Farnum, with a wan smile. It had cut the shipbuilder to the marrow to find his friend, Pollard, so badly hurt. “Nothing faster than ten miles an hour,” promised the chauffeur. Once in the city the auto followed the am- bulance to the hospital, where Farnum went to see that every possible attention was given his friend. But Mr. Graves had already made splendid arrangements for the care of both in- jured men. Then down to the Somerset went the able- bodied survivors of the submarine party. Though they said nothing in the hearing of the strange chauffeur, they were no more than in- side Jacob's Farnum's room when they let loose their indignation. It was not many minutes, however, ere the chief of police arrived. “I've been talking with Graves, gentlemen, announced the chief, “and I'm wholy satisfied that the rascal, Hodges, is the first one we want to find. When we get him we'll try to make him tell who's behind him." “Did you get anything out of the four fel- 10- The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise. > LIGHTNING CRUISE 147 “Good heavens, have I reached my present age, only to be taken in with a faked letter of introduction?" “If you have,” responded the chief of police, grimly, "you won't be the only traveled, wide- awake business man who has been caught by a trick like that. In this country, where letters of introduction are passed around as freely as cigars, it's very seldom that a man stops to wonder whether the letter handed him is genu- ine." An hour later the chief was back, to report that a man answering Hodges' description had taken a train north bound, not buying a ticket. “I've telegraphed to have the fellow arrested at a point along the route,” continued the police official. “I don't expect to get Hodges as eas- ily as that, though. He undoubtedly will have left the train before it gets to where I have some one waiting to receive him." "But the young woman he called his daughter?” 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 unfor- tunate David Pollard was resting comfortably. “The scheme was one that was intended to put our whole party out of business," declared 148 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' 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 L ATE 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. Far- num, 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 an- swered. “You'll be obeyed.” For the better part of an hour the boys re- mained where Farnum had left them. Then something happened that brought the flush of anger to all their bronzed, honest young faces. LIGHTNING CRUISE 151 One of the outer doors opened, and Fred Rad- win, 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 a little while ago that I heard of the fearful ac- cident. 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. А 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 con.. tinued, 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 in the eyes of the young subma- rine captain. 152 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Hal, however, turned white—though from a cause that few would have guessed. “Hold on, Benson! One moment-" pro- tested Fred Radwin. “Oh, get out of my sight, this instant," quiv- ered Jack, taking another step toward his enemy. Before all the curious throng Fred Radwin, strangely enough, felt too abashed, for the mo- ment, to persist in his expressions of surprise. “I'll talk with you later,” he muttered, with a sickly smile, then turned away. “If you do,” Jack called after him, “I'll—" Benson's voice died down as the young cap- tain felt Hal Hastings's strong, impassioned grip on his arm. Radwin, fortunately, did not turn, but kept on until he had taken himself out of sight. Jack turned an inquiring glance on his chum's face. But Hal's warning look seemed to say: “Silence! Wait!” “What was the row about?” asked a stranger among those who had pressed about the boys. “Nothing," returned Eph Somers, shortly, glaring at his questioner. At a mute signal from Hal all three of the submarine boys seated themselves once more. By degrees the little crowd melted away. LIGHTNING CRUISE 153 Then Jack Benson turned to his chum, to ask, in a low voice: “What did you mean, Hal, old fellow? I know you had some good reason for checking me as you did.” “I was afraid you would hit Radwin," Hal. murmured. “A case of nothing struck, if I had!” uttered Captain Jack, bitterly. “Oh, yes! You would have struck at our chances of winning out in these submarine tests,” murmured Hal Hastings. “What do you mean?” demanded Jack, look- ing startled. “If you had hit Radwin, in the presence of all those witnesses, you would have been right in line to be arrested for assault." “Pooh!” jeered Captain Jack. “A small fine, which I could easily pay.” “But the inconvenience of being locked up, at such a time?” asked Hal Hastings. “Mr. Farnum would bail me out, quickly enough.” “I don't believe you see all of the point yet,” murmured Hal, earnestly. “Suppose Radwin swore out a warrant against you for striking him. Then suppose he paid a court officer to wait and serve the warrant just as the boats. were starting out on some new test cruise? 154 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Then you'd go ashore, and we'd either have to go on without our captain, or else draw out of the test. Fine business, that, when our first and only business is to make the Pollard boats the number-one winners in as many tests as pos- sible!" “Great Cæsar!” exploded Jack, realizing, now, what a narrow escape he had had from another disaster to their common interests. “So you be on your guard,” Hal went on with his wise counsel. “No one—at least, no one in your own crowd-doubts your grit, or your willingness to clinch with Radwin and fight it out to a copper-riveted finish. I don't blame you for wanting to thrash Radwin every time you think of poor Dave Pollard up at the hos- pital. I want to do it myself. Radwin didn't think fast enough, or he'd have sneered at you, and provoked you into hitting him. That was why I grabbed your right arm—to stop you. It'll come to Radwin before long, what a fine chance he missed. Then he'll put himself in your way-when there are witnesses around.” “Thank you, Hal," nodded Jack Benson, his voice unusually quiet. “You've given me a good, big bint. I won't forget it. Until the tests are all over Radwin may parade before me, and mock at me, if he wants. But after- ward .!" LIGHTNING CRUISE 155 CHAPTER XV THE GOAL OF THE LIGHTNING CRUISE O N three different days, thereafter, there were various tests in which the sub- marine craft entered, each striving for points and leadership. On one of these days the event was firing with “dummy” torpedoes. This work was car- ried on out in the bay. Then there were two other days of firing with actual, loaded tor- pedoes, the work, one day, being with stationery naval targets. On the other day the work with loaded, torpedoes was directed against moving targets- perpendicular floats towed by a tug with a very long hawser. While some of the firing was done by the crews of the respective submarines, a good deal more was performed by members of the naval board, in order that the boats, rather than the crews, might be tested. In each of these events the Pollard boats were the winners. At the moving targets the Day submarine took second place away from the Rhinds boats; in the other events the Rhinds craft came in second, though rather close to the records achieved by the Pollard submarines. 156 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Farnum was elated, of course. So were his young officers. Lieutenant Danvers, who was on board at each test, was also much pleased, though he did not express it. The cheering news was taken to David Pollard, in hospital, and greatly lightened his days of suffering and waiting. And now, for two days, the grim-looking lit- tle submarine fleet had lain at moorings. Not one was there among their crews but wondered whether any further competitive tests were to be ordered. There had been no more meetings, on shore, between the Rhinds party and our friends. Radwin had hoped for such a meeting, for, as Hal had predicted, the dark-faced rascal had soon reasoned out that it would be an excellent thing to stop a few blows delivered by Captain Jack Benson. But Farnum had kept his party on the “Ben- son” and the “Həstings." “Fred, I wonder whether we are going to have any more tests,” demanded Mr. Rhinds, as he and his secretary lingered over their break- fast at the Somerset. “I wish I knew,” sighed Radwin. “We've been beaten, a few points, by that Pollard crowd," muttered Rhinds, his face low- ering. “But we're not altogether walloped, LIGHTNING CRUISE 157 Fred. The government is going to buy a good many submarine boats. Now, it isn't necessary for the government to have the boats all of one type, is it?" “Of course not,” Radwin assented. “Just so," continued the older man, “now, we've made a pretty good showing, after all. So I have already begun with some telegrams to the Senators and Congressmen of our state- oh, you mustn't feel that you always have ad- vance information on all I'm doing, young man,” chuckled Rhinds, noting the look of sur- prise in his companion's face. “I've started with our state's members in Congress, and soon I shall begin to go at 'em harder. Now, despite the fact that the Pollard boats have been able to gain a few points over us, I believe I can engineer matters so that the government will order two types of submarine, instead of one. In fact, Fred, when the government gives out its big orders for submarine boats, I hope to land forty per cent., at least, of the business.' Fred Radwin glanced cautiously around him, to make sure that no waiters stood within hear- ing distance. Then he hissed, sharply: “Forty per cent. of the business, you say? I still intend to land one hundred per cent. of the submarine business for our company?” “How?” asked the older man, eagerly. LIGHTNING CRUISE 159 Radwin, had in truth, read the signal aright. It was the signal that the naval board had an- nounced in case, at any time, there should be sudden, official news for the officers and crews of the rival submarines. “What can it be, I wonder?” pondered John Rhinds, as they hurried through a street that led to the pier. "Probably some test in which the board wants us to start without any preparation,” re- plied Radwin. “I wish I knew what it was," muttered Rhinds. "That's just the way every man-jack aboard the submarine boats is feeling about it," jeered Radwin. “Jove, I hope the test, to-day, is one in which we stand a chance to beat the Pollard crowd!" Jacob Farnum had just started from the “Hastings,” in a shore boat, when the first gun boomed forth. The shipbuilder had been on his way to see his friend, at the hospital, when he heard the first gun. Stopping the rowers, he quickly comprehended when the whistle blasts started. He accordingly directed that he be put back alongside the “Hastings. Jack, Hal and Eph had come tumbling up on deck at the first realization of the signal. Grant Andrews and his men were no longer on board, 160 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' having gone, at daylight, to their boarding- house on shore. “What do you suppose is in the air, Jack?" called Mr. Farnum. “I don't know, sir. But whatever it is, we're ready. We can start, on anything, at the drop of a handkerchief. Gasoline tanks full, com- pressed air by the cubic yard, storage batteries charged.” * “It would be hard to catch you youngsters un- prepared,” laughed the shipbuilder, apprecia- tively. They were still on deck, waiting and wonder- ing, when they saw the president and secretary of the Rhinds company put off from shore in haste. “They don't mean to be left,' sneered Eph. “They're pretty badly left already," mut- tered Captain Jack, bitterly. “They haven't beaten us, so far, by a single point.” “I suppose they're hoping they will to-day, whatever the test is to be," muttered Hal Has- tings. Fifteen minutes more passed. Then a little flock of six-oared cutters left the side of the gunboat “Oakland.” In the stern-sheets of each cutter sat a naval officer in uniform. “There's Lieutenant Danvers,” cried Jack, 162 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' servable excitement is to be taken as an indica- tion,” laughed Mr. Farnum. “This letter goes on to request,” announced Benson, “that the commander of each subma- rine willing to enter this affair signal to the ‘Oakland' by hoisting the signal 'ready.' Do you hear that, Eph?” Somers made a dash for the signal chest. In another moment the appropriate bit of bunting was fluttering on the halliard at the top of the signal mast. “We are directed," Jack read on, “to be ready within thirty minutes. We must fol- low the ‘Oakland' down the bay at a cruising speed of sixteen miles an hour. Once out of the bay, the ‘Oakland’ will signal our formation to us." “Do you see the boat the Rhinds signal is go- ing up on?" laughed Hal Hastings. “It is going up on the submarine 'Thor.' According to the old Norsemen tales Thor was The Thun- derer—also the fellow who struck with the big hammer. It looks like a Rhinds boast that they are to do big things on this lightning cruise." “Yes; Thor was an old Norse god," muttered Captain Jack. “And the early Norsemen were very largely pirates. Perhaps we are to take the signal on the 'Thor' as an intimation that LIGHTNING CRUISE 163 Rhinds is out to play pirate in earnest on this cruise.' As Benson uttered these words he felt an odd little shiver run over him. Yet he gave it no more thought. Little idea had he, at that mo- ment, how prophetic his words were likely to be! In half an hour, as planned, the “Oakland," after firing a warning gun, steamed away from her moorings. Gradually the gunboat's speed increased, until the full sixteen miles were being made-miles, instead of knots, since gasoline boats, like these submarines, are usu- ally rated by miles instead of by the longer "knot." It was a rattling rate of speed to exact from these little craft, when it was considered that the gait would have to be continued, without break, for at least twenty-four hours. Eph was at the wheel, at the start, and Jack standing back by the conning tower. Mr. Far- num had gone below for a nap, as he intended to relieve Hal in the engine room after a few hours. “Benson, remarked Danvers, approach- ing the submarine boy, "I guess your re- mark of a few minutes ago exactly defines this trip.” “What remark?” asked Jack. 164 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “You spoke of it as a lightning cruise. It is going to be one, indeed, for these little subma- rine craft." “Our boat can stand it, I think,” smiled the submarine skipper. “And so can the Rhinds boat, probably. But some of the others will find themselves sorely put to to keep up the speed for twenty- four hours." “And, if they don't?” queried Jack. Danvers shrugged his shoulders. “Then I guess they'll have to be satisfied with being left far behind, unless they signal that they're in actual distress.” “This speed," mused Captain Jack, “must be part of the government's plans for another test. ' The Navy Department must have planned to see whether any of these boats could stand such a gait for twenty-four long hours." “I couldn't tell you if I knew,” remarked Lieutenant Danvers, with a quizzical look, then turned and strolled away. “And I guess,' muttered the submarine boy to himself, “that that's about as near as a fel- low can go to giving a tip, once he has had the Navy muzzle padlocked to his jaws." Some of the submarines in this long race- for such it was-were better equipped as to the number of the crew. The Rhinds had this ad- LIGHTNING CRUISE 165 vantage, carrying a captain and four men, in addition to Rhinds himself and his secretary. Yet Jack and Eph relieved each other regu- larly at the wheel, catching long naps between. Hal and Mr. Farnum did the same thing with the engine room, and the “Hastings” kept well in the van through the day, and also through the long night that followed. Two hours after daylight the "Oakland” sig- naled to the submarines to run up close to this “parent vessel,” the gunboat. “Further orders, of course,” muttered Jack, who was at the wheel at the time. “Well, we're not such a very long run, now, from the re- ported location of that derelict." The fleet was wholly out of sight of land. The wind was fresh and the sea lively with short, choppy waves, crested by white-caps. Yet, for boats as staunch as these submarines, the sea was not a difficult one for boat hand- ling. One after another, while still going at full speed, the submarines drew close to the “Oak- land." One after another, as signaled, the boats put in within easy hailing distance of the gunboat. “The 'Hastings' will keep to the same south- west by south course, but at a distance of two miles off this vessel's port bow,” came the 166 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' order. “The 'Thor' will take up similar posi- tion, two miles off the port side of the 'Has- tings.'» The three remaining torpedo boats were as- signed to positions corresponding on the star- board side of the “Oakland." In this order the boats went ahead at a speed reduced to fourteen miles. The front of the line extended over some ten miles; in reality the line of vision extended much further than that. Unless the semi-submerged derelict had moved much faster than such derelicts usually do, it was difficult to see how the wreck could get through this line of exploration. Jack Benson pressed a signal that brought Hal Hastings up on deck. “Rouse Eph and Mr. Farnum," ordered the young skipper. “We've got to have all hands on, now. And call Lieutenant Danvers, also. He's not allowed to help us, but he'll be anxious to see what is going on." As soon as Eph Somers reached deck Jack Benson turned the wheel over to him. Then the young captain got his marine glasses, station- ing himself, most of the time, beside the deck wheel. “If it's in any way possible," muttered Jack, "I want to be the first to sight that derelict. I want the honor of sinking her to come to us. LIGHTNING CRUISE 167 It will all be points in the game we are fighting for." As Benson spoke he swung his glass around to cover the deck of the “Thor," that craft be- ing, now, her full two miles away off the port beam. “Rhinds has his whole crowd on deck, too,” growled young Benson, using his powerful ma- rine glass with interest. “Yes; everyone on deck, except two men for the engine room. At this moment Lieutenant Danvers stepped on deck, looking as though he had slept well. The naval officer carried a glass very much like the submarine skipper's. “It's almost mean of me to bring a glass on deck with me,” laughed Danvers. “Under the rules I'm forbidden to give you any informa- tion I may find for myself.' Jack nodded pleasantly, then turned to sweep the sea ahead. At a distance of a few miles it would be easy enough to miss the half-sub- merged derelict. For some three hours the flotilla swept on, with active officers on every deck. The naval board had ordered this new formation ere reach- ing the probable location of the derelict. "We haven't passed the thing, anyway, Jack muttered to Eph. “The sea isn't rough enough for that to be possible.” 168 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Part of the time young Benson had surren- dered his glass to his first officer, while the cap- tain himself stood by the wheel. But now, Jack was again pacing the deck, while Eph, his eyes mostly on the compass, steered steadily by course. Suddenly, Jack Benson started. Quickly he wiped the outer lenses of his glass, then looked again. “See anything?" demanded Eph. “Yes, sirree! And the Thor' is almost a mile nearer than we are! It's the derelict- not a doubt of it!" Like a flash Jack sprang to the wheel, ring- ing the bell for full speed. “Eph, hustle below! Tell Hal we've sighted the derelict. Tell him to hump the engines. Tell him I don't care how much we overheat the ma- chinery so that we don't blow the craft up. Jump!” Eph collided with Jacob Farnum, who had started up from below, but he brushed the ship- builder aside, rushing below as though death pursued him. LIGHTNING CRUISE 169 CHAPTER XVI JACK GIVES THE ORDER, "PIRE!!! T HE naval officer, too, had made out a bob- bing something on the sea, ahead, over at port, which he took to be the long- sought derelict. The lieutenant could not say anything, but, with glass still at his eyes, he leaned back against the conning tower, drawing in his breath sharply. “Want me to take the wheel?” called out Eph, as he reached deck again. “Yes. I want to keep the glass to my eyes.' Just one look did Benson take at the supposed derelict. Then he swung his gaze around upon the "Thor." “They've seen our speed-burst,” cried the young submarine skipper. “I don't believe they had spotted the derelict, but now they see us shooting ahead, to cross their course, and that has told them the secret. Yes! There they go ahead, and pointing straight. They've caught up the old wreck-through our glasses!” It was provoking, but the rival boat, besides being nearer at the start, had also started for- ward at greater speed. LIGHTNING CRUISE 171 engines were not quite as fast as those of the other Rhinds boat, the “Zelda." “Are we going to make it?” breathed Eph, the perspiration of sheer strain standing out on his forehead. “Yes!” almost barked Jack Benson. “Sure thing, is it?” persisted Somers. “Sure-only don't talk too much,” growled young Benson. It was the grit, the dogged determination of the born commander—the natural leader of men. A moment later Jack turned a white face toward the shipbuilder. “Mr. Farnum, tell Hal he'll have to pour the oil in faster. We've got to have more speed.” Farnum did not even wait for the second sen- tence. He dived below. All of a sudden the “Hastings” was seen to take a notable leap forward. Then she settled down to a more rapid, steady gait. Just inside the conning tower Jacob Farnum stood again. In his right hand he clutched a doubled-up handkerchief, with which he made frequent dabs at his face. The shipbuilder knew that the present speed, with its dangerous overheating of the engines, spelled blank disaster if continued for long. Hal Hastings, down below, standing like a 172 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' white wraith beside his engines, realized the same thing So, too, did Jack Benson, the young skipper, for whom, in this mad moment, there was but one word in the language-"win!” Eph didn't stop to realize it. He was worry- ing about straight steering, and he couldn't worry about more than one thing at a time. Lieutenant Danvers must have known what was patent to every other mind, but he neither said nor did anything. He was a Navy officer, trained not to display emotion. “Good!” came from Captain Jack's lips. Yet, in the intensity of his strain it was a groan, rather than a note of exultation. “We're cut- ting into the "Thor's' water." A few moments more, and Benson found his craft slantingly across the Rhinds boat's course, well ahead. “Now, we'll show you!" quavered Jack Ben- son, as he briefly shook his fist back at the wicked rivals. “If we don't blow the lid off this sea-turtle!” muttered young Somers, to himself. At the youthful captain's sharp order Eph swung the course around. “Now, drive straight toward the derelict, Eph!” breathed the young commander, his eyes glittering. “I leave the deck in your hands LIGHTNING CRUISE 173 for a minute. You're broadside on, now. Keep driving, steady, as you are!” As Farnum saw young Benson dashing his way the shipbuilder understood and darted down the stairs. After him plunged Jack Benson. Below, both became cooler, for the task in hand must not be bungled. On one of the trucks they dragged a torpedo forward, fitting it in the tube. As he closed the after port behind the tor- pedo, Jack bent over to place Jacob Farnum's hand on the firing lever. “Stand there, sir, till you've done it!” quav- ered Captain Jack. “Will you signal the orderſ”! “No, sir! You'll get it by voice.” As Benson wheeled, dashing away, he had an instant's glimpse, sideways, of Hal Hastings's face. Great as Jack's haste was, that look at his chum's face haunted him. There was no time for sentiment, now, though. It was literally do or die! The “Thor” was now three hundred yards astern, making frantic efforts to lessen the dis- tance, yet actually losing time. Ahead, the derelict was now some fifteen hun- dred yards away. The half-sunken wreck still presented a broadside, as shown by the posi- tions of two stumps of masts. LIGHTNING 175 CRUISE of the dastardly attempts against the Pollard crowd that Rhinds and Radwin had engineered. It was not a time, however, in which to waste precious moments looking back at the more tardy rival boat. Jack wheeled, bracing himself against the conning tower. They were now within eight hundred yards of the derelict's broadside-on. How the “Hastings" seemed to crawl over the last of the intervening water space! Yet Hal realized, if Jack did not, how swiftly the submarine was racing. “Five hundred yards!” clicked Jack, and stepped inside the conning tower, snatching up a megaphone. Four hundred and fifty-four hundred- three-fifty-three-twenty-five! “Fire!” That last word was bellowed below through the megaphone. Jack, his eyes staring forward, saw something leap near the bow, and saw an upward dash of spray. The torpedo had left the tube. “Hard-aport, Eph! Swing her right over. So!” From his own post in the conning tower Ben- son signaled for slow speed, now. It would never do to stop the overheated engines utterly. Be- sides, seaway was needed, with the rival craft coming up behind. LIGHTNING CRUISE 177 last of the derelict. She's removed from the paths of navigation.” There could be no doubt of the completeness of the work done by the torpedo from the “Has- tings.” A broad grin now appeared on the shipbuilder's lately white face. "Mr. Farnum, will you tell Hal, whenever he thinks best, to slow down to mere headway?” 'Aye, aye, Captain," sang the shipbuilder, jovially, and disappeared from view. “Benson, I congratulate you on your nerve, spoke Lieutenant Danvers, as he turned, his eyes glowing, to the youthful submarine commander. “I don't know as I deserve that good word,' muttered Jack, slowly, shaking his head. “It was win or die with us." “I realize that." “And I took a big chance of blowing our en- gines out." “I thought so, at the time.” “Then, Lieutenant, you must realize that I risked your life, as well as ours." “I knew it," nodded Danvers, coolly. Then he rested a hand half affectionately on young Benson's nearer shoulder. “My boy, what is risking a life or two, when there's such a prize to win-such a naval lesson to be learned and taught? American naval his- tory is full of the names of officers and men who 12 The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise." 178 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' have thrown away their lives in learning some- thing new for the benefit of the service.” “I like that way of putting it,” replied Cap- tain Jack, though he spoke soberly. "I had a notion I was pretty wicked when I took such chances.' “It would have been criminal, if it hadn't been your purpose to show what a craft of this type can do when pushed in emergencies. But I have learned much to-day that will stand me in great stead, should I ever be in command of a flotilla of submarines in war time.” "Then I suppose I ought to forgive myself for my recklessness," laughed Jack. “You want to forget it, Benson. The thing you want to remember is that men who serve in navies sign their lives away when they enter the service. All must be sacrificed, at the first instant of need, to the service and to the Flag!” "That idea would frighten some mothers, wouldn't it?” smiled Captain Jack Benson. "Fighting battles is not a woman's busi- ness," replied Danvers, soberly and reverently. “Her task is to rear sons who shall be unafraid, and to leave the rest to the God of Battles.” The "Hastings” now drifted so lazily over the waters that Eph stood by the wheel, one hand resting indolently against the uppermost spokes. 180 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Jack Benson also sauntered over to port side, though not with any intention of addressing the naval officer. Benson was not thinking of any. thing in particular as he glanced out over the waves. Then, all of a sudden, the young submarine commander sprang alert with suspicion-next, certainty and horror! Out there on the water something was mov- ing-something headed toward the “Hastings." It came on with a swift, cleaving movement. There was a suspicion of a fin throwing up little spray in the path of motion. It was horrible-unbelievable! The mere suspicion galvanized him into ac- tion. Captain Jack's feet barely seemed to touch the deck as he leaped forward. Eph was at the wheel, but there was no time to shout a frenzied order that might be mis- understood. Besides, in the instant that he was in the air, young Benson had no sharply defined plan of what he was going to do. But that fin over to port was the half-visible upper part of a moving torpedo! It was headed so as to intercept the “Hastings" on her slow, forward course. If he rang for speed ahead, Captain Jack LIGHTNING CRUISE 181 knew it might not come swiftly enough to carry his boat and its human load ahead to safety. In any case, it must be a job of seconds. If Hal responded slowly to the signal-then de- struction! All this seemed to flash like lightning through the young commander's head as he made that leap for the wheel. Somers being in the way, young Benson flung him violently aside. Captain Jack's left hand grasped a spoke of the steering wheel; his right hand signaled vio- lently for speed astern. Would Hal respond in time to save them all! CHAPTER XVIII THE FINDINGS ON THE "THOR” IT T was a breathless moment. Captain Jack Benson, resting one hand on the wheel, gazed off at port side with fascinated stare. Almost instantly a grating could be heard that must have come from the propeller shafts, though the young skipper, at that moment, was incapable of thinking of anything save that tiny, fin-line out on the water. Then the speed ahead of the submarine boat 182 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' stopped. In another moment the little steel craft was creeping backward. On came that fin-line. There was nothing more that Jack could do, save to hold the wheel rigid. On for the bow of the “Hastings" came the fin-line. Would that moving torpedo strike, hurling them all to destruction? It must have been by a hair's breath, but that fin-line crossed the bow of the submarine. It had gone on, beyond-harmlessly, now! “What's that you're saying, Eph?” de- manded Jack. “Oh, yes; you want to know why I bowled you over in that fashion. Because there wasn't time to speak. I was crazy to get the reverse gear at work, and take us out of the path of that torpedo aimed for us." “Torpedo ?” demanded Eph Somers, thunder- struck. “Torpedo?” repeated Jacob Farnum, in be- wilderment. “Yes,” broke in Lieutenant Danvers, step- ping forward. “See, its force is expended, and now it's floating on the water over there off the starboard bow." Jacob Farnum stared at it as though utterly unable to comprehend anything. “I saw the thing coming our way," went on the naval officer, hastily, “though not as soon as 184 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Thor.' Her course was toward us, briefly. Then she turned off on another course." “Do you mean to say that the Rhinds boat was turned our way at just the time when that torpedo could have left her, headed for us?” demanded Jacob Farnum. “That's the whole indication,'' replied Lieu- tenant Danvers, firmly. “Then what are we doing, waiting here?” cried the shipbuilder, angrily. "Jack, now that that torpedo is spent, and lying harmless on the water, start up speed and head over that way. Go carefully, for, remember, any sudden shock against the war-head of the torpedo would set it off." Jack signaled for slow speed ahead, the re- sponse coming promptly. “Somers," directed Lieutenant Danvers, “get the signal bunting out, and I'll help you rig a signal to the ‘Oakland.'" It was the first time, on any of the cruises, that Danvers had attempted to give an order, or to take any part in the handling of the craft. But now he was about to make a serious report, as an officer of the United States Navy. In a very few moments, Danvers and Somers working together, the necessary flags were out, and knotted to the line in their proper order. 99 LIGHTNING CRUISE 185 “Hoist away!" ordered the lieutenant, him- self giving a hand on the halliard. Up the signal mast went the line of bunting, fluttering. The little flags spelled out this mes- sage to the gunboat: “Evidence of serious foul play. Join us to investigate.” Almost immediately there came a signal from the bridge of the gunboat, to show that the mes- sage had been read. Jack was now slowing down speed, making ready to lie to, a hundred yards or less from the floating torpedo. “Mr. Farnum, Hal's always at his post, said Jack, “but call down to him to be sure to stick particularly close for the next few min- utes. If the wind shifts, and heads that torpedo our way, I want to be sure of instant speed for getting out of the way." The gunboat was now cruising leisurely over to where the “Hastings” waited. Danvers signed to the officer on the "Oakland's” bridge to keep an especial eye on the floating torpedo. As the “Oakland” slowed up, a cutter, in charge of an ensign, put away from the gun- boat's side. Ensign,” shouted Lieutenant Danvers, "we shall feel obliged if you can lie alongside of that torpedo, and render the war-head harmless. LIGHTNING CRUISE 191 “So it would seem,” murmured the captain's twu 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 the north pole is steam-heated. But- “Well, Mr. Benson," broke in Captain Ma- gowan, crisply. “Why do you hesitate ?" "I believe, Captain, " Jack went on, “that there are several questions that can yet be asked." “Ask them, then, Mr. Benson," directed the president of the naval board. “Yes, sir. Yet I would prefer that the ques- tions be asked on deck, in the presence of the en- tire crew, and also of the naval officer who had been stationed on this craft during the cruise." Ensign Pike was the officer of the Navy who had been on board the "Thor." Pike had re- mained up on the platform deck during this scene. “Very good,” nodded Captain Magowan. 192 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' "We will return to the deck. I can see that there are many questions to be asked.” On the deck, on first boarding, Jack Benson had noticed the absence of Fred Radwin. While they were below Jack had caught a glimpse of Radwin in the "Thor's" engine room. When the naval board and the others reached the deck Captain Magowan had Captain Driggs, of the “Thor,” and the members of the boat's crew lined up together. “Have you any questions that you wish to ask, Mr. Benson?” the president of the board inquired. “Yes, sir. At the time that the torpedo passed our boat I would like to know just whe of the 'Thor's' complement were below.” “Can you answer that, Mr. Driggs?" de- manded Captain Magowan. Driggs was a bronzed, shrewd-looking man of forty, with a face that looked rather sound and wholesome. “Yes, sir," replied Driggs, promptly. “Mr. Radwin had volunteered to relieve the man on duty in the engine room. Mr. Radwin was be- low at the time, sir.” "And who else?” "No one else at that time, sir." “I think I can confirm that, Captain," broke LIGHTNING CRUISE 193 in Lieutenant Danvers. “I had just studied the deck of this craft through my marine glass, and I remember remarking to myself that Rad- win appeared to be the only one of this boat's complement who was not on deck." Fred Radwin was now summoned, Captain Magowan and Jack both plying him with ques- tions. It all came to nothing, however. Rad- win remained wholly cool and gave his inquisi. tors no satisfaction. Ensign Pike stated that he had had no knowl- edge of any torpedo having been driven from the “Thor." Yet Pike admitted that this might very easily have happened without his knowing it, since the discharge of a torpedo would hardly make enough noise to carry from below to the after part of the platform deck. “But anyway, insisted John Rhinds, blandly, "you must admit, Captain, that our pos- session of the full number of torpedoes allowed us is proof positive that we haven't been firing even one of them.” "That showing is certainly in your favor, Mr. Rhinds,” admitted the president of the naval board, coldly. “I cannot see that the evidence at present available allows of my ordering any. one under arrest. I am bound, in view of the fact that suspicion has pointed your way, to state that I intend to leave the corporal and four, 13-The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise, LIGHTNING CRUISE 195 2) pedo to cover the range. I have just been in- formed by Commander Ellis that the recovered torpedo has been examined, and has proved to have contained the full war charge. More as a matter of form than anything else we will now order the remaining submarine boats alongside, and have them searched for a missing torpedo." That search was accordingly made, but not one of the boats had a torpedo less than the four that it was supposed to carry. The object of the lightning cruise having been accomplished, in the destruction of the half- sunken derelict, the order was given to sail back to Groton Bay at less speed than had been used on the outward trip. As far as evidence went the mystery of the attempt to destroy the “Hastings” appeared to be as big a mystery as ever. CHAPTER XIX ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FORCED DOOR I" T was nearly dark, on the day following, when the submarine flotilla made its way up Groton Bay. As soon as the craft was at its moorings the “Hastings” was immediately lighter by the go- ing of one passenger. 196 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Jacob Farnum went post-haste to the hospital, to inquire after David Pollard's condition. The inventor was in a good deal of pain, yet cheerful. The surgeons reported that his broken bones were healing slowly. The chauffeur, too, was coming along as well as was possible, though he had been much worse hurt than had the inventor. Grant Andrews and his workmen were aboard the “Benson." Half of the party was now pre- pared to come aboard the “Hastings” when- ever called. “Going ashore, Jack?” inquired Eph Somers. “Not before Mr. Farnum returns. Nor do I believe any of us had better go ashore, without his express permission, old fellow," Benson re- plied. Three gentlemen who did go ashore almost immediately after arrival were the members of the naval board. Soon after, an order came for the removal of all torpedoes from the Rhinds boats. After that the corporal's guard was relieved from duty aboard the "Thor." “And thus ends that chapter of the story, I reckon,” grimly ventured Jack, when he saw the gunboat's cutter convey the corporal's guard away from the Rhinds submarine. Jacob Farnum came back in the early evening. LIGHTNING CRUISE 197 Lieutenant Danvers was ashore, which left only the regular crew of the “Hastings” on board. Grant Andrews and his men mounted guard over the two Pollard boats through the night, which left the captain and crew free to sleep which they did with a royal good will. No orders came over from the naval board, which fact made it look as though no new tests would be required immediately The next forenoon, at about ten o'clock, Eph discovered that the Seawold boat was leaving her moorings. Young Somers watched that les- ser rival start down the bay before he dropped below to report the fact to Benson. “What can it mean?” wondered the young captain, going hastily on deck. “Is the Seawold craft going into some test that we're not asked to meet?' “If so," ventured Hal Hastings, “why isn't one of the gunboats putting out to sea with her.” “Here's Lieutenant Danvers coming off shore," announced Somers. “Perhaps he'll have some news. Danvers boarded the "Hastings,” but the shore boat waited alongside. “I'm not going to stay. Just dropped along- side for a moment,” explained Danvers. “I thought maybe you were coming on board 198 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' so that we could go out on some test, sug- gested Captain Jack. “There are to be no tests to-day,” replied Danvers. “Then what's that craft of the Seawold Com- pany doing down the bay by herself?” Benson inquired. “By Jove, she's going to have company, too,” declared Eph. “There goes the Blackson boat out." “And, probably, you'll soon see the Griffith and Day craft get under way,” smiled Lieu- tenant Danvers. “What does it mean?” insisted Captain Jack. “That's the news,” replied the naval officer. Jack waited, somewhat open-mouthed. “The fact is,” continued Lieutenant Dan- vers, “such tests as we have already had have been sufficient to eliminate four of the six con- testants for the favor of the Navy Department. This morning Captain Magowan, as president of the board, received a telegram from the Navy Department to the effect that four of the sub- marine types had been outclassed. The con- test now lies between the Rhinds and the Pol- lard boats." “We've beaten the Rhinds boats, too,” mut- tered Jack. LIGHTNING CRUISE 199 “Yes; though not by such large margins as to rule the Rhinds boats out of all consideration," replied Lieutenant Danvers. “So the Rhinds boat is to be our rival in fu- ture tests—our only rival ?” cried Jack, eagerly. “Yes, and not speaking as an official, Mr. Benson–I very much incline to the belief that you can go on beating any one of the three Rhinds submarines with either of the pair that you have here. But the point is that the na- tional government may prefer to have two types of boats. It begins to look, as far as indica- tions can point, as though the Secretary of the Navy has some idea of ordering some Pollard boats for the Navy, and also some Rhinds boats.' “I wonder if the Secretary of the Navy has heard anything about the nasty way in which the Rhinds outfit tried to sink us at sea day be- fore yesterday?" muttered Captain Jack, half savagely. “I imagine some word of the kind has gone on to the Navy Department,” replied Danvers, “I really don't know though.” “That nasty trick ought to be enough to bar the Rhinds boats," grumbled Captain Benson. “But, you see, my dear fellow, there's just one trouble," answered the naval officer. "Think whatever you may please about the guilt of 200 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Rhinds, or of Radwin, or some one under them, but where's the proof? On search the 'Thor' was found to have the full number of torpedoes issued to her. Now, government departments must be guided by evidence." “Humph!” sighed Jack. “As things have turned out, I'd sooner beat the Rhinds crowd than all the other submarine crowds together." “I hope you do," rejoined the Lieutenant. “However, my belief is that the government will order some of your company's boats, and some of the Rhinds craft. About the only question, really, is who gets the larger order- and how much larger." Jacob Farnum had come from his stateroom, and had listened to this talk in silence. “How do you feel about it, Mr. Farnum?" asked the naval officer. “I shall have to be satisfied with whatever share of the business my company can secure, of course," replied the shipbuilder. “Yet we know, and so does everyone, that we have proved the Pollard type of boat to be better than its nearest rival.” “Well, success to you all, and the largest measure of it possible!” wished Lieutenant Dan- vers, rising and shaking hands warmly all around. "For my part, I'd like to see you get orders, at once, for fifty boats, leaving all your LIGHTNING CRUISE 201 rivals out in the cold. And now I must go on over to the 'Oakland.'" Messrs. Rhinds and Radwin were on shore, at the hotel, but they had received word of the departure of four of the rival boats, and knew the reason for that departure. “This,” cried John Rhinds, getting up and pacing the room, while he smoked fast, “is the stage at which the game gets on my nerves !” “Yes," agreed Radwin, though he spoke rather lazily. “It's fine to have only one rival left in the field, but it's discouraging to know that we're number two, and that the other fel- low holds number one rank. Rhinds, I wonder if we can really get an order for any of our boats from the government. I hope that we can, at least, get rid of the three that we have on hand.” “Three?” uttered the president of the Rhinds Submarine Company, scornfully. “I'm going to sell the government at least a dozen!” As he spoke, he struck his clenched fists to- gether angrily. “How?” asked Radwin. “And, on the strength of having the United States' order for a dozen boats, I'm certain, then, of being able to place orders for two or three dozen more boats with foreign govern- ments." LIGHTNING CRUISE 203 “I can't understand how the torpedo missed,” shivered Rhinds. “Well, you were at the wheel,” retorted Rad- win in a low undertone. “You held the nose of the boat true enough, too, I guess, when I let the torpedo drive. But that infernal Jack Ben- son was on the watch, and he saw the thing com- ing. Of course he stopped his boat and put the reverse clutch on just in the nick of time. That young Benson always appears to be in the nick of time!" “So much so," wavered John Rhinds, “that I'm beginning to feel decidedly superstitious about that young fellow. He'll land us, yet, in something, and ruin us.” “No, he won't!” hissed Radwin, sharply. “Benson hasn't landed us yet, has he? And he's not going to, either! I've one or two rods in pickle for that forward young scamp, and I'll serve him to a fare-you-well yet! Rhinds, I may yet find a way that will insure our getting all the submarine orders!! “You're ingenious enough, I know, Fred,' admitted the older man, in a worried voice. “I hope you'll win for us. It will be money enough in your pocket to satisfy even you, Fred. Still, I'm worried by the way your plans against Ben- son have already missed fire." Out in the hallway, at that moment, they 204 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' heard a voice that made them both start. The voice was not loud, but it was angry, determined, and carried well. It was the voice of a man sweeping aside the objections of a hotel serv- ant. “Don't tell me they're not in, you idiot!" “The servant I paid to be on the lookout is trying to steer away some one that insists on see- ing us,” whispered Fred Radwin, listening in- tently. “Neither of the gentlemen are in, I tell you, sir,” replied the hotel servant, doggedly. “Get out of the way, fellow! I know the num- ber of their suite of rooms, and I'm going to it. I don't want to hurt you, fellow, but I'm the Chief of Police, and I mean to see Mr. Radwin without delay!” “The Chief of Police!" gasped Radwin, feel- ing his knees weaken under him. He and Rhinds stared uneasily at each other. “You see him first,” whispered Fred Radwin. "I've some things in my pockets that I wouldn't want the chief of police to find. Hold the po- lice fellow by telling him I'll be right in.” With that Radwin slipped to the door of a connecting room in the suite. He passed through, closing the door noiselessly and slipping the key in the lock. 206 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Radwin was not to be found. The Chief of Police, angry at being baffled in his search for Radwin, went away declaring that he would have an order issued for the ar- rest of Rhinds as an accessory. CHAPTER XX CAPTAIN JACK PULLS A NEW STRING R ADWIN did not return. Though looking outwardly com- posed, John C. Rhinds passed the next few hours in a condition of internal unrest. Why did Chief Ward want to see Fred Rad- win? And why had the latter tricked himself off out of sight? These questions tormented Rhinds the more because he could not even invent satisfactory answers to them. “Is the chief of police acting on anyone else's orders ?” quavered the old man. “Has Fred betrayed himself in anything he has done? Is he a fugitive from justice? Oh, mercy! What a situation just when I am trying to put the deals through that shall make the Rhinds Sub- marine Company the richest concern of its kind in the world!" By the middle of the afternoon Rhinds heard. LIGHTNING CRUISE 207 the newsboys calling something excitedly down in the street. "What's that? What's that?” gasped the old man, holding one hand to his ear. “Sounds like ‘Dastardly plot-submarine mystery.' Can it be anything to injure our chances ?” As he looked down into the street, from the altitude of the third floor window, Rhinds saw that, whatever the news, the boys appeared to be selling papers fast. For a few seconds Rhinds wavered. Then he crossed the room to the telephone. “Send me up the latest editions of the news- papers,” he 'phoned the clerk in the office. After that he lighted a big, black cigar—and waited, mopping the perspiration from his forehead. After a few moments there came a knock at the door, and Rhinds opened it. He noticed that the bell-boy looked at him somewhat queerly as the papers were handed over. Then, having closed the door and locked it, John Rhinds sank into a chair, holding up three newspapers, in turn, and scanning the big, black headlines. Yes; here it all was—the whole story in every essential detail. It told of the mysterious at- tempt to destroy the “Hastings” at the end of the lightning cruise. The stories contained Lieutenant Danvers's Danvers's statement that the 208 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' "Thor” had been headed toward the “Hast- ings” just a few seconds before the torpedo passed the Pollard boat's bows. There was an account of the naval party's search of the “Thor,” and the fact that the latter craft was found to have her full number of torpedoes on board was set forth in all fairness. Oh, yes! The story was fair enough! No newspapermen could have been fairer than had the chroniclers of this exciting submarine news. There were no accusations against Rhinds or his associates —nothing but the fair, unbiased telling of facts. And yet, in almost any reader's mind the opin- ion would be quick to form that only from the “Thor” could the treacherous torpedo have been fired. “Oh, it's—it's awful!” cried John Rhinds, waving the papers over his head like a madman. Jack Benson had played his master stroke in this new game. In former times, when the Pollard boats had been all but unknown, Captain Jack had been quick to grasp the importance of newspaper fame. As told in the second volume of this series, Jack had once invited a big party of newspaper folks to Dunhaven, to observe some startling performances by the Pollard boat. At that time he had given them a programme so full of excitement that the fame of the Pollard LIGHTNING CRUISE 209 boat had been flashed over the country, and the Navy Department had found public opinion clamoring for the United States Navy to own and control a few of these wonderful craft. And now, Jack Benson, wholly and abso- lutely convinced of the guilt of Rhinds and Radwin, had gone to the local daily newspaper offices with his account of what had happened out at sea. It was a great stroke. Yet Captain Jack had not undertaken it without first having secured the permission of Jacob Farnum. After Jack went to the newspaper offices the Colfax report- ers had busied themselves with interviewing naval officers, including members of the naval board. And now the story was out, for the world to read. Yet it was a statement only of bare, easily proved facts. The newspapers were glad to have such a startling yarn, and it had been told in such a way that John Rhinds did not have a single chance in any suit he might bring for libel. After the first shock that the discovery caused him, John C. Rhinds began to suspect Jack's hand in this straight-from-the-shoulder blow. “It's that young Benson again!” he raged, silently, rising and stamping on the offending, 14-The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise. LIGHTNING CRUISE 211 had come to him a message over the telephone from the hotel office informed the president of the Rhinds Submarine Company that a reporter was below who wished to interview Mr. Rhinds. "Ah! Er-huh!” choked the wretch, swal- lowing hard. “Have the young gentleman shown up, of course. And send up any other reporters who may ask for me." By the time that the first reporter reached the door Rhinds had carefully removed all traces of the tom newspapers. The old man was calm. He even smiled slightly, though he affected to be stung to the soul by the thought that any American could think that he, or any of his party aboard the “Thor” could have been guilty of such a fearful attempt of crime. “But of course, young man," urged Rhinds, suavely, "you will be able, through the great power of the press for right, to set all suspicions at rest. You will, I beg of you, give renewed publicity to the fact that we were found to have our full number of torpedoes aboard. That one fact, of course, disposes of any suspicion that we could have thought of doing such a fearful thing.” The reporter was young, but he was not lack- ing in shrewdness. This boyish-looking journal- ist had interviewed smooth-talking scoundrels before. 214 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' it will answer the most burning question that the public will want to ask.” Then came the other reporters. Rhinds saw them all, wore before them all the mask of wounded innocence, showed them all how easily they might allay all public suspicions. Then, when the last reporter had departed, John Rhinds, feeling too weak to stand, sank down upon a sofa, covering his face with his hands. Thus, for some time he lay, hardly giv- ing signs of life. His fright was great, indeed. In striking this blow young Captain Jack Benson had struck far harder than he had even dreamed. When Rhinds began to realize things once more he missed Fred Radwin-Radwin, the seeming fugitive, who had run away from his foul leader at the first sound of a police voice. Still, it was possible that Radwin was not far away. Possible, also, that in this fact lay the greatest danger that had ever menaced Jack Benson, LIGHTNING CRUISE 215 CHAPTER XXI JACK MEETS A HUMAN FACT, FACE TO FACE T HERE was no thought of dinner for John Rhinds that evening. After the newspaper men had gone the artful schemer spent a long time in drafting two or three telegrams that he felt it necessary to send to members of his state's Congressional delegation at Washington. In the telegrams that were finally sent, the president of the Rhinds Submarine Company referred to himself as apparently the victim of a very clever but diabolical plot to ruin his com- pany. He asked the members of Congress for his state to see to it that he was given a full op- portunity for justice. “Justice! Ugh!” muttered the old man, as he scanned one of his telegrams. “Well-er- not if it means punishment!" Hardly had he sent away these telegrams, and even as he was giving thought to sending down an order to have dinner served in his rooms, Rhinds received a telegram from the editor of a New York daily, asking for his version of the torpedo mystery. From the wording of the telegram, it was LIGHTNING CRUISE 217 When he went to bed, late that night, he slept some, yet it was mainly to dream hideous dreams. In the early morning Rhinds sent for morn- ing newspapers. These contained what he had said to local reporters, but his version, with the newspapers' comments added, only made mat- ters worse. “That infernal “Gazette,'" in es- pecial, printed, in bold type, the account of his refusal to let a committee of newspapermen ex- amine his boat for a secret hiding place large enough to hold an extra torpedo. That forenoon shore boats did a thriving busi- ness in carrying people out on trips around the Pollard and Rhinds submarines. Trains brought in folks from other towns, all anxious for a glimpse of the submarine craft. “This will drive me wild, yet,” groaned Mr. Rhinds. “It's an outrageous shame.” Still, there was little realization, on his part, that he deserved all this, and more. * * “Jack, my boy,” muttered Jacob Farnum, looking up from a batch of morning newspapers in the cabin of the “Hastings," "you've been the means of stirring up a bigger hurricane than ever raged at sea. “Are you sorry?” asked the young subma- rine captain, coolly. 218 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' “Well, considering my private opinion of Mr. John C. Rhinds, and my belief as to what he did-or tried to do—to us, I can't say I'm deeply grieved,” returned the shipbuilder. Then the shipbuilder looked around him, at all three of the submarine boys, as he went on: “Lads, we've been cramped up on this boat long enough, so I'm going to take you ashore this evening. But remember—not a word to re- porters, or to anyone else. If any one of you opens his mouth on this subject, I shall consider that young man no longer a friend of mine." All this while Chief Ward, of the Colfax po- lice department, was busily engaged in seeking tidings of the missing Fred Radwin. But Rad- win, after entering that adjoining room, ap- peared to have been swallowed up. Jack had heard, from the chief of police, of the disappearance of Radwin. This was one feature of the story that the newspapers had as yet failed to discover. However, Ward believed that Radwin was now hundreds of miles away, and still traveling. So, when the Pollard sub- marine party came ashore that evening, none of them gave much thought to Radwin. Farnum led his young friends, as heretofore, to the Somerset House. “We might possibly meet Rhinds in the lobby, or in the dining room," said the ship- LIGHTNING CRUISE 219 builder, “but I don't deem it likely. Rhinds is undoubtedly keeping hid within his own walls upstairs.” This guess proved to be a good one. Farnum and his friends dined at the Somerset without being offended by a sight of the face of their rival in business. A special waiter was stationed to head off reporters or other curious people who might attempt to interview the submarine diners. So the meal proceeded in peace, though it was rather late when the diners finished. "Whew! Nearly nine o'clock,” muttered Farnum, glancing up at a big clock on a near-by wall. “And I haven't been out to the hospital, to-day, to see how Dave is coming along." “Would it do to telephone, and ask the hospi- tal people to let Mr. Pollard know you had in- quired?” suggested Hal. "I don't just like that idea," replied Mr. Far- num, shaking his head. “It doesn't sound just like using Dave Pollard right. I'll tell you what, however. I've been the only one to go out to the hospital, so far. Dave always asks after the rest of you. Jack, suppose you take a hack and make the trip out. If they won't let you see Dave at this hour, then inquire how he is getting along, and leave your card to be sent in to him. But, if you can see Dave Pollard, LIGHTNING CRUISE 221 > “You know where the hospital is?” inquired Jack Benson. “Oh, yes. “How long will it take to drive me there?" "Ten or twelve minutes." “All right. And I shall want you to wait there, a little while, and then bring me back. How much will that be?” “Dollar and a half, sir." “Go ahead," directed Jack, springing inside and pulling the door shut. The only time Benson had been to the hospital before was on the morning of the accident. At that time he had not noticed the road very closely. Now, at night, all looked so different to him that he had no idea whether or not he was being driven in the right direction. He left all that to the driver, as most people do when employing cabs. “I'd like just a little peep-in at Rhinds to- night,” thought Jack, as he settled back against the comfortable upholstery. "I reckon he knows, by this time, something of the way of the transgressor." If the young submarine captain noticed any- thing at all of the way the driver was taking him, he saw only that the vehicle was rolling through a quiet, rather shabby, ill-lighted por- tion of the city. 222 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' Thus the cab went, down street after street, the horses moving only at the slowest trot. “What this cab needs is one of our gasoline engines,” thought Jack, lazily. Then, sud- denly: “No, sir! By gracious, no! That would make an automobile out of this old tub on wheels, and, until Mr. Pollard gets whole again, any- way, we've had enough of automobiles. One of our crowd in hospital, at a time, is plenty!” Then there came a moment in which the cab stopped so suddenly that the young skipper was all but thrown from his seat. “Gracious!” uttered the submarine boy. “Who's torpedoing us?” But, at that instant, Jack Benson received a more genuine shock. For the left-hand door of the vehicle was wrenched suddenly open. In the doorway ap- peared the white, ugly, desperate face of Fred Radwin! Without a word, Radwin threw himself for- ward, making a leap into the carriage. 228 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' At that moment Jack Benson tripped. He did not mean to do it. He simply fell and landed on his knees, his head low. On came the sprinting driver. It was too late to stop or turn. Over Jack Benson plunged the fellow, then landed in a heap on the sidewalk. Jack was up like a flash. He heard a yell from the driver, but Benson's gaze was upon the whip. At a bound the submarine boy possessed him- self of this weapon. He got it, just in time, too, to wheel and face Fred Radwin, threatening that fellow with the heavy butt-end of the driver's recent weapon. “Get up behind the boy, you fool!” hissed Radwin. “Sure, I can't," moaned the fellow, rubbing himself, real anguish sounding in his voice. “My neck's broke!” “Come on yourself, Radwin!" mocked Jack, backing against the wall of a house so that he could face either assailant at need. “Drop that whip, and I will!” hissed Fred Radwin, stealthily maneuvring about the boy, yet held back by a wholesome awe of that butt- end of the whip. “No; I like this whip too well,” chuckled young Benson. “You can't have it unless you take it from me. Want to try?" LIGHTNING CRUISE 229 “Come on, and get up, you dolt!” growled Radwin to the driver. “Do you think we have all night to settle with this boy?” “I can't get up, I tell you. I'm no good, moaned the driver. “I don't know what I did to myself when I went down so hard." “Hurry up!” insisted Radwin. "A crowd may come along at any moment." “Let 'em," moaned the driver. "I can't stop it. I'll apologize." At that very moment there came the sound of a shout further down the street. Other voices answered. “There, you dolt!” cried Radwin, angrily. “Now, you've wasted our last chance. Here comes a mob!" Backing off, Radwin grabbed up his useless comrade, forcing the driver to his feet. Seeing his enemy so occupied, Jack Benson edged off, holding the whip so that he could use it. From down the street came the sound of fly- ing feet. Then, just as suddenly the speed les- sened. “I'll wait until I get help, and I'll grab this pair," muttered Captain Jack. "The police chief will be delighted at having a good, close look at Fred Radwin!” At that moment loud yells and coarse cries 230 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' broke from the eight or ten young men down the street. Then fist-blows sounded. “Mine's a Chinaman's luck," grunted Jack Benson, disgustedly. “Only a gang of drunken hoodlums down there. They'd stand in with anything that is against the police. No use de- pending on such human cattle." Jack, in fact, grasped the significance of the new riot a little before Fred Radwin did. The submarine boy, therefore, wheeled and ran swiftly toward the fighting hoodlums, though wholly intent on getting past them. Radwin, believing that the young skipper was racing for help, dragged his driver-companion roughly, swiftly along, finally pushing him in- side the hack. Then Radwin leaped to the box, gathered up the reins, and was away like a flash. The young submarine skipper, from what he knew of hoodlum street crowds, hurried by on the other side. Two blocks further along Ben- son encountered a tardy policeman. Knowing that it was now too late to hope to catch Fred Radwin, Jack contented himself with inquiring the way back to the Somerset House, where he arrived, after a long walk, still carrying the whip as his trophy of the late encounter. “You'll have to telephone the hospital, after all, I'm afraid,” muttered the young skipper, LIGHTNING CRUISE 231 when he met Mr. Farnum and the others in the lobby. “What happened?” demanded Farnum, eye- ing the whip curiously. “As soon as I can get through with telephon- ing the chief of police, I'll come back and tell you." Chief Ward responded in person. He ex- amined the whip, then declared : “I know the fellow this whip belongs to Claridy, “the fox,' as his admiring friends call him. He's a bad character. See; here is a fox's head engraved on the whip-stock. I'll do my best to find Claridy, and, in that way, I may find the fellow, Radwin. But you were wise, Benson, in not trying to enlist help from that hoodlum gang. Our hoodlums are as bad and lawless as are to be found anywhere in the United States." CHAPTER XXIII A COWARD'S LAST DITCH IM N the morning the Somerset House was fav- ored by two rather distinguished guests. One was Rear Admiral Townsley, the other Congressman Simms. The two had come down together from Washington on the night train. 232 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' 99 While the admiral communicated at once with Captain Magowan, Congressman Simms sent his card up to John C. Rhinds. The latter, all a-quiver, now, and showing a haggard face in which smiles fought for a chance, received his visitor. “Well, Rhinds," was the Congressman's greeting, “the country is all stirred up over this submarine incident out at sea. So is the Navy Department, which is bound to respond to public opinion in such a case. "I'm glad you've come," replied Mr. Rhinds, eagerly. “I look to you to save me from a most unpleasant, most unmerited charge.” “No charge has been made against you—yet,' replied the Congressman. "I should have said a suspicion,” replied Rhinds, tremulously. “That suspicion seems to be pretty general,' answered the member of Congress. “Have you anything to smoke here?" Rhinds, with an almost childish eagerness, brought forth a box of cigars, adding: “I'll ring and order breakfast served for you here, while we talk." "Thank you, no,” responded the Congress- man. “I've got to move fast to-day, for I can't spend much time here. I suppose you don't know, yet, that Admiral Townsley is here—sent 9 LIGHTNING CRUISE 233 by the Secretary of the Navy to investigate and report on this matter." “You'll see him-you'll make him under- stand, won't you?” demanded Rhinds, eagerly. “You can't make Townsley understand any- thing but facts,” replied Mr. Simms, dryly. “I know the man. He's a hard-headed truth- seeker. You see, Rhinds, when I received your telegram, I hurried over to the Navy Depart- ment to say what I could for you. The Secre- tary told me that of course he didn't want you injured by any unjust suspicions." “Of course not,” quivered Rhinds. “At the same time the Secretary made it plain to me that public sentiment demands that the whole case be brought past the suspicion stage. He advised me to come down here with Towns- ley, and see, for myself, just what I ought to believe." "You'll act as my friend, won't you?” begged Rhinds, tremulously. “You'll show Townsley the absurdity of this whole business. Simms, I look to your friendship, for you are my friend, aren't you?” “Possibly,': nodded the other, dryly. “But I'm also a Congressman, responsible to my dis- trict, my state and the whole country. Now, Rhinds, the whole thing is just here. I'm go- ing to look into this matter, and I'm going to LIGHTNING CRUISE 235 As he stepped out from the elevator, a strange pallor on his face, John Rhinds beheld the Congressman standing with four men one of whom the old man knew for Ensign Pike, the naval officer who had been stationed aboard the Thor.' Another was Lieutenant Danvers. Congressman Simms quickly presented Rhinds to the other two, one of whom was Rear Admiral Townsley, and the other Lieutenant Jasper, the Admiral's aide. “Now, Mr. Rhinds," pursued the Congress- man, “the admiral has decided that the first thing to do is to go aboard the “Thor,' and see whether any hiding place exists in which you might have stored a fifth torpedo.” "But how could I get such a fifth torpedo?” faltered the old man. “The Navy issues them." “They may be bought in the market, too, by one who knows how,” replied Rear Admiral Townsley, coolly. “You consent to our going aboard your boat, of course, Mr. Rhinds ?” Had there been any reasonable way of pre- venting it, Rhinds would not have agreed, but he saw that he must comply with the re- quest. Admiral Townsley raised a hand in signal. Out of the background came Jacob Farnum and his three submarine boys. 236 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' These people can't come aboard my boat!” protested Rhinds. “They must, if we do," retorted the admiral, crisply. “These are the human beings who were placed in deadly peril by the torepdo that has yet to be accounted for." Rhinds no longer objected. All his force, all his will appeared to have departed. He moved along, now, like a puppet. Down at the water-front a naval launch was in waiting. In this the entire party was taken out to the “Thor." Captain Driggs received the callers on the platform deck, and Admiral Townsley stated the object of the visit. "Why, Admiral," replied Captain Driggs, honestly, “I have no knowledge that there was an extra torpedo aboard. Yet, of course, there's a place where such a thing might have been hidden.' “Take us to it,” requested the Admiral. Captain Driggs led the visitors below. There, in the cabin floor, he pointed to a well-concealed trapdoor. It opened upon a very considerable space between cabin floor and keel. “This space certainly would accommodate a torpedo,” declared Admiral Townsley. “Mr. Rhinds, if we could prove that you had a tor- pedo in this space the other day, there would be an almost complete case, wouldn't there?” LIGHTNING CRUISE 237 “But I didn't have,” cried Rhinds, with cunning insistence. "Mr. Driggs,” pursued the admiral, “we shall want you as a witness at the investigation on board the ‘Oakland.' My aide will hand you a subpoena. This, I believe, gentlemen, is all we have to do here." Looking years older, yet holding up his head in a certain kind of bravado, John Rhinds re- turned to shore with the party. No sooner had Rhinds entered the hotel than a bell-boy moved over, drawing him aside and saying something in a low tone. “I'll wager that talk would interest us, if we could hear it,” remarked Jack Benson, sarcas- tically, to his friends. Rhinds, however, turned and hurried off. In five minutes he was back in the lobby. Eagerly he glanced about for the Farnum party, and located it. Then he moved over to where Far- num and his submarine boys sat. “Farnum,” breathed the old man, anxiously, “I've a favor to ask of you." “That's strange," replied the shipbuilder, coolly. "I won't term it a favor, then," went on the other, restlessly. "I will put it another way. As a simple act of justice will you meet two peo- ple whom I want you to hear?” LIGHTNING CRUISE 239 "What is all this that I have heard, sir?” asked Mrs. Rhinds, tears filling her eyes fast, as she turned to regard the Dunhaven ship- builder. It was the hardest hour Jacob Farnum had ever spent, and the same was true for Jack Ben- SON. This wife and daughter had the most absolute faith in the goodness of John Rhinds. They pleaded gently, eloquently, for these two enemies to have faith in their husband and father. “You surely don't believe that Mr. Rhinds was at the bottom of any such scoundrelly plot as the papers are talking about?” asked Mrs. Rhinds, tearfully, at last. “Madame,” replied Farum, in the gentlest tone he knew how to use, “I'll admit I don't like to believe it." “And you'll come out in a public interview, saying you're convinced that the whole story is a monstrous lie, won't you?” pleaded the wife. Jacob Farnum choked. "I–I can't promise that, Mrs. Rhinds. You'll never believe how hard it is for me to re- fuse you." “Then you do believe my husband guilty?” demanded Mrs. Rhinds, in a voice full of agony. “Oh, I wish I could say what you want me 240 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' to, Mrs. Rhinds, but_well, all I can do is to re- main silent." “Can't I say something something?" asked Helen Rhinds, appealingly. Her moist eyes turned first on Mr. Farnum, then on Captain Jack. “Ladies,' confessed the Dunhaven ship- builder, “you've already said enough, as I looked at your faces, to make me almost feel that I am one of the worst men alive." “Oh, no, no, no!” protested the girl. “You are going to prove yourself the most generous." Then, turning, the girl caught at one of Ben- son's hands appealingly. “You urge him!” she begged. “When the chief has spoken I must be si- lent,” Jack answered, clearly, though in a low voice. “What can you say to us, Mr. Farnum? What will you say?" cried Mrs. Rhinds, desper- ately. “Madame," replied the Dunhaven ship- builder, "all I can say is this: I will not, of my- self make any effort to bring your husband be- fore a court. I will make no effort to have the investigation carried any further. That is all I can say. Jack, if you have anything to say to these ladies that will soften my words, then, in the name of mercy, say it." ) LIGHTNING CRUISE 241 “Ladies," spoke Captain Jack Benson, look- ing mother and daughter full in the eye, in turn, “you have heard the extent of Mr. Farnum's promise. He is a man who lives by the rules of justice. You are the only two in the world who could have wrung from him such a prom- ise as you have secured." With that Farnum and his young captain suc- ceeded in taking their leave—making their es- cape, as they felt, from a most trying situation. CHAPTER XXIV CONCLUSION W ITHIN two hours John C. Rhinds had his head up once more. He felt as though the battle had been already won. There was nothing to fear from Farnum pushing the situation that had been created against the owner of the "Thor," for Farnum had promised. It was strange that John Rhinds, who had no regard for the moral value of his own given word, felt certain that Jacob Farnum would not break a promise. Rhinds even telephoned for the reporters, and, when they came, gave out an interview in which he stated that Mr. Farnum was satisfied that no blame over the torpedo incident could 16- The Submarine Boys' Lightning Crnise. 242 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' be attached to the owner of the "Thor." Far num, when questioned by the same reporters, declared that he had nothing to say. That night Rhinds was almost cheerful. He dined in the public dining room of the hotel, with his wife and daughter, and both appeared to be wholly proud of the man. One thing, however, worried Rhinds a good deal. Congressman Simms did not come near him again. Later in the evening Rhinds sought the Congressman, though wholly in vain. Rhinds breakfasted with his family, the next morning, in their rooms. So he was still be- hind his private doors when a summons reached him to go to the wharf and take the launch to the “Oakland." “What can it mean, John?" demanded his wife. “If they want you as a witness before the in- vestigation, you'll be able to clear yourself quickly," predicted Helen. “I'll soon find out why I'm wanted,” declared Rhinds, jauntily. In fact, he was almost cheerful as he boarded the launch at the wharf. Rhinds was at least self-possessed when he was shown into a cabin where Captain Magowan was seated at a desk. “Oh, good morning, Mr. Rhinds," was the greeting of the president of the naval board, as LIGHTNING CRUISE 243 > he rose. “My business will take but a very few moments. I have received definite orders from the Navy Department by wire this morning. Here is a copy of the telegram. Rhinds took the message, and read: “Inform John C. Rhinds that the Department will give no further consideration, this year, to the purchase of any boats from the Rhinds Sub- marine Company." “What does this mean?” demanded Rhinds, paling, then flushing with anger. “Just what it says," replied Captain Ma- gowan, coolly. “There has been some underhanded work here!” began the old man, wrathfully. “None in the Navy Department, at all events,” replied Magowan, coolly. “I will not detain you longer, Mr. Rhinds. Good morn- ing." Captain Magowan, bowing, opened the door. A marine sentry stood on post just outside. There was no use in making a row. John C. Rhinds stepped out like one in a daze, and re- mained so until he reached the wharf and stepped ashore. To the railway station went Rhinds. He was ruined. The order from Washington meant that all his capital had been expended on boats that could not be sold. There might be a 244 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' chance with foreign governments, but creditors would step in and seize the Rhinds shipyards before a good trade could be made abroad. At the station Rhinds counted the money he had about him. At a bank in another city was a thousand dollars or so more. Rhinds took the train and was borne away. His wife and daughter? The former had a small private for- tune of her own; wife and daughter would not starve. So the coward ran away. That same forenoon Farnum and his subma- rine boys were summoned to police headquar- ters. There they were confronted with a rather pretty though almost poorly dressed girl. “Is this the young woman whom you rescued at a street corner, and whom you were escorting when attacked by a gang of rowdies?” asked Chief Ward. “I don't know,” smiled Eph. “The young woman I was walking with had on a veil." “Oh, that's all right,” laughed the police chief. “This young woman is Katharine Pit- ney. She has told me the whole story, and I am satisfied that she has told me everything honestly. Miss Pitney is not a prisoner. She has made a little mistake in becoming engaged to the wrong sort of fellow-the "Tom' from whom you tried to defend her. Now, it seems that Tom' --which isn't his name, had per- LIGHTNING CRUISE 245 suaded her to help him in playing a joke, as he explained it to her. So Miss Pitney was foolish enough to agree. She is wholly sorry, now she knows that it was a crime, not a joke in which she helped. And "Tom' has received his walking papers so far as Miss Pitney is con- cerned.” “But I beg you'll forgive me, Mr. Somers," spoke up the girl, anxiously. “I honestly be- lieved it was a joke that I was helping in. As soon as Mr. Ward found me, I told him the whole truth about the matter." "You certainly did, Miss Pitney," confirmed the chief. “Why, I haven't anything to forgive," laughed Eph. “It was a joke, the way it turned out." Chief Ward escorted Miss Pitney from the room, then returned to explain: “That's a wholly good girl, but her fancy was too easily won by the fellow, 'Tom.' She knows better, now, and will have to know a whole lot more about the next man she allows to capture her affections. Now, I have another pair to show you. They're in cells. Come downstairs, please.” Through a corridor underneath the chief led his visitors, halting, at last, before a barred door of iron. LIGHTNING CRUISE 247 that Radwin employed him, and that, between they put the doctored axle in the auto." While Chief Ward was speaking Fred Rad- win turned pale. “You didn't know all this until just this mo- ment, did you, Radwin?” smiled the chief. “Oh, you needn't think you can down me too easily," snarled the prisoner. “I have money to fight with.” “I know," nodded Ward. “You have a lit- tle over twenty thousand dollars, Radwin. I also know where the money is. An attorney acting for the chauffeur that was hurt so badly in the automobile smash-up has already started in to attach that money in a suit for damages by the chauffeur." It is time to turn from too disagreeable a pic- ture. The four roughs first hired by Fred Rad- win were sent to the penitentiary for a year each. Hodges, in consideration of furnishing useful state's evidence, was sentenced to the peniten- tiary for two years and a half for his share in the automobile plot. Radwin, for conspiracy in setting on the roughs, was sentenced to three years in the peni- tentiary; for his part in the automobile affair five years more were added. It will be a long LIGHTNING CRUISE 249 pany received from the United States Govern- ment orders for eighteen torpedo boats in all, the “Benson” and “Hastings” included. One of the new ones, under this order, was named the “Somers." The Navy has accepted all three names, and the boats are now known in the service by these names. Later on the for- tunes of the three submarine boys were ma- terially increased by these sales. One of the first pleasures experienced by David Pollard, after his discharge from hospi- tal, was that of joining the rest of the Farnum party in dining with the members of the naval board and the gunboat's officers in the mess- room of the “Oakland.' In the course of a little speech after dinner Captain Magowan referred in glowing terms to the splendid work of the submarine boys on that Lightning Cruise, and their success in being first to reach the derelict and torpedo it. The president of the board was followed by Lieutenant Danvers, who, among other things said: “The performances of Captain Benson and of his brother officers on the Pollard boats have, in- deed, been wonderful. Wonderful' may not be quite the word, but, at this moment, I am so car- ried away with enthusiasm that I cannot cruise about for mere words." 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Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price Henry Altemus Company 1326-1336 Vine Street, Philadelphia Submarine Boys Series By VICTOR G. DURHAM 1 THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat. 2 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, “Making Good" as Young Experts. 3 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis. 4 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep. 5 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings of the Deep. 8 THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or. Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam. 7 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; Or, Breaking Up the New Jersey Customs Frauds. The Square Dollar Boys Series By H. IRVING HANCOCK i THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS WAKE UP; Or, Fighting the Trolley Franchise Steal. 2 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING; Or, in the Lists Against the Crooked Land Deal. 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Each story is full of adventure and fascination. 1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft.--2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift.--3 THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS; Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes.-4 THE IRON BOYS IN THE STEEL MILLS; Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder Pits. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. The Madge Morton Books By AMY D. V. CHALMERS 1 MADOE MORTON-CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID. 2 MADGE MORTON'S SECRET. 3 MADQE MORTON'S TRUST. 4 MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50€. West Point Series By H. IRVING HANCOCK The priocipal characters in these narratives are manly, young Americans whose doings will inspire all boy readers. 1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the Cadet Gray. * DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life. | DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for Flag and Honor. 4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Oss Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50C. Series 1 O S By H. IRVING HANCOCK The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted io these volumes. DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy. a DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy “Youngsters." 3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Lead- ers of the Second Class Midshipmen. 4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. The Young Engineers Series 1 By H. IRVING HANCOCK The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High School Boys Series. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton prove worthy of all the traditions of Dick & Co. THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest. 2 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks on the “Man-Killer" Quicksand. 3 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; OT, Seeking For- tune on the Turn of a Pick. 4. THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, Soc. 1 S By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely interesting and exciting life. THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life. THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Win- ning New Laurels on the Tanbark. 3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny South. 4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big River. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. 2 The High School Girls Series 2 By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M. These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader fairly by storm. 1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls. GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics. 3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities. 4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the Ways. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. The Automobile Girls Series By LAURA DENT CRANB No girl's libraryếno family book-case can be considered at all complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books. 1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Sum. mer Parade.--2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.--3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.... 4 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds.. THE AUTOMOBILI GIRLS AT PALM BEACH; Or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies.- THE AUTOMOBILE QIRLS AT WASHINGTON; Or, Checkmating the Plots of Foreign Spies. Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.