The many strong-walled receivers for compressed air had been placed,
and were now being more securely fitted and connected by the workmen.
The final work on the compressed air apparatus was yet to be done by a
special crew of workmen who were soon to come down from New York. A
powerful, compact plant for compressing air was a part of this outfit.

Right up in the bow of the "Pollard" was the tube through which a
Whitehead torpedo, fourteen feet in length, could be started on its
destructive journey by means of compressed air force. One torpedo was
to be carried in the tube, six others in special lockers on either side.

Back of the torpedo room was the rather cramped engine room in which
were the gasoline and electric motors, other machinery and work-benches.
Then came the central cabin, some twenty feet long and about ten feet
wide. Here was a table, while the seats at the side could be arranged
also as berths. Out of the cabin, aft, led a narrow passageway. Off
this, on either side, were a narrow galley, cupboards, ice-box and
toilet room. Nearer the stern were two compact state-rooms, one
intended for two "line" or "deck" officers, the other for two engineer
officers. There were other features about the "Pollard" that will be
described as need arises.

For more than an hour the entire gang had been at work, though Joshua
Owen had seen to it that Jack and Hal had nothing more to do than lift
or hold heavy articles, fetch tools, etc. Still both boys stood this
good-humoredly, paying strict attention to orders. David Pollard,
watching them at times, and guessing how they might feel under such
treatment, found his good opinion of the two newcomers still rising.