"Well--because I've no orders from Mr. Farnum to that effect.
Because--well, behind that little door are a few mechanisms that amount
to about the most important secret about the boat."

"Then you _refuse_ to unlock that little door?" demanded Don, coldly,
trying to disconcert the young captain by a steady, cold look into his
eyes.

"Oh, no; I don't refuse," answered young Benson, in the same cool,
pleasant tone. "But the order should come from Mr. Farnum. He's right
overhead. You can call up to him. If he says so, then I'll unlock it
with pleasure."

"Benson," retorted Don Melville, again trying to disconcert the young
captain with a stare of cold insolence, "I guess you don't understand
quite who I am."

"If I don't, I shall be glad to be enlightened," laughed Jack, softly.
"Who are you?"

"I'm the son of the man who expects to put a big amount of capital into
this enterprise. Farnum wants my father to do it."

"Then I hope your father does," nodded Jack Benson, with a look of polite
interest.

"Of course, in that case," pursued Don, "the whole business will be
reorganized."

"I should imagine so," nodded Jack.