Each of the three submarine boys felt a quick throb at the heart. All
had a suspicion that a blow might be about to fall. So they stepped
inside, halting not far from Mr. Farnum's desk, and turning to face the
Melville group.

Mr. Melville cleared his throat before he began:

"In the reorganization of affairs here, my investing friends and myself
will be obliged to expect that the command of the 'Pollard' submarine
boat will pass to my son, who will actively represent our group. My son,
Don, will have charge and knowledge of the boat, its successors, and of
all new ideas tried aboard, and he will safeguard, so far as may be
necessary our interests. It is possible, however, that he may find it
advisable to employ some or all of the present crew. That will, of
course, be for him to decide in the near future."




CHAPTER IV

A SQUALL IN AN OFFICE


Jack Benson paled, clenching his hands tightly. Hal Hastings raised his
eyebrows slightly; he, too, changed color swiftly. Eph's face reddened;
he had all he could do to keep from shouting outright.

Jacob Farnum flushed, half rose from his chair, then seated himself again
and turned to look at the boys.