"I'm sure of that, too," added Mr. Faulkner.

"And all on account of those rascally boys!" uttered Don Melville, in a
tone of disgust. "Isn't it funny how some folks will cling to muckers?
Why, anyone would think that the fellow Benson and his chums are so
necessary that the business couldn't go on without them. They're
the--"

"Hush!" murmured the lawyer. "Here come the boys."

Jack and his mates were at this moment coming out of the yard. They had
turned on the sidewalk, and started along ere they caught sight of the
group ahead.

"There's that infernal gang!" uttered Eph, wrathfully.

"Keep your eyes away from them, and don't say anything, then," whispered
Jack. "Don't say or do anything that can possibly spoil the morning by
putting us in the wrong."

But Don Melville, wrathful over the morning's happenings, and keenly
disappointed over the knowledge that he could not hope to command the
"Pollard," was not disposed to let the submarine boys go unchallenged.

On came Jack, Hal and Eph, walking abreast, yet ready to break and pass
in silence.

"Dewey, Sampson & Schley!" jeered Don Melville, in a low tone, yet loud
enough to be heard by Jack's party.