numbers from half a dozen large cities. As the hotel was monopolized,
by the Melville crowd, Mr. Farnum had engaged other quarters at which
to entertain the men of the press. Some of the newspapers sent women
writers.

None of these visitors were taken direct to the yards. Mr. Farnum and
Mr. Pollard took the journalistic visitors in charge and finally
conveyed them in carriages to the boatyard, arriving at about a quarter
before eleven.

Here Jack, Hal and Eph, looking at their best in their natty uniforms,
were on hand to be presented. Of course, the mere fact of a competent,
well-trained boy crew was a novelty to the newspaper writers, who made
much of the submarine boys and asked them many questions about their
work.

"How soon are you going to take us out aboard the 'Pollard'?" inquired
one of the women reporters.

"Just as soon as Captain Benson and his young men have had a chance to
show you the remarkable feat that you have come here to see," promised
Mr. Farnum.

"And what is that remarkable feat?" asked another journalist.

"The wonder of it will strike you all the more if we do not announce it
in advance," rejoined David Pollard.

"Captain Benson, what have _you_ to say about it?" pleaded one of the
newspaper women. "Won't you give us at least a hint?"