"I'd like to, immensely," smiled Captain Jack, "but I've always had
a great respect for Mr. Farnum's judgment."

"Good enough, captain," laughed the boat builder. "And now, signal for
the boat that is to put you aboard."

As the boat was coming in Captain Jack turned to the newspaper writers
to say:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the thing that is to be done to-day is something
that has never been done on any other boat than the 'Pollard.' If it
looks a bit dramatic, you will understand, of course, that that is a
means toward making it all the more impressive."

"Oh, dear, but you _are_ making me dreadfully inquisitive," complained
one of the newspaper women, plaintively.

Embarking in the shore boat, the "Pollard's" crew were soon aboard the
submarine. From the platform decks they waved their caps, then, one by
one, disappeared through the tower, the manhole cover being pulled down
after them.

"Are they going to take the boat out and submerge it?" asked one of the
correspondents.

"Yes," nodded Mr. Farnum.

"And what else--please?" asked the particularly impatient newspaper
woman.