"They are a great lot of enthusiasts over at the Farnum yard," said Mr.
Emerson, musingly. "I like people as enthusiastic as they are. Why,
just think of those boys; what a bright lot they are!"

"Humph! In the end Farnum will wish he never seen those boys," sneered
Mr. Melville.

"Why?"

"Well, the boys are wholly ready to sell out all they know about the
Farnum boat."

"Are you sure of that, Melville?" demanded Mr. Emerson, opening his eyes
more widely.

"Wholly positive. Benson has already offered to sell us all he knows
about the 'Pollard.' He'll steal plans, shift to our employ, or serve us
in any way that he can by betraying his present employers."

"You astound me," cried the other capitalist. "And you are really quite
sure of this?"

"As sure as I can be made by Benson's own offer."

In declaring this George Melville believed he was telling the truth. His
son, Don, hoping to work out a scheme whereby Jack could be hopelessly
disgraced, had gone as far as to tell his father that Jack was willing
to overlook the past fight, and to "sell out" all he knew about the
design and inner workings of the "Pollard."