"What do we think, sir?" echoed Captain Jack, eagerly. "Why, we think
we're in sight of the very time of our lives! Annapolis! And to teach
the middies how to run a 'Pollard' submarine."

"How soon are we likely to have to start, sir!" asked Hal Hastings, after
a silence that lasted a few moments.

"Whenever the 'Hudson' shows up along this coast, and the officer in
command of her gives the word. That may be any hour, now."

"Then we'd better find Eph," suggested Captain Jack, "and pass him the
word. Won't Eph Somers dance a jig for delight, though!"

"Yes; we'd better look both boats over at once," replied Mr Farnum,
picking up his hat "And we'll leave word for Grant Andrews and some of
his machinists to inspect both craft with us. There may be a few things
that will need to be done."

As they left the office, crossing the yard, Captain Jack Benson and Hal
Hastings felt exactly as though they were walking on air. Even Hal,
quiet as he was, had caught the joy-infection of these orders to proceed
to Annapolis. To be sent to the United States Naval Academy on a tour
of instruction is what officers of the Navy often call "the prize
detail."

Farnum and his two youthful companions went, first of all, to the long,
shed-like building in which the third submarine craft to be turned out
at this yard was now being built. From inside came the noisy clang of
hammers against metal. The shipbuilder stepped inside alone, but soon
came out, nodding. The three now continued on their way down to the