Lieutenant Commander Mayhew gazed in astonishment for a moment, then
held out his hand as he introduced himself, remarking:

"I was told that I would find a very young submarine commander here,
but--"

"You didn't expect to find one quite as young," Jack finished, smiling.

"No; I didn't. Mr. Trahern, I want you to know Captain Jack Benson, of
the Pollard submarines."

Ensign Trahern also shook hands with young Benson.

"And now," went on the commander of the "Hudson," "I think you may as
well show us the way into the harbor."

"You'll want to go at little more than headway, sir," Jack replied.
"The harbor is small, though there's enough deep water for you. In
parts there are some sand ledges that the tide washes up."

"I can't allow you to pilot us, exactly, but you'll indicate the course
to me, won't you, Mr. Benson?"

The "mister" was noticeable, now. Naval officers are chary of their
bestowal of the title "captain" upon one who does not hold it in the
Army or Navy service.

At Mr. Mayhew's order the "Hudson" was started slowly forward, the
searchlight playing about the entrance to the harbor.