A white-coated steward now appeared on deck, moving near the lieutenant
commander.

"Is dinner ready, Greers?" called Mr. Mayhew.

"Yes, sir."

"Lay two more plates, then. Mr. Farnum, I trust you and your young
submarine commander will sit as my guests to-night."

This invitation the yard's owner accepted, asking only time enough to
arrange for keeping some of his workmen over-time, awaiting the coming
of flood-tide.

So, presently, Jack and his employer found themselves seated at table in
the gunboat's handsome wardroom. Besides the lieutenant commander there
were Lieutenant Halpin, two ensigns, two engineer officers and a young
medical officer. In the "Hudson's" complement of officers there were
also four midshipmen, but these latter ate in their own mess.

The time passed most pleasantly, Mr. Mayhew plainly doing all in his
power to atone for his late censure of the submarine boy.

Before dinner was over the small towboat was in the harbor. At the
coming of flood tide this towing craft had a hawser made fast to the
gunboat. With the help of some of the naval machinists aboard the
"Hudson," both submarine craft were also manned and hawsers made fast.
Two cables were passed ashore to winches to which power was supplied
by the shipyard's engines. When all was ready a mighty pull was,