He has a letter from Mr. Pollard to Mr. Farnum, but I wouldn't let him
in the yard to-night, unless Mr. Farnum appears and gives the order."

"I understand," said the night watchman, nodding.

"That's all, then, and thank you."

Jack Benson hastily rejoined the others on the sidewalk

"I don't believe, Mr. Truax, it will be worth your while to come here
earlier than eight in the morning. Better go to the hotel and tie up
to a good sleep. Good night."

"Say, why did you take such a dislike to the fellow?" queried Eph, as
the three submarine boys strolled on up the street, Truax following
slowly at some distance in the rear.

"I didn't take a dislike to him," Jack replied, opening his eyes wide.

"You choked him of mighty short, then."

"If it looked that way, then I'm sorry," Benson protested, in a tone
of genuine regret. "All I wanted to make plain was that I couldn't
pass him on to our precious old boat without Mr. Farnum's order."

Truax plodded slowly along behind the submarine boys, a cunning look in
the man's eyes as he stared after Jack Benson.

"You're a slick young man, or else a wise one," muttered Truax. "But
I think I'm smart enough to take it out of you!"