"Williamson is all right," nodded Jack, slowly. "But how about Truax?"

"I think he's going to be a useful man," Hal responded. "He seems
familiar with our type of engines. Of course, he knows nothing about
the apparatus for submerging the boat or making it dive. But he doesn't
need to. Now, Jack, old fellow, we're going along all right. Why not
let Eph help you back to your bunk, or one of the seats in the cabin,
and have your sleep out?"

"I've had it out," Benson declared, with a laugh. "I'm ready, now, to
take my trick at the wheel."

"Nonsense," retorted Hal Hastings. "I've been here a bare quarter of
an hour, and I'm good for more work than that. Jack, you're nothing but
a fifth wheel. You're not needed; won't be all day, and at night we
anchor in some harbor down the coast. Go and rest, like a good fellow."

"Can't rest, when I know I'm doing nothing," Benson retorted, stubbornly.
"Besides, this is the first time I've ever found myself moving along
in regular formation with the United States Navy. I feel almost as if I
were a Navy officer myself, and I mean to make the most of the sensation.
Say, Hal, wouldn't it be fine if we really did belong to the Navy?"

"Gee-whiz!" murmured young Hastings, his cheeks glowing and his eyes
snapping.

"If we only belonged to the old Flag for life, and knew that we were
practising on a boat like this as a part of the preparation for real
war when it came?"