slightest uneasiness as to information that the sprightly Mlle. Nadiboff
might be able to coax from Captain Jack while on that auto drive.

By the time that the quartette came out again, however, Farnum began to
look bothered.

"After two," he declared, "and Jack not here. Now, at three o'clock,
I've agreed to take out a party of naval officers from the gunboat. We
want to show those Navy fellows some of our prettiest work in the
'Benson.'"

"It looks as though your young captain is finding his companion so
pleasant that he forgets to look frequently at his watch," suggested
the reporter, slyly.

"Jack Benson doesn't know anything about the three o'clock appointment,"
replied Mr. Farnum.

"If he isn't here in season," put in quiet Hal, "it won't cause us any
real trouble, anyway. Those of us who will be on hand can manage the
boat through any ordinary trial or trip."

Eph was very silent--for him. After fifteen more minutes had gone by
young Somers sauntered out into the road, where he could command a long
view in the direction in which he would naturally look for Jack's
approach in Mlle. Nadiboff's car.

After some ten minutes Eph Somers came running up the roadway.

"It's all right," he announced. "The car is coming."