The inscription ran:

"Mlle. Sara Nadiboff is delighted at learning that Captain Jack Benson
has returned in safety from his long walk."

"Any answer, sah?" demanded the darkey in the boat.

"None, thank you," replied Captain Jack, in an even tone.

The boat continued on its way to the shore.

"Say, what do you think of that?" demanded Eph, after he, too, had taken
a look at the card tied to the flowers.

"It is plain enough that our charming young Russian doesn't mean to drop
Captain Benson's acquaintance just yet, if she can help it," laughed
the shipbuilder.

"What are you going to do with the flowers, old man?" asked Hal.

"Flowers should be put in water, to make them keep, shouldn't they"
queried the young submarine skipper, innocently.

"Yep," nodded Eph Somers.

"I hope these will keep fresh a long time, then," murmured Benson.

Raising the bouquet he dropped it overboard the harbor--on the side of
the boat away from the hotel.