lifted his uniform cap. Hal and Mr. Farnum also uncovered. Then the
boat ran alongside, and all four clambered on the deck.

In another instant. Mlle. Nadiboff's boat was also alongside.

"You are going to be kind, my Captain, and invite me aboard?" asked the
young woman. Eph Somers, who was never intentionally rude to a woman,
found himself staring with all his eyes, whereat he colored hotly.

"I shall be very glad to invite you as far as I am permitted to invite
visitors," Benson replied. Then, turning briefly to Eph, he muttered:

"The Japanese is to be cook and steward. Take him below, and show
him the galley and the supplies."

Then Benson turned to reach down his hand to Mlle. Sara Nadiboff, who
trustingly extended her hand to him. She slipped. Jack was obliged
to throw his left arm lightly around her waist in order to draw her
in safety to the platform deck. Mr. Farnum, after seeing her safely
aboard, vanished inside the conning tower, going below to smile quietly
to himself.

"As gallant as ever, my Captain!" murmured the handsome young woman
spy, gazing almost tenderly into Jack's face. "What a very strange
craft! And now, conduct me below, please. I am much interested in
seeing how you all live aboard such a little and odd vessel of war."

"I am utterly sorry, Mademoiselle," Jack Benson replied. "But my orders
are that no visitors except naval officers, or those brought aboard by
naval officers, may see the interior of the boat."