The challenge came plain and direct. Mlle. Nadiboff now gazed
searchingly into the submarine boy's eyes.

"I--I think you a very handsome woman to look at," Captain Jack
admitted, readily.

"Is that all you have to say?"

"I--I am afraid I do not understand you, Mademoiselle."

"You have no desire to be especially gallant to me? It would cause you
no jealousy if you, saw that I preferred the company of other men?"

Jack Benson returned her glance, almost in, bewilderment for a moment.
Then he leaned back, trying to stifle the impulse to laugh, but he did
not wholly succeed.

"You are amused?" cried the young Russian, half angry.

"Amused--yes, at the idea of my falling in love, if that was what you
meant to suggest," replied Jack, again speaking very candidly.

"And why should that amuse you, my Captain?"

"Why, do you know how old I am, Mlle. Nadiboff? Or rather, how young?
I am only sixteen. At my age, if I formed any notion of being in love,
it would be sensible to have me spanked and put on a short diet for a
few days."