"I wonder what the next test is going to be?" asked Jack.

"I shall have to refer you to the members of the naval board, and they
won't tell until this evening," replied Mr. Farnum. "That's one of
their rules--no news until the evening before. That prevents too much
time being spent in preparation. One of the objects of these tests is
to find out how well the different types of submarines can do things on
short notice."

"That's right," nodded Captain Jack, thoughtfully. "Really, when you
come to think of it, submarine torpedo boats are short notice craft
anyway."

"And, best of all, with no notice whatever to the enemy," broke in Eph.
"In future wars it's going to give a good deal of comfort to a fellow
to think that he serves on a submarine, instead of on a battleship."

"Where are you going to stop on shore, Jake?" inquired Pollard.

"At the Somerset," responded Mr. Farnum.

"Then we're likely to run into that Rhinds-Radwin crowd."

"We can stand it, if they can," replied Farnum, compressing his lips
grimly. "Our consciences are cleaner than theirs."

Indeed, in passing from the lobby to the breakfast room, where the
Pollard party intended to take coffee, Messrs. Rhinds and Radwin were
encountered just as they were coming out.