"We are finished, now," replied Mr. Farnum, laying down his cigar, "and
it will give us great pleasure to have the privilege of meeting Miss
Hodges."

Though Hodges himself appeared a very common type of business man, and
was plainly dressed, Miss Elinor Hodges proved to be a beautiful girl of
about nineteen, and attired in the height of fashion.

She was, however, most charming and gracious, and evidently greatly
interested in everything that had to do with submarine boats.

An hour's very pleasant chat followed in the ladies' parlor. Then
Hodges, seeing an automobile pass one of the windows and halt before
the ladies' entrance of the hotel, suddenly drew out his watch.

"Elinor, my dear, do you see the time?" demanded her father, holding out
his watch. Then, as the submarine party rose, prepared to take their
leave, Hodges turned to Farnum, explaining rapidly:

"Yes; unfortunately, we have an appointment, and must defer the further
pleasure of seeing you until this evening. But that auto car outside,
which I did not order for this hour, and, in fact, cannot use for to-day,
gives me an idea. It is a car that I have hired for a week. Now,
Elinor and I are not going to use the car. Mr. Farnum, can't you and
your friends make use of the car to-day?"

Jacob Farnum would have tried to decline, pleasantly, fearing the
acceptance of the use of the automobile might seem to bind him to
extend courtesies on one of his boats. But Mr. Hodges was so gently,