sealed envelope.

In his eager curiosity Jacob Farnum extended a hand to take the envelope,
but Danvers drew it back.

"Pardon me," murmured the shipbuilder, confusedly. "I should have known
better. The communication is, of course, for the captain."

Danvers turned the envelope over to Captain Jack Benson, who broke the
seal, drawing out the paper enclosed. This is a part of what the
submarine boy read aloud:

_"'The Navy Department has just reported, by wireless, that a
semi-submerged derelict, evidently that of a three-master schooner, is
drifting in the paths of navigation at a point 385 miles southwest by
south of this present station. The Department suggests that it would
afford an example of practical use for submarines, if those now on this
station would accompany a gunboat, at full speed for cruising, and
attempt to discover and blow up this derelict.'"_

"Great!" glowed Eph. "I vote for it."

"So do those on the other boats, if the observable excitement is to be
taken as an indication," laughed Mr. Farnum.

"This letter goes on to request," announced Benson, "that the commander
of each submarine willing to enter this affair signal to the 'Oakland'
by hoisting the signal 'Ready.' Do you hear that, Eph?"

Somers made a dash for the signal chest. In another moment the