ahead, over at port, which he took to be the long sought derelict.

The lieutenant could not say anything, but, with glass still at his eyes,
he leaned back against the conning tower, drawing in his breath sharply.

"Want me to take the wheel?" called out Eph, as he reached deck again.

"Yes. I want to keep the glass to my eyes."

Just one look did Benson take at the supposed derelict. Then he swung
his gaze around upon the "Thor."

"They've seen our speed-burst," cried the young submarine skipper. "I
don't believe they had spotted the derelict, but now they see us shooting
ahead, to cross their course, and that has told them the secret. Yes!
There they go ahead, and pointing straight. They've caught up the old
wreck--through our glasses!"

It was provoking, but the rival boat, besides being nearer at the start,
had also started forward at greater speed.

"This is the 'Thor's' trick," thought Lieutenant Danvers to himself.
"Too bad, too. I'd like to have seen the boys take it."

Jacob Farnum's private view, not expressed, agreed with the naval
officer's.

But Jack Benson? He simply couldn't admit any victory for the
rival--not until it was actually won.