"That's all right," called Hal, quietly, as the machinist's somewhat
shaking voice died out. "You're always safe, man, in following any lead
that Captain Jack Benson gives you. Go back on the 'Hastings' and have
your smoke out."

"But those two torpedoes, loaded up to the muzzles with artillery-felt,
or some other exploding kind of dry-goods!" protested the machinist.

"Those two torpedoes are dummies," laughed Hal Hastings. "They're
aboard just for dummy torpedo practice. There isn't a kick in a dozen
of 'em. Go back and get your smoke, man!"

Hal must have looked at the machinist with unusual sharpness, for
Williamson went promptly out through the door, closing it after him.

"I'm ready to go aboard, Mr. Benson," proposed Lieutenant Danvers, "and
make a start whenever you're so inclined."

"We'd better put it off for half an hour," proposed Skipper Jack, with
a laugh. "That'll give Williamson a chance to have that smoke of his
over with."

"That'll suit me," agreed the naval officer, cheerfully. "In fact,
Mr. Benson, if you won't think me too much like cold molasses"--Jack
winced--"I would propose that we start at a little after one o'clock
this afternoon. Even at that, we'll be out long enough between that
time and dark."

"Any arrangement that suits you, Lieutenant, suits me," nodded Jack