"I'd run the craft five times the distance, under water, and hit the
harbor without thought of an accident," spoke young Benson, seriously,
and with no thought of boasting.

"Jove, my young friend, if you can do a thing like that, you're a
genius at the work," muttered Danvers, after a swift, side glance at
Skipper Jack.

"I've done as much before," laughed Jack. "Either of my friends could
do it, for that matter."

"Then you're veritable young kings of the deep!" declared Lieutenant
Danvers, heartily.

"Oh, we're not wonders," smiled Jack, goodhumoredly; then added, more
seriously, "If we really do anything worth while, my friends and I,
we're to be regarded simply as the products of constant practice."

"You're modest enough about it," agreed Danvers.

Presently, the naval officer himself took a hand at managing the
submarine. Jack, knowing that the boat was in fine professional hands,
slipped unconcernedly below, to chat with Hal Hastings, who sat doggedly
by his engines.

"What's the matter? What makes you look so solemn, old fellow?" asked
the young submarine skipper, when he caught sight of his chum's solemn
face.

"Oh, you'd laugh, if I told you," smiled Hal.