all, we'll get acquainted with them. Come along!"

The Farnum party were just turning away, to follow a bell-boy to the
rooms assigned to them upstairs, when John C. Rhinds, his face beaming
craftily, approached them, followed by Radwin. Rhinds introduced
himself to Farnum, then presented Radwin as secretary to the Rhinds
Company.

"We're rivals in a way, of course," declared Mr. Rhinds. "But we want
to be good-natured, friendly rivals, my dear Farnum. We hope to see
a good deal of you all while here."

Jacob Farnum replied with equal cordiality. When it came Jack Benson's
turn to be introduced, Rhinds seized him by the hand, patting his
shoulder.

"Captain Benson?" he repeated. "The brainiest young man in
America--with two chums who run him a close race. We must all dine
together to-night," purred this Judas of the submarine boat world.




CHAPTER VII

EPH SOMERS PLAYS GALLANT


"I don't know when I've enjoyed myself as much," exclaimed Rhinds,
looking round beamingly over the dinner party in one corner of the