whom we know to drink. You will understand, of course, that this is said
without criticism of whatever views you yourself may entertain."

"Oh, well, then," grunted Rhinds, much taken back by the fairly spoken
words of his rival. "I dare say there was too much drinking in the old
days. Yes, Farnum, I am much inclined to agree with you, and we will do
without the wine."

None the less, it was plain that their host was much annoyed.

"I want to get at the members of the naval board," declared Mr. Farnum,
toward the end of the meal. "I want to find out what is planned in the
tests that are to take place here."

"The members of the board," replied Mr. Rhinds, "are the three men, in
citizen dress, who are at the sixth table down from here. They came into
their dinner about ten minutes ago. As to to-morrow, I can tell you
that, beginning at eleven o'clock, all the submarine boats entered are
to take a straight, out-to-sea speed sail for six hours. The gunboat,
'Chelsea' will start the fleet, and the 'Oakland' will go along with the
racers."

"That's short time for us," muttered Mr. Farnum, uneasily.

"Luckily, sir, we're ready, at a single moment's notice," interposed
Captain Jack Benson.

"As soon as we get through," proposed Mr. Rhinds, easily, "I'll take you
over and present you to Captain Magowan and his associates on the board."