"Yet, you insult us by thinking that we would sell our country," went
on Hal, coolly.

"Are you two going to be as big fools as your captain?" demanded Herr
Professor Radberg, almost incredulously.

"Bigger!" promised Eph, with a grin.

"Ach! Well, we shall talk this all over when you come to the hotel in
an hour," replied the German. He turned and left the store.

"Now, I don't doubt," mocked Hal, "he has gone away firm in the belief
that we'll keep his appointment."

"He'll wake up after a while," laughed Eph Somers.

After indulging in a second ice cream soda the submarine boys started
down the street toward the Farnum shipyard where the Pollard boats were
built.

As they passed a street corner they heard a cautious:

"Hss--sst!"

"Now, who threw that our way?" demanded the irrepressible Eph, turning
swiftly. Then he added, in a tone so low that only his comrades could
hear:

"Say, fellows, I'll bet that cost something!"