"Waal, I guess you're spryer'n I be," returned old Jabez, with a shrewd
look at his guest. "Besides, it's you that wants the boy."

Running back and snatching up his hat, Professor Radberg made for the
street without further argument.

Moving along hastily, the German soon came in sight of young Captain Jack
Benson, of the Pollard Submarine Torpedo Boat Company.

"Ach, there! Herr Benson!" shouted the Professor.

Hearing the hail, Jack Benson turned, then halted.

"You are Herr Benson, are you not?" demanded Professor Radberg, as soon
as he got close enough.

"Benson is my name," nodded Jack, pleasantly.

"Then come back to the hotel with me."

"You are a foreigner, aren't you?" asked Jack, surveying the stranger
coolly.

"I am German," replied Radberg, in a tone of surprise.

"I thought so," nodded the boy. "That is, I didn't know from what
country you came. But, in this country, when we ask a favor of a
stranger, we usually say 'please.'"