The master of the launch manifested a disposition to hang about in the
near vicinity, until curtly ordered away by Major Woodruff.

"I suppose you thought, Major, that I took a good deal upon myself in
advising you to suspend work," Jack hinted. "Yet I've something to
show you, and much to tell you. And I'm wagering an anchor to a
fish-hook that you'll be glad you stationed me over on that neck of
sand."

Major Woodruff led the way back into the cabin. There he examined the
chart, with a start of astonishment.

"The fellow was marking down all our mine positions," came savagely from
between the Army officer's teeth.

Then he picked up the book.

"A nice little assortment of notes on matters of military interest along
this coast," muttered the soldier. "Your long-legged fellow has been
busy at other points than Craven's Bay."

Then, closing the book with a snap, Major Woodruff looked keenly at the
submarine boy as he remarked:

"Mr. Benson, I think our present submarine tests can be well suspended.
We have a much more important task ahead of us--to catch this impudent
thief of military secrets! And, in this undertaking, Benson, you can be
of the greatest sort of help!"