Jack Benson, eagerly.

“As a cadet in the Navy, do you mean?” asked Mr. Farnum.

“Why, that would have been well enough,” assented Jack, “before I had such
a chance in your submarine service. No; I mean I’d like to see Annapolis.
I’d like to watch the midshipmen at their training, and see the whole
naval life there.”

“It’s too bad every fellow can’t have his wish gratified as easily,”
continued Jacob Farnum.

“Do you mean we’re going to Annapolis, too?” asked Jack Benson, his eyes
glowing. Even Hal Hastings sat up straighter in his chair, watching the
shipbuilder’s face closely.

“Yes,” nodded Jacob Farnum. “Permission has been granted for me to send
our second boat, the ’Farnum,’ along with the ’Pollard’—both under the
care of the—”

“The Dad boat,” laughed Hastings.

“Yes; that will give us a chance to have the ’Farnum’ studied most closely
by some of the most capable officers in the United States Navy. It ought
to mean, presently, the sale of the ’Farnum’ to the Government.”

“That’s just what it will mean,” promised Captain Jack, “if any efforts of
ours can make the Navy men more interested in the boat.”

“You three youngsters are likely to be at Annapolis for some time,” went