of the “Pollard” signaled that his machinists were making a rapid but
thorough investigation of the unfortunate submarine’s engines.

Finally, a cutter put off from the “Hudson,” with a cadet midshipman in
charge. The small boat came over alongside, and the midshipman called up:

“The lieutenant commander’s compliments, and will Mr. Benson detail Mr.
Hastings to go over to the ’Pollard’ and assist?”

“My compliments to the lieutenant commander,” Jack replied. “And be good
enough to report to him, please, that Mr. Hastings and I will both go.”

“My orders, sir, are to convey you to the ’Pollard’ before reporting back
to the parent vessel,” replied the midshipman.

The cutter came alongside, taking off the two submarine boys, while Eph
Somers devoted himself to watching Sam Truax as a bloodhound might have
hung to a trail.

Arrived on board the good, old, familiar “Pollard,” Jack and Hal hurried
below.

“The machinery is too hot to handle, now, sir,” reported one of the naval
machinists, “but it looks as though something was wrong right in
there”—pointing.

“Put one of the electric fans at work there, at once,” directed Hal. “Then
things ought to be cool enough in half an hour, to make an examination
possible.”