though not roughly dressed; evidently he was a man of some education.

“Why, I’m mighty sorry, sir,” Captain Jack Benson replied. “But I’m afraid
it will be impossible to allow any strangers on board during this cruise.”

“Oh, I won’t steal anything from your craft,” answered the stranger,
laughingly. “I won’t be inquisitive, either, or go poking into forbidden
corners. Who’s your captain?”

“I am, sir.”

“Then you’ll let me come aboard, just for a look, won’t you?” pleaded the
stranger.

Such curiosity was natural. The man seemed like a decent fellow. But Jack
shook his head.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m positive our owners wouldn’t approve of our
allowing any strangers to come on board.”

“Had any trouble, so far, with strangers?” asked the man.

“I didn’t say that,” Jack replied, evasively. “But the construction of a
submarine torpedo boat is a secret. It is a general rule with our owners
that strangers shan’t be allowed on board, unless they’re very especially
vouched for. Now, I hate to appear disobliging; yet, if you’ve ever been
employed by anyone else, you will appreciate the need of obeying an
owner’s orders.”

“You’re under the orders of the boss of that gunboat?” asked the stranger,