shore, and rig winches to haul on extra cables. Altogether, we can give
you a strong pull, sir.”

“That sounds like the best plan to me,” nodded Jacob Farnum. “I’ll have a
message sent at once for that towboat.”

A white-coated steward now appeared on deck, moving near the lieutenant
commander.

“Is dinner ready, Greers?” called Mr. Mayhew.

“Yes, sir.”

“Lay two more plates, then. Mr. Farnum, I trust you and your young
submarine commander will sit as my guests to-night.”

This invitation the yard’s owner accepted, asking only time enough to
arrange for keeping some of his workmen over-time, awaiting the coming of
flood-tide.

So, presently, Jack and his employer found themselves seated at table in
the gunboat’s handsome wardroom. Besides the lieutenant commander there
were Lieutenant Halpin, two ensigns, two engineer officers and a young
medical officer. In the “Hudson’s” complement of officers there were also
four midshipmen, but these latter ate in their own mess.

The time passed most pleasantly, Mr. Mayhew plainly doing all in his power
to atone for his late censure of the submarine boy.

Before dinner was over the small towboat was in the harbor. At the coming