re, of thirst
and hunger."

"Perhaps," admitted Jack, more soberly. "But it will be a full-size
man's death, won't it?"

"Oh, you think, then, that you are not afraid to die of thirst and
hunger?"

"Since others have done it," retorted Jack, "I suppose I can, if I
have to."

"If you have to?" rasped the Frenchman.

"Do you doubt, then, that we would bring such a fate upon you?"

"I don't believe there's anything too low and cowardly for your crowd
to stoop to it," admitted Jack Benson, with spirit.

"Have a care, young man!"

"You asked me a question," growled back young Benson, "and I answered
you. If it doesn't suit you, don't ask any more questions."

Gaston regarded the boy with a still more sinister look.

"I think, Captain," continued the chauffeur, "that a little pain--will
have a good effect in disciplining you."

Jack Benson did not reply.

"Come, now! Let us see if any of your hair will stay in your scalp?"
proposed the Frenchman. "Yet, first of all, boy, have you anything to
say that will stop me?"

"If I had, I'd say it," muttered the submarine boy, ruefully.

"Then you might give me that message I asked for."

"Is that all that will stop you?" demanded Jack.

"Yes. All."

"Then go ahead with whatever you have in mind," retorted Jack. "As long
as my sane mind stays by me I shall never betray the Pollard secrets to
any other government!"

"Let us see, then!"

Once more Gaston fastened the long, sinewy fingers of each hand in the
submarine boy's hair. He began to tug, gently at first, but gradually
increasing the force of the yank.

Jack Benson stood it as long as he could, then at last let out a yell
that was dragged from the depths of agony.

"I'm in time, it seems! Stop that! Now, turn and fight like a man--you
contemptible hound!"

It was Hal Hastings's voice that rang through the little cave. Hal had
just crawled in through the tunnel. Now, the young engineer, his frame
shaking with indignation, stood up at nearly his full length, prepared
to spring upon Gaston, who, also, had leaped to his feet.

"I thought it would be worth while to watch and shadow you to-night,"
jeered Hal, angrily. "It turns out I was right. The bushes planted
before the mouth of the tunnel bothered me, a while, in finding the way
in here after you--_but now I'm here!_"

Of a sudden Hal leaped forward, intent upon pouncing on the chauffeur.
But Hal's foot caught in a break in the flooring