sed a cottager. From him they learned where
to find the police station. Gaston was thrown into a cell, and Jack
entered formal complaint against the fellow.

Jacob Farnum still awake, was found at the hotel. When Hickey and Jerry
returned aboard the gunboat neither felt so sorry about not having
located a smuggler's camp in full operation. Jacob Farnum had taken
the sailor pair apart, presenting each with a hundred-dollar bill.

CHAPTER XIV

A REMEMBRANCE FROM SHORE

It was a drowsy looking submarine party that retired to a room in the
hotel to talk over the situation.

"Now, of course, first of all," declared Jacob Farnum, "we must take
word of this whole affair to the commanding officer of the gunboat. As
the representative, here, of the United States Government, he can give
us some advice as to what to do. I am wondering whether M. Lemaire
and Mlle. Nadiboff can be arrested."

"Hal," demanded Jack, turning to his chum, "when you were prowling about
at the cave, did you hear Gaston mention the name of M. Lemaire?"

"No," replied Hastings, shaking his head.

"Then there wouldn't be any witness to confirm my testimony," sighed
Captain Benson. "Without such a witness to aid me, I don't see how we
could expect to prove anything legally against M. Lemaire."

"As for that pretty young Russian woman--" began Mr. Farnum.

"We haven't a single line of proof we could put out against her,"
interposed Benson. "She will have to escape, I am afraid. For that
matter, I'd hate to help in the prosecution of a woman."

"So would I," retorted Mr Farnum. "Yet, if she is helping to undermine
the secrets of the United States Government, something will have to be
done to stop her."

"Perhaps," hinted Jack, "the best thing to do will be to see the
commander of the gunboat."

"Much the better course," observed David Pollard, who, during the last
few moments had seemed dreamily silent. "As you yourself suggested,
Farnum, that officer should be consulted before a single step is taken
in the matter."

"Then we'll all go down to the shore," decided the shipbuilder. "Even
at this hour we shall find a boat."

Ten minutes later the party had clambered up on the platform deck of
the "Benson." Williamson, having been left to sleep there alone
through the night, had secured the entrance to the conning tower.
A few sound thumps on the deck, however, roused that machinist, who,
donning slippers and trousers, quickl