oat."

"No cameras! No photographs?" cried two other young women, in something
like consternation. Then one of them added:

"But we want two or three photos as souvenirs--Mr. Kimball, we appeal
to you."

"I am wholly powerless in the matter," replied the lieutenant commander,
gravely. "Mr. Benson commands aboard this boat, and enforces the rules.
I may add, however, that am wholly in sympathy with his decision. You
will understand, ladies, that there are many secrets in the handling
of a submarine craft like this, It would be absolutely out of the
question to allow anyone to carry away photographs of the interior or
the working parts of the 'Benson.'"

With that, two more cameras were passed up. Eph as quickly handed them
through the conning tower to Hal, who took them down to the engine room.

Then Jack helped his visitors aboard, while Eph slipped forward to let
go the moorings at the order.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen," announced Captain Jack, "I think there will
be room for all on deck. If it pleases you, therefore, I propose that
all remain on the platform deck while we make our run out to sea. Then,
when it comes time to dive and run under the surface, we can go below."

This plan appeared to suit nearly everyone.

"But I believe I'll go below, now," proposed one tall, blond, strongly
built young woman who looked somewhat Swedish. "I am afraid of too much
chill air on the sea."

"Then, if it please the rest, we will all go below," Jack answered
amiably.

There was instantly a chorus of dissent. The tall, blond young woman
had already made her way to the conning tower, accompanied by a young
man of English appearance. But Eph unconcernedly barred their way.

"Step aside, if you please, young man," urged the Englishman. "The
lady wishes to go below."

"Captain's permission necessary, sir," replied Somers, quietly.

"You see, ladies and gentlemen," Jack explained, "it won't be quite
possible to let visitors roam at will over the boat. It would be
against my instructions from the owner. Either all must remain on deck,
or all must go below."

As he spoke the young skipper thought he saw a swift look pass between
the young Swedish woman and her English escort.

"Oh, well," replied the young woman, shrugging her shoulders, "I do not
intend to be disagreeable. If the others wish to remain on deck, I will
do so, too."

"Very good, Miss Peddensen," murmured the young Englishman.

Jack Be