be any use to have any
Japanese aboard here as steward, or as anything else."

"I shan't hire any more of them," Benson replied. "I shall always
suspect a spy, after this, when I see any Japanese aboard any kind of a
war craft, or serving at any military post."

"I'm sorry I missed seeing Eph do the flying somersault act, though,"
laughed Mr. Farnum.

"I missed it as much as you did," admitted Jack Benson. "At the moment
my face was buried in the carpet."

When the two ascended to the platform deck Captain Jack asked, soberly:

"Well, Eph, what is your present opinion about the ability of a Japanese
to look after himself?"

"Don't rub it in," muttered Somers, with another sheepish grin.

"Oh, that's all right," retorted Jack. "I came in for pretty nearly as
much as you did. I may meet Kamanako again, however. If I do, I'll pay
him back."

"What?" gasped young Somers. "Jack Benson, I thought you knew enough to
be sure when you've had plenty!"

"I'll pay that little fellow back, just the same, if I ever get a
half-way chance," insisted Benson.

"Please yourself," muttered Eph, grimly. "As for me, I'm not looking
for any damages. I've had plenty of 'em already."

Not much later the submarine people were favored by a visit from some
of the officers of the gunboat.

Plans were discussed for making some displays of the submarine's strong
points on another day. When the officers had gone, Mr. Farnum turned to
the boys to propose:

"You've never seen any of the country around Spruce Beach. Neither have
I. What do you say if we go ashore? I'll charter an auto, and we can
have quite a trip before it's luncheon time. Then we'll come back and
eat at the hotel."

Right under the shadow of the gunboat, Williamson could be relied upon
as being sufficient guard. But David Pollard declined to go ashore, on
the plea that he had some letters to write, which left a guard of two
on board.

It was eleven o'clock, just to the minute, as the automobile chartered
by Mr. Farnum came around the corner of the hotel veranda. At that same
instant another and handsomer car came rolling into sight. The door of
the ladies' parlor opened, and Mlle. Sara Nadiboff, arrayed with
unusually pleasing effect, came out.

As she caught sight of Jack she started, then came eagerly over to him,
holding out her hand.

"Here comes my car," she murmured. "And I see, my Captain, that you have
changed your mind. You will drive