his effect. Beyond, past the plain, on one side, Major Woodruff
pointed out the barracks of the Coast Artillery, of the Engineers
soldiers, and of the Infantry. There were also laborers' quarters,
several office buildings, a hospital, a chapel, and two streets of
cottages that served as quarters for the officers stationed at Fort
Craven.

It was into one of these officers' streets that Major Woodruff soon led
his three young companions. Admitting the boys to his home, the major
took them to the library on the ground floor.

"Now, I'll telephone for Lieutenant Ridder to come over in citizen's
dress," announced the major. "At the same time, I must advise Colonel
Totten, who is commander of the post. He may come over here, or he may
order us all over to headquarters."

Colonel Totten elected to come over to the major's quarters. He arrived
just after Lieutenant Ridder, who proved to be a rather boyish looking
young man, not long out of West Point.

The plans were quickly laid by which Lieutenant Ridder was to take an
automobile up to Radford, going to one of the hotels and registering.

Jack and his two chums were to make the journey in another auto. They
would go to still other hotels, perhaps to three different ones. At any
moment when instructions were needed, any one of the three could call up
Lieutenant Ridder on the telephone.

In addition, Major Woodruff gave each of the three submarine boys a
written and signed authorization for them to call upon the police to
seize Millard, if found, and hold the fellow for the United States
military authorities.

"Now, you young men may start for Radford," continued the major.
"Colonel Totten and I will busy ourselves with the despatches that must
be sent to Washington about this affair. But I trust, lads, you will
not fail to realize the importance of prompt success."

"It's a special duty to the Flag, sir," Captain Jack answered, simply.

The automobiles were waiting outside. Lieutenant Ridder was given a
three minutes' start. Then the submarine boys followed after, in a
second car.

As Radford was but four miles distant from the post the trip was not to
be a long one.

"This is the sort of job that has me by the ears," glowed Eph Somers,
enthusiastically. "I won't be selfish enough to say I hope to be the
fellow to catch Millard. But, if he does stray my way, I hope I won't
be idiot enough to let him slip through my fingers."

"I don't care if Lieut