Hudson" to come out, for the gunboat was to lead the way until the
Bay was reached. Then the formation ordered would be followed.

Though it was nearing the first of November, the day, near land, was
ideally soft and balmy. As many of the midshipmen as could sought
the platform deck of the "Farnum." Those, however, who belonged to
the engineer division were obliged to spend the greater part of their
time below.

By the time that the three craft were in the ordered formation, abreast,
and well started down Chesapeake Bay, the parent vessel signaled that
the designated cadets were to take charge of the handling of the
submarine boats.

Jack Benson cheerfully relinquished the wheel to Cadet Midshipman
Merriam, and stepped out on to the platform deck. At need, as in case
of accident or misunderstanding of signals or orders, Benson was still
in command. While all ran smoothly, however, Mr. Merriam enjoyed
command.

Hal, being likewise relieved in the engine room, came also out on deck.

"Where's Eph?" inquired the young commander of the "Farnum."

"In the engine room," smiled Hal. "He said I could leave, if I wanted,
but that he'd be hanged if he'd let Truax out of his sight while I
was away."

"Eph seems to have Truax on the brain," laughed Jack.

"Well, Truax is a queer and surly one," Hal admitted. "This morning
he gives one the impression of peeking over his shoulder all the time
to see whether he's being watched."

"So Eph means to humor him by watching him, eh?" asked Jack.

Hal laughed quietly.

Some of the cadets who were familiar with the landmarks of Chesapeake
Bay pointed out many of the localities and sights to the two submarine
boys.

At last, however, Eph was obliged to call for Hal.

"You know, Hal, old fellow, I've got to look out for the feeding of a
lot of boarders to-day," complained Eph, whimsically.

This task of Eph's took time, though it was not a hard one. The food
for the cadets had been sent aboard. Eph had to make coffee and heat
soup. For the rest, cold food had to do. The young men, on this trip,
were required to wait on themselves.

Hal found Sam Truax sitting moodily in a corner of the engine room,
though there was something about the fellow's appearance that suggested
the watchfulness of a cat.

"Why don't you go on deck a while, Truax?" asked Hal, kindly.

"Don't want to," snapped the fellow, irritably. So Hal turned his
back on the man.

"Doesn't that part