need loosening up a bit, sir?" asked the cadet in
charge of the engineer division.

"Yes," replied Hastings, after watching a moment; "it does."

"I'll do it, then," proposed Truax, roughly. He attempted to crowd
his way past Hal, but the latter refused to be crowded, and stood
his ground until the midshipman passed him a wrench. Then Hastings
loosened up the part.

"You might let me do a little something," growled Sam Truax, in a tone
intentionally offensive.

"Don't forget, Truax, that I'm in command in this department," retorted
Hal, in a quieter tone than usual, though with a direct, steady look
that made Sam Truax turn white with repressed wrath.

"You won't let me forget it, will you?" snarled the fellow.

"No; for I don't want you to forget it, and least of all on this cruise,"
responded Hal Hastings.

"You don't give me any chance to--"

"Silence!" ordered Hal, taking a step toward him.

Sam Truax opened his mouth to make some retort, then wisely changed his
mind, dropping back into his former seat.

The noon meal was served to all hands. By the time it was well over
the mouth of the Bay was in sight, the broad Atlantic rolling in beyond.

The sea, when reached, proved to be almost smooth. It was ideal weather
for such a cruise.

Then straight East, for an hour they went, getting well out of the path
of coasting vessels.

"Hullo! What in blazes does that mean?" suddenly demanded Hal, pointing
astern at starboard.

The "Pollard" lay tossing gently on the water, making no headway. Hardly
ten seconds later the "Hudson" signaled a halt.

Then followed some rapid signaling between the gunboat and the submarine
that had stopped. There was some break in the "Pollard's" machinery,
but the cause had not yet been determined.

"Blazes!" muttered Jack, uneasily. "It couldn't have happened at a
worse time. This looks bad for our firm, Hal!"

The "Farnum" now lay to, as did the "Hudson," for the officer in command
of the "Pollard" signaled that his machinists were making a rapid but
thorough investigation of the unfortunate submarine's engines.

Finally, a cutter put off from the "Hudson," with a cadet midshipman
in charge. The small boat came over alongside, and the midshipman
called up:

"The lieutenant commander's compliments, and will Mr. Benson detail Mr.
Hastings to go over to the 'Pollard' and assist?"

"My compliments to the lieutenant commander," Jack replied. "And
be good enough