a way that suggested there was something else behind his
words.

Jack Benson saw that twinkle, but he did not ask questions. If the
shipbuilder knew more than he was prepared to tell, it was not for his
young captain to ask for information that was not volunteered.

The second boy present, also in uniform, Hal Hastings by name, had not
spoken in five minutes. That was like Hal. He was the engineer of the
submarine torpedo boat, "Pollard." Jack was captain of the same craft,
and could do all the talking.

Jacob Farnum sat back, sideways, at his rolltop desk. On top of the
desk lay stacked a voluminous though neat pile of papers, letters,
telegrams and memoranda that some rival builders of submarine torpedo
boats might have been willing to pay much for the privilege of examining.
For, at the present moment, there was fierce competition in the air
between rival American builders of submarine fighting craft designed
for the United States Navy. Even foreign builders and inventors were
clamoring for recognition. Yet just now the reorganized Pollard
Submarine Boat Company stood at the top of the line. It had made the
last sale to the United States Navy Department.

At this moment, out in the little harbor that was a part of the shipyard,
the "Pollard" rode gently at anchor. She was the first submarine
torpedo boat built at this yard, after the designs of David Pollard,
the inventor, a close personal friend of Jacob Farnum.

Moreover, the second boat, named the "Farnum," had just been launched
and put in commission, ready at an hour's notice to take the sea in
search of floating enemies of the United States.

"The United States will take its boat one of these days, Captain," Mr.
Farnum continued, after lighting a cigar. "By the way, did Dave tell
you the name we are thinking of for the third boat, now on the stocks?"

"Dave" was Mr. Pollard, the inventor of the Pollard Submarine boat.

"No, sir," Captain Jack replied.

"We have thought," resumed Mr. Farnum, quietly, after blowing out a
ring of smoke, "of calling the third boat, now building, the 'Benson.'"

"The--the--what, sir?" stammered Jack, flushing and rising.

"Now, don't get excited, lad," laughed the Shipbuilder.

"But--but--naming a boat for the United States Navy after me, sir--"

Captain Jack's face flushed crimson.

"Of course, if you object--" smiled Mr. Farnum, then paused.

"Object? You know I don't, sir. But I am afraid the idea is