, his own hands on the conning tower wheel, ran the "Farnum"
out into the river, first of all. Then the "Pollard," under command of a
naval officer, followed. Both backed water, then waited for the "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
watchfu