night's mishap.

"Well, gentlemen," Mr. Mayhew said at last, rising, "your story is
strange. Yet, I believe you are young men of honor. I'm sorry we have not
in custody the men who sailed that sloop."

"Pardon me, sir!" burst out Eph.

"Well, Mr. Somers?"

"Perhaps, sir, if you should question Truax you could learn something from
him. I tell you, sir, there's a scheme to ruin Jack Benson; and that's
only part of a bigger plot to discredit our company with the Navy!"

Mr. Mayhew, looking thoughtful, replied:

"I'll find some way of questioning Truax. And now, Mr. Benson, since you
and Mr. Hastings are not fit to instruct the cadets to-day, I'll send out
sections under Lieutenant Halpin on board the 'Pollard' only. To-morrow
you should be in shape to resume your duties. Meanwhile, I must make one
condition."

"It will not be necessary, sir, to make any conditions with us," Jack
replied. "Your instructions will be sufficient."

"While you are on this present tour of duty, I shall ask Mr. Benson and
Mr. Hastings not to leave the 'Farnum' without my consent."

As soon as Mr. Mayhew had left the "Farnum" Eph Somers cried bitterly:

"You heard the verdict in the case! A great verdict! Not guilty--but don't
do it again!"

At half past eight the next morning a section of cadets, under the command
of Ensign Trahern, came aboard the "Farnum."

"The lieutenant commander sends word, with his compliments," reported
Trahern, "that after leaving the bay the formation will be as usual. The
signal to halt and be ready for the tour of instruction will be given when
we're about ten miles off shore."

Six of the cadets, of the engineer division, went below to the engine
room. To one of the ten left on deck Jack turned and said:

"You will take charge, Mr. Surles. Assume all the responsibilities of the
officer of the deck."

In all, five of the midshipmen had commanded briefly before the laying-to
signal was given. Hal Hastings then appeared on deck.

"Captain Benson," Hal stated, saluting, "I have inspected all the
submerging machinery, and I find everything in good order. We can go below
the surface at any time."

"Thank you, Mr. Hastings. All below!" ordered Jack crisply.

After the cadets and the ensign had filed below, Jack, having seen that
all was in order, followed. He made all fast in the conning tower, then
called Midshipman Surles up the stairway to the tower wheel.

"Do you think you can head due east and k