that day was Mr. Farnum didn't learn, for he closed the door on
his departing caller, going, laughing, back to his desk, where he
picked up a cigar and lighted it.

"How poison runs through the blood of some families," mused the
boatbuilder, blowing out several rings of smoke.

On the morning appointed the three Naval officers arrived at Dunhaven.
Their appearance did not excite much interest among the natives, for all
three were in ordinary civilian dress.

Commander Ennerling came as president of the board; the other two
members were Lieutenant Commander Briscoe and Lieutenant McCrea, the
latter serving as recorder of the board.

"I've had the pleasure of meeting you before, haven't I, Lieutenant?"
murmured Mr. Farnum, in an aside.

"Yes, and the commander of your boat is the same who played that
wonderfully funny trick by leaving the submarine's card painted on the
side hull of the battleship 'Luzon' during the hours when I was watch
officer," replied the Naval officer, in an equally low tone. "But
please don't refer to it before my comrades, They've stopped hazing me
about it, and have almost forgotten the incident."

As Lieutenant McCrea spoke his face was very red. He had been tormented
much by his brother officers over the laughable prank that Captain Jack
had played upon him, as related in the first volume in this series.

Mr. Farnum took the Naval board first of all to his house, where the
inventor was presented to them. Then, after an early lunch, the party
went out to board the "Pollard."

Captain Jack Benson and his crew of two were on the platform deck to
receive the visitors from Washington. As Jack's hand met Lieutenant
McCrea's the submarine boy said only:

"I am very glad to see you again, sir. I hope we shall have something
worth showing to you."

"Get away from moorings, Captain Benson," directed Mr. Farnum. "Then,
when we get out on the broad ocean, we'll be ready for any tests that
these gentlemen want."

Within a very few minutes more the "Pollard" was a mile off shore,
heading almost due east and traveling at nearly her full speed.

"We'll see how fast you can log the knots off for an hour," proposed
Commander Ennerling, picking up a satchel that he had brought with him.
With McCrea's help he adjusted a patent log that he had brought along
with him, casting the line over the rail into the water.

"Now, let me know how soon you are ready to have the record of your
speed begin,