essed and groomed to look just what he wanted to appear
to be, the born young aristocrat.

"Punctuality is one of the cardinal virtues with me, you know," continued
Mr. Melville, impatiently, as he again glanced at his watch. "I had
hoped to be able to see your submarine boat, the 'Pollard,' this
afternoon."

"And I certainly hope you will be able to," replied Jacob Farnum,
cordially. This builder, a young man in his thirties, allowed a shade
of uneasiness to flit across his face.

"However, when Don is in command of the boat," continued Mr. Melville,
"things will doubtless be run on a better system. That is, if we
should decide to invest the money and place Don on board as captain."

"Your son?" inquired Jacob Farnum, with a quick note of astonishment in
his voice.

"Certainly," continued Mr. Melville, in the easy voice of one who is sure
of his ground. "If my friends and myself decide to invest the required
several hundred thousand dollars in your business, the first step of the
reorganization on a broader basis will be the placing of my son in
command of your boat."

"Hm!" murmured Jacob Farnum.

"Don is wholly fitted for learning the work that I have cut out for him,"
pursued Mr. Melville. "He has frequently taken command of my steam
yacht, the '_Greyhound_,' and my sailing master, Captain Carson, assures
me that Don is not only a splendid sailor, but born to command. So,
after a little time spent in mastering details, Don will make the ideal
captain for the 'Pollard'."

"I have a very capable young man in charge now," said Mr. Farnum.
"Captain Jack Benson has already done a few things with the boat that
have astonished Naval officers."

"How old is this fellow Benson?" inquired Mr. Melville.

"Sixteen."

"Only sixteen?" queried Mr. Melville, in a voice of amazement. "Bah!
He is entirely too young to be entrusted with the hopes of such a great
boat-building company as I hope to help you organize. Don, too, is
quite young, but he has a great deal of capacity and has had a valuable
lot of experience. As to a boy of sixteen--however, your youth,
Benson, may no doubt be retained aboard as a member of the crew, if
Don likes him. And now, sir, it's two minutes of two."

With another impatient frown Mr. Melville held his watch out before Mr.
Farnum's eyes. That younger man hardly saw the dial. He was looking
past, out beyond the mouth of the little cove or harbor. As he did so,
Mr. Farnum behel