ask
the people there if _they_ have any explanation to offer."

When the "Luzon's" launch came alongside, Mr. Farnum, expecting the
visit, assured the ensign in charge that he would go to the battle ship
at once to explain matters. Mr. Farnum did go. Captain Bigelow
listened with an intensely grave face. Lieutenant McCrea seemed to be
in the depths of mortification, and his face was very red.

"There is but one thing to be done, now, Mr. Farnum," declared Captain
Bigelow, severely. "We shall have to appear before Admiral Bentley, on
his flagship, as soon as he will receive us. You must repeat your
explanation to him."

This Mr. Farnum was quite willing to do. Before the boatbuilder finished
with his explanation to the fleet's commander there was a very decided
twinkle in Admiral Bentley's sharp old eyes.

"I accept your explanation, Mr. Farnum, that it was all a joke," smiled
the admiral.

"Of course," Jacob Farnum made haste to add, "having perpetrated such
a hoax, I shall charge myself with all the expense of painting out the
objectionable lettering."

"But I am not sure that that will be necessary," Admiral Bentley laughed.
"The truth is, Mr. Farnum, your hoax on Mr. McCrea has taught us a most
excellent and valuable lesson about the sort of other work that a
submarine might do against a battleship at anchor. The lesson is worth
far more than the cost of the paint. Indeed, I shall not have the
lettering on the 'Luzon's' side painted out until other officers of
the fleet have been able to examine such a striking proof of the value
of submarines. Yet I am extremely sorry for the feelings of Mr. McCrea
this morning."

In truth, Lieutenant McCrea was in for a most unmerciful tormenting by
his brother officers. If there was one thing on which the lieutenant
prided himself, it was upon the strictness of his deck watch. So the
jest, jibes and quips of his brother officers stung him deeply.

"Was the hoax your idea, Mr. Farnum?" asked Admiral Bentley.

"No, sir; I am sorry to say that I am not often as brilliant as that."

"Then whose joke was it?"

"It was the scheme of Captain Jack Benson, the 'Pollard's' present
commander."

"I have heard of your boyish captain," smiled Admiral Bentley. "He
must be a very resourceful young man."

"You're right in saying that," replied Farnum, with warmth. "Benson
is altogether about the brightest boy I've ever met. For that matter,
all three of the boys are