you on the strength
of your general appearance and the impression you both made. At the
same time Pollard was careful to write to the references you gave in
your home town. This noon he received letters from your former school
teacher and your minister. Both speak in the nicest terms of you both,
as honorable, upright, hard-working young men."

"It's fine to know that one is remembered in that way," Jack replied,
his face, and Hal's, showing their pleasure.

"Now, to go on," continued Mr. Farnum, "as soon as the boat is in the
water there comes up the question of a crew for the 'Pollard.'
Some of our good hands, especially those with families, say very
frankly that their taste doesn't run to going down in diving boats,
on account of the possible chance that the Pollard might not be able
to get up to the surface again. But Pollard tells me that you've
applied for a chance to belong to the crew of the boat."

"That's our biggest wish, gentlemen!" cried Jack Benson, his eyes
glowing.

"Nothing else could give us half the delight," confirmed Hal Hastings.

"Then we're going to give you the chance," announced Mr. Farnum, while
David Pollard nodded. "But, of course, you're not blind to the fact
that, even on the most perfect submarine torpedo boat, there's some risk
to your lives."

"One isn't wholly safe, either," retorted Jack, coolly, "in crossing
a crowded city street."

"Then you're both alive to the danger, but not afraid to chance it?"

"We're ready for anything in the submarine boat line," declared Jack
and Hal, in the same breath.

"Then that's settled. You're both engaged to serve aboard the 'Pollard'
when she floats--and dives," wound up Mr. Farnum, dropping back into
his matter-of-fact tone, and mopping his face, for the July afternoon
was exceedingly hot. "By the way, boys, how do you feel about taking
a little pleasure trip to-night? How'd you like to take one of my
horses and a buggy, after supper?"

"Fine and splendid," replied Jack, with enthusiasm.

"And, by the way, since your references are so good, I can give you a
chance to try to make a little extra money, if you like."

"Extra money is highly prized in the town where we come from, sir,"
laughed young Benson.

"Well, see here, over at Waverly Center, eight miles from here, is a
man named George Forrester. Now, Forrester owes me, and has owed me,
for some time, eight hundred dollars for a little boat we built him
here. Forreste