n extra torpedo."

The reporter nodded, then continued with a cool smile:

"Thank you, Mr. Rhinds, for answering so important a question on such a
vitally important point. It is very important to have the suspicion
disposed of that such a hiding place might exist."

"Very important," confirmed John Rhinds, leaning forward in his most
impressive manner. "And you have my authority for settling the point
for good and all."

"So that, of course, Mr. Rhinds," pursued the cool, smiling young
reporter, "you will be most glad when I suggest to you the importance
of allowing a commission composed of, say, an editor and two reporters
from the 'Gazette' to go aboard the 'Thor,' search for such a hiding
place, and then be prepared to inform the world that no such hiding
place exists on the 'Thor.'"

That proposition came like a torpedo itself; it struck, too, below the
water-line of John Rhinds's hard-won composure.

"Why do you--?" he stammered. Then the wretch forced himself to be
cool again.

"No, my young friend, I am sorry to say that that would not be
practicable. You see, a submarine craft is full of secrets. Outside of
our own crew none but officers of the Navy can be permitted to go below
the platform deck of any of my boats."

"Oh, well, then," nodded the reporter, "the 'Gazette' can clamor for a
naval board to be appointed to make the search, and at once. That will
serve the purpose as well, Mr. Rhinds--and it will answer the most
burning question that the public will want to ask."

Then came the other reporters. Rhinds saw them all, wore before them
all the mask of wounded innocence, showed them all how easily they might
allay all public suspicions.

Then, when the last reporter had departed, John Rhinds, feeling too weak
to stand, sank down upon a sofa, covering his face with his hands.
Thus, for some time he lay, hardly giving signs of life. His fright
was great, indeed.

In striking this blow young Captain Jack Benson had struck far harder
than he had even dreamed.

When Rhinds began to realize things once more he missed Fred
Radwin--Radwin, the seeming fugitive, who had run away from his foul
leader at the first sound of a police voice.

Still, it was possible that Radwin was not far away. Possible, also,
that in this fact lay time greatest danger that had ever menaced Jack
Benson.

CHAPTER XXI

JACK MEETS A HUMAN FACT, FACE TO FACE

There was no thought of dinner for John Rhin