d the extent of Mr. Farnum's promise.
He is a man who lives by the rules of justice. You are the only two
in the world who could have wrung from him such a promise as you have
secured."

With that Farnum and his young captain succeeded in taking their
leave--making their escape, as they felt, from a most trying
situation.

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

Within two hours John C. Rhinds had his head up once more.

He felt as though the battle had been already won. There was nothing
to fear from Farnum pushing the situation that had been created against
the owner of the "Thor," for Farnum had promised. It was strange that
John Rhinds, who had no regard for the moral value of his own given
word, felt certain that Jacob Farnum would not break a promise.

Rhinds even telephoned for the reporters, and, when they came, gave
out an interview in which he stated that Mr. Farnum was satisfied that
no blame over the torpedo incident could be attached to the owner of
the "Thor." Farnum, when questioned by the same reporters, declared
that he had nothing to say.

That night Rhinds was almost cheerful. He dined in the public dining
room of the hotel, with his wife and daughter, and both appeared to be
wholly proud of the man.

One thing, however, worried Rhinds a good deal. Congressman Simms did
not come near him again. Later in the evening Rhinds sought the
Congressman, though wholly in vain.

Rhinds breakfasted with his family, the next morning, in their rooms.
So he was still behind his private doors when a summons reached him to
go to the wharf and take the launch to the "Oakland."

"What can it mean, John?" demanded his wife.

"If they want you as a witness before the investigation, you'll be able
to clear yourself quickly." predicted Helen.

"I'll soon find out why I'm wanted," declared Rhinds, jauntily.

In fact, he was almost cheerful as he boarded the launch at the wharf.
Rhinds was at least self-possessed when he was shown into a cabin where
Captain Magowan was seated at a desk.

"Oh, good morning, Mr. Rhinds," was the greeting of the president of the
naval board, as he rose. "My business will take but a very few moments.
I have received definite orders from the Navy Department by wire this
morning. Here is a copy of the telegram."

Rhinds took the message, and read:

_"Inform John C. Rhinds that the Department will give no further
consideration, this year, to the purchase of any boats from th