ning the submarine was hauled up into an improvised drydock
and her hull plates examined. It was Lieutenant Danvers's first chance
to realize how superbly these Pollard boats were built and put together.
He examined the hull with unbounded enthusiasm. Then a gang of workmen
started in to replace the two injured plates.

For the next three days the "Benson" was used in target practice. Jacob
Farnum scurried up and down the coast, finding and buying suitable old
craft for targets.

All three of the submarine boys had ample practice in the firing of
torpedoes. After it was all over there were but four of the loaded
torpedoes left in the shed labeled "Danger."

"If you could only have a little more practice," grumbled Williamson,
good-humoredly, "this would soon be a safe town for a fellow to take a
quiet smoke in."

The "Hastings" was now in the water once more, as sound and staunch as
on the first day she was launched.

Then came a few days of idleness. Lieutenant Danvers left Dunhaven,
intending apparently to return soon. Ewald and Biffens, the two sailors,
were quartered at the hotel at government expense, and were likely to
enjoy themselves until orders came.

Eph went home for two or three days. Jack and Hal slept on board the
"Benson," while Williamson quartered himself aboard the "Hastings,"
which craft no longer carried any torpedoes.

One afternoon, as Jack Benson was strolling through the shipyard, Jacob
Farnum, in the doorway of the office building, called to the young
skipper.

"I suppose both boats are ready, Jack?" asked the shipbuilder.

"Quite, sir," nodded Benson.

He did not inquire for what they were expected to be ready. Jacob
Farnum was one who liked to plan by himself, and to announce a new move
only when he was ready for it.

"All right, lad," nodded Farnum. "Keep both boats ready for any instant
move that may be required of them. That's all."

Again young Benson nodded, then strolled on out of the yard. Up on the
Main street of the village he encountered his chum.

"There's something in the wind, Hal, for the boats," Jack announced.

"All right," nodded Hal. "We're ready when needed."

Nor did either one of them waste any time in wondering what the new move
was to be. When Jacob Farnum wanted them to know he would tell them and
not before.

The chums visited a moving picture show for an hour. Then, tiring of
that, they came out into the street. The first, man they