After the meal the inventor made a record of what he needed and the boys started off.
"In case the machine shop does not have everything and you have to wait for something, you had better stay in the town all night," the captain of the Porpoise said. "It is quite a long trip and I don't want you traveling after dark. Put up at the hotel if you are delayed."
Provided with money for their purchase, and a large valise in which to carry them, the boys started off. They had to walk two miles to where a trolley line was built that ran to the town of Easton, where they were to get the tools and parts of machinery.
They made the trip safely and without incident. When they gave the machinist, to whom they had been directed by Mr. Henderson, the list of the things needed, the man looked puzzled.
"I'll have to make one piece," he said. "You'll have to wait for it. Can't promise it before to-morrow morning about eight o'clock."
"That will be all right," remarked Mark. "We'll call for it then."
So, bearing in mind Mr. Henderson's instructions, the boys engaged a room at the hotel, which was quite a large one, for Easton was a favorite summer resort and the town was filled with visitors. The lads strolled about the town, had their dinner, and then went for a bath in the surf. They retired early, for they were tired.
In the middle of the night Mark began to dream that he was on board the Porpoise and that the submarine blew up. There was a loud noise, he saw a bright flash of flame, and saw rolling clouds of smoke. So vivid was the vision that he thought he tried to leap out of the boat, and awoke with a jump, to find Jack shaking him.
"What's the matter?" inquired Mark.
"The hotel's on fire!" shouted Jack.