The naval officer was wise enough not to press the questioning further just then. Instead, he went on deck.
Working like beavers, and with the assistance of others standing about, Jack and Hal had the piston replaced and all the other parts in place within fifteen minutes. Then, once more, Hal turned on the gasoline, set the ignition, and watched.
The engine ran as smoothly as ever.
“There won't be any more trouble, unless someone is turned loose here with files and a blast lamp,” pronounced Hal. Then he and [pg 152] his chum sought the deck, to report to the officer in charge.
“You think we're in running order, now?” asked that officer.
“If you give the speed-ahead signal, sir, I think you'll feel as though you had a live engine under your deck,” Hal assured him.
The signal was given, the “Pollard” immediately responding. She cut a wide circle, at good speed, returning to her former position, where the propellers were stopped.
“You suspect your own machinist, who was aboard?” asked the naval officer, in a low tone, of the submarine boys.
“If you'll pardon our not answering directly, sir,” Captain Jack replied, “we want to have more than suspicions before we make a very energetic report on this strange accident. But we shall not be asleep, sir, in the matter of finding out. Then we shall make a full report to Mr. Mayhew.”
“Success to you—and vigilance!” muttered the naval officer.