“The gauge registers sixty feet below,” announced Jack.
In another moment, by the quick flooding of some of the compartments astern, the young skipper brought the boat to an even keel.
Having finished the prescribed distance under water, Captain Jack turned on the compressed air to expel the water from the compartments. The conning tower soon rose above the water, and a moment later the “Pollard” also emerged.
Other cadets were transferred from the gunboat to the submarines, and the instruction proceeded. The manœuvers for the day were ended with a half-hour run under water.
[pg 203] “By the way, sir, did you question Truax to see what you could learn about his reasons for acting as he did on the 'Farnum'?” asked Jack Benson the next day. Jack and Doctor McCrea were talking with Mr. Mayhew.
“I had him before me last night, and again this morning,” replied Mr. Mayhew. “He said he hadn't an idea what I meant, and that is all I could get out of him.”
Jack looked thoughtfully at Doctor McCrea for a moment before he exclaimed:
“Doctor, if I had anything like your chance, I'd have Sam Truax talking!”
“How?” Doctor McCrea looked interested.
“Why, I'd—” Jack hesitated, glancing toward the gunboat's commanding officer.