“Dave” was Mr. Pollard, the inventor of the Pollard Submarine boat.
“No, sir,” Captain Jack replied.
“We have thought,” resumed Mr. Farnum, quietly, after blowing out a ring of smoke, “of calling the third boat, now building, the 'Benson.'”
“The—the—what, sir?” stammered Jack, flushing and rising.
“Now, don't get excited, lad,” laughed the shipbuilder.
“But—but—naming a boat for the United States Navy after me, sir—”
Captain Jack's face flushed crimson.
[pg 010] “Of course, if you object—” smiled Mr. Farnum, then paused.
“Object? You know I don't, sir. But I am afraid the idea is going to my head,” laughed Jack, his face still flushed. “The very idea of there being in the United States Navy a fine and capable craft named after me—”
“Oh, if the Navy folks object,” laughed Farnum, “then they'll change the name quickly enough. You understand, lad, the names we give to our boats last only until the craft are sold. The Navy people can change those names if they please.”