[pg 102] “Why, it is very plain that Mr. Mayhew thinks I ought to employ my time writing improbable fiction.”
“Oh, Mayhew be bothered!” exploded Eph.
“Hardly,” retorted Jack. “Mr. Mayhew is an officer and a gentleman. I admit that my yarn does sound fishy to a stranger. Besides, fellows, Mr. Mayhew represents the naval officers through whose good opinion our employers hope to sell a big fleet of submarine torpedo boats to the United States Government.”
“Then what are you going to do about it?” asked Hal, as the three boys reached the cabin below.
“First of all, I'm going to rummage about and get myself some breakfast.”
“If you do, there'll be a fight,” growled Eph Somers. “I'll hash up a breakfast for you.”
“And, afterwards?” persisted Hal.
“I'm going to try to win Mr. Mayhew's good opinion, and that of every other naval officer or cadet I may happen to meet.”
“Why the cadets, particularly?” asked Eph Somers.
“Because, for one business reason, the cadets are going to be the naval officers of to-morrow, and the Pollard Submarine Boat Company hopes to be building craft for the Navy for a good many years to come.”