"You three youngsters are likely to be at Annapolis for some time," went on Mr. Farnum. "In fact—but don't let your heads become too enlarged by the news, will you!"
Hal, quiet young Hal, neatly hid a yawn behind one hand, while Benson answered for both:
"We're already wearing the largest-sized caps manufactured, Mr. Farnum.
Don't tempt us too far, please!"
"Oh, you boys are safe from the ordinary perils of vanity, or your heads would have burst long ago. Well, then, when you arrive at Annapolis, you three are to act as civilian instructors to the middies. You three are to teach the midshipmen of the United States Navy the principles on which the Pollard type of boat is run. There; I've told you the whole news. What do you think of it!"
Mr. Farnum's cigar having burned low, he tossed it away, then leaned back as he lighted another weed.
"What do we think, sir?" echoed Captain Jack, eagerly. "Why, we think we're in sight of the very time of our lives! Annapolis! And to teach the middies how to run a 'Pollard' submarine."
"How soon are we likely to have to start, sir!" asked Hal Hastings, after a silence that lasted a few moments.
"Whenever the 'Hudson' shows up along this coast, and the officer in command of her gives the word. That may be any hour, now."
"Then we'd better find Eph," suggested Captain Jack, "and pass him the word. Won't Eph Somers dance a jig for delight, though!"
"Yes; we'd better look both boats over at once," replied Mr Farnum, picking up his hat "And we'll leave word for Grant Andrews and some of his machinists to inspect both craft with us. There may be a few things that will need to be done."