"Everything is all safe, Captain," nodded Mr. Farnum. "Run back and get your naval party."
As they were to run, now, on the surface, Jack stepped out to stand by the deck wheel Eph and Hal came out with him, David Pollard standing further aft.
As the submarine rounded in under the gunboat's stern the voice of
Kimball called:
"As well done as ever, Mr. Benson! When shall we come on board?"
"As soon as we're moored, sir," Jack shouted
As the "Benson" ran to her moorings the youthful captain espied a shore boat that bore, as sole passenger, one of the uniformed, colored bell boys from the hotel.
When Eph made the mooring cable fast, this shore boat ranged alongside.
"Box for Captain Benson, sah," called the negro.
"Right here," acknowledged Jack, going over to the rail. The box proved to be of pasteboard.
"Are you going to open it?" whispered Farnum.