"What was the row about?" asked a stranger among those who had pressed about the boys.
"Nothing," returned Eph Somers, shortly, glaring at his questioner.
At a mute signal from Hal all three of the submarine boys seated themselves once more.
By degrees the little crowd melted away.
Then Jack Benson turned to his chum, to ask, in a low voice:
"What did you mean, Hal, old fellow? I know you had some good reason for checking me as you did."
"I was afraid you would hit Radwin," Hal murmured.
"A case of nothing struck, if I had!" uttered Captain Jack, bitterly.
"Oh, yes! You would have struck at our chances of winning out in these submarine tests," murmured Hal Hastings.
"What do you mean?" demanded Jack, looking startled.