"Benson, I congratulate you on your nerve," spoke Lieutenant Danvers, as he turned, his eyes glowing, to the youthful submarine commander.
"I don't know as I deserve that good word," muttered Jack, slowly, shaking his head. "It was win or die with us."
"I realize that."
"And I took a big chance of blowing our engines out."
"I thought so, at the time."
"Then, Lieutenant, you must realize that I risked your life, as well as ours."
"I knew it," nodded Danvers, coolly.
Then he rested a hand half affectionately on young Benson's nearer shoulder.
"My boy, what is risking a life or two, when there's such a prize to win—such a naval lesson to be learned and taught? American naval history is full of the names of officers and men who have thrown away their lives in learning something new for the benefit of the service."
"I like that way of putting it," replied Captain Jack, though he spoke soberly. "I had a notion I was pretty wicked when I took such chances."