"Well, Mr. Benson," broke in Captain Magowan, dumfounded.
"So it would seem," murmured the captain's two puzzled associates on the board.
"What the deuce can it mean?" was what Lieutenant Danvers said, but he was discreet enough to say it under his breath.
"Come, young Benson," challenged John Rhinds, "even you must admit that the 'Thor' shows a clean bill of moral health!"
"I'll admit that two and two make five, and that the moon is made of sage cheese," retorted Captain Jack. "I'll admit that the north pole is steam-heated. But—"
"Well, Mr. Benson," broke in Captain Magowan, crisply. "Why do you hesitate?"
"I believe, Captain," Jack went on, "that there are several questions that can yet be asked."
"Ask them, then, Mr. Benson," directed the president of the naval board.
"Yes, sir. Yet I would prefer that the questions be asked on deck, in the presence of the entire crew, and also of the naval officer who had been stationed on this craft during the cruise."
Ensign Pike was the officer of the Navy who had been on board the "Thor."
Pike had remained up on the platform deck during this scene.