The night watchman came forward out of a shadow.
"Boss wants to see you young gentlemen," announced the watchman.
So Jack and Hal turned in there. As they entered the office a scene of "solid comfort" met their eyes. Shipbuilder and naval officer were lounging in easy chairs, smoking Havanas until the air was thick and white with the smoke.
"Sailing orders, Jack," announced Farnum.
"All right, sir," nodded the young skipper, looking at his watch. "I can pull out inside of twelve minutes."
"But you don't have to," laughed Farnum. "You have until morning.
Where do you suppose you're going?"
"I don't know, sir."
"Curious, Jack?"
"I don't care where we're going," Benson smiled back. "When it's a matter of business all parts of the earth look alike to me."
Lieutenant Danvers laughed heartily.