"Yes; you might give us a run at full speed under water, at the lowest depth that you deem it wise to try to run the craft," answered the president of the board.
"Very good," nodded the builder. Hal took this as the signal to leap back into the motor room.
"How far below the surface would you dare run the 'Pollard,' Captain
Benson?" inquired Commander Ennerling.
"At the greatest depth we can go, the present depth," quietly answered
Jack, without bravado.
The president of the board glanced at the builder of the submarine.
"Does that appeal to you, Mr. Farnum?"
"I'll let Captain Benson have his own way, unless the members of the board have other instructions," replied Jacob Farnum, promptly.
"Well, Captain Benson, if you deem it wise to work your propellers at their best at the present level, go ahead and try it," laughed the president of the board.
"Half speed ahead, Hal," called the young submarine captain. "Full speed as soon as you get well started. Eph, swing around and go due west."
"Aye, aye, sir," came the response, from both members of the crew.