"Grant Andrews! Who would have thought it of you!" exclaimed Hal.
"Sorry I did it, boys?" and the flush on Andrews' face subsided and a grin came to his lips. He was usually an easy-going man, but when aroused he could act.
"We-ll, no," admitted Jack, while Hal laughed. "But come on; let's get out of this crowd."
It was several days after this affair that Mr. Pollard, who was on the submarine, got a message from Mr. Partridge, the superintendent of the yard. The message read:
"Mr. Partridge begs Mr Pollard to come to the office at once."
"I'll go, Jack. But I'm weary and may need support. Come with me, will you?"
On entering the outer office the two found the bookkeeper and the stenographer.
"Mr. Partridge is in the inner office with two men, Mr. Pollard," said the stenographer. "If you need me, I shall be right here."
Mr. Partridge was sitting at Mr. Farnum's unopened desk when the man and the boy entered. Mr. Melville and a man Jack soon learned was a lawyer were sitting facing him. Mr. Partridge rose and gave his chair to Mr. Pollard.
"Mr. Melville insisted on seeing me, Mr. Pollard, and I thought best to send for you," said the superintendent.