"We're going to be as square with Jacob Farnum as he has always been with
us. That carries with it the idea of a big lot of loyalty."
"Right!" agreed Hal.
"Of course," nodded Eph, less angrily. "Just as long as Farnum runs the
business. But, if other folks get in here and get the control--"
"Of course, we can drop out of this business at any time we want to,
provided it wouldn't carry with it disloyalty to the employer who's been
mighty good to us," supplied Jack Benson.
"Mr. Farnum sent the boat out, to see if you young men want to go
ashore," announced a voice from above.
Within two minutes the three submarine boys were making for the shore.
After reporting at the office of the yard, and finding that Mr. Farnum
would not want them again that afternoon, the young cronies sauntered
off up into the village. At Jack's suggestion they talked no more about
the Melvilles for the present. Yet each felt as though a lump of lead
lay against his heart.
Though they tried to enjoy themselves in the village, there was too
great a weight of dread upon them. It began to look as though all the
pleasure of their recent life must fade. Though Don Melville, if he
secured command of the "Pollard," might tolerate them aboard, all three
knew that they would feel the burden of his cool contempt for them as
inferiors. Listlessly, at last, the three submarine boys turned back
toward the yard, went aboard, cooked a supper for which they had no
appetite, and then waited for turning-in time.
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