He admits that my letter has interested him. He'll come here,
soon, and he states that, if we can show him a good enough chance to
make money he will put in the needed capital, taking satisfactory
security, and yet leave the business under its present control. In
other words, he's likely to do just what we wanted George Melville to
do. Isn't that good enough news for one morning?"
"Yes, provided we can make as good a showing as he expects," replied the
inventor, cautiously.
"Oh, if we could only get a chance to make a trial trip for a United
States Naval board!" sighed Jack Benson, wistfully. "The Navy Department
has money now at its disposal for the purchase of submarines. If we
could get the Government to buy the 'Pollard,' that would show investors
what's what in money-making." Benson's face was all aglow with mingled
enthusiasm and wistfulness. He, and his mates, took as keen an interest
in the future of the "Pollard" as though they themselves owned that
doughty little craft.
"A trial trip for the Navy Department?" smiled Mr. Farnum, gravely.
"Well, I don't mind telling you that we may have that, too, before long."
"Is any date set?" breathed Captain Jack, quickly.
"Not yet, nor is the matter even fully decided. But the newspapers have
produced a big effect on the Navy Department. The makers of other types
of submarine boats are green with jealousy of us, just now.
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