"That is one of the secret features of this boat," laughed Mr. Farnum.
"Now, gentlemen, if you will kindly come below again, we're going to
sink."
Hardly had the submarine touched bottom before Mr. Farnum again conducted
his guests back to the state-room. When Captain Jack summoned them
forth, they returned to find Hal Hastings, laughing in a way that showed
his white teeth, standing there in his dripping garments.
"From what you have seen, gentlemen," said the builder, seriously, "I am
sure you will understand that we have mastered a new feature, of great
value in submarine boating." The three Navy officers struggled to
conceal their wonder.
"Make for the surface, Captain Benson," directed the owner.
When the passengers aboard the submarine stood once more on the platform
deck, the yard's owner signaled for the shore boat to lay alongside.
Into this small boat he took his guests. The boat was rowed away two or
three lengths, immediately after which the "Pollard" again sank.
Two or three minutes passed. Then Captain Jack's head shot above the
surface. He made for the boat, hanging onto the gunwale.
"It would be bad judgment to call you young fellows mermaids," said
Commander Ennerling, dryly, "but you are surely _merboys_."
A moment later Hal Hastings's head came above the surface.
"Mr. Pollard and young Somers could as easily leave the boat and join
us," explained Mr.
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