Gracefully, and with, the precision of a trained living being, the
submarine craft curved upward until Lieutenant McCrea shouted down:
"We're awash, sir"
Benson drove the water from the tanks aft, and the boat rode the waves.
"Now, let us see you run a little lower than awash, with just enough of
the conning tower in the air for the helmsman to see where he is
steering," proposed the president of the board.
Jack went above to relieve Eph at the wheel, while Commander Ennerling
stationed himself beside the boy.
"You may use your searchlight, of course," proposed the commander, "and
proceed just as though you were trying to pick up a battleship of the
enemy without much exposing yourself."
As the broad, bright beam of the searchlight shone out over the waters
ahead, Captain Benson called down for the best speed.
Commander Ennerling watched the boat's performance, and the work of the
young captain for some minutes before he said:
"Benson, I'll admit that the more I see of this craft the more anxious
I am to see her under our Navy flag."
"I'm glad to hear you say that, sir," cried Jack, his face glowing.
"Yet I'm a bit puzzled, after all."
"How so, sir?"
"Why, the more I think about it, the more I wonder just how much of my
delight and interest are due to the boat itself, and how much to the
splendidly expert way in which you young men handle her.
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