“It’s fine to know that one is remembered in that way,” Jack replied, his face, and Hal’s, showing their pleasure.

“Now, to go on,” continued Mr. Farnum, “as soon as the boat is in the water there comes up the question of a crew for the ‘Pollard.’  Some of our good hands, especially those with families, say very frankly that their taste doesn’t run to going down in diving boats, on account of the possible chance that the Pollard might not be able to get up to the surface again.  But Pollard tells me that you’ve applied for a chance to belong to the crew of the boat.”

“That’s our biggest wish, gentlemen!” cried Jack Benson, his eyes glowing.

“Nothing else could give us half the delight,” confirmed Hal Hastings.

“Then we’re going to give you the chance,” announced Mr. Farnum, while David Pollard nodded.  “But, of course, you’re not blind to the fact that, even on the most perfect submarine torpedo boat, there’s some risk to your lives.”

“One isn’t wholly safe, either,” retorted Jack, coolly, “in crossing a crowded city street.”

“Then you’re both alive to the danger, but not afraid to chance it?”

“We’re ready for anything in the submarine boat line,” declared Jack and Hal, in the same breath.

“Then that’s settled.  You’re both engaged to serve aboard the ‘Pollard’ when she floats—­and dives,” wound up Mr. Farnum, dropping back into his matter-of-fact tone, and mopping his face, for the July afternoon was exceedingly hot.  “By the way, boys, how do you feel about taking a little pleasure trip to-night?  How’d you like to take one of my horses and a buggy, after supper?”

“Fine and splendid,” replied Jack, with enthusiasm.

“And, by the way, since your references are so good, I can give you a chance to try to make a little extra money, if you like.”

“Extra money is highly prized in the town where we come from, sir,” laughed young Benson.

“Well, see here, over at Waverly Center, eight miles from here, is a man named George Forrester.  Now, Forrester owes me, and has owed me, for some time, eight hundred dollars for a little boat we built him here.  Forrester was always considered a safe man, but for some reason he has let this bill run.  If you care to, you may take the bill and drive over to see him to-night.  I’ll pay you a commission of five per cent. on the whole bill, or any part that you can collect.  But I warn you that you may find Forrester a bit shy about settling.”

No matter!  A chance to get in forty dollars in an evening looked extremely attractive to these young submarine boys.

CHAPTER VI

ALONG THE TRAIL OF TROUBLE

“I wonder if we shall find our man at home?” remarked Jack Benson, as he and his chum drove over the road to Waverly Center in the early evening.

“I wonder if he’ll settle the bill!” rejoined Hal.