In the midst of the clatter another gang of workmen, at a silent signal, began to push against the hull on either side.

Hats off, the men among the guests began to cheer, the women to wave handkerchiefs.

Farnum was the coolest of all, now.  As the “Pollard” might sink to the bottom of the harbor, no woman was aboard to do the christening.  Instead, the yard owner clutched the bottle, ready to smash it over the forward rail of the platform deck.

A creak, a yell, and the “Pollard” started.  How the cheering redoubled and made the shed’s rafters shake.  Lieutenant Jackson, of the Navy, tried to look unconcerned, but he couldn’t, wholly.  A launching of any kind of important craft is a mighty exciting thing.

Jack’s hands took firm clutch on the steering wheel.  He was throbbing from head to foot.

Another creak!  The “Pollard” began to move in good earnest.  All on the platform deck felt the exhilarating thrill of motion.

Down came the baton, the band crashed out, its music almost drowned by the frantic cheers of the beholders.  Down off the ways shot the submarine torpedo boat.  Oh, the glory of it!

There was a gigantic splash.  Everyone on the platform deck was, drenched, yet holding on and happy.  For many rods out over the waters, Jack steering straight and true, the boat dashed, then slowly stopped.  The “Pollard” was launched—­for what adventures, what fate?

CHAPTER X

UNDER WATER, WHERE MEN’S NERVES ARE TRIED

After that first stop, after that first feeling of exhilaration was over, the anxious thought of all on the platform deck was: 

“Is there any fault in her construction?  Is she going to sink?”

Not that any of these six human beings would have been in much danger, for all were where they could free themselves and swim.

It was the defeat of months of hopes that would have been terrible.

A few moments of tension, then David Pollard’s gaze lighted on Eph Somers, unconcernedly smiling.

“Hullo!” muttered the inventor.  “How do you happen on board?”

“Me?” grinned Eph.  “Why, you see, I’m the mascot.”

But Jack Benson, fearful that, under the strain, something unpleasant might be said to his newly-found friend, asked, quietly: 

“Going to drop the anchor?”

Grant Andrews, Hal and Eph quickly attended to this.

The flag at the short pole had become wrapped around its short staff.  Jacob Farnum noted this just in time and hastily shook it out, for the band had suddenly begun to play “The Star Spangled Banner,” and on shore the crowd was hushed, hats off and at attention.  On board the submarine hats were quickly doffed, all turning with reverent gaze toward the Flag!

For a long time the crowd on shore remained, staring with fascinated gaze at the craft from which wonders were expected.  Presently a small boat put off from shore.  Mr. Farnum and Mr. Pollard were taken off and went ashore to talk over matters with Lieutenant Jackson.