Jacob Farnum sprang to his feet, a great light of suspicion shining in his eyes.

“I have had that box taken from the paymaster’s safe and forced open,” continued Admiral Bentley with a smile.  “It is a right that we exercise over any package at need.  It was opened in the presence of three officers of this fleet, and it was found to contain, probably, close to a half million dollars in bills of large denominations.  The paymaster will be able to give you more exact figures.  He has the money in his safe again.  It will be transferred to the custody of civil authorities ashore until the courts have issued an order for its further disposition.”

“It’s Miss Desmond’s money,” cried Farnum.  “Only a little while to wait, and then that splendid young woman will come into her own.”

Tears glistened in the boatbuilder’s eyes.

“If you think I am unusually affected over this matter,” explained Mr. Farnum, presently, “let me, with your permission, sir, tell you of the fine, brave conduct of the girl in saving Captain Benson and the submarine boat.”

Admiral Bentley was greatly interested in the recital that followed.

In due time the flagship’s shore boat carried the three to land again.  With fingers that shook Jacob Farnum penned a most exultant telegram to Grace Desmond.

That sent, they engaged a boatman to put them aboard the “Pollard.”  It was now the turn of Hal Hastings and Eph Somers to share in the excitement and the joy.

In the days that followed the “Pollard” did not take any official part in the naval manoeuvres, though whenever there was time for officers to get leave from their ships Captain Jack and his friends were busy enough showing all the workings of the fine boat to their visitors.

Admiral Bentley and his naval staff spent one entire forenoon aboard the natty little submarine.  They were delighted with all that they were shown.

“Mr. Pollard,” exclaimed the admiral, just before leaving, “it is my unofficial opinion, from what I have seen to-day, and from what you have already shown at this rendezvous, that your boat is miles and miles ahead of any other type of submarine torpedo boat yet constructed.  I shall undoubtedly also make that the text of the official opinion that I shall furnish to the Navy Department.  I must also tell you, what you already know, that, in your captain and crew of youngsters, you have the best possible material for showing your boat off to the best possible advantage.”

It was with light hearts indeed that the crew and passengers of the “Pollard” turned her nose toward the home port.  Grant Andrews had already been instructed, by wire, to begin the preliminary work for laying the keel of a sister submarine torpedo boat.

If Dunhaven had turned out well for the launching, she did herself more than proud in the wildly cheering crowd that lined the shores on the return of that adventurous little boat, which was no longer known as “Pollard’s Folly,” but as “Pollard’s Marvel.”