It was a happy day for both inventor and builder.  The press of the country had been talking for some days of the new era that had dawned in submarine boat building.

Grace Desmond was among the first to welcome the returning voyagers.  She had promptly answered Farnum’s telegram, and that boatbuilder had subsequently received from her two letters that he did not take the trouble to read fully to his companions.

As if to celebrate the return of the splendid boat, Dunhaven, in the persons of two of her constables, captured Josh Owen that same night when he tried to return by stealth to his home.

Yet the constables did not get their man handcuffed before that same elfin ten-year-old son of Owen’s had tried desperately to fight the officers into letting his father go.

Arthur Miller was placed on trial, and pleaded guilty, and Grace Desmond’s claim was established to the money found in the iron box aboard the flagship.  She tried hard to make Jack and Hal and Eph accept a handsome reward, but all three boys steadfastly refused her offer.  Jacob Farnum, in his own quiet way, was a bit more successful, however, and started for each of them a very substantial little bank account.

One day, shortly after the return of the submarine boys to Dunhaven, while the hammers of the riveters were ringing out merrily on the hull of the second Pollard boat, Jacob Farnum sent for Captain Jack Benson and his friends.

“I want to talk business with you,” said the builder, motioning to chairs.  “You’ve been working for me for a sort of pay, but now I want to make a definite and regular arrangement with you.  I’m willing to provide your keep aboard the boat, and furnish your uniforms.  In addition, I am willing to pay Captain Benson a hundred and fifty dollars a month, and Hastings and Somers each a hundred.”

That offer brought the three boys to their feet.  “It’s—­it’s too much!” Jack managed to gasp.

“First time I ever had an employe tell me he was being paid too much,” laughed the builder.  “Now, see here, young men, Pollard and I are going to make fortunes out of building these boats—­huge fortunes, we believe—­and we want to attract loyal young men to us by paying them at least fair wages.  Think it over, and you’ll soon agree you’re not being paid too much.”

What could the young men do but accept the wonderful good fortune that was offered them?  Then Farnum, laughing, rose and opened a nearby door.  There stood Grace Desmond smiling.

“Captain,” announced the builder, as he took one of the girl’s hands in his own, “I shall want you to decorate the ‘Pollard’ handsomely next Thursday.  On that day Miss Desmond will become Mrs. Farnum.  Captain and crew of the ‘Pollard,’ we shall look for you to be at the wedding, and wearing new uniforms that have already been especially ordered for the occasion.”

What could the young men do but congratulate the happy couple?  And they did it most heartily.