David Pollard had risen, in some agitation, and had walked to the further end of the private office.

“Pardon me a moment,” begged Farnum, then followed his friend.  The two conversed in low tones.

“You may leave the room, boys,” announced Mr. Melville, turning to eye Jack Benson.

Not one of the three stirred.

“Did you hear me?” insisted the capitalist, sharply.

“Yes, sir,” answered Jack, quietly.

“Then why don’t you go?”

“Mr. Farnum sent for us, and we are waiting to learn whether he is through with us for the present.”

“You may take my word for it,” snapped Mr. Melville.  “Go!”

The submarine boys paid no heed to him.

“The impudent young beggars,” sneered Don Melville.  “Low-born, and no manners!”

Jack Benson turned, fixing his gaze upon Don’s face Jack’s look was full of contempt, though he spoke no word.

“Don’t try any impudent airs on me,” warned Don, flushing, then paling, as his fists doubled.

“Mr. Melville,” broke in Jacob Farnum, returning, while David Pollard remained where he was, looking out of the window, “I think we can cut this scene very short.  In the first place, in joining us, you demand that we treat with utter injustice bright young employees who have been extraordinarily faithful and devoted.”

“You will soon come to see the need of that,” replied the capitalist, with a light wave of his hand.

“We do not see it,” replied Farnum.  “Nor do we intend to.  Further, we are disturbed by what you have made only too plain, that you intend to get complete control of this business, and make Pollard and myself merely subordinates in the affairs here.”

“Not as bad as that,” protested the capitalist, with a smile.  “Of course, in view of the very large amount of money we are offering, we must have some voice in the management of—­”

“Not this business!” interjected the boatbuilder, with emphasis.

“But, man, you must have the money!”

“We’ll do without it, or get it somewhere else,” went on the boatbuilder, patiently.  “We thank you, Mr. Melville, and those associated with you, but Mr. Pollard and I have decided to go no further in the present negotiations.”

“What’s that?” demanded George Melville, springing to his feet.  “You don’t want our money?”

“We won’t take it—­not at the price you set on it,” responded Farnum, bluntly.

For the first time the capitalist appeared decidedly uneasy.

“You don’t mean this, Farnum,” he answered.  “You’re excited; perhaps alarmed over something that I have said, or which you thought I intimated.”

“I mean just what I have said, take my word for it, sir,” retorted the boatbuilder.  “We do not intend to look to you for any money that we need.  That is final, and, therefore, that is all.”

“All this change of front because of these wretched boys?” demanded George Melville, incredulously.