“Grant Andrews!  Who would have thought it of you!” exclaimed Hal.

“Sorry I did it, boys?” and the flush on Andrews’ face subsided and a grin came to his lips.  He was usually an easy-going man, but when aroused he could act.

“We-ll, no,” admitted Jack, while Hal laughed.  “But come on; let’s get out of this crowd.”

It was several days after this affair that Mr. Pollard, who was on the submarine, got a message from Mr. Partridge, the superintendent of the yard.  The message read: 

“Mr. Partridge begs Mr Pollard to come to the office at once.”

“I’ll go, Jack.  But I’m weary and may need support.  Come with me, will you?”

On entering the outer office the two found the bookkeeper and the stenographer.

“Mr. Partridge is in the inner office with two men, Mr. Pollard,” said the stenographer.  “If you need me, I shall be right here.”

Mr. Partridge was sitting at Mr. Farnum’s unopened desk when the man and the boy entered.  Mr. Melville and a man Jack soon learned was a lawyer were sitting facing him.  Mr. Partridge rose and gave his chair to Mr. Pollard.

“Mr. Melville insisted on seeing me, Mr. Pollard, and I thought best to send for you,” said the superintendent.

Without greeting the financier snapped out: 

“Where is Farnum, Pollard?”

“Why do you wish to know?”

“I have a claim against him on an overdue bill.”

“I didn’t know that Mr. Farnum had any dealings with you,” was the quiet reply.

“I bought this bill of Riley and Grannan for electrical supplies only recently.  It is for a trifle over ten thousand dollars.”

“Surely you believe Mr. Farnum is good for that amount?” queried the inventor softly.

“I’m sorry to say that I do not.”

“Then why on earth did you buy the bill?”

The capitalist flushed, but said frankly: 

“I expect before the day is over to be the owner of other claims against this business.”

“In order to wreck us and take the business?”

“Wreck you?  Yes.  That is good business.  But, Mr. Pollard, we will make it well worth your while to stay with the new owners.”  He was well aware that the inventor might be on the verge of new inventions that would outdate the “Pollard,” and he wanted to keep anything new for himself.

“Nothing would induce me to stay on if Mr. Farnum were forced out, Mr. Melville.”

“What’s that?  Forced out?”

The voice came from the doorway, the door having been noiselessly opened, and Jacob Farnum stood at the entrance.

Melville and the lawyer turned in their seats and the others sprang to their feet.

“Oh, it’s you, is it, Melville?  What can I do for you?” asked the boatbuilder.

“You can settle for this claim, Farnum,” and the capitalist held out the paper.