CHAPTER XIV

THE “POLLARD” GOES LAME

“The submarine boats when out in the Bay will keep abreast of the ‘Hudson,’ two hundred yards off on either beam.  The speed will be fourteen knots when the signal is given for full speed.  The general course, after leaving the mouth of the Bay will be East.”

Such were the instructions called from the rail of the gunboat, through a megaphone, Monday forenoon.

On each of the submarine craft were sixteen cadet midshipmen, out for actual practice in handling a submarine in diving, and in running under water.  On board the gunboat were eighty more cadets.  Thus a large class of the young men were to receive instruction during the cruise, for the detachments aboard the submarines could be changed at the pleasure of Lieutenant Commander Mayhew, who was in charge of the cruise.

Captain Jack, his own hands on the conning tower wheel, ran the “Farnum” out into the river, first of all.  Then the “Pollard,” under command of a naval officer, followed.  Both backed water, then waited for the “Hudson” to come out, for the gunboat was to lead the way until the Bay was reached.  Then the formation ordered would be followed.

Though it was nearing the first of November, the day, near land, was ideally soft and balmy.  As many of the midshipmen as could sought the platform deck of the “Farnum.”  Those, however, who belonged to the engineer division were obliged to spend the greater part of their time below.

By the time that the three craft were in the ordered formation, abreast, and well started down Chesapeake Bay, the parent vessel signaled that the designated cadets were to take charge of the handling of the submarine boats.

Jack Benson cheerfully relinquished the wheel to Cadet Midshipman Merriam, and stepped out on to the platform deck.  At need, as in case of accident or misunderstanding of signals or orders, Benson was still in command.  While all ran smoothly, however, Mr. Merriam enjoyed command.

Hal, being likewise relieved in the engine room, came also out on deck.

“Where’s Eph?” inquired the young commander of the “Farnum.”

“In the engine room,” smiled Hal.  “He said I could leave, if I wanted, but that he’d be hanged if he’d let Truax out of his sight while I was away.”

“Eph seems to have Truax on the brain,” laughed Jack.

“Well, Truax is a queer and surly one,” Hal admitted.  “This morning he gives one the impression of peeking over his shoulder all the time to see whether he’s being watched.”

“So Eph means to humor him by watching him, eh?” asked Jack.

Hal laughed quietly.

Some of the cadets who were familiar with the landmarks of Chesapeake Bay pointed out many of the localities and sights to the two submarine boys.

At last, however, Eph was obliged to call for Hal.