“Well, gentlemen,” he said, at last, rising and speaking with great deliberation, “I believe you to be gentlemen, which means that you are young men of honor, if it means anything at all.  Your story is so strange that—­pardon me—­it is difficult to credit.  Yet I have no evidence that it is not true.  I am sorry we have not in custody the two men who sailed that sloop last night—­”

“Pardon me, sir,” broke in Eph, “but I have an idea to spring.”

“Well, Mr. Somers?”

“It is a mighty likely thing that, if you question that fellow, Truax, that you have on board, you may be able to learn something from him.  For I tell you, sir, there’s some plot on hand to discredit the Pollard submarine boats with the United States Government.  There’s a scheme, too, to ruin Jack Benson—­but that’s only a part of the bigger plot to discredit our company’s boats with the Navy, sir.”

An expression of wonder crept into Mr. Mayhew’s face.  Then he looked thoughtful.

“I’ll see if I can hit upon a tactful way of questioning Truax,” replied the naval officer, after a while.  “And now, Mr. Benson, since you and Mr. Hastings are not in the least fit to instruct any of the cadets to-day, I’ll send out sections on board the ‘Pollard’ only, under command of my executive officer, Lieutenant Halpin.  To-morrow you should be in shape to resume your duties.  Yet, if I permit this, I must make one condition.”

“It will be hardly necessary, sir, to make any conditions with us,” Jack replied, with spirit.  “Your instructions will be sufficient.  We are wholly at your orders, sir.  What are your commands?”

“As long as you remain on this present tour of duty, Mr. Benson, and you, also, Mr. Hastings, you are requested not to leave the ‘Farnum,’ except with my knowledge and consent.  Will that be satisfactory to you?”

“It will, sir,” Captain Jack Benson replied, saluting.

“Very good, then.  And now, young gentlemen, I will wish you good morning.  Remain at anchor, to-day, and on board.”

As soon as Mr. Mayhew and his clanking sword had gone up the stairway, and then over the side into a cutter, Eph Somers struck an attitude.

“O wise judge!  O just judge!” exclaimed the red-haired one, dramatically.

“Now, what’s getting possession of your cranium?” smiled Hal Hastings, weakly.

“You heard Mr. Mayhew’s verdict in your case,” mocked Eph, a glare in his eyes.  “A great verdict!  ’Not guilty—­but don’t do it again’.”

CHAPTER XX

COMING UP IN A TIGHT PLACE

“Sulks are no part of real manhood.  Your sullen fellow is seldom, or never, one you can tie to in trouble.”

Though at first they felt some spirited resentment against the very plain suspicions of Lieutenant Commander Mayhew, it was not long before both the victims of the queer work of the night before began to see that there was an abundance of reason and good sense in the naval officer’s belief and attitude.