“Now, ladies and gentlemen,” announced Captain Jack, “I think there will be room for all on deck.  If it pleases you, therefore, I propose that all remain on the platform deck while we make our run out to sea.  Then, when it comes time to dive and run under the surface, we can go below.”

This plan appeared to suit nearly everyone.

“But I believe I’ll go below, now,” proposed one tall, blond, strongly built young woman who looked somewhat Swedish.  “I am afraid of too much chill air on the sea.”

“Then, if it please the rest, we will all go below,” Jack answered amiably.

There was instantly a chorus of dissent.  The tall, blond young woman had already made her way to the conning tower, accompanied by a young man of English appearance.  But Eph unconcernedly barred their way.

“Step aside, if you please, young man,” urged the Englishman.  “The lady wishes to go below.”

“Captain’s permission necessary, sir,” replied Somers, quietly.

“You see, ladies and gentlemen,” Jack explained, “it won’t be quite possible to let visitors roam at will over the boat.  It would be against my instructions from the owner.  Either all must remain on deck, or all must go below.”

As he spoke the young skipper thought he saw a swift look pass between the young Swedish woman and her English escort.

“Oh, well,” replied the young woman, shrugging her shoulders, “I do not intend to be disagreeable.  If the others wish to remain on deck, I will do so, too.”

“Very good, Miss Peddensen,” murmured the young Englishman.

Jack Benson took his place at the deck wheel, and Eph, after Hal had come to the conning tower opening, hurried forward once more to cast off the moorings.  Then speed was called for, and the “Benson” made a graceful sight as she swept out of the little harbor with such a brilliant, interested company aboard.

The submarine continued until she was three miles out at sea.

“Now, if it pleases the company,” Captain Jack called out, “we will go below and dive.  Then you, will know what it feels like to be running under the surface.”

From the ladies came a few little gasps of excitement.  Some of them, now that the moment had come, almost wished they had remained ashore.

“No one need be afraid,” smiled Jack.  “This boat has been thoroughly tested.  We shall go below the surface, true, but we shall come up again the instant that the proper devices are applied to our machinery.  Let no one be afraid.  There is not even a particle of danger.”

“Not a particle,” repeated Lieutenant Commander Kimball.  “This is an even safer sport than automobiling.”

“Let the Navy officers go below first, please,” urged Jack, as the ladies began to crowd about the conning tower.  He wanted this done in, order that both Mr. Kimball and Mr. Featherstone might be able to use their eyes on the guests below.