So John Rhinds’s question was destined to have a prompt answer, even if of a kind different from what he had expected.

On the platform deck of the “Thor,” as the cutter approached, stood several men whose faces expressed the utmost astonishment.

And again Rhinds inquired, this time with a little tremor in his voice: 

“What’s wrong gentlemen?  What has happened?”

“We’re coming aboard,” retorted Captain Magowan.  “Have your men stand by to catch our lines.”

John Rhinds submitted, in silence, while the members of the board, the corporal’s file of marine rifles and Lieutenant Danvers boarded the “Thor.”  But when Jack started to bring up the rear Rhinds’s voice rose in angry protest.

“That young Benson fellow can’t come aboard here!” cried the old man, his cheeks purple, his eyes aflame with anger.  “Benson represents a rival submarine company!”

“If he represents a dozen companies, he’s coming aboard this time,” retorted Captain Magowan, coldly.  “Corporal, see to it that no interference with Mr. Benson is attempted.”

“Yes, sir,” replied the corporal, saluting.

So Jack came aboard, and took his place quietly beside Lieutenant Danvers.

“Mr. Rhinds,” began Captain Magowan, solemnly, “a torpedo only just barely missed striking the ‘Hastings’ a while ago.  We have evidence that your craft was pointing nose-on to the ‘Hastings,’ just before the torpedo appeared by the Pollard craft.”

“Do you mean, sir, that we are charged with—­or suspected of—­firing a torpedo at a rival submarine boat?” demanded John Rhinds, heavily, in a voice vibrating with astonishment.

“Some of the evidence seems to point that way,” returned Captain Magowan, dryly.

“Why, sir,” began Rhinds, indignantly, “it’s preposterous.  It’s—­”

But Captain Magowan cut him short by a wave of the hand.

“What we want, now, Mr. Rhinds, is to go below and examine your stock of loaded torpedoes.  You should have four on board.  If you prove to have only three—­”

“Step this way, gentlemen.  Follow me,” begged Mr. Rhinds, making a rather ceremonious bow.  Then he led the way below.  Danvers and Jack followed the others.

And here all hands encountered a tremendous surprise.  The “Thor” still carried her full supply of four loaded torpedoes!

Over the intense astonishment that followed this discovery came the oily, tones of John C. Rhinds: 

“Now, gentlemen, I won’t speak of an apology, for I know you must have strong seeming reasons before you went so far as to suspect anyone aboard the ‘Thor’ of an atrocious crime.  But, in the face of the evidence you have here, you will admit that it is impossible to attach any guilt to anyone aboard this craft.”

“Well, Mr. Benson,” broke in Captain Magowan, dumfounded.

“So it would seem,” murmured the captain’s two puzzled associates on the board.