With that Farnum and his young captain succeeded in taking their leave—­making their escape, as they felt, from a most trying situation.

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

Within two hours John C. Rhinds had his head up once more.

He felt as though the battle had been already won.  There was nothing to fear from Farnum pushing the situation that had been created against the owner of the “Thor,” for Farnum had promised.  It was strange that John Rhinds, who had no regard for the moral value of his own given word, felt certain that Jacob Farnum would not break a promise.

Rhinds even telephoned for the reporters, and, when they came, gave out an interview in which he stated that Mr. Farnum was satisfied that no blame over the torpedo incident could be attached to the owner of the “Thor.”  Farnum, when questioned by the same reporters, declared that he had nothing to say.

That night Rhinds was almost cheerful.  He dined in the public dining room of the hotel, with his wife and daughter, and both appeared to be wholly proud of the man.

One thing, however, worried Rhinds a good deal.  Congressman Simms did not come near him again.  Later in the evening Rhinds sought the Congressman, though wholly in vain.

Rhinds breakfasted with his family, the next morning, in their rooms.  So he was still behind his private doors when a summons reached him to go to the wharf and take the launch to the “Oakland.”

“What can it mean, John?” demanded his wife.

“If they want you as a witness before the investigation, you’ll be able to clear yourself quickly.” predicted Helen.

“I’ll soon find out why I’m wanted,” declared Rhinds, jauntily.

In fact, he was almost cheerful as he boarded the launch at the wharf.  Rhinds was at least self-possessed when he was shown into a cabin where Captain Magowan was seated at a desk.

“Oh, good morning, Mr. Rhinds,” was the greeting of the president of the naval board, as he rose.  “My business will take but a very few moments.  I have received definite orders from the Navy Department by wire this morning.  Here is a copy of the telegram.”

Rhinds took the message, and read: 

"Inform John C. Rhinds that the Department will give no further consideration, this year, to the purchase of any boats from the Rhinds Submarine Company."

“What does this mean!” demanded Rhinds, paling, then flushing with anger.

“Just what it says,” replied Captain Magowan, coolly.

“There has been some underhanded work here!” began the old man, wrathfully.

“None in the Navy Department, at all events,” replied Magowan, coolly.  “I will not detain you longer, Mr. Rhinds.  Good morning.”

Captain Magowan, bowing, opened the door.  A marine sentry stood on post just outside.  There was no use in making a row.  John C. Rhinds stepped out like one in a daze, and remained so until he reached the wharf and stepped ashore.