"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.
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