I may
want to see you at any moment."
Mr. Simms must have moved rapidly, for, two hours later that morning,
after having seen many people, including the admiral, the Congressman
sent a message upstairs urging Rhinds to come down at once.
As he stepped out from the elevator, a strange pallor on his face,
John Rhinds beheld the Congressman standing with four men one of whom
the old man knew for Ensign Pike, the naval officer who had been
stationed aboard the 'Thor.' Another was Lieutenant Danvers.
Congressman Simms quickly presented Rhinds to the other two, one of
whom was Rear Admiral Townsley, and the other Lieutenant Jasper, the
Admiral's aide.
"Now, Mr. Rhinds," pursued the Congressman, "the admiral has decided
that the first thing to do is to go aboard the 'Thor,' and see whether
any hiding place exists in which you might have stored a fifth torpedo."
"But how could I get such a fifth torpedo?" faltered the old man.
"The Navy issues them."
"They may be bought in the market, too, by one who knows how," replied
Rear Admiral Townsley, coolly.
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