The Submarine Boys on Duty | Page 6

to put into the craft. Jacob Farnum was his friend and financial
backer.
No one could grasp how much success with his submarine boat meant
to this wearied yet hopeful inventor. For years all his schemes had been
laughed at by "practical" men. It was success, more than mere fortune,
for which David Pollard hungered. The officials of the Navy
Department, at Washington, had promised to inspect and try the boat,
when finished, but that was all the encouragement that had come from
the national capital.
If the "Pollard," as the new craft was at present named, should prove a
failure, then the inventor felt that he would be "down" indeed in the
world. Also, he must feel that he had buried one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars of the money of his loyal friend, Farnum.
In his present anxious, worried frame of mind, with few real believers

in the possible success of his boat, it was little wonder that David
Pollard was grateful for any intelligent interest or faith in his plans.
These two friends were but boys, nor had they had any experience in
submarine boat construction. Yet they had shown the inventor that they
knew much about machinery and marine engines in general, and Jack,
with his handy knack of sketching machinery, had made a decided hit
with poor Pollard.
"Just put us in as apprentices," begged Benson. "We'll be just the
plainest sort of helpers, fetching and lifting, and that sort of thing, until
we learn how to do more."
"Well, you see, for one thing, boys," replied Pollard, "this building of a
submarine boat is very important and confidential work. Now, while I
like the looks and talk of you both, I really don't know a thing about
either of you."
"Of course you don't," Jack Benson admitted, frankly. "And it's highly
important that you should. I know that. But you can telegraph the
principal of the school we attended in Oakport, and you can telegraph
the minister of our church, too. We'll abide by just what they say about
us. And"-- here Benson brought his little roll of bills once more into
sight--"we'll pay for the telegrams and the answers."
"That looks right," nodded Mr. Pollard, with a slight smile. "There is
just one more point. The superintendent of the yard, Mr. Partridge, isn't
having anything to do with the building of the 'Pollard.' After the steel
workers and the riveters had finished on the hull, then the inside work,
including the fitting of the machinery, was turned over to Mr. Owen,
our present foreman. Sometimes he's a crotchety fellow, and he might
take a dislike to you youngsters."
"I've got to tell you about something that I think will make him take a
dislike to us," spoke up Jack Benson, candidly. Then he recounted the
afternoon's affair with Dan Jaggers.
"Yes, that certainly will stir up some feeling," replied Mr. Pollard. "In
fact, it will make it very difficult for you to get along with Owen, for he

thinks a lot of that disagreeable, bullying nephew of his. Yet, Benson, I
like you a whole lot better for your honesty."
The inventor was silent for some moments, puffing slowly at a pipe,
and then he removed the stem from between his teeth and continued:
"You've made a good impression upon me, both of you, and
particularly with what you say about giving young fellows and young
boats a chance to prove themselves. You talk like youngsters with some
experience and some ideas in the matter of machinery. I admire your
honesty. I also like what you say about the need Farnum and I will have,
in the future, of young men who will understand our boats thoroughly. I
don't know what you can do until we try you out."
He took a few more thoughtful pulls at his pipe and resumed: "See here,
you come to the yard at eight o'clock in the morning, ready to do
anything that's wanted of you. I won't wire, but I'll write, to-night, to
the references you've given. If we find you're not of much use we'll
drop you. If your references don't turn out to be unusually good, out
you go! But, if you make good, you'll have your chance. It's just your
fighting chance, you understand. I'll fix the matter with Mr. Farnum."
"And the foreman?" smiled Jack, wistfully.
Mr. Pollard looked grave as he answered:
"Look out not to invite any trouble with Joshua Owen, and avoid
trouble with Jaggers, who works in the boat-fitting crew. I think we can
get over the effects of your little trouble this afternoon. And now, boys,
give me the addresses of your references, and I'll write at once."
A few moments later the chums bade the inventor good night,