Perhaps it is only just to add that we are aware
that all three of you have already been offered commissions in foreign
navies, and that you have refused. Both the President and myself
appreciate your loyalty to your own Flag. Now, what do you young
gentlemen say to accepting special appointments to run until you are
each twenty-one?"
"Mr. Secretary, it's the brightest, the one great dream with us all,"
Jack Benson replied, hoarsely. "There is just one thing that could
hold us back. We really feel in honor bound to Mr. Farnum and Mr.
Pollard to stand by their interests, for they have been our best
friends."
"What do you say to that, Mr. Farnum?" inquired the Secretary.
From behind a screen stepped Jacob Farnum, the Dunhaven shipbuilder.
"Why, see here, boys," began Farnum, a broad smile on his face, "I
received a long wire from Mr. Sanders yesterday. Dave Pollard and I
talked this thing over, and we decided that the Pollard boat is now
an assured success. You have put the boats where we can now build
and run them without you. You are more needed in the Navy. Now,
Dave and I both urge you to go where we know your hearts are--into
the Navy.
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