And you will go with all our best wishes. The government
needs you, now, to handle the boats that we build up at Dunhaven, and
to train war-crews for those boats. There is only one objection to
your entering the Navy, boys. You will have to pass upon our boats.
We know you will do that honestly and fearlessly; yet there are many
who would sneer at having boats passed on for the government by young
officers who hold stock in our concern. Now, the amount of stock
that each of you holds has been growing steadily with each new success
that you have won for us, which if you enter the Navy you should not
own. So Dave and I offer you ten thousand dollars each for the shares
that you hold. It is a fair valuation."
"I know it is, if you offer it, Mr. Farnum," Jack Benson replied, with
feeling.
"Then you'll accept, and take your very heart's-wish--the Navy--all
of you?" asked Mr. Farnum.
"I accept both your offer, Mr. Farnum, and, the greater offer of the
Secretary of the Navy," replied Jack, his eyes becoming misty.
"I accept," murmured Hal.
"So do I," from Eph.
"Then, sir," declared Jacob Farnum, turning to the Secretary of the
Navy, "the Flag is richer by three magnificent young followers!"
* * * * * * * * * *
Here we must leave the submarine boys for the present, for these events
happened hardly later than yesterday, and there are no new adventures
yet to chronicle.
Pages:
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239