"With no chance for the Army to beat us out on this game," Farley replied slyly. At last it came the turn of Dave, Dan, Farley, Page, Jetson and Wolgast to go aboard the "Dodger." "Gentlemen," announced Lieutenant Jack Benson, "Ensign Somers will show you all that is possible about the deck handling and the steering below the surface, and then Ensign Hastings will explain the mechanical points of this craft. When both are through, if you have any questions. I will endeavor to answer them." In a few minutes the "showing" had been accomplished. "Any questions, gentlemen?" inquired Lieutenant Benson. Dave was ready with three; Farley had four and Jetson two. Lieutenant Benson looked particularly pleased as he answered. Then, at last, he inquired: "What's your name?" "Darrin, sir," Dave replied. The other midshipmen present were asked their names, and gave them. "Gentlemen," continued youthful Lieutenant Benson, "this present squad impresses me as being more eager and interested in submarines than any of the squads that have come aboard." "Thank you, sir," Dave replied for himself and the others. "Are you really exceptionally interested?" inquired Benson. "I think we are, sir," Dave responded. "On Saturday of each week, as long as the 'Dodger' is at Annapolis," went on Benson, "we intend to take out one of the best squads. We shall drop down the Bay, not returning, probably before Sunday noon. Would you gentlemen like to be the first squad to go on the longer cruise---next Saturday?" The faces of all six midshipmen shone with delight for an instant, until Dave Darrin answered mournfully: "It would give us great delight, sir, but for one thing. We play Creighton University next Saturday, and we are all members of the Navy team." "None of you look forward to having to go to hospital during the progress of the game, do you?" inquired Lieutenant Benson with a slight smile. "Hardly, sir." "Then the 'Dodger' can sail an hour after the finish of the game, and perhaps stay out a little later on Sunday. Will that solve the problem?" "Splendidly, sir!" "Then I will use such persuasion as I can with the superintendent to have you six men detailed for the Saturday-Sunday detail this week," promised Lieutenant Benson. "And now I will write your names down, in order that there may be no mistake about the squad that reports to me late next Saturday afternoon. Dismissed!" As Dave and his friends stepped ashore even Dan Dalzell had a more gracious estimate of "that kid, Benson." That night, and for several nights afterwards, the "Dodger" and her officers furnished a fruitful theme for discussion among the midshipmen. As the "Dodger" was believed to be the very finest submarine craft anywhere among the navies of the world, the interest grew rather than waned. Dave and Dan, as well as their four friends, began to look forward with interest to the coming cruise down the bay.