"What's the use?" demanded one of the fishermen. "The 'Juanita' is four miles or more out to sea, by this time, and the night's dark you couldn't see her. And there's no craft hereabouts fast enough to catch the 'Juanita.'" "Besides," whispered Jack, in his chum's ear, "we have no power to overhaul a craft at sea." So, making the best of the situation, the submarine boys hired a driver, horse and wagon at the village, and started on their return to town. CHAPTER XI FACING THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY Jack was the first to enter Lieutenant Ridder's room at the hotel. The young engineer officer jumped up out of his chair, looking somewhat angry. "Look here, Benson," expostulated the lieutenant, "what sort of way is this to use me? Here I've been loafing about here for hours, and you haven't sent or brought me word of any kind. You--" "We've brought you something better," smiled Jack Benson, throwing the door further open. "Here is Millard, himself." Millard came in, a policeman at his side, for the submarine boys had hailed the first policeman they met inside the city limits, and had explained to him. "This man is wanted as a United States prisoner, is he, sir?" inquired the policeman. "Yes, if his name is Millard," replied Lieutenant Ridder. "Oh, this is Millard, all right," confirmed Jack Benson. "Then shall I leave the fellow with you, sir?" inquired the policeman. "Yes, of course; and thank you." "You'll give me a receipt for the fellow, as a United States prisoner?" hinted the policeman. "As a United States suspect," corrected Lieutenant Ridder, going to a table on which were writing materials. The policeman was handed the desired document, then withdrew. Then Ridder went to a telephone, calling up Major Woodruff. "The major will be here in about ten minutes," announced Ridder, hanging up the receiver. "In the meantime we will do no talking in the presence of this suspect." It was just a little less than ten minutes later when Major Woodruff, accompanied by a corporal and two private soldiers, entered the room. Millard was at once taken away, under guard. Then the boys told their stories, quickly, comprehensively. "I'll have to get a clear wire all the way through to Washington," declared Major Woodruff, promptly, going to the telephone. In a minute more he had arranged matters, and hurried to the table to write his despatch. Ere the major had finished writing a messenger boy was at the door. "Boy, you'll find my automobile at the hotel entrance," stated Major Woodruff. "Give this card to my chauffeur, and he'll take you on the jump to the telegraph office. Then come back in the automobile, and wait for more work." "Do you expect anyone in Washington to get that message now, after ten o'clock at night?" Jack asked, wonderingly.