Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/94

 had his hands full keeping the lurching car to the road and his guests were very busy holding themselves in. But they did exchange names. And soon after that Martin Townsend,—for that, it developed, was the car owner's name—turned the automobile into a field and jumped out.

"How do you like my garage?" he inquired laughingly.

"You don't mean it lives out here?" exclaimed Nelson. The other nodded.

"Surest thing you know. They aren't very much interested in our autos. I notice, though, that the officers are mighty glad to borrow them, when they want to get to town, or to beg a ride. Say, I've gone into New London with eight in that old boat! Had them clinging on to every part except the wheels! Come on down and I'll see if I can get you through."

They were halted by a guard, but Townsend was haughty and insistent and they were finally allowed to enter the gate. There wasn't much that was imposing about the submarine base, but they found it interesting. Townsend took them into the barracks, introduced them to several fellows and then led the way down to the boats. There were only four submarines tied up at the stone dock that afternoon and their guide ex- 72