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diff --git a/22431-h/22431-h.htm b/22431-h/22431-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fce959b --- /dev/null +++ b/22431-h/22431-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9642 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service, by H. Irving Hancock. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} +.hang1 {text-indent: -3em; margin-left: 3em;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify;} + + .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .unindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + .right {text-align: right;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service, by +H. Irving Hancock + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service + or, With Dan Dalzell on European Duty + +Author: H. Irving Hancock + +Release Date: August 29, 2007 [EBook #22431] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DARRIN ON MEDITERRANEAN *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Front matter"> +<tr><td align='left'><img src="images/cover.jpg" width="256" height="400" alt="Cover: Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service" title="" /> +</td><td align='left'><br /><br /><img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="260" height="400" alt=""Dave caught at the knife-wrist."" title="" /> +<br /><b> "Dave caught at the knife-wrist."</b> +<br /><i>Frontispiece</i></td></tr> +</table></div> + + + + +<h1> +Dave Darrin on<br /> +Mediterranean Service</h1> + +<h3>OR</h3> + +<h2>With Dan Dalzell on European Duty</h2> + +<h3>By</h3> + +<h2>H. IRVING HANCOCK</h2> +<div class='center'> +Author of "Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz," "Dave Darrin's<br /> +South American Cruise," The West Point Series,<br /> +The Annapolis Series, The Boys of the<br /> +Army Series, Etc., etc.<br /> +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +Illustrated<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<br /> +P H I L A D E L P H I A<br /> +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY<br /> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class='center'> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1919, by<br /> +Howard E. Altemus</span><br /></div> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left'><img src="images/spine.jpg" width="135" height="1000" alt="Spine of book" title="" /> +</td><td align='left'><div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='right'><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter I—Green Hat, the Trouble-starter</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell, while ashore at Gibraltar, have an exciting experience with a spy and stir up a deep mystery.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter II—Dan's Thirty-three-dollar Guess</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Admiral Timworth solves the mystery for the ensigns and amazes them very much.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter III—The Startler at Monte Carlo</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Danny turns a trick on a brother officer. Ashore at Monte Carlo the young ensigns find the makings of future trouble.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter IV—Mr. Green Hat's New Rôle</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Dave loses a human trail and saves a human life. Then the plot begins to thicken.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter V—Danny Grin Fights a Smile</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Mr. Green Hat sets a trap at the gambling resort, into which Ensign Dalzell smilingly walks.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter VI—Dave Runs into a Real Thrill</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>A desperate plot to involve his country heard by Dave Darrin, who acts swiftly on the information <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>he has obtained.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter VII—The Admiral Unloads His Mind</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Called before the Admiral, the young officers make their report. The former sends a wireless to Washington, later summoning the ensigns to his quarters for secret orders.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter VIII—On Lively Special Duty</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>A delicate international situation is explained to Dave and Danny, who are then ordered ashore at Naples on a special and perilous mission.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter IX—M. Dalny Plans a Tragedy</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Darrin meets one of the men he is looking for. As a result of that meeting he and Dan are sentenced to death.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter X—Treachery has the Floor</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Enticed away for a drive, the Naval officers find themselves in a disreputable section of Naples and on the threshold of a tragedy.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XI—Hemmed in by the Bravos</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Dave and Dan are attacked by a mob of Sicilian bravos and fight a desperate battle to save their own lives.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XII—Evil Eyes on Sailorman Runkle</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>The young officers now discover the real reason for the attempt on their lives, but, though they do not know it, fresh perils await them.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XIII—Orders Change in a Minute</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Able Seaman Runkle, bearing an important communication from Darrin to the Captain of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>U. S. S. "Hudson," gets into serious difficulties.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XIV—Dan has very "Cold Feet"</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Beset by spies, the two young officers set out on a long journey after an exciting start, later finding that they have been guilty of a grave oversight.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XV—At the American Embassy</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Dave and Danny arrive in Paris, where they are the guests of the American Ambassador. Darrin trails an international plotter and makes an important discovery.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XVI—"Seeing" the Paris Apaches</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>The young ensign, after picking up a valuable clew, is attacked by savage Paris Apaches, who, angered by his defense, determine to take his life.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XVII—Dave's Guess at the Big Plot</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>The details of a plan to involve the United States in war with England are unfolded to his Admiral by Ensign Dave.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XVIII—Surigny's Next Move</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>English and American officers join hands and one gets a remarkable message from an international plotter as the trail grows hot.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XIX—Truth, or French Romance</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Dave meets an acquaintance and listens to an astounding confession.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XX—The Allies Clear for Action</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>"A submarine will sink the British battleship to-night," is the startling information imparted by <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>Dave to his companions.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XXI—Making Stern Work of It</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>The young American Naval officer in command of a boarding party on the plotter's yacht, is neatly trapped.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XXII—After the Pest of the Seas</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>Ensign Darrin and his crew on the Navy launch make an exciting discovery after accomplishing a brilliant capture.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XXIII—The Puzzle of the Deep</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>While engaged in a thrilling chase after an undersea boat the launch's company find the tables unexpectedly turned on them.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Chapter XXIV—Conclusion</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_249">249</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='blockquot'>The pursuit comes to a stirring finish, with Able Seaman Runkle's reputation saved and Ensign Darrin highly honored.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> +</td></tr> +</table></div> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> + +<h2>DAVE DARRIN +<br />ON MEDITERRANEAN SERVICE</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>GREEN HAT, THE TROUBLE-STARTER</h3> + + +<p>"Dan," whispered Dave Darrin, Ensign, +United States Navy, to his chum and +brother officer, "do you see that fellow +with the green Alpine hat and the green vest?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," nodded Dan Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"Watch him."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"He's a powerful brute, and it looks as though +he's spoiling for a fight."</p> + +<p>"You are not going to oblige him, are you?" +asked Dalzell in a whisper, betraying surprise.</p> + +<p>"Nothing like it," Darrin responded disgustedly. +"Danny Grin, don't you credit me with more +sense than that? Do you imagine I'd engage in +a fight in a place like this?"</p> + +<p>"Then why are you interested in what the +fellow might do?" demanded Ensign Dan.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Because I think there is going to be a lively +time here. That fellow under the Alpine hat is +equal to at least four of these spindling Spanish +waiters. There is going to be trouble within four +minutes, or I'm a poor guesser."</p> + +<p>"Just let Mr. Green Hat start something," +chuckled Ensign Dalzell in an undertone. "There +are plenty of stalwart British soldiers here, and +'Tommy Atkins' never has been known to be +averse to a good fair fight. The soldiers will +wipe up the floor with him. Then there is the +provost guard, patrolling the streets of Gibraltar. +If Mr. Green Hat grows too noisy the provost +guard will gather him in."</p> + +<p>"And might also gather us in, if the provost +officer thought us intelligent witnesses," muttered +Darrin.</p> + +<p>"That would be all right, too," grinned Dan. +"There is bound to be a British army officer in +command of the provost guard. As soon as we +handed him cards showing us to be American +naval officers he'd raise his cap to us, and that +would be the end of it."</p> + +<p>"I don't like to be present at rows in a place +of this kind," Ensign Darrin insisted.</p> + +<p>"Then we'd better be going," proposed Ensign +Dalzell.</p> + +<p>The place was Gibraltar, and the time nine +o'clock in the evening. The two friends were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +seated well back in one of the several Spanish +vaudeville theatres that flourish more or less in +the city on the Great Rock, even in such times +as this period of the great European War.</p> + +<p>The theatre was not a low place, or it would +not have been permitted to exist in Gibraltar, +which, even in peace times, is under the strictest +military rule, made much more strict at the +beginning of the great war. The performance +was an ordinary one and rather dull. At the +moment three Spanish women occupied the +stage, going rather hopelessly through the steps +of an aimless dance, while three musicians ground +out the music for the dancers. The next number, +as announced on a card that hung at one side of +the stage, was to be a pantomime.</p> + +<p>One particularly unpleasant feature only was +to be noted in the place. Wines and liquors +were served to those who chose to order them, +Spanish waiters passing up and down the aisles +in search of custom.</p> + +<p>Mr. Green Hat, to the knowledge of Ensigns +Darrin and Dalzell, had been a much too frequent +customer. He was now arguing with two waiters +about an alleged mistake in the changing of the +money he had handed one of them. From angry +remonstrance Mr. Green Hat was now resorting +to abusive language.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to implant a wallop under that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> +rowdy's chin," muttered Dan Dalzell, as he +started to rise.</p> + +<p>"Don't try it," warned Ensign Dave, as he, +too, rose.</p> + +<p>Just then the lightning struck; the storm broke.</p> + +<p>With an angry bellow, Mr. Green Hat leaped +to his feet, knocking down one of the waiters. +Four others rushed to the spot. The five promptly +assailed Mr. Green Hat, and were swiftly reinforced +by the one who had been floored.</p> + +<p>But the stalwart, active brawler proved to be +too much for the combined force of the waiters. +As if they had been so many reeds, Mr. Green +Hat brushed them aside with his fists.</p> + +<p>"Grab the bloomin' rotter and throw 'im h'out!" +bellowed a "Tommy Atkins," as the British +soldier is collectively known.</p> + +<p>A new note, in a decidedly American tone of +protest, rose above the uproar.</p> + +<p>"How dare you? What do you mean, fellow?" +demanded a young man in a gray traveling suit, +glaring up from the floor, to which he, an unoffending +occupant of an aisle seat, had suddenly +been hurled.</p> + +<p>It was too much for Dan Dalzell, who promptly +attempted to seize Mr. Green Hat as that individual, +with the momentum of a steam roller, +rushed up the aisle.</p> + +<p>Dalzell reached out a hand to grip Mr. Green<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +Hat by the collar. All too promptly a heavy fist +smote Dan in the chest, knocking him back into +the arms of Dave Darrin. Dave himself could +not act quickly enough to avenge the blow that +had been dealt his chum, because Dan's body +blocked the way.</p> + +<p>Four or five British soldiers at the rear of the +little theatre tried to intercept Mr. Green Hat +as he dashed up the aisle. Three of the "Messrs. +Atkins" went to the floor, under the seats, while +the others were brushed aside, and Mr. Green +Hat reached the street.</p> + +<p>"Stop that thief!" roared the young man in +the gray suit. "He has robbed me!"</p> + +<p>By this time Dalzell was again on his feet and +out in the aisle. He sprinted for the street, followed +closely by Dave Darrin. The young man +in the gray suit, his face pallid, plunged after the +young naval officers.</p> + +<p>"You're an American, aren't you?" called +Dave, over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered he of the gray suit, "and in +official life at Washington, too. That scoundrel +has robbed me of something of value to the +United States government."</p> + +<p>That was enough for Darrin and Dalzell. +Though the charge might prove to be false, it +was enough to cancel Dave's scruples against +fighting.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + +<p>Out into the street ahead of them ran a waiter, +who had taken no part in the scrimmage, waving +his arms and shouting:</p> + +<p>"<i>Esta dirección!</i>" ("This way!")</p> + +<p>"<i>Sigue andando!</i>" ("Keep right on!") roared +Danny Grin, darting down the street at a hard +pace.</p> + +<p>But a moment later both naval officers, followed +by the young man in gray and the waiter, +came to a halt, for, directly ahead of them, on +the well-lighted street, suddenly appeared a +patrol detachment of the British provost guard.</p> + +<p>"Did you stop the fellow who ran this way, +sir?" hailed Ensign Darrin, as he recognized the +uniform of the British infantry officer in command +of the detachment.</p> + +<p>"We didn't see any man running this way," +replied the British lieutenant, smartly returning +the salute that Ensign Darrin had given him.</p> + +<p>"Didn't <i>see</i> any fellow running?" repeated +three Americans, in tones of bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"We were chasing a thief, sir," Darrin continued, +"and this waiter told us that the fugitive +ran this way."</p> + +<p>"I—I thought he did," stammered the waiter +in Spanish, though it was now plain that he +understood English.</p> + +<p>In deep disgust and with dawning suspicion, +Dave Darrin glared at the waiter until that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +fellow changed color and trembled slightly. Dave +was now certain that the waiter, probably by +previous arrangement, had shielded the escape of +Mr. Green Hat.</p> + +<p>Turning to the English officer, Dave quickly +recounted what had happened. At the same +time he introduced himself and Dan as American +naval officers, and both tendered their cards.</p> + +<p>"And you, sir? Who are you, and what did +you lose?" inquired the British officer, turning +to the young man in the gray suit.</p> + +<p>"May I answer that question to an officer of +my own country?" appealed the young man in +the gray suit.</p> + +<p>"Yes," assented the British officer, after keenly +regarding the stranger who claimed to have been +robbed.</p> + +<p>"Will you step a few yards down the street +with me?" urged the unknown American, addressing +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," Darrin nodded, for he saw insistent +appeal in the stranger's gaze.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Darrin," began the stranger, using the +name he had heard Dave announce in the introductions +to the Britisher, "do you really belong +to the American Navy?"</p> + +<p>"I do, indeed," Darrin answered. "I am attached +to the battleship 'Hudson,' now lying in +this harbor."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then I will introduce myself," continued the +young man in the gray suit. "My name is +George Cushing. Do you recognize the meaning +of this?"</p> + +<p>"This" proved to be a small gold badge, revealed +by Cushing as he turned back the lapel +of his coat. It was a badge worn by men belonging +to a special branch of the secret service of the +American Department of State. The members of +this special service are usually found, if found at +all, on duty in foreign countries.</p> + +<p>"I know the badge, Mr. Cushing," nodded +Dave Darrin. "Now, what have you to tell +me?"</p> + +<p>"That big man with the green hat must have +started that fight with the waiters in the theatre +to cover his intended attack on me," Cushing +replied. "At the moment of knocking me down, +he snatched from my coat pocket and made off +with a most important document."</p> + +<p>"Then you almost deserved to lose it, sir," +replied Darrin sternly, "as a punishment for +wasting your time in such a place as that theatre."</p> + +<p>"I must see the American admiral as soon as +possible," urged Cushing, ignoring Darrin's reproof. +"But first of all, I must ask you to pass +me safely by that provost guard, or I might be +detained at a time when I cannot afford to lose +a single instant. You will vouch for me, won't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +you, Mr. Darrin? Here are my formal credentials," +continued Cushing, producing and unfolding +a wallet that contained properly sealed +and signed credentials from the American Department +of State.</p> + +<p>"The paper that was stolen from you did not +in any way relate to the defenses and fortifications +here at Gibraltar, did it?" Dave asked.</p> + +<p>"Not in the least," Cushing replied promptly.</p> + +<p>"You give me your word of honor for that?" +Dave asked bluntly.</p> + +<p>"Do you believe I'd waste my time on such +rubbish as that?" demanded Cushing, scornfully. +"Why, every civilized government on +earth possesses accurate plans of the fortifications +at Gibraltar! I give you my word of honor, +Mr. Darrin, that the paper stolen from me did +not in any way relate to the Gibraltar fortifications."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll do my best to get you by the provost +guard," Ensign Darrin promised, turning to lead +the way back.</p> + +<p>"Sir," Dave announced to Lieutenant Abercrombie, +commanding the provost guard detachment, +"I beg to report, on what I regard as the +best of authority, that there is no reason why my +countryman, Mr. Cushing, should be detained +by you."</p> + +<p>"Then that of which he claims to have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +robbed is nothing that could officially interest +me?" pressed the British officer.</p> + +<p>"I am certain that the matter could not interest +a British officer, except in his desire to see a +thief caught," Ensign Darrin vouched.</p> + +<p>"That is all, then," replied Lieutenant Abercrombie. +"Gentlemen, you are at liberty to +proceed on your way."</p> + +<p>In the meantime the Spanish waiter had slipped +back to the theatre.</p> + +<p>Dave and Dan saluted, the Englishman doing +the same. Then Lieutenant Abercrombie gave +each of these brothers in arms a hearty handclasp. +The men of the provost guard parted to +allow the three Americans to pass on their way.</p> + +<p>"And now where do you wish to go, Mr. +Cushing?" Dave inquired, after they had passed +the British provost guard.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you expect me to search for the +thief," rejoined the man from the State Department. +"But that would now be worse than a +waste of time. Gibraltar, quaint Moorish city +that it is, is so full of holes in the wall that it +would be impossible to find the thief, for he will +not venture out again to-night. The best thing +I can do will be to go straight to the American +admiral, and you gentlemen, I imagine, can take +me there."</p> + +<p>"A launch will put off from the mole for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +flagship at ten o'clock," Dave informed him. +"We may as well go down to the mole and wait."</p> + +<p>Twice, on the way, after leaving the more +crowded parts of the city behind, the three were +challenged by English sentries invisible in the +darkness.</p> + +<p>"Who goes there?" came the sentry's hail in +each instance.</p> + +<p>"Officers from the American flagship," Darrin +answered for the party.</p> + +<p>"Pass on, gentlemen," came the response out +of the darkness.</p> + +<p>At all times strict watch over all comers outside +the British army service is kept at Gibraltar, +and after dark this vigilance is doubled.</p> + +<p>"On a moonless night like this, one would +imagine that Gibraltar, save for the few blocks +of 'city,' held few human beings," murmured +Dan, as the three continued on at a quiet walk +toward the water front. "One gets the impression +that there are but a few sentries, sprinkled +here and there, yet we know there are thousands +of British soldiers scattered over this rock."</p> + +<p>"Hardly scattered," smiled Dave Darrin. "Except +for the guard, men and officers are alike in +barracks, and many of the barracks are at rather +long distances from the fortifications."</p> + +<p>Nor are the fortifications to be found along +the water front. Back on the great hill of rock<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +are gun embrasures, often cut into the face +of the rock itself. Back of the embrasures are +galleries cut through the stone, and here, in time +of siege, the soldiers would stand behind the +huge guns.</p> + +<p>Gibraltar's harbor is small, though large enough +to hold a great fleet. In the days when cannon +had shorter range than now, a British fleet might +have hidden in the harbor and been secure against +all the fleets of the world, for the guns of the +huge fortress could have sunk the combined +navies of the world, had they attempted to enter +the harbor. In these modern days Gibraltar is +not so secure, for the heights of Algeciras, in +Spain, are only about seven miles away. If +Spain were at war with Great Britain, or if any +other power took the heights of Algeciras from +Spain, guns could be mounted on those heights +that would dominate the harbor of Gibraltar. +None the less, as long as war exists and the huge +stone height of Gibraltar remains, the impression +of strong military force will abide with the +rock.</p> + +<p>Down at the mole a British sentry stopped the +trio. Near him stood a corporal and three other +soldiers.</p> + +<p>"American officers and a friend," replied Ensign +Darrin, when halted by this sentry. Then the +trio advanced when ordered. Lieutenant Totten,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> +from the 'Hudson,' stepped forward, peered at +Darrin and Dalzell, and said to the corporal:</p> + +<p>"I recognize these gentlemen as officers of +ours."</p> + +<p>"And the friend?" inquired the corporal.</p> + +<p>"The friend is an American citizen who has +business with Admiral Timworth," Dave stated.</p> + +<p>"Then it is all right," Lieutenant Totten assured +the corporal.</p> + +<p>Whereupon the British corporal permitted +Cushing to step out on the mole with his companions, +Darrin and Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"Which is the flagship launch?" asked Darrin.</p> + +<p>"The rearmost," answered Lieutenant Totten. +"Ours is the only launch here. The two other +launches belong to the warships of other powers."</p> + +<p>Cushing, while this brief conversation was +going on, had walked rapidly along the mole +until he reached the farthest launch.</p> + +<p>"I want you!" he shouted, bending over suddenly.</p> + +<p>He had found and seized by the coat collar the +man with the green hat.</p> + +<p>Dave and Dan rushed to the spot, hardly +knowing what they could do, as they did not +want to see the representative of the American +State Department lack for backing.</p> + +<p>"Pull Cushing away from that fellow," ordered +Totten.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is that an official order?" Dave flashed back, +in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"It is," nodded Totten, and faded back into +the blackness of the night.</p> + +<p>Dave bounded forward. He saw that the +launch was one belonging to some liner or merchant +ship in the harbor. Three or four men belonging +in that launch had leaped to the rescue of Mr. +Green Hat. Dave, with one tug, tore Cushing +away.</p> + +<p>Mr. Green Hat fell back in the launch. Two +sailors belonging to that craft cast off the lines +at bow and stern, and the launch glided out into +the harbor.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you help me, instead of putting +the double cross on me?" Cushing demanded, +angrily.</p> + +<p>"I had my reasons," Ensign Darrin replied, +briefly.</p> + +<p>"They must have been good ones," muttered +Cushing.</p> + +<p>"All aboard for the flagship!" announced +Lieutenant Totten, in a quiet tone.</p> + +<p>"Come along, if you're going out with us," +Darrin urged Cushing.</p> + +<p>The passengers for the flagship launch were +speedily aboard. Other officers were there who +had been ashore for the evening.</p> + +<p>As the launch was cast off she glided almost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +noiselessly across the smooth water of the harbor, +followed closely by the shifting rays of a British +searchlight on shore. Ever since the great +European war had started searchlights stationed +on shore had followed the movements of every +craft in the harbor at night. Beyond, the flagship's +few lights glowed brightly. In a few +minutes the party was alongside.</p> + +<p>Dave and Dan, after saluting the officer of the +deck, and reporting their presence on board, +went at once to Dave's quarters.</p> + +<p>"There was a good deal of a mix-up, somewhere," +Dan announced, at once. "Why should +Totten order you to drag Cushing away from +Mr. Green Hat, when that rascal had robbed +Cushing of valuable government papers?"</p> + +<p>"It's too big a puzzle for me," Ensign Darrin +admitted, promptly. "But Lieutenant Totten +is my superior officer, and the responsibility belongs +to him."</p> + +<p>For a few minutes the two chums chatted. +Dalzell was about to say good night and go to +his own quarters, when an orderly rapped at the +door, then entered, saluting.</p> + +<p>"The admiral's compliments, gentlemen," said +the messenger. "The admiral wishes to see +Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell at once."</p> + +<p>"Our compliments, and we will report at once," +Dave answered. Both young officers were now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +in uniform, for Dan had left his in Dave's quarters +before going ashore, and the chums had changed +their clothes while chatting. It now remained +only for Dave to reach for his sword and fasten +it on, then draw on white gloves, while Dalzell +went to his quarters, next door, and did the +same.</p> + +<p>"What can be in the wind?" whispered Dan. +"This is the first time that Admiral Timworth +has ever expressed any desire to see us. Can it +be that we bungled in some way with the Cushing +business?"</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to waste any time in guessing," +replied Ensign Darrin, as they stepped briskly +along, "when I'm going to have the answer +presented to me so soon."</p> + +<p>Then they halted before the entrance to the +admiral's quarters, to learn if it would be agreeable +for the admiral to receive them at once.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>DAN'S THIRTY-THREE-DOLLAR GUESS</h3> + + +<p>As the two young officers entered the admiral's +quarters the curtains were closed +behind them by the marine orderly.</p> + +<p>Admiral Timworth was seated at his desk. +Beside him was Captain Allen, commanding officer +of the battleship "Hudson," flagship of the +Mediterranean Squadron.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Totten and Cushing were also +present.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, gentlemen," was Admiral Timworth's +greeting, after salutes had been exchanged. +"Accidentally, you became spectators this evening, +at a little drama connected with both the +diplomatic and the secret service of your country."</p> + +<p>The admiral paused, but both young officers +remained respectfully at attention, making no +response, as none was needed.</p> + +<p>"You are aware," continued the admiral, +"that Mr. Cushing was knocked down and robbed +of an important government paper. Now, it +happens that this paper was the key to a code +employed by the State and Navy Departments<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> +in communicating with naval commanders +abroad."</p> + +<p>This time Dave actually started. The loss of +such a code would be vitally important. The +State and Navy Departments almost invariably +communicate with naval commanders by means +of a secret code, which can be read only by commanders +possessing the key. Thus, when cablegrams +are sent from stations in foreign countries, +their import can be understood only by the +officers to whom the communications are addressed.</p> + +<p>"That strikes you as a most serious loss, does +it not?" asked Admiral Timworth, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, sir; so it would seem," Dave answered, +bowing.</p> + +<p>"The code that was stolen to-night," laughed +the admiral, "will be of but little value to the +government into whose hands it may fall. The +code in question was one that was used in the +year 1880, and has not been employed since. +Nor is it likely ever to be employed again."</p> + +<p>Captain Allen joined in the admiral's laugh.</p> + +<p>"We had every reason," continued the admiral, +"to believe that an attempt would be made +to steal that code ere Mr. Cushing delivered it +to me. In fact, our government allowed it to be +rather widely known that Mr. Cushing had +left Washington to turn over to me a code. So, +of course, Mr. Cushing has been followed. As a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +matter of fact, the code that we have been using +for the last six months has not been changed. +I was delighted when I learned that Cushing +had been assaulted and robbed. Mr. Cushing +himself took the loss seriously, for he did not know, +until he came aboard a few moments ago, that +the United States government had hoped he +<i>would</i> be robbed. Lieutenant Totten was sent +ashore, ostensibly to look after the launch, but +in reality, to learn, if possible, whether Cushing's +assailant put off in the launch of another power, +and if so, which power. Ensigns Darrin and +Dalzell, you noted, did you not, the nationality +of the launch in which Mr. Cushing's assailant +escaped?"</p> + +<p>"I did not, sir," Dave replied. "It was not +a naval launch, and therefore did not belong to +any ships belonging to the Entente Allies' naval +vessels in port here."</p> + +<p>"Then, gentlemen," continued Admiral Timworth, +his voice in tones of formal command, +"you will not at any time mention this matter +to any one unless so directed by me. I have +had just one object in sending for you and giving +you this order. For some time our Government +has known that secret efforts are being made +to discredit us with the allied powers of Europe. +I feel rather certain that this fleet, while in the +Mediterranean, will be closely watched by plotters<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> +serving one of the Central European powers, or +else acting on their own account in the hope of +being able to succeed and then claim reward +from that government. Keep your eyes open. +You may meet other spies and have reason to +suspect them to be such. Do not be fooled by +the apparent nationality of any man's name. +A spy uses many names in his course around the +world. Few international spies ever use their +own names. The man in the green hat, who +assaulted Mr. Cushing to-night, is one of the +cleverest of his kind, and perhaps the most able +with whom we shall have to contend. The +fellow's name is supposed to be Emil Gortchky. +At one time or another he has served as spy for +nearly every government in Europe. He is a +daring, dangerous, and wholly unscrupulous fellow. +Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell, I sent for you +in order to tell you these things, and to add that +if, during this cruise, you run across the fellow +at any point, you are to report the fact to me +promptly. Of course you will understand that the +seal of official secrecy attaches to all that I have +said. That is all, gentlemen. Good evening."</p> + +<p>Saluting, Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell promptly +withdrew. They were still a good deal puzzled.</p> + +<p>"I'll come to your quarters in a minute, if +I may," murmured Danny Grin, as he reached +the door of his own cabin.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I want you to come," Dave answered dryly.</p> + +<p>So, in another minute, Dan Dalzell, minus +sword and gloves, bobbed into Dave's room.</p> + +<p>"Now, what do you make out of all we have +heard and seen?" breathed Dalzell tensely.</p> + +<p>"Just what the admiral told us," answered +Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Nothing more?" pressed Dan.</p> + +<p>Dave was thoughtful for a few moments before +he replied:</p> + +<p>"Danny, boy, we have our orders from the +commander of the fleet. If we encounter Mr. +Green Hat anywhere in the future, we are to +report the fact. That is the extent of our instructions, +and I think we shall do very well not to +think too much about the matter, but to be +ready, at all times, to follow our orders."</p> + +<p>"I was in hope that you could evolve something +more romantic than that," returned Dalzell +disappointedly.</p> + +<p>"It is very likely," went on Dave judicially, +"that we have already had as large a hand in +the affair as we are going to have. I doubt if +we shall hear anything more of Mr. Green Hat; +even if we hear of his further deeds, we are not +likely to have any personal part in them."</p> + +<p>"I'm disappointed," Dan admitted, rising. +"I'm going to bed now, for I have to be up at +half-past three, to turn out on watch at eight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> +bells. You, lucky dog, have no watch to stand +until after breakfast. Good night, Dave!"</p> + +<p>"Good night; and don't dream of Mr. Green +Hat," smiled Darrin. "You'll never see him +again."</p> + +<p>In that prediction Ensign Darrin was destined +to find himself fearfully wide of the mark. Mr. +Green Hat was not to be so easily dropped from +the future calculations of the youngest naval +officers on the "Hudson."</p> + +<p>None of our readers require any introduction +to Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell, ofttimes known +as "Danny Grin." These two fast friends in the +naval service were members of "Dick & Co.," +a famous sextette of schoolboys in Gridley. +Dick Prescott, Greg Holmes, Dave Darrin, Dan +Dalzell, Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton first +appeared in the pages of "<span class="smcap">The Grammar School +Boys Series</span>," in which volumes were described +the early lives of these young American schoolboys.</p> + +<p>We found the six boys again in the pages of +the "<span class="smcap">High School Boys Series</span>," in the volumes +of which the athletic triumphs of Dick & Co. +were vividly set forth. In the "<span class="smcap">High School +Boys' Vacation Series</span>" were recounted their +further adventures.</p> + +<p>At the conclusion of their high school careers +the six chums separated to seek different fields +of endeavor. Dick Prescott and Greg Holmes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> +secured appointments as cadets at the United +States Military Academy at West Point, as +narrated in the "<span class="smcap">West Point Series</span>." Dave +Darrin and Dan Dalzell were nominated as +midshipmen to the United States Naval Academy +at Annapolis, and all that befell them there is +set forth in the "<span class="smcap">Annapolis Series</span>." The great +things that happened to Tom Reade and Harry +Hazelton are told in the volumes of the "<span class="smcap">Young +Engineers Series</span>." Dick Prescott's and Greg +Holmes' adventures in the Army, after graduation +from West Point, are set forth in the volumes +of the "<span class="smcap">Boys of the Army Series</span>."</p> + +<p>The "<span class="smcap">Dave Darrin Series</span>" is devoted to +the lives of Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell as +naval officers, after their graduation from the +Naval Academy. We now find them serving +as ensigns, this being the lowest rank among +commissioned officers of the United States Navy.</p> + +<p>The first volume of this series, published under +the title, "<span class="smcap">Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz</span>," tells +the story of Dave's and Dan's initial active +service in the United States Navy. That our +two young ensigns took an exciting part in the +fighting there is known to all our readers.</p> + +<p>For some time after the taking of Vera Cruz +by the United States forces and the arrival of +Regular Army regiments, Dave and Dan continued +to serve with constant credit aboard the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +"Long Island," stationed at Vera Cruz. Then +followed their detachment from the "Long Island," +and their return to the United States. They +were then ordered to duty with the Mediterranean +Squadron, aboard the flagship "Hudson." +We already know what befell them on +their arrival at their first port of call, the British +fortress of Gibraltar, and in the quaint old Moorish +city of the same name, which stands between +the fortress and the harbor.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Dan soon took his leave of his chum, going to +his own quarters for a short sleep before going +on duty at eight bells in the morning. Dave, +having opportunity to sleep until shortly before +breakfast, sat for some minutes pondering over +his strange meeting with Mr. Green Hat, whom +he now knew as Emil Gortchky, a notorious +international spy.</p> + +<p>Still puzzling, Darrin turned out the light and +dropped into his berth. Once there the habit +of the service came strongly upon him. He +was between the sheets to sleep, so, with a final +sigh, he shut out thoughts of Mr. Green Hat, of +the admiral's remarks, and of the whole train +of events of the evening. Within a hundred and +twenty seconds he was sound asleep. It was an +orderly going the rounds in the early morning +who spoke to Ensign Darrin and awakened him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is the ship under way?" asked Dave, rolling +over and opening his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir," responded the orderly, who +then wheeled and departed.</p> + +<p>Dave was quickly out of his berth, and dressed +in time to join the gathering throng of the "Hudson's" +officers in the ward-room, where every +officer, except the captain, takes his meals.</p> + +<p>"Have you heard the port for which we're +bound, Danny?" Darrin asked his chum.</p> + +<p>"Not a word," replied Dalzell, shaking his +head.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we shall find out at breakfast," +commented Dave.</p> + +<p>A minute later the signal came for the officers +to seat themselves. Then, after orders had been +given to the attentive Filipino boys, who served +as mess attendants, a buzz of conversation ran +around the table.</p> + +<p>Soon the heavy, booming voice of Lieutenant +Commander Metson was heard as he asked +Commander Dawson, the executive officer:</p> + +<p>"Sir, are we privileged to ask our port of +destination?"</p> + +<p>This is a question often put to the executive +officer of a war vessel, for ninety-nine times out +of a <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'hunderd'">hundred</ins> he knows the answer. He <i>may</i> +smile and reply:</p> + +<p>"I do not know."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> + +<p>Sometimes the executive officer, who is the +captain's confidential man, has good reasons for +not divulging the destination of the ship. In +that case his denial of knowledge is understood +to be only a courteous statement that he does +not deem it discreet to name the port of destination.</p> + +<p>But in this instance Commander Dawson smiled +and replied:</p> + +<p>"I will not make any secret of our destination +so far as I know it. We are bound for some port +on the Riviera. It may be Nice, or perhaps +Monte Carlo. I am informed that the admiral +has not yet decided definitely. I shall be quite +ready to tell you, Mr. Metson, as soon as I +know."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," courteously acknowledged +the lieutenant commander.</p> + +<p>During this interval the buzz of conversation +had died down. It soon began again.</p> + +<p>"The Riviera!" exclaimed Ensign Dalzell jubilantly, +though in a low tone intended mainly for +his chum's ear. "I have always wanted to see +that busy little strip of beach."</p> + +<p>The Riviera, as will be seen by reference to a +map of Southern Europe, is a narrow strip of +land, between the mountains and the sea, running +around the Gulf of Genoa. One of the most +important watering places on this long strip<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +of beach is Nice, on French soil, where multitudes +of health and pleasure seekers flock annually. +The mild, nearly tropical climate of this place +in winter makes Nice one of the most attractive +resorts along the Riviera. Only a few miles +distant from Nice is the principality of Monte +Carlo, an independent state under a prince who +is absolute ruler of his tiny country. Monaco is +but two and a quarter miles long, while its width +varies from a hundred and sixty-five yards to +eleven hundred yards. Yet this "toy country" +is large enough to contain three towns of fair +size. The most noted town, Monte Carlo, stands +mainly on a cliff, and is the location of the most +notorious gambling resort in the world, the +"Casino."</p> + +<p>"I wonder," suggested one of the younger +officers, in a rumbling voice, "if our Government +feels that we officers have more money than we +need, and so is sending us to a place where we +can get rid of it by gambling. What do you +say, Darrin?"</p> + +<p>"Monte Carlo is one of the noted spots of the +world," Dave responded slowly, "and I shall be +glad to see a place of which I have heard and +read so much. But I shall not gamble at Monte +Carlo. I can make better use of my money and +of my character."</p> + +<p>"Bravo!" agreed Totten.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How long is that strip of beach, the Riviera?" +asked one officer of Lieutenant Commander +Wales, the navigating officer.</p> + +<p>"From Nice to Genoa, which is what is commonly +understood as the real Riviera," replied +the navigating officer; "the distance is one +hundred and sixteen miles. But, beyond Genoa, +on the other side, the beach continues for fifty-six +miles to Spezia. On the strip from Genoa to +Spezia the shore is so rocky that it has been +found necessary to construct eighty-odd tunnels +through the headlands for the railway that runs +the whole length of the Riviera."</p> + +<p>Most of the talk, during that breakfast hour, +was about the Riviera, and much of that had to +do with Monte Carlo.</p> + +<p>"For years I've wanted very particularly to see +that town of Monte Carlo," Danny Grin confessed.</p> + +<p>"Not to gamble, I hope," replied Dave.</p> + +<p>"Millions for sight-seeing, but not a cent for +gambling," Dalzell paraphrased lightly.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," warned Mr. Wales, "don't be +too certain that you'll see Monte Carlo on this +cruise. Often the weather is too rough for a +landing in that vicinity."</p> + +<p>"And in that case?" queried Lieutenant Totten.</p> + +<p>"In that case," replied Wales, "the usual +rule is for the ship to go on to anchorage in the +harbor at Genoa."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Any one know whether the barometer is +talking about a storm?" Dalzell asked.</p> + +<p>"That's a foolish question," remarked Lieutenant +Barnes grouchily.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" said Danny Grin, turning half around +and eyeing the last speaker. "You here?"</p> + +<p>"As usual," nodded Barnes gruffly.</p> + +<p>"What was that you said about a foolish +question?" demanded Dan.</p> + +<p>"I was referring to your habit of asking foolish +questions," retorted Barnes.</p> + +<p>"Do I ask any more of them than you do?" +Dalzell retorted, a bit gruffly.</p> + +<p>"You do," Barnes declared, "and that's one of +them."</p> + +<p>"If I thought I asked more foolish questions +than you do, sir," Dan rejoined, laying down his +coffee cup, "I'd—"</p> + +<p>Here Dalzell paused.</p> + +<p>"What would you do?" Barnes insisted.</p> + +<p>"On second thought," Dan went on gravely, +"I don't believe I'll tell you. It was something +desperate that I was thinking of."</p> + +<p>"Then drop the idea, Dalzell," scoffed Lieutenant +Barnes lightly. "You're hardly the +fellow we'd look to for desperate deeds."</p> + +<p>"Oh, am I not?" demanded Dan, for once a +bit miffed.</p> + +<p>Several of the officers glanced up apprehensively.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +From necessity, life in the ward-room is an oppressively +close one at best. A feud between two +officers of the mess is enough to make all hands +uncomfortable much of the time.</p> + +<p>"Cut it, Barnes," ordered the officer sitting on +the right-hand side of Lieutenant Barnes. "Don't +start any argument."</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," broke in the paymaster, anxious +to change the topic of conversation, "have you +gone so far with your meal that a little bad news +won't spoil your appetites?"</p> + +<p>Most of those present nodded, smilingly.</p> + +<p>"Then," continued the paymaster, "I wish to +bring up a matter that has been discussed here +before. You all know that in some way, owing +to the carelessness of some one, there is an unexplained +shortage of thirty-three dollars in our +mess-fund. You appointed Totten and myself a +committee to look into the matter. We now beg +to report that the thirty-three dollars cannot be accounted +for. What is your pleasure in the matter?"</p> + +<p>"I would call it very simple," replied Lieutenant +Commander Wales. "Why not levy an +assessment upon the members of this mess sufficient +to make up the thirty-three dollars? It will +amount to very little apiece."</p> + +<p>That way of remedying the shortage would +have been agreed to promptly, had not Lieutenant +Barnes cut in eagerly:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I've a better plan for making up the shortage. +One man can pay it all, as a penalty, and there +will be a lot of fun in deciding which member +has to pay the penalty."</p> + +<p>"What's the idea, Mr. Barnes?" asked the +executive officer.</p> + +<p>"It's simple enough," Barnes went on, grinning. +"Let us set apart the dinner hour on Tuesday +evening, say. Every time this mess gets together +we hear a lot of foolish questions asked. Now, +on Tuesday evening, if any member of this mess +asks a question that he can't answer himself, +let it be agreed that he pay into the mess a fine +of thirty-three dollars to cover the shortage."</p> + +<p>"It won't work," objected Totten. "Every +officer at this table will be on his guard not to +ask any questions at all."</p> + +<p>"In that case," proposed Barnes, "let the rule +hold over on each successive Tuesday evening +until the victim is found and has paid his fine."</p> + +<p>"It sounds like sport," agreed Dave Darrin.</p> + +<p>"It will be sport to see the victim 'stung' and +made to pay up," grinned Dan Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"And I think I know, already," contended +Lieutenant Barnes, "which officer will pay that +shortage."</p> + +<p>"Are you looking at me with any particular +significance?" demanded Danny Grin.</p> + +<p>"I am," Barnes admitted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, well, then, we shall see what we shall +see," quoth Dalzell, his color rising.</p> + +<p>The scheme for fixing the thirty-three-dollar +penalty was quickly agreed upon. In fact, the +plan had in it many of the exciting elements of +a challenge.</p> + +<p>Darrin left the mess to go on duty. Dan found +him presently.</p> + +<p>"Say," murmured Danny Grin, in an aside, +"do you think Barnes will be very angry when +he pays over that thirty-three dollars?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't yet heard that he is to pay it," +Dave answered quietly.</p> + +<p>"But he <i>is</i>," Dalzell asserted.</p> + +<p>"How's that?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to make it my business," Dan went +on, "to see that Barnes is the victim of the very +scheme that he proposed. He will ask a question +that he can't answer, and he'll do it when Tuesday +evening comes around."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too sure of that," Dave warned him. +"Barnes may not be exactly the most amiable +officer aboard, but at least he's a very keen chap. +If you are forming any plans for making Barnes +pay, look out, Dan, that your scheme doesn't +recoil upon yourself!"</p> + +<p>"Wait and see," Dalzell insisted. "I tell you, +Barnes is going to pay that thirty-three dollars +into the mess treasury!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>THE STARTLER AT MONTE CARLO</h3> + + +<p>The frowning crags of Monaco confronted +the United States battleship "Hudson."</p> + +<p>Here and there the rocky eminences +were broken by tiny strips of white beach. In +comparison with the crags the great, floating +fighting machine looked like a pigmy, indeed.</p> + +<p>It was toward evening, and the day was Tuesday. +Darrin and Dalzell, both off duty for the +time being, strolled along the battleship's quarter-deck, +gazing shoreward.</p> + +<p>"It's almost too bad that the times are so +civilized," murmured Danny Grin. "That little +toy principality would make an ideal pirates' +nest."</p> + +<p>"I fancy Monaco has done duty enough in +that line in the past centuries," smiled Darrin. +"I have been reading up a bit on the history of +Monaco. Piracy flourished here as late as the +fourteenth century. Even rather late in the +eighteenth century every ship passing close to +this port had to pay toll. And to-day, through +its vast gambling establishments, visited by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +thousands every week, Monaco reaches out and +still takes its toll from all the world."</p> + +<p>"It won't take any from me," smiled Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"That is because you're a disciplined human +being, and you've too much character and honesty +to gamble," Darrin went on. "But think, with +a pitying sigh, of the thousands of poor wretches +who journey to Monaco, enter the Casino at +Monte Carlo, part with their money and their +honor, and then pass into one of the gardens, +there to blow their brains out.</p> + +<p>"We shall get a glimpse of the place to-night," +Dave continued. "I will admit that I have a +good deal of curiosity to see it. So I am glad +that we have shore leave effective after dinner. +Still, we shan't see anything like the crowd or the +picture that we might see if Europe were at +peace."</p> + +<p>"This is Tuesday night," Dan warned his +chum.</p> + +<p>"Yes; the night to avoid dangerous questions +at mess," Dave smiled. "Dan, are you still +going to try to catch Barnes?"</p> + +<p>"Watch me," winked Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"Look out, Dan! Such a trap may be set at +both ends."</p> + +<p>But Dalzell winked once more, then allowed +his mouth to expand in that contortion which had +won him the nick name of "Danny Grin."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dave soon forgot Dalzell's threat of trouble for +the evening. It had passed out of his mind by +the time that Ensign Darrin entered the ward-room. +Yet soon after the officers had seated +themselves the executive officer announced:</p> + +<p>"In the interest of fair play to all I deem it +best to warn you, gentlemen, that to-night is +the night when the first gentleman who asks a +question that he cannot himself answer is liable +to a penalty of thirty-three dollars to make up +the deficit in the mess treasury."</p> + +<p>There were nods and grins, and shakings of +heads. Not an officer present had any idea that +<i>he</i> could be caught and made to pay the penalty.</p> + +<p>As the meal progressed Lieutenant Commander +Wales finally turned to one of the Filipino waiters +and inquired:</p> + +<p>"Is there any of the rare roast beef left?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you know yourself, Wales?" demanded +Totten quickly.</p> + +<p>"Why, er—no-o," admitted Mr. Wales, looking +much puzzled. "Why should I?"</p> + +<p>"Then haven't you asked a question that you +can't answer?" demanded Totten mischievously.</p> + +<p>"That's hardly a fair catch, is it?" demanded +the navigating officer, looking annoyed.</p> + +<p>"It is not a fair catch," broke in the executive +officer incisively. "Any gentleman here has a +perfect right to ask the waiter questions about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +the food supply without taking chances of being +subjected to a penalty."</p> + +<p>"I bow to the decision, sir," replied Lieutenant +Totten. "I merely wished to have the question +settled."</p> + +<p>Some of those present breathed more easily; +others yet dreaded to become victims of a penalty +proposition that many now regretted having +voted for.</p> + +<p>As the dessert came on Dan Dalzell turned to +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Darrin," he said, "can you tell me why it is +that a woodchuck never leaves any dirt heaped +up around the edge of his hole?"</p> + +<p>Dave reflected, looking puzzled for a moment. +Then he shook his head as he answered:</p> + +<p>"Dalzell, I'm afraid I don't know why."</p> + +<p>"Of course <i>you</i> know why, Dalzell," broke in +Lieutenant Barnes warningly.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I do know," Dan replied, nodding +his head slowly. "However, perhaps some other +gentleman would like the chance of answering +the question."</p> + +<p>Instantly a dozen at least of the officers became +interested in answering the question. To each +reply or guess, however, Dalzell shook his head.</p> + +<p>"If everyone who wants it has had a try at +the answer," suggested the executive officer, +"then we will call upon Mr. Dalzell to inform us<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +why a woodchuck, in digging his hole, leaves no +dirt piled up around the entrance."</p> + +<p>There was silence while Dan replied easily:</p> + +<p>"It's perfectly simple. Instead of beginning +at the surface of the ground and digging downward, +the woodchuck begins at the bottom of +the hole and digs up toward the light and air."</p> + +<p>As Dalzell offered this explanation he faced +Lieutenant Barnes, who was eying him scoffingly.</p> + +<p>When Dan had finished his explanation there +was a puzzled silence for an instant. But Dan's +half-leer irritated Lieutenant Barnes. Then came +the explosion.</p> + +<p>"Shaw!" snorted Barnes. "That's an explanation +that doesn't explain anything. It's a fool +answer. How does the woodchuck, if he digs up +from the bottom of the hole, ever manage to get +to the bottom of the hole to make his start there?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, well," answered Dan slowly, "that's +your question, Mr. Barnes."</p> + +<p>"My question?" retorted the lieutenant. +"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"If I understand aright," Dan went on, "you +asked how the woodchuck manages to get to the +bottom of the hole before he begins to dig."</p> + +<p>"That's right," nodded the lieutenant, stiffly.</p> + +<p>"That's just the idea," Dan grinned. "I am +calling upon you to answer the question that you +just asked. You must tell us how the woodchuck<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> +manages to get to the bottom of the hole +in order to start digging upward."</p> + +<p>It required perhaps two seconds for the joke to +dawn on the other officers at the long mess table. +Then an explosion of laughter sounded, and every +eye was turned toward Lieutenant Barnes.</p> + +<p>"That isn't fair!" roared the lieutenant, leaping +to his feet. "That was a trap! It wasn't a +fair catch."</p> + +<p>Barnes's face was very red. His voice quivered +with indignation.</p> + +<p>But Dan Dalzell was smiling coolly as he retorted:</p> + +<p>"I'll leave it to the mess if Barnes hasn't +asked a question that he can't answer."</p> + +<p>"You're caught, Barnes!" roared half a dozen +voices, and more laughter followed.</p> + +<p>"You asked a question, Barnes, and you can't +answer it," came from others.</p> + +<p>"That thirty-three dollars will come in handy," +called another.</p> + +<p>"Pay up like a man, Barnes."</p> + +<p>"That's right. Pay up! You're caught."</p> + +<p>The lieutenant's face grew redder, but he sat +down and tried to control his wrath.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem like a fairly incurred penalty," +declared Barnes, as soon as he could make himself +heard, "but of course I'll abide by the decision +of the mess."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then I move," suggested Wales, "that we +leave the question to a committee of three to +decide whether Mr. Barnes has been properly +caught in the fine that he himself was the one +to propose. For committee I would suggest the +executive officer, the paymaster and the chaplain."</p> + +<p>Informally that suggestion was quickly adopted. +The three officers named withdrew to a corner +of the ward-room, where they conversed in low +tones, after which they returned to their seats.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," announced the executive officer, +"the committee has discussed the problem submitted +to it, and the members of the committee +are unanimously agreed that Mr. Barnes fairly +and fully incurred the penalty that he himself +suggested the other morning."</p> + +<p>Barnes snorted, but was quick to recover sufficiently +to bow in the direction of the executive +officer.</p> + +<p>"Then I accept the decision, sir," announced +the lieutenant huskily. "At the close of the +meal I will pay thirty-three dollars into the +mess treasury."</p> + +<p>Barnes tried to look comfortable, but he refused +to glance in the direction of Danny Grin.</p> + +<p>"Did I catch him?" whispered Dalzell to his +chum.</p> + +<p>"You did," Dave agreed quickly. "Barnes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> +must feel pretty sore over the way his plan turned +out."</p> + +<p>There was much laughter during the rest of +the meal, and Barnes had to stand for much +chaffing, which he bore with a somewhat sullen +look. As the officers rose none offered to leave +the ward-room. All stood by waiting to see Barnes +hand thirty-three dollars to the paymaster.</p> + +<p>"Here is the money," announced Barnes, handing +a little wad of bills to the paymaster.</p> + +<p>"Count it, Pay!" piped a voice from the rear +of the crowd, but it was not Dan who spoke.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Barnes had the grace to leave the +ward-room without stamping, but in the nearest +passageway he encountered Ensigns Darrin and +Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are chuckling over the way I +dropped right into your trap," snapped Barnes +to Dan. "But do you call it a fair kind of trap?"</p> + +<p>"What was the committee's decision on the +subject?" inquired Dan, softly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll admit that the decision went against +me," answered the lieutenant, scowling. "How +will you like it if I promise to pay you back fully +for that trick? Are you willing that I should?"</p> + +<p>"If your mind is set on paying me back," +Danny Grin responded, "then my willingness +would have very little to do with your conduct. +But I am willing to make you a promise, sir."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What is that?" asked the lieutenant, quite +testily.</p> + +<p>"If you attempt to pay me back, sir, and +succeed, I'll agree to take my medicine with an +appearance of greater good humor than you +displayed a few minutes ago."</p> + +<p>"Huh!" sniffed Mr. Barnes.</p> + +<p>"Danny boy," broke in Dave, "I don't want +to spoil a pleasant conversation, but I would like +to remind you that, if we are to make much of +our evening ashore, we shall do well to change +to 'cits' at once. The launch leaves the side in +fifteen minutes."</p> + +<p>"You'll excuse me, won't you, sir?" begged +Dalzell, favoring the lieutenant with an extremely +pleasant smile.</p> + +<p>The chums went to their respective cabins, +where they quickly made the change from uniform +to citizen's dress, commonly called "cits."</p> + +<p>Promptly the launch left the "Hudson's" +side, but both young ensigns were aboard. At +least a dozen other officers and a score of seamen +were also aboard the launch, which was to return +for forty more seamen who held the coveted +shore leave.</p> + +<p>Yet the reader is not to suppose that either +officers or men were going ashore with any notion +of gambling. An American naval officer, with +his status of "officer and gentleman," would risk<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +a severe rebuke from his commanding officer if +he were to seat himself to play in any gambling +resort. As for the enlisted men, the "jackies," +they are not of the same piece of cloth as the +jovial, carousing seamen of the old-time Navy. +The "jackies" of to-day are nearly all extremely +youthful; they are clean-cut, able, ambitious +young fellows, much more inclined to study than +to waste their time in improper resorts.</p> + +<p>So, while most of the officers and men now +going ashore were likely to drop in at the Casino, +for the sake of seeing the sights there, it was +not in the least to be feared that any would +engage in the gambling games.</p> + +<p>When the launch landed in the little harbor, +drivers of automobiles and carriages clamored +for fares.</p> + +<p>"Are we going to ride up to the Casino?" Dan +asked his chum.</p> + +<p>"If you'd rather," Dave assented. "But, +unless you feel tired, let us stroll along and see +every bit of the way."</p> + +<p>"These natives are all jabbering French," +complained Dalzell, as the chums set out to +walk over the steep, well-worn roads, "but it +isn't the kind of French we were taught at +Annapolis."</p> + +<p>"Can't you understand them?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"Hardly a word."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you have to talk with any of the natives," +Dave advised, "speak your French slowly, +and ask the person you're addressing to do +the same."</p> + +<p>Though the way was steep, it was not a long +road. Dave and Dan soon reached the upper, +rocky plain, edged by cliffs, on which the Casino +and some of the hotels and other buildings stand.</p> + +<p>"If it weren't for the gambling," murmured +Dan to his friend, "I'd call this a beautiful +enough spot to live and die in."</p> + +<p>"As it is, a good many men and women manage +to die here," Darrin returned gravely.</p> + +<p>The Casino was surrounded by beautiful gardens, +in which were many rare tropical trees and +shrubs. From the Casino came the sound of +orchestral music. Throngs moved about on the +verandas; couples or little groups strolled through +the gardens. Inside, the play had hardly begun. +Gambling does not reach its frantic height until +midnight.</p> + +<p>"We shall feel out of place," mused Dave aloud. +"Dan, we really should have known better than +to come here in anything but evening dress. You +see that every one else is in full regalia."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we'd better keep on the edge of the +crowd," responded Danny Grin. "There is +enough to be seen here, for one evening, without +entering the Casino."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> + +<p>Though Dave intended to enter the Casino +later, he decided, for the present, to take in the +full beauty of the night in the gardens. There +were electric lights everywhere, which outshone +the brilliance of the moon.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" whispered Dan, suddenly. "There's +an old friend of ours."</p> + +<p>"Who?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Green Hat," Dan whispered impressively.</p> + +<p>Instantly Dave Darrin became intensely interested, +though he had no intimation of what +this second meeting portended. That Mr. Green +Hat was destined to play a highly tragic rôle in +his life, Darrin, of course, had no inkling at that +moment.</p> + +<p>"There he is!" whispered Dalzell, pointing, as +the chums stood screened by a flowering bush.</p> + +<p>"We'll watch that rascal!" Dave proposed +promptly. "I wonder if he has followed the +'Hudson' here with a view to attempting more +mischief against our Government. Whatever +his game is, I am going to take a peep at the +inside of it if a chance comes my way!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>MR. GREEN HAT'S NEW RÔLE</h3> + + +<p>Mr. Green Hat, on this occasion, had +discarded the article of headwear that +had given him that nickname with the +young ensigns.</p> + +<p>Instead, Gortchky wore an opera hat, with +evening dress of the most fashionable description. +On his broad white expanse of vest there glittered +a foreign decoration.</p> + +<p>Though he walked alone, and affected an air +of indifference to his surroundings, Darrin was +of the impression that the spy was looking alertly +for some one.</p> + +<p>"Of course it may happen," said Dave to his +friend, "that the fellow is foolish enough to come +here for the purpose of throwing away at the +gaming tables the money he earns by his questionable +services to some plotting international +ring. Yet that seems hardly likely, either, for +Gortchky must be a man of tremendous energy, +to render the thrilling services that are demanded +of a spy or an international trouble-maker."</p> + +<p>Now the two chums left the place where they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +had been standing behind the bush, to stroll +along slowly, all the while keeping Gortchky in +sight.</p> + +<p>Dave nudged his chum as, at a turn in the +path, the spy came face to face with a woman +clad in a beautiful evening gown.</p> + +<p>Raising his hat, and making a courteous bow +to the woman, who returned the greeting, Gortchky +exchanged half a dozen sentences with her. Then +the pair separated, though not before Dave and +Dan had obtained, under the electric light, a +good view of the young woman's face. Her +dark beauty, her height and grace, gave her a +queenly air.</p> + +<p>Stepping into another path, Dave and Dan +were soon on the trail of Gortchky once more, +without having been obliged to pass the young +woman face to face.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if she's a 'spy-ess'?" murmured +Dan.</p> + +<p>"It is just as well to be suspicious of any one +whom Gortchky appears to know well," Dave +answered, slowly, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"I beg pardon, sir," broke in a sailor from the +"Hudson," stepping forward and saluting the +officers. "May I speak with you, sir?"</p> + +<p>It was Dan to whom he spoke, and it was Dan +who answered:</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Martin."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 263px;"> +<img src="images/illus-054.jpg" width="263" height="400" alt=""The spy came face to face with a woman."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"The spy came face to face with a woman."</span> +</div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> + +<p>Martin was one of the gun-pointers in Dalzell's +division.</p> + +<p>"Linton, one of our men, has been hurt, and +rather badly, by falling off a boulder that he +climbed not far from here, sir. I thought I +would ask the ensign what to do with Linton."</p> + +<p>"How badly is he hurt?" asked Ensign Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"I think his right leg is broken, sir. Colby +is with him, and I came in search of you, sir, +as I was certain I saw you here."</p> + +<p>"Is Linton far from here?" asked Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"Less than a quarter of a mile, sir."</p> + +<p>"Lead the way, Martin, and I'll follow you. +Dave, you'll excuse me for a little while, won't +you?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," nodded Ensign Darrin. Dave +wished to remain where he was, in order to keep +an eye over Gortchky's movements, and Dan +knew it. So the chums parted for the present.</p> + +<p>"Now, I'll see if I can pick up Gortchky again," +reflected Ensign Darrin. "He appears to have +given me the slip."</p> + +<p>Dave went ahead, more briskly than he had +been moving before, in the hope of sighting the +spy.</p> + +<p>Out of the Casino had staggered a young man, +despair written on his face, hopelessness in his +very air. Plunging into the garden this stranger +made his way hastily through it, keeping on until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +he came to the field where pigeon shoots are held +from time to time.</p> + +<p>Dave, at the edge of the garden, saw the +young man step past the shrubbery and go on into +the darkness beyond. Under the last rays of +light Ensign Darrin saw something glitter in the +stranger's hand.</p> + +<p>"That fellow has just drawn a revolver!" +flashed through Darrin's mind. "Now, what +mischief can he be up to?"</p> + +<p>Led onward by some fascination that he did +not understand, the young naval officer followed.</p> + +<p>In his excitement and desperation the man +did not notice that he was being followed.</p> + +<p>Halting under the heavy foliage of a tree, the +stranger glanced down at the weapon in his +hand and shuddered. This foolish young man, +haunting the gambling tables until he had ruined +himself, and seeing nothing now ahead of him in +life, was bent upon self-destruction.</p> + +<p>Sometimes there are several such suicides at +Monte Carlo in a single week. If unprovided +with other means for ending his life, the suicide +sometimes hurls himself over the edge of one of +the steep cliffs.</p> + +<p>Suicides, of course, have a depressing effect on +other players, so those in authority at the Casino +take every means of hushing up these tragedies +as effectively as possible.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There is really nothing left in life," muttered +the young man huskily, as he stared at the +weapon in his hand. He spoke in French, but +Darrin heard and understood him.</p> + +<p>Then the desperate one raised the weapon, +pointing the muzzle at his head.</p> + +<p>At that instant there was a quick step out of +the darkness, and Dave reached the stranger. +The latter, startled, drew back, but not in time +to prevent Darrin's grip of steel from resting on +his right wrist.</p> + +<p>Wrench! Dave had the pistol in his own +hands, at the same time murmuring:</p> + +<p>"You will pardon me, I trust."</p> + +<p>Ensign Darrin broke the weapon open at the +breach. From the chamber he removed the +cartridges, dropping them into his pocket. With +another swift movement Dave flung the pistol +so far that it dropped over the edge of a cliff.</p> + +<p>"You will pardon me, I trust, sir, for throwing +your property away in that fashion," Dave +apologized, in the best French he could summon.</p> + +<p>"Since it is the very last item of my property +that was left to me, perhaps it can matter but +little that I am deprived of it," said the stranger, +smiling wanly. "The cliff is still left to me, +however. I can easily follow the pistol."</p> + +<p>"But you are not going to jump over the cliff," +Darrin assured him energetically.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And why are you so certain of that?" demanded +the stranger.</p> + +<p>Dave looked keenly at his companion before +he replied:</p> + +<p>"Because, sir, your face is that of a man—not +of a coward. Suicide is the act of a coward. +It is the resort of one who frankly admits that +his troubles are greater than he has the manhood +to bear. Now, you have, when one regards +you closely, the look of a man and a +gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for your good opinion, sir," replied +the stranger, bowing. "I will say that I +was born a gentleman."</p> + +<p>"And you still are one, and a man, as well as +a gentleman," Dave continued, gently. "Therefore, +you are not afraid to face life."</p> + +<p>"What is there left to me to make life worth +living?" queried the stranger.</p> + +<p>"Why should you have the least desire to die?" +Dave countered.</p> + +<p>"I have lost all my money."</p> + +<p>"That is a very slight matter," Darrin argued. +"Lost all your money, have you? Why, my dear +fellow, there's a lot more in the world."</p> + +<p>"But none of the money now in the world is +mine," urged the desperate one.</p> + +<p>"Then make a part of the world's money yours," +the young naval officer retorted, smilingly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have never worked," replied the stranger +stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Why not?" Dave pressed.</p> + +<p>"I never had need to."</p> + +<p>"But now you have the need, and working for +money will bring some novelty into your life," +the young ensign insisted.</p> + +<p>"Did I not tell you that I was born a gentleman?" +inquired the young man, raising his eyebrows. +"A gentleman never works!"</p> + +<p>"Some gentlemen don't," Dave admitted. "But +they are the wrong kind of gentlemen."</p> + +<p>"If I mistake not," quizzed the stranger keenly, +"you are a gentleman, yourself."</p> + +<p>"I trust that I am," Dave responded gravely.</p> + +<p>"Then do you work?"</p> + +<p>"More hours a day than any laborer does," Darrin +answered promptly. "I am a naval officer."</p> + +<p>"Ah, but that is a career of honor—of glory!" +cried the stranger.</p> + +<p>"And so is any honest job of work that a man +takes up in earnest and carries through to the best +of his ability," Dave Darrin returned with warmth.</p> + +<p>"But you see, sir," argued the stranger, though +now he was smiling, "you have been trained to +a profession. I never was so trained."</p> + +<p>"You are young?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty-four."</p> + +<p>"Then you are young enough to change your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +mind and recognize the dignity of labor," Darrin +continued. "You are also young enough and, +unless I mistake you, bright enough to win a +very good place in life for yourself. And you +are man enough, now you have had time to +think it over, to see the wickedness of destroying +yourself. Man, <i>make</i> yourself instead."</p> + +<p>"I'll do it! I will make myself!" promised +the stranger, with a new outburst of emotion.</p> + +<p>"And you will never again allow yourself to +become so downcast that you will seek to destroy +yourself?"</p> + +<p>"Never!"</p> + +<p>"I am satisfied," Dave said gravely. "You are +a man of honor, and therefore are incapable of +breaking your word. Your hand!"</p> + +<p>Their hands met in ardent clasp. Then Darrin +took out his card case, tendering his card to the +stranger.</p> + +<p>Instantly the young man produced his own card +case, and extended a bit of pasteboard, murmuring:</p> + +<p>"I am M. le Comte de Surigny, of Lyons, +France."</p> + +<p>It was too dark to read the cards there, but +Dave gave his own name, and again the young +men shook hands.</p> + +<p>"But I am forgetting my comrade," Dave +cried suddenly. "He was to return in a few +minutes, and will not know where to find me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I have detained you, with my own +wretched affairs!" cried the young count reproachfully. +"I must not trespass upon your +time another second."</p> + +<p>"Why not walk along with me and meet my +friend?" Dave suggested.</p> + +<p>"With pleasure."</p> + +<p>Dave and the young French count stepped +along briskly until they came to the spot where +Dalzell had left his chum. Two or three minutes +later Dan hove into sight.</p> + +<p>Dan and the Count of Surigny were introduced, +and some chat followed. Then the Count frankly +told of the service that Darrin had just rendered +him.</p> + +<p>"That is Dave!" glowed Dan. "He's always +around in time to be of use to some one."</p> + +<p>In the distance a shot rang out—only one. +The Count of Surigny shuddered.</p> + +<p>"You understand, do you not?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid so," Dave sadly responded.</p> + +<p>As they stood there four men with a litter +hurried past toward the place whence the sound +of the shot had come.</p> + +<p>"The police of Monte Carlo," murmured the +Count of Surigny.</p> + +<p>Presently, at a distance, the three onlookers +beheld the four men and the litter moving stealthily +along, but not toward the Casino. The litter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +was occupied by a still form over which a cover +had been thrown.</p> + +<p>"You have shown me the way of true courage!" +murmured the Count of Surigny, laying an +affectionate hand on Ensign Darrin's shoulder.</p> + +<p>The chums and their new acquaintance strolled +along for a few moments. Then the Count suddenly +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"But I am intruding, and must leave you."</p> + +<p>"You surely are not intruding," Dave told +him. "We are delighted with your company."</p> + +<p>"Wholly so," Dan added.</p> + +<p>But the Count felt himself to be an interloper, +and so insisted on shaking hands again and +taking his departure.</p> + +<p>"I shall see or write you presently," said the +Count. He had already obtained the fleet address, +and knew, in addition, that he could write at +any time through the Navy Department at +Washington.</p> + +<p>"Will he make good?" asked Danny Grin +wistfully, as he peered after the departing form.</p> + +<p>"It's an even chance," Dave replied. "Either +that young man will go steadily up, or else he +will go rapidly down. It is sometimes a terrible +thing to be born a gentleman—in the European +sense. Few of the Count's friends will appreciate +him if he starts in upon a career of effort. But, +even though he goes down, he will struggle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> +bravely at the outset. Of that I feel certain."</p> + +<p>"I wonder what has become of Gortchky?" +remarked Ensign Dalzell.</p> + +<p>That industrious spy, however, was no longer +the pursued; he had become the pursuer.</p> + +<p>From a little distance Gortchky had espied +Dave and the Count chatting, and had witnessed +the introduction to Dalzell. A man of Mr. +Green Hat's experience with the world did not +need many glances to assure himself that the +Count had lost his last franc at the gambling +table.</p> + +<p>Gortchky was not at Monte Carlo without +abundant assistance. So, as the Count, head +down, and reflecting hard, strolled along one of +the paths, a man bumped into him violently.</p> + +<p>"Ten thousand pardons, Monsieur!" cried the +bumper, in a tone of great embarrassment. "It +was stupid of me. I—"</p> + +<p>"Have no uneasiness, my friend," smiled the +Count. "It was I who was stupid. I should have +looked where I was going."</p> + +<p>Courteous bows were exchanged, and the two +separated. But the man who had bumped into +the Count now carried inside his sleeve the Count's +empty wallet, which was adorned with the crest +of Surigny.</p> + +<p>This wallet was promptly delivered to another.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +Five minutes later, as the Count strolled along, +Emil Gortchky called out behind him:</p> + +<p>"Monsieur! Pardon me, but I think you must +have dropped your wallet."</p> + +<p>"If I have, the loss is trifling indeed," smiled +the Count, turning.</p> + +<p>Gortchky held out the wallet, then struck a +match. By the flame the Count beheld his own +crest.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is mine," replied the Count, "and I +thank you for your kindness."</p> + +<p>"Will Monsieur do me the kindness, before +I leave him, to make sure that the contents of +the wallet are intact?" urged Gortchky.</p> + +<p>"It will take but an instant," laughed the +Count of Surigny. "See! I will show you that +the contents are intact!"</p> + +<p>As he spoke he opened the wallet. A packet +of paper dropped to the ground. In astonishment +the Count bent over to pick up the packet. +M. Gortchky struck another match.</p> + +<p>"Let us go nearer to an electric light, that +you may count your money at your ease, +Monsieur," suggested Gortchky.</p> + +<p>Like one in a daze the Count moved along with +Gortchky. When sufficiently in the light, Surigny, +with an expression of astonishment, found that +he was the possessor of thirty twenty-franc +notes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I did not know that I had this!" cried the +Count. "How did I come to overlook it?"</p> + +<p>"It is but a trifle to a man of your fortune," +cried M. Gortchky gayly.</p> + +<p>"It is all I have in the world!" sighed the +young man. "And I am still amazed that I +possess so much."</p> + +<p>"Poor?" asked Gortchky, in a voice vibrating +with sympathy. "And you so young, and a +gentleman of old family! Monsieur, it may be +that this is a happy meeting. Perhaps I may be +able to offer you the employment that befits a +gentleman."</p> + +<p>Then Gortchky lowered his voice, almost +whispering:</p> + +<p>"For I am in the diplomatic service, and have +need of just such an attaché as you would make. +Young, a gentleman, and of charming manners! +Your intellect, too, I am sure, is one that would +fit you for eminence in the diplomatic service."</p> + +<p>"The mere mention of the diplomatic service +attracts me," confessed M. le Comte wistfully.</p> + +<p>"Then you shall have your fling at it!" promised +M. Gortchky. "But enough of this. You shall +talk it over with me to-morrow. Diplomacy, +you know, is all gamble, and the gambler makes +the best diplomat in the world. For to-night, +Monsieur, you shall enjoy yourself! If I know +anything of gaming fate, then you are due to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +reap a harvest of thousands with your few +francs to-night. I can see it in your face that +your luck is about to turn. An evening of calm, +quiet play, Monsieur, and in the morning you +and I will arrange for your entrance into the +diplomatic world. <i>Faites votre jeux!</i> (Make your +wagers.) Wealth to-night, and a career to-morrow! +Come! To the Casino!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>DANNY GRIN FIGHTS A SMILE</h3> + + +<p>Side by side Dave and Dan strolled through +the vast main salon of the Casino.</p> + +<p>Here at tables were groups of men and +women. Each player hoped to quit the tables +that night richer by thousands. Most of them +were doomed to leave poorer, as chance is always +in favor of the gambling institution and always +against the player.</p> + +<p>"It's a mad scene," murmured Dan, in a low +voice.</p> + +<p>"You are looking on now at an exhibition of +what is probably the worst, and therefore the +most dangerous, human vice," Dave replied. +"Bad as drunkenness is, gambling is worse."</p> + +<p>"What is at the bottom of the gambling +mania?" Dan asked thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Greed," Dave responded promptly. "The +desire to possess property, and to acquire it +without working for it."</p> + +<p>"Some of these poor men and women look as +if they were working hard indeed," muttered +Dan, in almost a tone of sympathy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> + +<p>"They are not working so much as suffering," +Dave rejoined. "Study their faces, Danny boy. +Can't you see greed sticking out all over these +countenances? Look at the hectic flush in most +of the faces. And—look at that man!"</p> + +<p>A short, stout man sprang up from a table, his +face ghastly pale and distorted as though with +terror. His eyes were wild and staring. He +chattered incoherently as he hastened away with +tottering steps. Then his hands gripped his +hair, as though about to tear it from his head.</p> + +<p>A few of the players in this international congress +of greed glanced at the unfortunate man, +who probably had just beggared himself, shrugged +their shoulders, and turned their fascinated eyes +back to the gambling table.</p> + +<p>One woman, young and charming, reached up +to her throat, unfastening and tossing on the +table a costly diamond necklace and pendant.</p> + +<p>"Now," she laughed hysterically, "I may go on +playing for another hour."</p> + +<p>The Casino's representative in charge at that +table smiled and shook his head.</p> + +<p>"We accept only money, madame," he said, +with a grave bow.</p> + +<p>"But I have no more money—with me," +flashed back the young woman, her cheeks +burning feverishly.</p> + +<p>"I regret, madame," insisted the Casino's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +man. Then an attendant, at a barely perceptible +sign from the <i>croupier</i>, as the man in charge of +the table is called, stepped up behind the young +woman, bent over her and murmured:</p> + +<p>"If you care to leave the table for a few minutes, +madame, there are those close at hand who will +advance you money on your necklace."</p> + +<p>The young woman pouted at first. In another +instant there was a suppressed shout at the table. +A player had just won four thousand francs.</p> + +<p>"I must have money!" cried the young woman, +springing from her chair. "This is destined to +be my lucky night, and I must have money!"</p> + +<p>As though he had been waiting for his prey, +the attendant was quickly by the woman's side. +Bowing, he offered his arm. The man, attendant +though he was, was garbed in evening dress. +Without a blush the woman moved away on this +attendant's arm.</p> + +<p>"Shall we move on?" asked Dan.</p> + +<p>"Not just yet," urged Darrin, in an undertone. +"I am interested in the further fate of +that foolish young woman."</p> + +<p>Within five minutes she had returned. Her +former seat had been reserved for her; the young +woman dropped into it.</p> + +<p>"You have enough money now?" asked the +woman at her left.</p> + +<p>"I have money," pouted the pretty young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> +woman, "but be warned by me. The pawnbrokers +at Monte Carlo are robbers. The fellow would +advance me only six thousand francs, whereas +my husband paid a hundred thousand for that +necklace."</p> + +<p>A moment later the young woman was absorbed +in the wild frenzy of play.</p> + +<p>"And that attendant undoubtedly gets a handsome +commission from the pawnbroker," murmured +Darrin in his chum's ear. "Greed here is +in the very air; none can escape it who lingers."</p> + +<p>"How much have you lost, Darrin?" called a +bantering voice in Dave's ear.</p> + +<p>The speaker was Lieutenant Totten.</p> + +<p>"About as much, I imagine, as you have, sir," +was Darrin's smiling answer.</p> + +<p>"Meaning that you now have as much money +as when you entered the place?" answered the +lieutenant, banteringly.</p> + +<p>"Exactly," returned Darrin. "I have only to +study the faces here to know better than to risk +even a franc-piece at one of these tables."</p> + +<p>"And you, Dalzell?" inquired Totten.</p> + +<p>"I haven't any French money, anyway," +grinned Dan.</p> + +<p>"Not at all necessary to have French money," +laughed Totten. "Any kind of real money is +good here—as long as it lasts. Every nation +on earth is represented here to-night, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +attendants know the current exchange rate for +any kind of good money that is coined or printed. +Look closely about you and you will see other +things that are worth nothing. There are men +here, some of them limping, others showing the +pallor of illness, who are undoubtedly French, +English or Italian officers, injured at the front +and sent home to hospitals. Being still unfitted +to return to their soldier duties at the front, they +are passing time here and indulging in their +mania for gambling. And here, too, you will see +wealthy French, Italian, English or Russian +civilians who have returned to Monte Carlo to +gamble, though later on they are pretty certain +to be held up to contempt at home for gambling +money away here instead of buying government +war bonds at home."</p> + +<p>"You have been here before?" Dave asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," nodded Totten, "and as I do not +play, and would not do so in any circumstances, +this place has not much interest for me."</p> + +<p>"I can hardly imagine," said Ensign Darrin, +gravely, "that I shall ever bother to pay a second +visit here."</p> + +<p>"It's a good deal of a bore," yawned Lieutenant +Totten, behind his hand. "I am glad to note +that most of the people here look like Europeans. +I should hate to believe that many Americans +could be foolish enough to come here."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> + +<p>At that moment a stout, red-faced man rose +from a table near by, his voice booming as he +laughed:</p> + +<p>"I have lost only sixteen thousand francs. I +shall be sure to come back and have my +revenge. In Chicago my signature is good at +any time for a million dollars—for five million +francs!"</p> + +<p>Many eyes, followed this speaker wistfully. +With such wealth as his how many months of +frenzied pleasure they might have at Monte +Carlo!</p> + +<p>"One American idiot, at least," muttered Totten, +in disgust. "Or else he's a liar or braggart."</p> + +<p>Madly the play went on, the faces of the players +growing more flushed as the hour grew later.</p> + +<p>Totten moved along with a bored air.</p> + +<p>"I guess he's going," said Dan. "I don't +blame him for being tired of the place. It's +like a human menagerie."</p> + +<p>"We'll go, then," agreed Dave. "Surely I +have seen enough of the Casino. I shall never +care to revisit it."</p> + +<p>"Ah, here you are, my dear fellows!" exclaimed +a musical voice. "And the Countess Ripoli has +asked me to present you to her. She is eager to +know if you American officers are as wonderful +as I have told her."</p> + +<p>The speaker was Dandelli, a handsome, boyish-looking,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +frank-faced young Italian naval officer +with whom Darrin and Dalzell had become +acquainted at Gibraltar.</p> + +<p>The Countess Ripoli, to whom Dandelli now +presented the two young ensigns, was a woman +in the full flower of her beauty at twenty-five +or so. Tall, willowy, with a perfect air, her +wonderful eyes, in which there was a touch of +Moorish fire, were calculated to set a young +man's heart to beating responses to her mood. +Attired in the latest mode of Paris, and wearing +only enough jewels to enhance her great beauty, +the Countess chose to be most gracious to the +young ensigns. Dave thought her a charming +young woman; Dan Dalzell nearly lost his head.</p> + +<p>From a distance Emil Gortchky looked on, a +quiet smile gleaming in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Dandelli is a fool, who will do any pretty +woman's bidding," mused the spy. "Madame +Ripoli can play with him. Also I believe she +will surely ensnare for me at least one of the +Americans. Which, I wonder? But then why +should I care which? The Ripoli knows how to +manage such affairs far better than I do."</p> + +<p>For the Countess was another of the many +dangerous tools with which Mr. Green Hat plied +his wicked trade.</p> + +<p>If the Countess, as unscrupulous as Gortchky +himself, could ensnare either of these young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +officers with her fascinations, he was likely to +be that much the weaker, and a readier prey for +the trap that Emil Gortchky was arranging.</p> + +<p>"Dandelli," murmured the Countess sweetly, +in French, "you will wish, I know, to talk with +your dear friend, Mr. Darrin, so I must look to +Mr. Dalzell to offer me his arm."</p> + +<p>Dan was ready, with a bow, to offer the Countess +Ripoli his arm, and to escort her in the direction +which she indicated.</p> + +<p>It was to one of the verandas that the Countess +led the way. As she chatted she laughed and +looked up at Dan with her most engaging expression. +There were other promenaders on the +veranda, though not many, for the furious fascination +of gambling tables kept nearly all the +frequenters of the place inside.</p> + +<p>"You have played to-night?" asked the +Countess, again glancing sweetly up into the +young naval officer's face.</p> + +<p>"Not to-night," Dan replied.</p> + +<p>"But you will doubtless play later?" she +insisted.</p> + +<p>"I haven't gambled to-night, nor shall I gamble +on any other night," Dan replied pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"But why?" demanded the Countess, looking +puzzled.</p> + +<p>"Gambling does not fit in with my idea of +honesty," replied Dalzell quite bluntly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>DAVE RUNS INTO A REAL THRILL</h3> + + +<p>"I do not understand," murmured the Countess.</p> + +<p>"I know that the European idea of gambling +is very different from that entertained by +most people in my country," Dan went on pleasantly. +"To the greater number of Americans, +gambling is a method of getting other people's +money away from them without working for it."</p> + +<p>"And that is why you term it dishonest?" +asked the Countess.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Dan frankly. "And, in addition, +it is a wicked waste of time that could be +put to so many good uses."</p> + +<p>Countess Ripoli shrugged her fine shoulders, +and looked up once more at the young officer. +But Dan was smiling back coolly at her.</p> + +<p>"You have not a flattering idea of the Europeans?" +she asked.</p> + +<p>"Quite to the contrary," Dan assured her.</p> + +<p>"Yet you think we are both weak and dishonest, +because we use our time to poor advantage +and because so many of us find Monte Carlo +delightful?" she pressed him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not all Europeans frequent Monte Carlo," +Dalzell answered.</p> + +<p>"May I ask my new American friend why <i>he</i> +should waste his time here?" laughed the Countess.</p> + +<p>"I do not believe I have exactly wasted my +time," Dan replied. "A naval officer, or any +other American, may well spend some of his +time here in gaining a better knowledge of human +nature. Surely, there is much of human +nature to be seen here, even though it be not one +of the better sides."</p> + +<p>"What is the bad trait, or the vice, that one beholds +most at Monte Carlo?" the Countess asked.</p> + +<p>"Greed," Dan rejoined promptly.</p> + +<p>"And dishonesty?"</p> + +<p>"Much of that vice, no doubt," Dan continued. +"To-night there must be many a man here who +is throwing away money that his family needs, +yet he will never tell his wife that he lost his +money over a table at Monte Carlo. Again, +there must be many a woman here throwing +away money in large sums, and she, very likely, +will never tell her husband the truth. Let us +say that, in both sexes, there are a hundred +persons here to-night who will be dishonest +toward their life partners afterward. And then, +perhaps, many a young bachelor, who, betrothed +to some good woman, is learning his first lessons +in greed and deceit. And some young girls, too,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +who are perhaps learning the wrong lessons in +life. I know of one very young man here who +tried to blow out his brains to-night. For the +sake of a few hours, or perhaps a few weeks, +over the gaming tables of Monte Carlo, he had +thrown away everything that made life worth +living. Any man who gambles bids good-by to +the finer things of life."</p> + +<p>Dan's slow, halting French made the Countess +listen very attentively, that she might understand +just what he said. She puckered her brow +thoughtfully, then suddenly glanced up, laughing +with all the witchery at her command.</p> + +<p>"Then, my dear American," she said insinuatingly, +"I fear that you are going to refuse me +a very great favor."</p> + +<p>"I hope not," Dan replied, gallantly.</p> + +<p>"There is," pursued the Countess, "such a +thing as luck. Often a prophecy of that luck is +to be seen in one's face. I see such luck written +in your face now. Since you will not play for +yourself, I had hoped that you would be willing +to let me have the benefit of a little of the luck +that is so plainly written on your face. I had +hoped, up to this instant, that you would consent +to play as my proxy."</p> + +<p>The Countess was looking at him in a way that +would have melted many a man into agreeing +to her wishes, but Dan answered promptly:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I regret, Countess, to be compelled to refuse +your request, but I would not play for myself, +nor for anyone else."</p> + +<p>"If you so detest Monte Carlo and its pursuits," +replied the Countess with a pout, "I cannot +understand why you are here."</p> + +<p>"There was something useful to be gained +from witnessing the sights here, but I have seen +as much as I wish," Dalzell went on, "and now +I am ready to leave. I am returning to my ship +as soon as Darrin is ready to go."</p> + +<p>"And he, also, is tired of Monte Carlo?" asked +Countess Ripoli.</p> + +<p>"Darrin's views are much the same as my +own," Dan responded quietly.</p> + +<p>Countess Ripoli bit her lip, then surveyed +Dalzell with a sidelong look which she did not +believe he saw, but Dan, trained in habits of +observation, had missed nothing.</p> + +<p>"Will you take me back to the tables?" asked +the Countess suddenly.</p> + +<p>"With pleasure," bowed Dan.</p> + +<p>Lightly resting a hand on his arm the Countess +guided Dalzell rather than walked with him. +Back into the largest salon they moved.</p> + +<p>Dan's eye roved about in search of Darrin, +but that young ensign was not in sight.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>At that very moment, in fact, Dave Darrin<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> +was very much concerned in a matter upon +which he had stumbled.</p> + +<p>A few moments before his quick eye had espied +Emil Gortchky crossing the room at a distance. +Gortchky paused barely more than a few seconds +to say a few words to a white-bearded, rather +distinguished-looking foreigner. The older man +returned Gortchky's look, then smiled slightly +and moved on.</p> + +<p>It was a trivial incident, but it was sufficient +to set Dave's mind to working swiftly, on account +of what he already knew about Mr. Green Hat.</p> + +<p>For a few moments longer Ensign Darrin stood +where he was; then, tiring of the scene, and wondering +what had become of Danny Grin, he moved +out upon one of the verandas, strolling slowly +along. Reaching a darker part of the veranda, +where a clump of small potted trees formed a +toy grove, Dave paused, looking past the trees +out upon the vague glimpses to be had of the +Mediterranean by night.</p> + +<p>There, in the near distance, gleamed the lights +of the "Hudson." Darrin's face glowed with +pride in the ship and in the Nation that stood +behind her.</p> + +<p>Almost unconsciously he stepped inside the +little grove. For a few minutes longer his gaze +rested on the sea. Then, hearing voices faintly, +he turned to see if Dalzell were approaching.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> + +<p>Instead, it was the white-bearded foreigner, +the murmur of whose voice had reached him. +With him was another man, younger, black-haired, +and with a face that somehow made the +beholder think of an eagle.</p> + +<p>The two men were engaged in close, low-voiced +conversation.</p> + +<p>"I'd better step into view," reflected Darrin, +"so that they may not talk of private matters +in my hearing."</p> + +<p>Just then a chuckle escaped the younger of +the pair, and with it Dave distinguished the word, +"American."</p> + +<p>It was the sneering intonation given the word +that made Dave Darrin start slightly.</p> + +<p>"Those men are discussing my country," +muttered the young ensign, swiftly, "and one +of them at least is well acquainted with that +spy, Gortchky. Perhaps I shall do better to +remain where I am."</p> + +<p>Nor had Dave long to deliberate on this point, +for the pair now neared the grove. They were +speaking French, and in undertones, but Dave's +ear was quick for that tongue, and he caught the +words:</p> + +<p>"England's friendship is important to America +at the present moment, and it is very freely +given, too. The English believe in their Yankee +cousins."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> + +<p>"When the English lose a naval ship or two +at Malta or elsewhere, and learn that it is the +Americans who sink their ships, and then lie +about it, will the English love for America be +as great?" laughed the younger man.</p> + +<p>"The English will be furious," smiled the white-bearded +man, "and they will never learn the +truth, either. For a hundred years to come Great +Britain will hate the United States with the +fiercest hatred."</p> + +<p>"It is a desperate trick, but a clever one," +declared the younger man, admiringly. "Nor +will there be any way for either England or +America to learn the truth. The whole world +will know that the Yankees destroyed two British +ships with all on board. It will probably bring +the two countries to actual war. No matter +though England is at present engaged in a huge +war, the sentiment of her people would force her +to take the United States on, too."</p> + +<p>Ensign Dave Darrin, overhearing that conversation, +and well knowing that he was listening to +more than vaporing, felt his face blanch. He +steeled himself to rigid posture as he felt himself +trembling slightly.</p> + +<p>Farther down the veranda strolled the French-speaking +pair, then wheeled out of sight.</p> + +<p>In a twinkling Dave strode silently, swiftly +toward the salon that he had left. As he stepped<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +into the brighter light, with admirable control, +he slowed down to a sauntering stroll, looking +smilingly about as though his whole mind were +on the scenes of gambling before him.</p> + +<p>A moment or two later Darrin's eyes caught +sight of Dan Dalzell, as that young officer bowed +the Countess Ripoli to a seat.</p> + +<p>In vain did the Countess use her prettiest +smiles to hold Danny Grin by her side as she +played. Dalzell had been schooled at Annapolis +and in the Navy itself, and knew how to take his +leave gracefully, which he did, followed by the +pouts of the Countess. As soon as she saw that +the ensign's back was turned, a very unpleasant +frown crossed her beautiful face.</p> + +<p>Dave continued his stroll until he met Dan at +a point where none stood near them.</p> + +<p>"Keep on smiling, Dan," urged Dave, in an +undertone. "Don't let that grin leave your +face. But it's back to the ship for us on the +double-quick! I may be dreaming, but I think +I have found out the meaning of Mr. Green Hat's +strange activities. I believe there is a plot on +foot to bring England and our country into war +with each other. One thing is certain. It's my +duty to get back on board as fast as possible. +I must tell the admiral what I have overheard."</p> + +<p>Dan did not forget the injunction to keep on +smiling. He proved so excellent an actor that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> +he laughed heartily as Dave Darrin finished his +few but thrilling words.</p> + +<p>"Tiresome here, isn't it?" murmured Dan, +aloud. "We might as well go back on board +ship."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>THE ADMIRAL UNLOADS HIS MIND</h3> + + +<p>Reporting their coming aboard to the +officer of the deck, Dave and Dan hastened +to their respective quarters.</p> + +<p>While Ensign Dalzell performed a "lightning +change" from "cits" to uniform, Dave first +seated himself at his desk, where he wrote a note +hurriedly.</p> + +<p>This done, he passed the word for an orderly, +who promptly appeared.</p> + +<p>"Take this note to the Captain," ordered +Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir," said the messenger.</p> + +<p>Dave then hastened to make the necessary +change in his own apparel. So quickly did he +act, that he had his uniform on and was buttoning +his blouse when the messenger returned.</p> + +<p>"The Captain will see Ensigns Darrin and +Dalzell immediately," reported the orderly.</p> + +<p>Returning the orderly's salute, Dave buckled +on his sword belt, hung on his sword, drew on his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> +white gloves, and started. He found his chum +ready.</p> + +<p>Together the young officers reported at the +Captain's quarters. Captain Allen was already +seated at his desk.</p> + +<p>"Orderly!" called the commanding officer +briskly.</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>"Guard the door and report that I am engaged."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>In an instant Captain Allen, who had briefly +greeted his youngest officers, turned to them.</p> + +<p>"Your note, Mr. Darrin, stated that you had a +matter to report to me of such importance that +you did not believe I would wish to lose a moment +in hearing what Mr. Dalzell and yourself could +tell me."</p> + +<p>"That is the case, sir," Dave bowed. "Have +I your permission to proceed, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. You may take seats, if you wish."</p> + +<p>Bowing their thanks, the young officers remained +on their feet.</p> + +<p>Ensign Dave plunged at once into the narration +of what had befallen them ashore.</p> + +<p>Captain Allen listened to the tale without comment, +but when Dave related what he had overheard +the two men say when passing the imitation +grove on the darkest part of the Casino veranda, +the commanding officer sprang to his feet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Darrin," he demanded, "are you positive +of the words that you have just repeated?"</p> + +<p>"I am, sir. In a matter of such importance I +was careful to record every word in my mind just +as it was uttered."</p> + +<p>"Then I must communicate with the Admiral +at once," continued Captain Allen, seating himself +again. "Even if the Admiral be abed I consider +this a subject of enough importance to call +him."</p> + +<p>Taking down the receiver of the telephone that +led direct to the fleet commander's quarters, the +Captain sent in a call to the Admiral's quarters.</p> + +<p>Soon there came a response.</p> + +<p>"This is the Captain speaking, Admiral," announced +the "Hudson's" commanding officer. +"Although the hour is late, sir, I request permission +to report to you on a matter of importance."</p> + +<p>"I will see you, Captain, in five minutes."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. I request permission to bring +two officers with me."</p> + +<p>"Permission is granted, Captain."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> + +<p>Hanging up the transmitter, Captain Allen +sank back in his chair.</p> + +<p>"Is there anything else, gentlemen, that you +wish to say to me before we go to the Admiral?"</p> + +<p>"I think I have told you all, sir," Dave replied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I, too," Dalzell added.</p> + +<p>Keeping his eye on the clock, Captain Allen +presently arose, girded on his sword, parted the +curtains, and led the way.</p> + +<p>"If I am wanted, Orderly, I shall be in the +Admiral's quarters."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>The three officers then filed rapidly along the +deck, presented themselves at the Admiral's +quarters, and were admitted.</p> + +<p>Admiral Timworth was standing at the rear of +his cabin when the subordinate officers entered. +He came quickly forward, instructed his orderly +to guard the door, then turned to his visitors.</p> + +<p>"I believe it will be best, with your permission, +sir," began Captain Allen, "to let Mr. Darrin +make his report to you."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Darrin will proceed, then."</p> + +<p>So Dave repeated the story he had told the +Captain. Admiral Timworth listened until the +recital had been finished, and then asked several +questions.</p> + +<p>"It does not sound like a hoax," commented +Admiral Timworth, at last. "Yet it is impossible +for me to conceive how two British battleships +are to be sunk near Malta, or near anywhere else, +and Americans blamed for the act. Captain +Allen, can you imagine any way in which such a +thing might be effected?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I cannot, sir."</p> + +<p>"The subject must be given careful thought," +declared the Admiral. "By the way, Mr. Darrin, +do you think you could identify those two men +who talked of the proposed destruction of the +British battleships?"</p> + +<p>"I am positive that I could do so, sir," Dave +rejoined, "provided they were not disguised."</p> + +<p>"Then you may meet them again, as we shall +stop at various Mediterranean ports. If you do, +sir, I wish you to report to me anything that you +may find out about them. Mr. Dalzell did not +see them, did he?"</p> + +<p>"I may have passed them, sir," Dan replied, +"but I would not know them, if meeting them, as +the men whom Mr. Darrin mentions."</p> + +<p>"Then, Captain, you will see to it," directed +the Admiral, "that Mr. Dalzell has shore leave +whenever Mr. Darrin does. The two young men +will go ashore together so that Mr. Darrin, if +opportunity presents, may indicate the plotters to +Mr. Dalzell."</p> + +<p>The Captain and the young officers bowed their +understanding of this order.</p> + +<p>"The presence of Gortchky here, taken with +what Mr. Darrin overheard those men talking +about, and coupled with what took place on the +mole at Gibraltar, leads me to believe that some +foreign government has plans for involving the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +United States government in serious complications," +resumed the Admiral, after a pause. +"Gortchky is not in charge of any very extensive +plot. He is simply a tool of greater minds, and +it may easily be that the pair whom Mr. Darrin +overheard are those who are directing Gortchky in +some really big and dangerous scheme. By the +way, gentlemen, was either of you introduced to +any young or charming woman ashore?"</p> + +<p>"We were both presented to the Countess +Ripoli, sir," Darrin answered, at once.</p> + +<p>"And at the Countess's request, I took a little +turn with her on one of the verandas, sir," Dan +added.</p> + +<p>"Tell me all about the Countess and your +meeting with her, Mr. Dalzell," Admiral Timworth +directed.</p> + +<p>So Dan plunged at once into a narration of his +chat with the Countess, to which Admiral Timworth +listened attentively.</p> + +<p>"Ripoli?" he mused aloud, at last. "I do not +recall the name as that of a supposed secret service +agent. Ripoli? Let me see."</p> + +<p>From a drawer of his desk the Admiral drew +out an indexed book. He turned over, presumably, +to the letter "R," then scanned the +writing on several pages.</p> + +<p>"She has not been reported to me as a suspected +secret service agent of any country," said the fleet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +commander, aloud. "Yet she may very likely +be a spy in the service of some ring of international +trouble-makers. I will enter her name +now, though I cannot place anything positive +against it."</p> + +<p>"If either of us should meet the Countess +Ripoli again, sir," queried Dan, "have you any +orders, sir, in that event?"</p> + +<p>"If you do meet her," replied the admiral, "do +not be too distant with her, and do not let her see +that she is in any sense under suspicion. Just +treat her as you would any charming woman +whom you might meet socially. However, should +you meet her again, you may report the fact to +me. I shall doubtless have some further instructions +for you, gentlemen, but that is all for the +present. Captain, you will remain."</p> + +<p>Formally saluting their superiors, Dave and Dan +withdrew and returned to Dave's quarters. For +half an hour Dan remained chatting with Dave, +then went to his own quarters.</p> + +<p>By daylight the "Hudson" was under way +again, bound for Naples. Dan and Dave were +called to stand their watches, and life on the +battleship went on as usual.</p> + +<p>It was but an hour after daylight when Admiral +Timworth, who had remained up the rest of the +night with Flag Lieutenant Simpson, sent a long +message to the Navy Department at Washington.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +The message crackled out over the "Hudson's" +wireless aerials, and was soon afterward received +in Washington at the huge naval wireless station +there.</p> + +<p>"Good night, Simpson," said the Admiral, +when his flag lieutenant reported that the message +was in the hands of the wireless operator.</p> + +<p>"Shall I leave any instructions for your being +called, sir?" asked Lieutenant Simpson.</p> + +<p>"Have me called at ten o'clock, unless a reply +from the Navy Department should arrive earlier. +In that case have me called at once."</p> + +<p>The flag lieutenant is the personal aide of the +fleet commander.</p> + +<p>If the Admiral received an interesting reply +from the Navy Department during the voyage to +Naples, he at least concealed the fact from Ensigns +Darrin and Dalzell. Ensigns, however, are +quite accustomed to reserve on the part of +admirals.</p> + +<p>It was one o'clock one sunny afternoon when the +"Hudson" entered the Bay of Naples. Her +anchorage having already been assigned by wireless +by the port authorities at Naples, the "Hudson" +came to anchor close to the "Kennebec" +and "Lowell" of the Mediterranean Fleet. Admiral +Timworth now had three war vessels under +his own eyes.</p> + +<p>At four bells (two o'clock) an orderly called<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> +at Dan's and Dave's quarters, with orders to +report to the Admiral at once.</p> + +<p>When the two young ensigns reached the Admiral's +quarters they found Lieutenant Simpson +there also.</p> + +<p>"Be seated, gentlemen," directed the Admiral.</p> + +<p>For a few moments Admiral Timworth shuffled +papers on his desk, glancing briefly at some of +them.</p> + +<p>"Now, gentlemen," said the Admiral, wheeling +about in his chair and looking impressively at +Darrin and Dalzell, "it seems to me I had better +preface my remarks by giving you some idea of +the Fleet's unusual and special mission in the +Mediterranean. That may lead you to a better +comprehension of why a certain foreign power +should wish to create, between Great Britain and +the United States, a situation that would probably +call for war between the two greatest nations +of the world."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>ON LIVELY SPECIAL DUTY</h3> + + +<p>"In the first place," resumed the Admiral, +"you must know that relations between +Great Britain and the United States are, and +for some time have been, of an especially cordial +nature. Throughout the great war Great Britain +has been compelled to buy a large part of her food +and munitions in the United States. Except for +her being able to do so she would have been +forced out of the war and the Entente Allies would +have been defeated. There are Englishmen who +will make you feel that the saving force of the +United States is greatly appreciated in England, +just as there are other Englishmen who will remark +stupidly that the United States as a seller, +has had a great opportunity to grow rich at +England's expense.</p> + +<p>"There can be no doubt that thinking Englishmen +are prepared to go to almost any extent to +cultivate and keep the friendship of the United +States, just as duller-witted Englishmen declare<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> +that the United States depends upon England for +existence.</p> + +<p>"During the present war Great Britain has +felt compelled to impose certain blockade restrictions +upon our commerce with neutral powers +in Europe. This has hampered our commerce to +some extent, and there are many in the United +States who feel deep resentment, and favor taking +any steps necessary to compel England to abandon +her interference with our merchant marine. Some +Englishmen take an almost insolent attitude in +the matter, while others beg us to believe that +England hinders some of our commerce only in +order to preserve her own national life. In other +words, if she did not carefully regulate the world's +trade with, for instance, Denmark and Holland, +those countries would sell much of their importations +to Germany, whereby the duration of +the war would be prolonged by reason of help +obtained by Germany in that manner.</p> + +<p>"As you can readily understand, the situation +is full of delicate points, and many sensibilities +are wounded. There have been times when only +a spark was needed to kindle a serious blaze of +mutual wrath between Great Britain and the +United States. And you may be sure there are +some governments in this world that would be +delighted to see feelings of deep hostility engendered +between Britons and Americans.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> + +<p>"At present, however, there seems to be not +the slightest cloud over the relations between +Great Britain and our country.</p> + +<p>"Now, Mr. Darrin, you have obtained clues to +a startling plot that has for its object the causing +of distrust between the two greatest nations. If +one or more British warships should be sunk, by +some means that we do not at present know, and +if the blame could be plausibly laid against Americans, +there would be hot-tempered talk in England +and a lot of indignant retort from our country. +It would seem preposterous that any Englishman +could suspect the American government of destroying +British warships, and just as absurd to +think that Americans could take such a charge +seriously. Yet in the relations between nations +the absurd thing often does happen. Should +England lose any warships it would seem that +only Germany or Austria could be blamed, yet it +might be possible for plotters to manage the thing +so successfully, and with so much cleverness, that +the United States would really seem to be proven +to be the guilty party. Our duty as officers of the +Navy can be performed only by frustrating the +hideous plot altogether.</p> + +<p>"So, Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell, while we are +at Naples you will spend as much of your time as +possible on shore. You will go about everywhere, +as though to see the sights of the city and as if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +bent on getting your fill of pleasure. Unless under +pressing need you will not be extravagant in your +expenditures, but will conduct yourselves as +though sight-seeing within the limits of your +modest pay as ensigns. You will, however, not +be put to any expense in the matter, as all your +expenditures will be returned to you out of an +emergency fund in my hands.</p> + +<p>"Your object in going ashore will be to report if +you see Gortchky in Naples. I feel rather certain +that the fellow is already there. You, Mr. Darrin, +will also keep your eyes wide open for a sight of +either or both of that pair whom you overheard +talking at Monte Carlo. You will also note and +report if you find the Countess Ripoli in Naples."</p> + +<p>"And if we meet her and if she speaks to us, +sir?" asked Dalzell. "What if she even wishes +to entertain us, or to claim our escort?"</p> + +<p>"Do whatever you can to please the Countess," +replied the Admiral, promptly. "Be agreeable to +her in any way that does not interfere with +other and more important duties to which I have +assigned you."</p> + +<p>Judging by a sign from the fleet commander +that the interview was now at an end, Dave and +Dan rose, standing at attention.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I have given you a wrong impression +in one particular," Admiral Timworth continued. +"I do not wish you to understand, gentlemen,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> +that I have intimated that any power, or any +combination of powers, has directly ordered any +act that would lead to the sinking of British +warships. Governments, even the worst, do not act +in that way. The thing which the power I have +in mind may have done is to give certain secret +agents a free hand to bring about war between +England and the United States. Undoubtedly, +the secret agents at the bottom of this conspiracy +have been left free to choose their own methods. +Thus the foreign government interested in this +conspiracy could feel that it did not <i>order</i> the commission +of a crime, no matter what might happen +as the result. Now, gentlemen, have you any +questions to ask?"</p> + +<p>"None, sir," Dave Darrin responded immediately.</p> + +<p>"None, sir," echoed Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"Then you may go," rejoined Admiral Timworth, +rising and returning the parting salutes of +the young officers.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>It was presently noised about among the ship's +company that Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell had +been ordered ashore on special duty.</p> + +<p>"How did you work it?" Lieutenant Barnes irritably +demanded of Danny Grin.</p> + +<p>"Why? Do you want to work a trick yourself?" +asked Dalzell, unsympathetically.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No such luck for me," growled Barnes. +"While in port I am ordered to take charge of +shifting stores below decks."</p> + +<p>"Fine!" approved Dan.</p> + +<p>"And I wish I had you for junior officer on that +detail," growled Barnes.</p> + +<p>"If I get tired of staying ashore," Danny Grin +proposed genially, "I'll make humble petition to +be assigned as junior on your detail."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>M. DALNY PLANS A TRAGEDY</h3> + + +<p>"Say, I wonder if these people call this a square +deal," muttered Danny Grin, as he surveyed +the dish that the waiter had just left for him. +"I called for ham and eggs and potatoes, and the +fellow has brought me chicken and this dish of +vegetables that none but a native could name."</p> + +<p>"Call the waiter back and ask him to explain +his mistake," Ensign Darrin suggested, smilingly.</p> + +<p>"I can't talk their lingo," returned Dalzell +plaintively.</p> + +<p>"Nor can I speak much of it, either," admitted +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Can you speak any Italian?"</p> + +<p>"Only a little, and very badly at that."</p> + +<p>"Where did you learn Italian?" demanded +Danny Grin.</p> + +<p>"From an Italian-American cook on board our +ship," Darrin explained.</p> + +<p>"Whew! You must have done that while I +was asleep," Dalzell complained.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know enough Italian to carry me very +far," laughed Darrin. "Perhaps between two +and three hundred useful words, and some of the +parts of a few verbs. Let me see just what you +thought you were ordering."</p> + +<p>Dan held out a somewhat soiled bill of fare on +which the names of the dishes were printed in +Italian and English.</p> + +<p>"I tried to pronounce the Italian words right," +Dan went on, with a grimace.</p> + +<p>"Let me hear you read the words over again," +Dave begged.</p> + +<p>Dan did so, his comrade's smile deepening.</p> + +<p>"Dan," said Dave dryly, "you speak Italian +as though it were French. Italian is too delicate +a language for that treatment."</p> + +<p>"But what am I to do about this chicken?" +Danny Grin persisted.</p> + +<p>"Eat it," suggested Darrin, "and use some of +your time ashore in getting closer to the Italian +language."</p> + +<p>Dave was served with just what he had ordered +for a pleasing meal—an omelet, spaghetti and +Neapolitan tomatoes, with dessert to follow.</p> + +<p>"I'm no great admirer of chicken, and I did +want ham," sighed Dan, as he glanced enviously +at his chum's dainty food. Nevertheless Ensign +Dalzell ate his meal with an air of resignation that +greatly amused Dave Darrin.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> + +<p>The restaurant was one of the largest and +handsomest to be found along that great thoroughfare +of Naples, the Riviera di Chiaja. The place +would seat perhaps four hundred guests. At this +hour of the day there were about half that number +of persons present, many of whom were Americans.</p> + +<p>The chums had succeeded in obtaining a small +table by themselves, close to an open window +that overlooked the sidewalk.</p> + +<p>Watching the throngs that passed, both on foot +and in carriages of many types, the young naval +officers felt certain that at no other point could +they obtain as good a general view of the city of +Naples. Many well-to-do Italians were afoot, +having sold their carriages and automobiles in +order to buy the war bonds of their country. As +there were several Italian warships in port, sailors +from these craft were ashore and mingling with +the throng. Soldiers home on sick leave from the +Austrian frontier were to be seen. Other men, +who looked like mere lads, wore new army uniforms +proudly. These latter were the present +year's recruits, lately called to the colors and +drilling for the work that lay ahead of them, work +in deadly earnest against hated Austria.</p> + +<p>All that went on before the café was interesting +enough. It was not, however, until near the +end of the meal that anything happened of personal +interest to Dave and Dan.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then there was a quick step behind them, next +a voice cried gaily:</p> + +<p>"My dear Monsieur Darrin, who could have +expected to see you here?"</p> + +<p>"Any one who knew that my ship is in the +harbor might have expected to see me here," +replied Dave, rising and smiling. "How do you +do, Monsieur le Comte?"</p> + +<p>It was indeed the Count of Surigny, and that +dapper, well-set-up young Frenchman was nattily +dressed, smiling, and with an unmistakable air +of prosperity about him.</p> + +<p>Dan had also risen. Then as the three seated +themselves Dave inquired what refreshment his +friend of Monte Carlo would allow them the +pleasure of ordering for him. The Count asked +only for a cup of coffee, after which the chat went +merrily on.</p> + +<p>"My dear Darrin, I rejoice to be able to tell +you that I have determined never again to visit +Monte Carlo," said the Count. "Moreover, +I am prosperous and happy. Ah, what a debt of +gratitude I owe you! I know you must be wondering +why I am not serving my country in the +trenches."</p> + +<p>"I knew you must have some good reason for +not serving in the French army at such a time," +Dave replied.</p> + +<p>"I tried to enter the army," Surigny replied,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> +"but the surgeons refused to pass me. One of +my eyes is too weak, and there is, besides, some +little irregularity in the action of my heart that +would make it impossible for me to endure the +hardships of a soldier. So, despite my protests +and entreaties, the surgeons have refused to accept +me for military service."</p> + +<p>"Is it permitted to ask if you have found employment?" +Dave inquired.</p> + +<p>"I have found employment of a sort," the Count +rattled on, without a shade of embarrassment. +"It might be questioned if I am worth the remuneration +which I receive, but at least I am +happy. I am permitted to serve a friend in some +little matters of a personal nature."</p> + +<p>That answer was enough to prevent Dave from +making any further inquiries as to the Count's +new means of a livelihood.</p> + +<p>"It gives me the greatest happiness to be able +to see you again, and to hear your voice," continued +the Count. "I am here in Naples only +as a matter of accident, and it may be that my +stay here will be short. I was at a table in the +rear with a friend when I espied you sitting here. +Is it permitted that I bring my friend over and +present him?"</p> + +<p>"We shall be delighted to meet any friend of +yours, Surigny," Dave replied pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"Then I shall bring him here at once," replied<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> +the Frenchman, lightly, rising and moving rapidly +away.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what line of work the Count can be +in now," mused Dalzell, aloud. "It would appear +to be something that pays him very well and +allows him to travel. I wonder if the friend he +is to introduce to us is the one that employs him."</p> + +<p>"We shall know that if Count Surigny chooses +to inform us," smiled Dave.</p> + +<p>Then their talk ceased, for they heard the +Count's voice in conversation with some one as +he came up behind them.</p> + +<p>"My dear Monsieur Darrin," cried the Count, +"I am honored in being able to present to you +Monsieur Dalny."</p> + +<p>Ensign Darrin rose, wheeled and thrust out +his hand. Then his eyes turned to the newcomer's +face.</p> + +<p>Nor could the young naval officer repress a +slight start, for M. Dalny was unmistakably one +of the two men whom he had overheard on the +veranda of the Casino at Monte Carlo.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Darrin," replied M. Dalny, accepting +Dave's hand, "I feel that I am indeed +honored in being able to meet one who, I understand, +has been such a friend to my friend the +Count of Surigny. I shall hope to see much of +you."</p> + +<p>Dalny was then introduced to Dalzell, after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> +which, at Dave's invitation, the newcomers +seated themselves. Fresh coffee was ordered.</p> + +<p>But Dave Darrin's head was now in a good deal +of a whirl.</p> + +<p>As to the identity of M. Dalny, there could be +no mistake whatever. And here was the Count +of Surigny, evidently in the friendship of this +plotter against the American Navy. It was not +unlikely that the Count, too, was in the employ +of this enemy of the United States.</p> + +<p>"What can this whole thing mean, and does +Surigny <i>know</i> that he is working against the peace +and honor of my country?" Dave asked himself, +his pulses throbbing.</p> + +<p>"Are you to be here long at Naples, Monsieur +Darrin?" Dalny soon asked in his most velvet-like +tones.</p> + +<p>"I really haven't the least idea, Monsieur +Dalny," Dave replied truthfully, forcing a smile. +"I am not deep in the confidence of Admiral +Timworth."</p> + +<p>"I thought it very likely," purred Monsieur +Dalny, "that you might have heard from your +officers as to how many days of shore liberty are +likely to be granted your sailors."</p> + +<p>"Oh, probably we shall—" began Dan, who +found the French conversation easy to understand +in this instance.</p> + +<p>But the slightest of signs from Darrin was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +sufficient to check Dalzell's intended statement. +So Danny Grin merely finished:</p> + +<p>"Probably we shall hear soon how long our stay +here is to be."</p> + +<p>"Are you interested, Monsieur Dalny, in the +length of our stay here?" queried Ensign Dave, +gazing carelessly into the eyes of the stranger.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is but a matter of idle curiosity to me," +replied the other, shrugging his shoulders amiably. +"Just as you understand it would be a matter of +a little curiosity, my dear Monsieur Darrin, to +know whether the American fleet now in the harbor +here will keep together for the next few weeks, +and what ports you will visit. But I imagine +that you have, as yet, no information on such +points."</p> + +<p>Dave did not reply to M. Dalny's remarks, who, +however, did not appear to notice the omission. +Drawing forth a long cigar and lighting it, Dalny +puffed away, seeming to prefer, after that, to +listen to the conversation of the others.</p> + +<p>"Who can this Monsieur Dalny be?" Dave +asked himself, racking his brain. "And of what +nationality? The word 'Monsieur' is French in +itself, though Dalny is hardly a French name. +Perhaps it makes little difference, though, for +men who sell their time and services as I am +afraid this Dalny fellow is doing, are quite likely +to masquerade under assumed names."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> + +<p>Presently M. Dalny excused himself for a few +moments. Sauntering toward the rear of the +restaurant, he stepped into a side passage, then +made a quick entrance into a private room, the +door of which he instantly locked. He now +crossed the room and stood before the solitary +diner in that room.</p> + +<p>"My dear Mender!" cried Dalny.</p> + +<p>"Your face betrays interest, Dalny," remarked +the other, who was the older of the pair whom +Dave had heard on the Casino veranda.</p> + +<p>"And I am interested," continued Dalny, in a +low tone. "I have met the two young officers +from the American flagship."</p> + +<p>"That is what you are here to do," smiled +Monsieur Mender.</p> + +<p>"The fellow Darrin refuses me any information +about the movements of the American fleet."</p> + +<p>"That was perhaps to be expected," answered +Mender reflectively.</p> + +<p>"But I fear matters are worse than that," +Dalny went on hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"Explain yourself, Dalny."</p> + +<p>"Darrin did not see my face until he rose to +greet me, when Surigny introduced us," continued +Dalny. "Then he started, slightly, yet +most plainly. Monsieur Mender, that young +American naval officer knows something about us."</p> + +<p>"Not very likely, Dalny."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then he at least suspects something."</p> + +<p>"Why should he?"</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Mender," hurried on Dalny, "you +recall that evening on the Casino veranda at Monte +Carlo? You and I, as we approached a little +grove of potted trees, talked rather more incautiously +than we should have done."</p> + +<p>"It was an indiscretion, true," nodded the +white-haired Mender thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"And, afterwards, as you know, I told you I +thought I heard someone move behind those +little trees."</p> + +<p>"And so—?"</p> + +<p>"I suspect, Monsieur Mender, that it was +Ensign Darrin, of the battleship 'Hudson,' who +stood behind those trees, and who overheard us."</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew if such were the case," replied +M. Mender huskily, his face paling with anxiety.</p> + +<p>"If Darrin overheard our talk, he doubtless reported +it to his superior officers," declared Dalny.</p> + +<p>"Unquestionably—if he really heard," admitted +Mender.</p> + +<p>"Then that pair of young officers, for they +are close friends, must have been sent ashore to +see if they could get track of the numerous party +whom you direct, my dear Monsieur Mender."</p> + +<p>"You believe that the two young American +officers are ashore in Naples as spies upon us?" +questioned Mender, his tone cold and deadly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It would seem so," Dalny answered readily.</p> + +<p>"In that case—" began Mender, slowly, then +paused.</p> + +<p>"In that case—what?" demanded Dalny, +after waiting a few moments while his chief +reflected.</p> + +<p>"It would mean that the Italian authorities, +as soon as informed of what is suspected against +us, would send out their keenest men to locate +us, and then we should be arrested."</p> + +<p>"What could be done to us?" queried Dalny.</p> + +<p>"In these war days not very much evidence is +required against men who are accused of being +spies, my excellent Dalny. We might or we +might not be accorded a trial, but one thing is +quite sure; we would be shot to death on the +charge of being spies."</p> + +<p>As he pronounced these significant words +Mender shrugged his shoulders. His manner was +cool, one would have said almost unconcerned.</p> + +<p>"You are right," agreed the younger plotter. +"The Italians, like all the other peoples engaged +in this war, hate spies bitterly, and would be quick +to mete out death to us."</p> + +<p>"It would be desirable," Mender proceeded, +"to prevent the young officers from going back +aboard their ship."</p> + +<p>"How?" asked Dalny, bluntly.</p> + +<p>Mender laughed, cold-bloodedly, in a low tone.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"In Naples," he explained, "there are, as you +know, my dear Dalny, hundreds of bravos, some +of whom are the most desperate fellows in the +world—men who would stick at nothing to earn +a few <i>lira</i>. And they will ask no awkward +questions as to which country they serve in aiding +us."</p> + +<p>"Then you would have Darrin and Dalzell +seized, by night, by some of these bravos, and +carried away to a secure place where they could +be confined until your plans have been carried +through?" inquired Dalny, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"It is always dangerous to have banditti +seize men and hide them away, especially in a +country that is engaged in war," replied Mender, +slowly. "Now, if, in one of the narrow, dark +streets of Old Naples, these young Americans +were settled by a few quiet thrusts with the +blade, their bodies might then be dropped into a +sewer. The bodies might not be found for weeks. +On the other hand, captives, no matter how +securely hidden, may find means to escape, and +all our care in the matter would go for naught. +Besides, these Sicilian bravos of Naples much +prefer to settle a man with one or two quick +thrusts with a narrow blade, and then—But +what is the matter, Dalny? Does the use of the +knife terrify you?"</p> + +<p>"No!" replied Dalny, huskily. "I was merely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> +thinking that, if a man like either Darrin or Dalzell +escaped from a knife, after seeing its flash, +and if he suspected me of being behind the attempt, +either young man would be likely to lay +hold of me and snap my spine."</p> + +<p>"If you are fearful of the chances and of the +possible consequences, Dalny," replied Mender +coldly, "you may withdraw."</p> + +<p>"No, no, no!" protested Dalny quickly. "You +are my chief, Monsieur Mender, and whatever +you wish I shall do."</p> + +<p>Mender puffed for a few moments at a Russian +cigarette, before he again spoke.</p> + +<p>"Dalny," he said, "you may be sure I do not +distrust either your loyalty or your courage. +Go back to your Americans. Detain them as +long as needful at the table, no matter by what +arts. Within twenty minutes I shall have a +leader of Neapolitan bravos here, and I shall +have a plan to unfold to him. Then he will go +and post his men. You will receive instructions +from me that you cannot mistake. You are +right in fearing Darrin and Dalzell. We can +afford to take no chances. That pair of young +American officers shall have no chance of reporting +our presence in Naples to their superior +officers. Sooner than permit the least risk of +interference with our plans I shall remove them +from our way."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Darrin and Dalzell are to be killed, then?" +asked Dalny hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"They shall be snuffed out," replied Mender, +flicking the ash from his cigarette. "Go, Dalny, +and do your part as far as you have heard it from +me. I will attend to the rest. Do not be uneasy."</p> + +<p>Dalny made a low bow before his cold-blooded +chief, then left the private room, returning to +Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell, whose death, under +the knives of cowardly treachery, he must do his +best to help bring about!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>TREACHERY HAS THE FLOOR</h3> + + +<p>"You will not have much time for sight-seeing, +I am afraid," Count Surigny was +saying, as Monsieur Dalny soft-footedly +returned to the table.</p> + +<p>"I do not know how much time we shall have," +Dave answered.</p> + +<p>"If you have but little time, then it will be +most unfortunate," spoke Dalny softly, with +his engaging smile. "Naples is vastly rich in +things that are worth while seeing."</p> + +<p>"We are not likely to have the time to see many +of them," Darrin answered.</p> + +<p>"That is most unfortunate," replied the Count, +in a regretful tone.</p> + +<p>"Yet there is a way to partly overcome that +misfortune," suggested Mr. Dalny.</p> + +<p>"How, Monsieur?" inquired Darrin, turning +his gaze on the face of the international plotter.</p> + +<p>"Why, secure a good guide, engage a carriage +drawn by good horses, and then move from point +to point as fast as possible," replied Dalny. "I +know Naples well. Perhaps I can offer my services +for, say, this evening."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Are the public places of interest likely to be +open in the evening?" questioned Dave.</p> + +<p>"Not the museums," admitted M. Dalny. +"But there are many other things to be seen. +Naples has several beautiful parks. Some of +them contain notable statues. These parks are +the nightly resort of all classes of the Italian +community, who are always worth observing. +Then, too, there are many curious glimpses to +be had of the night life of the underworld of +Naples. In a word, Monsieur Darrin, there are +enough night sights, of one kind and another, to +fill profitably a month in Naples. And, as I +know the city, you may command me. I will be +your guide. Shall we go to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Where could we go, with the most advantage +in the matter of sight-seeing?" Dave +asked.</p> + +<p>"Out toward Vomero," suggested young Count +Surigny.</p> + +<p>"Too fashionable, and very dull," replied Dalny, +with a shake of his head.</p> + +<p>"Then where?" asked Dan.</p> + +<p>But Dalny's reply was lost to him, for at that +moment Darrin, holding a rolled napkin at one +side of the table, and below the level of the table +top, waved it slowly back and forth. Dan was +the only one of the party at the table who could +see the moving napkin. By this simple wig-wag<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +signal device Dave Darrin sent to his chum the +silent message:</p> + +<p>"Dalny is one of the plotters I overheard on +the Casino veranda. Think he suspects us. +Follow my lead."</p> + +<p>The instant that the message ended Dan glanced +slowly around him, then upward at the ceiling.</p> + +<p>Soon Dalny's interest in the table talk waned +for outside on the sidewalk he caught sight of a +young Neapolitan dandy, standing on the curb, +his back turned to the restaurant as he swung a +jaunty little cane. The motions of that cane +spelled out a message that only Dalny, of all +the party at the table, could read. And that +message read:</p> + +<p>"Get carriage, take Americans for drive at +dark. Finally, direct driver to turn into the +Strada di Mara. Leave carriage with Americans +when urged by shop-keeper."</p> + +<p>That was the whole message. It was plain +enough, however, to instruct Dalny as fully as +he needed to be directed. The scoundrel, as he +watched the swinging movements of the cane, +looked out into the street between half-closed +eyelids, slowly puffing out rings of smoke from +his long cigar.</p> + +<p>"We are becoming dull, good friends," laughed +Dalny presently, glancing at the others. "Suppose +we order more coffee."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No more for me, thank you," protested Dave.</p> + +<p>"But you have had hardly any coffee," +Dalny declared.</p> + +<p>"I am ready to admit that I can't keep up +with the average American in drinking coffee," +Dave replied.</p> + +<p>"But you will have more, my dear Dalzell," +urged Dalny.</p> + +<p>Dan, who was inwardly agitated over the +information he had received secretly from his +chum, looked at Dalny almost with a start. In +Dan's soul there was loathing for this foreigner +with the engaging smile.</p> + +<p>"I do not believe I can stand any more coffee," +confessed Dan.</p> + +<p>"So you and I, Surigny, must drink all the +coffee at this table," said Dalny, with a shrug +of his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I can drink a little more," replied the Count.</p> + +<p>The day was now rapidly waning, bringing +on a balminess of evening such as is found in +few places other than Naples. The streets were +becoming crowded with pedestrians.</p> + +<p>"Waiter," called Dalny, "you will be good +enough to secure for us a carriage with good +horses. Get it as quickly as you can."</p> + +<p>But the waiter, perceiving a signal from Dalny, +knew that the carriage must not arrive too soon.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Dave scanned the bill that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +had been presented for the meal, then laid a +banknote on the bill. The waiter, returning, +attended to the paying of the bill and received +his "tip" from the change that he brought back.</p> + +<p>The party lingered at the table to wait for the +arrival of the carriage that was intended to +convey Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell to their +death.</p> + +<p>"My dear Count," said Dalny presently, "I +regret much that the appointment which you +told me you had for this evening will prevent +you from going with us. Can you not manage +to break the appointment without doing injustice +to others?"</p> + +<p>Taking his cue from the manner in which the +question was put, the Comte of Surigny replied:</p> + +<p>"It would delight me beyond measure to be +one of the party to-night, but it is impossible. +My appointment cannot be set aside."</p> + +<p>The restaurant was brilliantly lighted, and the +street lights had begun to flash out as the carriage +arrived.</p> + +<p>"Now, for a night of real sight-seeing!" cried +Dalny, rising eagerly. "My dear Americans, I +promise you something such as you have never +before experienced!"</p> + +<p>"I am heartily sorry that you are prevented +from going with us, Surigny," declared Dave, +holding out his hand to the young Frenchman.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall pray for better fortune next time," +smiled the Count, rather sadly.</p> + +<p>"We are all desolate that you cannot go with +us, Surigny," declared Dalny, also holding out +his hand. Dan, too, shook hands with Surigny. +Then the international plotter led the two Americans +to the carriage awaiting outside.</p> + +<p>After the Count of Surigny had waved his +hand to the party and had walked away, Dalny +placed Dave and Dan on the rear seat of the +barouche, while he himself sat facing them.</p> + +<p>A few words in Italian from Dalny, and the +horses started. For half an hour the driver took +his fares past ordinary sights.</p> + +<p>"But we are not much interested, driver," +cried Dalny, turning at last to the man who held +the lines. "We are bored with this dullness, +when Naples holds so much that may be seen by +night. Take us through the Strada di Mara."</p> + +<p>So the driver headed his horses toward the +eastern, or older, part of the city. The Strada +di Mara leads through one of the most thickly +populated sections of Naples, and a part of the +street extends up a steep hillside.</p> + +<p>"You see how poor the people are here," said +Dalny, as the horses slowed down to a walk. "We +shall come soon, however, to a more interesting +part of the street. Crime lurks here, also; not +the more desperate crimes though. The Strada<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +di Mara, in one part, is the resort of thieves who +wish to dispose of their petty plunder by turning +it into cash. And, as strange merchandise is +dealt in here, the shops offer a variety of wares. +We will presently look into one or two of the +shops."</p> + +<p>"What on earth can Dalny be driving at?" +wondered young Ensign Darrin. "Can he think +that we would enter such shops, and buy the +plunder that thieves have sold there?"</p> + +<p>At the next street corner an Italian lad with a +sweet voice began to sing. Danny Grin noticed +that most of the people in this steep, narrow alley, +that was by courtesy called a street, were now +going indoors. Only a man here and there remained +outside.</p> + +<p>"That's curious," thought Dan to himself. +"Don't these people like music, that a street +singer should drive them inside?"</p> + +<p>When the carriage had passed on to the next +block a man came out of a shop and waved his +hand to the driver, who promptly reined in his +horses.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," urged the shop-keeper, in English, +"be kind enough to step inside and look at +some of the bargains I am offering."</p> + +<p>Dave, who understood, whispered to Dalny:</p> + +<p>"It can hardly be worth while to get out and +look at what is probably stolen goods."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> + +<p>"On the contrary," rejoined Dalny, "this man +is likely to show us some things that will help +me in explaining the interesting points of Naples +to you. Come!"</p> + +<p>Opening the door of the carriage, the international +plotter stepped out, leading the way. +Of course Dave and Dan followed him.</p> + +<p>It now turned out that the Italian's shop was +some doors farther up along this block. As he +led the way, and Dalny and the Americans followed, +neither young officer observed that the +driver had turned his horses around and was +driving away.</p> + +<p>At the same time, the few men now on the +sidewalk of this block started to close in on the +little party.</p> + +<p>Tragedy was stepping across the threshold!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>HEMMED IN BY THE BRAVOS</h3> + + +<p>Suddenly out of a doorway lurched a big +Sicilian, seemingly intoxicated.</p> + +<p>He lurched against Dave, then drew +back, scowling fiercely at the young ensign.</p> + +<p>"Your mistake, sir," spoke Darrin, purposely +using English.</p> + +<p>Dave would have passed, but now the fellow +placed himself squarely in Darrin's way.</p> + +<p>"You have struck me!" snarled the Sicilian in +his own language. "Why?"</p> + +<p>Then, uttering a peculiar cry, the man, with +a movement of wonderful swiftness, drew a +knife. In the dim light that blade flashed like +subdued fire.</p> + +<p>"One, two, three—out!" gritted Dave Darrin, +leaping forward.</p> + +<p>Striking up the fellow's arm, Dave caught at +the knife-wrist. He twisted it savagely and the +weapon clattered to the rough pavement.</p> + +<p>Bump! Dave struck the fellow hard between +the eyes, sending him to earth, where he lay +still.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dan, now keenly alert, discovered that the +pretended shop-keeper had also drawn a knife.</p> + +<p>"To quarters!" yelled Danny Grin.</p> + +<p>"Back to back!" shouted Dave, placing his +shoulders close to his chum's. "Dan, we must +fight for our lives. The lives of all these cattle are +not worth a scratch on our bodies! Down 'em!"</p> + +<p>"We'll make ten-pins of 'em," hissed Dalzell.</p> + +<p>And Monsieur Dalny? That honorable gentleman +was now scuttling down the street to safety.</p> + +<p>The fight that followed was a mixture of boxing, +football tactics and sheer Yankee grit that Dave +and Dan now employed as they faced more than +half a dozen scoundrels armed with the long, +thin knives of the bravos of Naples.</p> + +<p>Bump! Ensign Darrin struck up the arm of the +first scoundrel to reach for him. In a twinkling +Dave had broken that rascal's right wrist, forcing +the fellow to drop his weapon.</p> + +<p>Like a flash Dave caught his victim up, holding +him overhead and sending the bravo, heels +first, into the face of another scoundrel. The +man, struck by this human missile, went to +earth dazed, and with a broken jaw to boot.</p> + +<p>Dalzell, too, was proving the stuff that was in +him. Dodging a descending hand that held a +knife, then landing a smashing blow over the +fellow's heart, Dan sent him to earth. At that +instant a knife would have gone through Danny<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> +Grin's ribs had not Dalzell let one of his feet fly +with such speed and skill as to break another +bravo's shin-bone.</p> + +<p>Crouching low, Dave received still another +assailant. Seizing him below the knees, then +rising, he hurled the ruffian over backward on +his head, the fall nearly snapping the owner's +spine at the neck and leaving him unconscious.</p> + +<p>Two more men were quickly downed, and seemed +inclined to stay there. The young ensigns had +not received a scratch so far, which was due as +much to luck as to their own skill.</p> + +<p>Now a wail of terror rose on the air. Two of +the bravos took fairly to their heels. The rest +wavered, then gave way, glaring with sullen +looks at these young Americans who could fight +so terribly without weapons.</p> + +<p>"Come on!" urged Dave, in a low voice. "Let's +get out of here! There is no credit in staying +here and taking on more fighting. Let's hurry +while the hurrying is good."</p> + +<p>Only one of the bravos was ahead of them as +the young naval officers began their sprint. That +fellow was trying to get out of harm's way, but +hearing pursuit at his heels, the frightened fellow +halted suddenly, wheeled and struck out with +his knife at Ensign Darrin.</p> + +<p>Dave dodged, then landed both fists against +the ruffian's ribs, knocking the fellow clean<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> +through a window with a great crashing of +glass.</p> + +<p>"Hustle!" muttered Dalzell, as he halted to +wait for his chum. "There may be a hundred more +of these fellows who can be called out on a single +block."</p> + +<p>But there was no pursuit. The bravos had had +enough. Afterwards it was a matter of local +report that two of the rascals handled by Darrin +and Dalzell all but died of their injuries. The +Strada di Mara contained no bravos reckless +enough to follow these incredible Americans on +this wild night of trouble.</p> + +<p>Still sprinting, Dave, with Dan at his heels, +overhauled a running figure. Dave shot out +his right hand, gathering in, by the coat collar, +Monsieur Dalny.</p> + +<p>"My friend," uttered Dave grimly, as he halted +the fugitive, "this does not appear to be one of +your best fighting nights."</p> + +<p>"I—I—I—" stammered M. Dalny, his face +white. "I—I—"</p> + +<p>"So you said before," Dave retorted dryly. +"Let it go at that."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to charge that I ran away?" +demanded Dalny, with a show of injured dignity.</p> + +<p>"Certainly not," retorted Dave, ironically. "You +were merely trying to show two scared Americans +the shortest way back to a safe part of Naples."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It's not safe here," whispered Dalny, trembling. +"We are almost certain to be followed by an +enraged mob. Let us use discretion."</p> + +<p>The word "discretion" recalled Darrin to the +fact that he must not be too rough with the +fellow through whom he hoped to learn something +of great interest to Admiral Timworth.</p> + +<p>"You are right, Monsieur Dalny," agreed the +young ensign. "Let us waste little time in getting +away from this part of Naples."</p> + +<p>No walk could have been too brisk, just then, +for Dalny. He was not a coward in all things, +but he felt a deadly terror of cold steel.</p> + +<p>In addition, this international plotter had, just +then, a lively conviction that friends of the men +whom these American officers had handled so +roughly might, if they overtook him, feel a decided +thirst for vengeance upon the man who +had led such giants against the bravos of the +Strada di Mara.</p> + +<p>"Why are you looking back so often?" Dave +asked, as the three gained the next corner.</p> + +<p>"To see if we are pursued," confessed Dalny.</p> + +<p>"That is prudent," Darrin smiled, "yet hardly +necessary."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked the international +plotter.</p> + +<div class="figright" style="width: 262px;"> +<img src="images/illus-126.jpg" width="262" height="400" alt=""Dave shot out his right hand."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"Dave shot out his right hand."</span> +</div> + +<p>"Because," explained Dan, grinning, "the +only bravos who have any reason to be afraid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +of us to-night are those who might get in front +of us. Those who keep behind us will have +every chance to get away unharmed."</p> + +<p>"You are a droll pair," muttered Dalny.</p> + +<p>"And, unless I am greatly in error, my fine +fellow, you led us into that trap for the purpose +of having something bad happen <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original text omits this word">to</ins> us," muttered +Dave, but he kept the words behind his teeth, +for he did not care, as yet, to come to an open +quarrel with this fellow.</p> + +<p>Before long the three reached one of the broader, +well-lighted thoroughfares. Here they engaged +a driver and carriage, and were soon once more +in the Riviera di Chiaja.</p> + +<p>As they passed one of the larger buildings, +Mender, looking down upon the avenue through +the blinds of a window of a room at the hotel, +saw the three as they drove past an arc light.</p> + +<p>"What can be the matter with that simpleton +Dalny?" muttered the arch-plotter. "Did he, +at the last moment, fail in the courage necessary +to lead the Americans into the trap that I had +baited for them?"</p> + +<p>Ten minutes later Dalny, closeted with his +chief, was relating to that astounded leader the +story of what had happened in the Strada di +Mara.</p> + +<p>"I cannot understand it," muttered Mender.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p><p>"No more can I," rejoined Dalny. "The +Americans are demons when it comes to +fighting."</p> + +<p>"At some point, my good Dalny, you must +have bungled the affair."</p> + +<p>"Why not say that the fault must have been +with your choice of bravos?" jeered the subordinate. +"Why did you pick out alleged bravos +who would allow themselves to be put to flight +by unarmed men?"</p> + +<p>"I must wait until I have a fuller report of +this night's misadventure," declared Mender. +"I dare say that, within a few hours, I shall have +more exact information."</p> + +<p>In this belief Mender was quite right. Before +daylight he was visited by the leader of the +bravos of the Strada di Mara, who announced +that he must be paid two thousand <i>lira</i> (about +four hundred dollars) as extra money to be divided +among his outraged followers.</p> + +<p>In the case that this extra money was not forthcoming, +declared the leader of the bravos, Mender +and his friends might find Naples much too dangerous +a city for them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>EVIL EYES ON SAILORMAN RUNKLE</h3> + + +<p>In the center of a huge room in the Hotel dell' +Orso, overlooking the Chiaja, Dave Darrin +and Dalzell came to a halt.</p> + +<p>Below they had just left Dalny in the carriage, +and had come straight up to their room, +which they had engaged when first they came +ashore.</p> + +<p>They had not, as one might suspect, overlooked +the opportunity of finding whither Dalny drove +after leaving them. For a short, broad-shouldered +young man, Able Seaman Runkle, U. S. S. "Hudson," +had been on the lookout for them on the +sidewalk.</p> + +<p>Runkle, by special order of Captain Allen, +U. S. N., was not in uniform, but in civilian +attire. In another carriage Able Seaman Runkle, +at Dave's order, followed the conveyance that +took Dalny back to the appointed meeting +place with Mender. The sailorman's carriage +did not, of course, stop when Dalny's vehicle +did, but kept slowly on.</p> + +<p>"Shadowing" is often a two-edged tool. When<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> +Runkle returned to his post he, in turn, was followed +by the same dandy who had done the cane +signaling late in the afternoon.</p> + +<p>"That fellow Dalny is almost too bad medicine +for me to swallow," Dan muttered with a wry +smile.</p> + +<p>"Of course he is a liar and a villain," Dave +returned seriously. "But when a man is wanted +to do the foulest kind of work, I suppose it must +be rather hard to find a gentleman to volunteer. +Probably Dalny's employers feel that they are +fortunate enough in being able to obtain the +services of a fellow who <i>looks</i> like a gentleman."</p> + +<p>"He led us into that trap to have us assassinated," +Dan declared hotly.</p> + +<p>"Or else to have us so badly cut up that we +would feel, in the future, more like minding our +own business," suggested Ensign Dave with a +smile.</p> + +<p>"We got out of it all right that time," Dan went +on bluntly, "but I don't want any more such +experiences. The next time we might not have +luck quite so much on our side."</p> + +<p>"What puzzles me," Dave continued, wrinkling +his brows, "is why Dalny or any of his crowd +should want us stabbed."</p> + +<p>"They wanted us killed," Dan insisted. +"Nothing short of killing us would have satisfied +those bravos if they had succeeded in getting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> +us at their mercy. Yet why should our death be +desired?"</p> + +<p>"For only one reason," Dave answered, the +truth coming to him in a flash. "Dalny is here +in Naples, for which reason his white-haired +fellow-plotter is probably here, too. We were +sent ashore to find out if they are here. When +Dalny shook hands with us this afternoon he +perceived that I recognized him as one whose +remarks I undoubtedly had overheard at Monte +Carlo. He then concluded that I had been sent +ashore to find out if he were here. He knew, or +suspected, that I would report my information +to the Admiral. Hence the determination to +kill me, and, since you are with me, to kill you +also. Our bodies would have been hidden, and +the Admiral would have been able only to guess +why we did not return to the ship. Dan, what +hurts me most is the practical certainty that the +Count of Surigny is now with that band of international +cut-throats. I had hope for a nobler +future for the Count, and also I am disappointed +to find him working for my enemies. He must +hate me fearfully because I thwarted his one-time +purpose to commit suicide!"</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't have believed the Count could be +so bad," Dan mused. "Yet the proof appears +to be against him."</p> + +<p>"Why, of course he's one of their band," Dave<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +continued. "It's a fearful thing to say, but it +is plain that I saved only an ingrate and a rogue +from the crime of suicide. However, Dan, we +are losing time. I must begin my report to Captain +Allen."</p> + +<p>At that instant there came a slight scratching +sound at the door. Tiptoeing to the door, Dalzell +opened it far enough to admit Seaman Runkle, +who, as soon as the door had been closed and +locked, promptly saluted both young officers.</p> + +<p>"What is your report, Runkle?" Dave demanded.</p> + +<p>"Your party in the carriage, sir, dismissed the +rig at this address," reported the sailorman, +handing Ensign Darrin a slip of paper.</p> + +<p>"You did well," Dave answered. "Find a +seat, Runkle, until I have written a note which +you are to take aboard to Captain Allen."</p> + +<p>Within fifteen minutes the letter was completed. +It was not a long document, but gave, +in brief form, a summary of the adventures and +discoveries of the two ensigns since coming +ashore.</p> + +<p>"You will take this aboard, Runkle," Dave +directed, "and you will see that it reaches Captain +Allen, even though he has turned in and +has to be awakened. You will tell the officer +of the deck, with my compliments, that such +orders were given me by Captain Allen. Now,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> +Runkle, don't let anything interfere with your +speedy return to the ship. Also remember that +you may be followed, and that Naples is a bad +town in which to be trailed at night."</p> + +<p>"I'm not afraid of the bad people of Naples, +sir," rejoined the sailorman, with a quiet smile. +"Do you expect me to return to you, sir?"</p> + +<p>"That will be as Captain Allen directs."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir. Good night, sir."</p> + +<p>Able Seaman Runkle was shown out by Ensign +Dalzell, who locked the door of the room after +the departing sailorman.</p> + +<p>In the meantime a spy who had followed +Runkle back to the Hotel dell' Orso had telephoned, +in a foreign language little understood +in Naples, the information concerning that +sailorman's reporting to his officers, and had +added the suggestion that very likely the sailor +would be sent out to the fleet with a written +report.</p> + +<p>"I think it highly probable that the sailor +<i>will</i> be sent with a written report," agreed +Mender, at the other end of the telephone +wire.</p> + +<p>"And if the sailor does try to get out to the +fleet?" insinuated the spy.</p> + +<p>"If the man leaves the hotel to go to the +water front," commanded Mender, in a voice +ringing with energy and passion, "see to it that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +he is laid low and that the letter is taken +from him. At any cost I must have turned over +to me any written report that Ensign Darrin +tries to send to his commanding officer. Nor +am I through with Darrin himself!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>ORDERS CHANGE IN A MINUTE</h3> + + +<p>"Hullo! What does that fellow want?"</p> + +<p>Able seaman Runkle was within a block +of the mole where the "Hudson's" launch +was due to cast off at half-past ten o'clock, but he +halted in his tracks.</p> + +<p>From a doorway, a little nearer to the mole, a +head was thrust out slightly as its owner surveyed +the sailorman.</p> + +<p>Then the man stepped out of the doorway to +the sidewalk. He was a big fellow, with something +of the slouch and swagger that are to be observed +in the tough the world over.</p> + +<p>Now this stranger stood quite still, sharply +regarding the pausing sailorman.</p> + +<p>"If there are less than six of that breed ahead +of me," muttered Runkle, staring ahead once +more, "then it doesn't make any real difference."</p> + +<p>Two more men slipped out of dark recesses +further on, while, an instant later, Runkle became +aware that two men, who had not been visible<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> +a few moments before, were now closing up behind +him.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what these chaps think they're +going to do," mused Runkle, his sailor heart +quaking not at all, though he scented fight in the +air. "Hullo!"</p> + +<p>Now a sixth man stepped out from a doorway +just at his side. With a lusty push this sixth +man sent Runkle out into the street.</p> + +<p>"Where are your manners, my man?" demanded +Seaman Runkle, returning to the sidewalk. +"And what do you mean by that?"</p> + +<p>Suddenly the muzzle of a revolver gleamed in +Runkle's face, but the sailor did not betray any +sign of fright.</p> + +<p>"Put that down!" ordered Runkle sharply, at +the same time making a gesture to indicate his +command.</p> + +<p>A reply was volubly given in Italian, of which +Runkle understood not a word.</p> + +<p>In the few seconds that this was happening the +five other swarthy men began to close in on the +sailor. Runkle lost no time in discovering that fact.</p> + +<p>A gesture from the man with the pistol showed +that he expected Runkle to hold up his hands.</p> + +<p>"You'd rather see my mitts aloft, eh?" asked +the sailor, in a mocking voice. "All right, then!"</p> + +<p>Up went the sailor's hands, as high as he could +raise them. A gleam of satisfaction shone in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +eyes behind the revolver, but that look instantly +changed to one of pain.</p> + +<p>For Runkle, while holding his hands high, +also raised one of his feet. That foot went up +swiftly, and high enough to land against the lower +edge of the bravo's pistol wrist. In a jiffy the +wrist was broken and the pistol came clattering +to the pavement.</p> + +<p>"Much obliged," offered Runkle, snatching up +the weapon. Then he raised his voice to yell:</p> + +<p>"If there are shipmates within hail let 'em hurry +here to keep Jack Runkle from killing a few +rattlesnakes!"</p> + +<p>Just in time to escape the points of two knives, +Seaman Runkle backed against a stucco wall, +thrusting out the revolver and his able left fist.</p> + +<p>The first two men who leaped at him went +down under the impact of that fist. A third received +a scalp wound from the butt of the revolver. +Any court would have exonerated the sailorman +for killing his assailants, but Dave's messenger +was much too good-natured to kill while there +was another path to safety.</p> + +<p>That kindliness undid Runkle's defense. As a +man rushed him on each side a third bravo dropped +low in front of him and seized the seaman's legs, +upsetting him.</p> + +<p>"Foul tackle, with a dozen to one!" growled +Runkle, as he felt himself going down.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> + +<p>Still he laid about, freeing his feet and using +them while he plied his left fist and struck out +with the revolver. Even now he did not want to +press the trigger of the weapon, which was soon +snatched away from him.</p> + +<p>With hoarse cries, several of the bravos now +held the sailor so that he could barely squirm.</p> + +<p>Swiftly moving fingers roamed rapidly through +his pockets. Then one of the cowardly assailants +snatched out of one of Runkle's pockets a letter, +muttering a few words to his companions.</p> + +<p>Striking a match the thief glanced at the address +on the envelope. Even if he knew no English +he could discern that the envelope was addressed +to Captain Allen of the "Hudson."</p> + +<p>With another quick word the thief vanished +through a doorway. Up from the enraged sailor +leaped those who had been holding him down.</p> + +<p>"Sheer off there! Belay! belay!" growled +several hoarse voices. Rushing up, cat-footed, +came a dozen or more fresh-faced, husky young +jackies from the fleet.</p> + +<p>"Come on, mates! The maccaroni-eaters are +sneaking away!" yelled the foremost of the +rescue party, that had come from the mole in +answer to Runkle's call.</p> + +<p>Only two of the Italians were slow enough to +be overtaken and manhandled by the jackies. +The rest of the assailants vanished swiftly into<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +near-by houses, the doors to which were instantly +closed and bolted.</p> + +<p>For perhaps twenty seconds the two captured +bravos were badly used. Then, thoroughly cowed, +they were allowed to slip away.</p> + +<p>"What happened to you, shipmate?" demanded +one of the rescuers.</p> + +<p>"Enough!" growled Runkle. "They got my +money."</p> + +<p>"Much?"</p> + +<p>"All I had."</p> + +<p>"Tough luck," declared one of the sailors.</p> + +<p>"The chap who has your money surely got +away before we could reach him."</p> + +<p>"I've got to get aboard the flagship as soon as +I can," exclaimed Able Seaman Runkle ruefully.</p> + +<p>"The launch leaves in ten minutes, mate," +volunteered another. "Those of us who are going +aboard will now do well to get back to the mole."</p> + +<p>So Jack Runkle departed with his rescuers, +but his eyes flashed the vengeance he would take +should he meet his despoiler again.</p> + +<p>On the way out to the flagship Runkle sat silent +and out of the run of talk that was going on around +him.</p> + +<p>Going up over the side of the "Hudson," Runkle +reported himself on board, and then added to the +officer of the watch, Lieutenant Totten:</p> + +<p>"I've a message for the Captain, sir, and have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +orders to report to him immediately on coming +aboard."</p> + +<p>"Orders from an officer of this ship?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I'll send an orderly to see if the Captain is +still awake," replied Lieutenant Totten.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon, sir," Runkle persisted, +"but I have orders to say that Captain Allen, by +his own request, is to be called, if necessary, sir, +in order to hear my message."</p> + +<p>"Very good," nodded Lieutenant Totten, and +turned to an orderly, sending him to Captain +Allen's quarters.</p> + +<p>"The Captain will see Seaman Runkle at once," +the orderly reported a few moments later.</p> + +<p>Saluting Lieutenant Totten, Runkle turned and +hastily presented himself before the door of the +Captain's quarters.</p> + +<p>"You have something to report, Runkle?" +questioned Captain Allen, seating himself at his +desk.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Ensign Darrin gave me a letter to +bring to you, sir. It may interest you, sir, to +know that on my way back to the ship I was attacked +near the mole by a mob of cut-throats. +One of them held me up with a revolver, but I +got it away from him. Then they all attacked me, +and soon had me down, sir. One of the rascals +took all my money and a letter addressed to you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Took Ensign Darrin's letter away from you?" +demanded Captain Allen, looking, as he felt, a +good deal disturbed.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; not Ensign Darrin's letter, sir," replied +Able Seaman Runkle, with just a shadow of +a grin. "It was a letter addressed to you, but +I have reason to believe, sir, that Ensign Darrin's +letter is still safe. If you'll permit me, sir, I'll +look for the ensign's letter where I placed it, after +leaving the ensign and before quitting the hotel."</p> + +<p>Captain Allen at once nodded his permission. +Runkle partly undressed, then explored the place +where he had concealed Dave's letter.</p> + +<p>"What was the other letter addressed to me +that was taken away from you, Runkle?" questioned +the captain, while the search was going +on.</p> + +<p>"It wasn't really a letter, sir," the sailorman +replied, this time with a very broad grin. "It +was just an envelope addressed to you, and filled +with blank paper."</p> + +<p>"Who addressed that envelope?"</p> + +<p>"I did, sir."</p> + +<p>"And why?"</p> + +<p>"Because I thought that Ensign Darrin's letter +might be important, and I had an idea that some +skulking sneaks might try to take it away from +me."</p> + +<p>Then Runkle, having put his clothing in order,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> +stepped towards Captain Allen, holding out an +envelope.</p> + +<p>"I think, sir, you'll find that this is Ensign +Darrin's letter, and that it's just as he gave it to +me, sir."</p> + +<p>Captain Allen hastily broke the seal, took out +the enclosure, and read rapidly, a frown gathering +on his face all the while.</p> + +<p>"Runkle," cried the Captain, springing up and +placing a hand on the sailorman's shoulder, +"did Ensign Darrin suggest to you the ruse that +fooled your assailants?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"You did it on your own initiative?"</p> + +<p>"I—I did it out of my own head, sir, if that +means the same thing," replied the puzzled sailor +slowly.</p> + +<p>"It does mean the same thing," continued +Captain Allen, "and, Runkle, I'm proud of you. +That's a good headpiece you have on your +shoulders, and I shall make note of it on +your record. You have shown good judgment. +You have a head fitted to meet difficulties. +You may look for promotion in the near +future."</p> + +<p>"Have I your permission, sir, to ask if that +was Ensign Darrin's letter and if it was in good +order?" asked Runkle.</p> + +<p>"It was, my man, thanks to your intelligent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +and courageous performance of duty. Runkle, +how much money did the bravos take from +you?"</p> + +<p>"Eighteen dollars in real money, sir, and +about two dollars in <i>lira</i> money."</p> + +<p>Sailors sometimes call the Italian money "lira +money," because the lire, which is worth about +the same as the French <i>franc</i>, or twenty cents, is +the common unit of Italian currency. "Lira" +is the plural of "lire."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid you don't like the Italian money +very well, Runkle," smiled Captain Allen.</p> + +<p>"I don't, sir, and I don't like the people of this +country any better. Not after the beating I got +to-night."</p> + +<p>"That wasn't the fault of the Italian people, +Runkle," declared the Captain. "Toughs in +New York would use you at least as badly as did +the bravos ashore to-night. The Italian people +themselves are very friendly to us, and the government +does all in its power to show its friendship +for our country. If I were to send ashore complaint +of your being attacked to-night the police +would dragnet the city in an effort to find the men +who attacked you, and, if found, it would go hard +with them. But for reasons that I cannot explain +to you, no complaint will be made. I do +not wish the Italian police to know what took +place to-night. As to the money that you lost,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +I will have you make affidavit before the paymaster, +to-morrow, and will see that the money +is repaid to you. Runkle, you may tell your +mates anything you like about the fight, but do +not mention the fact to any one, that you bore +with you and were searched by bravos for a letter +from Ensign Darrin."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir."</p> + +<p>"That is all, Runkle. You may go, but remember +that I have you in mind as a man of +good and quick judgment, and as one who has +the courage to carry his duty through in the face +of any obstacles."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> + +<p>Saluting, the sailorman left the Captain's +quarters. A minute later Captain Allen sent +an orderly to the Admiral. Three minutes later +Admiral Timworth received the commanding officer +of the flagship.</p> + +<p>Quickly Captain Allen placed Dave's letter in +his superior officer's hands.</p> + +<p>"This is live news, indeed," cried the Admiral, +as he laid the letter down. "Darrin and Dalzell +are doing clever work."</p> + +<p>"But their work is suspected, sir, as the letter +shows. Moreover, the fellow spies of Gortchky +and Dalny are shadowing our two young officers +ashore, for the messenger who brought this letter +was attacked by bravos. Our messenger was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> +robbed of his money and of a faked letter with +which the sailor had provided himself."</p> + +<p>Captain Allen then repeated Runkle's story.</p> + +<p>"You have Runkle slated for promotion, of +course?" asked Admiral Timworth.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> + +<p>"A man like Runkle, if he keeps to his present +promise, should go as high in the Navy as it is +possible for an enlisted man to go," declared the +Admiral. "But, Captain, the organization and +desperation of our country's enemies worry me. +It is plain that some very desperate scheme is +afoot for making trouble between England and +our country. That would drag us in against all +of the Entente Allies if the success of the plot +should involve us in war with England at this +time. The proposed sinking of a British warship +is the inkling we have had, but the real scheme +may be something else. The first clue of all that +we had, even before Darrin and Dalzell came +aboard at Gibraltar, came from the American +Embassy at Paris. Our Ambassador, under orders +from Washington, has our secret service at +work there, which keeps our government directly +in touch with many of the doings of international +plotters. It seems to me highly important that +Ensign Darrin should be detached long enough +from this ship to be sent to Paris, where he should +repeat to our Ambassador all that he knows, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +give close descriptions of the spies with whom he +has come in contact. Having made his report, +Darrin can return to the ship at Genoa, which will +be our next port of call in these waters."</p> + +<p>"Would you send Mr. Darrin alone, sir?" +asked Captain Allen. "He might be trailed and +again attacked. Would it not be far better for +Ensign Dalzell to go with him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and perhaps it may be as well for Runkle +to go, too, as their orderly," replied the Admiral, +after a moment's hesitation. "There is a train +leaving for Paris at four in the morning. Where is +Lieutenant Totten?"</p> + +<p>"He will be off watch in an hour, sir."</p> + +<p>"Let Lieutenant Totten go ashore to carry my +written instructions to Ensign Darrin. I will enclose +the necessary funds in an envelope with my +instructions. Totten, on his return to the ship, +will be able to assure me that the communication +reached Ensign Darrin safely, and that Darrin, +after reading my instructions, which will be brief, +tore up and burned my letter."</p> + +<p>"Shall I send Runkle ashore in uniform or in +citizen's dress?" asked Captain Allen.</p> + +<p>"In citizen's clothes, as before," replied Admiral +Timworth. "I will call my flag lieutenant. +Kindly see that the paymaster is sent to me, +Captain."</p> + +<p>Fifteen minutes later the Admiral's letter of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +instruction had been signed, and a substantial +amount of money enclosed.</p> + +<p>On coming off deck duty at eight bells, midnight, +Lieutenant Totten was instructed to order a launch +alongside. Then, with the bulky envelope in an +inner pocket, and accompanied by Seaman Runkle, +Totten went over the side.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later the launch delivered them +at the mole, then glided out into the bay.</p> + +<p>"I hope we shan't run into a gang of hoodlums +again," said the sailorman respectfully.</p> + +<p>"I have my revolver with me," smiled the +lieutenant. "The Italian police would feel grateful +if I sank its six bullets into six bravos of +Naples."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>DAN HAS VERY "COLD FEET"</h3> + + +<p>Rap-tap!</p> + +<p>That sound brought Dave Darrin out of +a sound sleep. Dan slumbered on.</p> + +<p>"Who's there at this hour of the night?" asked +Dave, through the door, in the best Italian he +could muster.</p> + +<p>"From the 'Hudson,'" came the answer, in a +voice so low that Dave did not recognize it.</p> + +<p>"One minute, then."</p> + +<p>Dave slipped back, shaking his chum to rouse +him, then drew the curtains around Dalzell's bed.</p> + +<p>In record time Dave drew on his own shirt, +slipped into trousers, put on collar, cuffs and tie, +and followed this with coat and vest.</p> + +<p>Then he stepped to the door, opening it. Repressing +his natural cry of astonishment, Dave +silently admitted his visitors, next closed and +locked the door.</p> + +<p>"Orders from the Admiral," said Lieutenant +Totten, in an undertone, and passed over the +envelope.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> + +<p>Stepping under the light which he had hastily +turned on, Darrin read his orders.</p> + +<p>"Read this, Dan," said Dave, passing the letter +of instructions to his chum, who was now also +fully dressed. "Then I will read it once more, +after which we will burn it."</p> + +<p>"Suits me," commented Dan, when he had +finished and was passing back the letter. "I've +always wanted to see Paris."</p> + +<p>"You won't see much of it this time," smiled +Ensign Dave. "This is business, and nothing +else."</p> + +<p>Then Dave tore the letter into strips. Taking +these to the open fireplace he set fire to them. +All three officers watched until the letter had been +completely burned.</p> + +<p>"And now," Dave continued, "I will mix this +charred paper thoroughly with the ashes that, +fortunately, are left in the grate."</p> + +<p>When he had finished, the mixing had been +done so well that they would be keen eyes, indeed, +that could note the presence of minute particles +of burned paper in the grate's contents. His +next act was to telephone the hotel clerk to send +up a time-table.</p> + +<p>"We have plenty of time, yet," smiled Darrin, +glancing at his watch, after he had finished consulting +the time-table. "It won't be the height +of comfort to travel to Paris without baggage.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +However, when we get there we can buy anything +that we may need."</p> + +<p>"It will be great to shop in Paris," cried Dan, +his eyes gleaming.</p> + +<p>"Don't get the idea that we are going to do any +running about in Paris," Dave warned his chum.</p> + +<p>"Not even if we have some idle time there?"</p> + +<p>"Not even then," Dave answered. "I am very +sure that neither the Admiral nor the Ambassador +would wish us to show ourselves much at the +French capital. We might thereby attract the +attention of spies."</p> + +<p>"That is true," agreed Lieutenant Totten.</p> + +<p>Business being now attended to, Dave and Dan +had time to finish dressing comfortably. Then +followed a period of waiting. Later the hotel +clerk was asked to summon an automobile. In +this the Paris-bound party, including Runkle, +left the hotel, Totten accompanying them.</p> + +<p>No sooner, however, had the American party +left the hotel than an Italian, crouching in the +shadow of a building further along on the same +block, whispered to his companion:</p> + +<p>"Telephone Signor Dalny for instructions."</p> + +<p>Within three minutes a second automobile +rolled up to the hotel.</p> + +<p>"To the railway station first, on the chance of +finding the Americans there," the spy called to +the driver.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dave's party did not have long to wait at the +station. Totten remained with them to the last, +however, that he might be able to report a safe +start to the Admiral.</p> + +<p>"Don't look, sir, but coming up behind you, I +am certain, is a fellow I saw on the street outside +the hotel just before we started," reported +Seaman Runkle.</p> + +<p>"Then we are being trailed," Dave said.</p> + +<p>Not until the time came for starting did Lieutenant +Totten shake hands hurriedly with his +brother officers and leave them, though he still +stood near the train.</p> + +<p>Dave and Dan sprang into their compartment +in one of the cars, Able Seaman Runkle following +more slowly.</p> + +<p>"There's that spy fellow getting on the running-board +further down the train, sir," whispered +Runkle.</p> + +<p>"I expected him," answered Dave dryly.</p> + +<p>"Would you like to lose him, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Off the train altogether, do you mean, +Runkle?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Can you put him off without hurting him?"</p> + +<p>"I think I can get him off, sir, without even +scraping one of his knuckles."</p> + +<p>"You're at liberty to try, Runkle, if you are +sure you won't injure the man."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> + +<p>As the guard came along, locking the doors, +Runkle leaped down to the ground.</p> + +<p>"Help, Mr. Totten, help!" called the seaman +in a low voice that none the less reached the ears +of the departing lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Then Runkle moved directly up to the spy +leering into his face and making insulting signs +that caused the fellow to flush red.</p> + +<p>"You're no good—savvy?" insisted Runkle +in a low tone, making more faces and gestures.</p> + +<p>So quickly was it done that the now thoroughly +insulted spy, though he did not understand English, +leaped at Runkle in a rage.</p> + +<p>"He's going to try to rob me, sir!" cried +Runkle, not very effectively dodging the blows +that the fellow aimed at him.</p> + +<p>"Here, what are you up to?" demanded Totten, +also in English, as he reached out to grab the spy's +collar.</p> + +<p>In that strong grip the spy writhed, but could +not escape.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," cried Runkle, with an unmistakable +wink, after which he raced for the car +and the compartment in which the two young +ensigns waited.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Totten is holding on to the chap, +sir," announced Runkle gleefully. "He won't +let him go until the train's out, either."</p> + +<p>Holding the unlocked door open a crack, Dan<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +Dalzell watched as the train pulled away from the +station.</p> + +<p>"Totten has him, and is explaining to a policeman," +Dalzell chuckled. "That spy doesn't +travel with us this trip."</p> + +<p>"What's the odds?" asked Darrin, after a pause. +"Dalny must belong to a big and clever organization. +He can wire ahead to spies who will board +the train later on and follow us into Paris."</p> + +<p>"Then, with your leave, sir, I'll keep my eye +open for spies until we're back aboard the flagship," +suggested Runkle.</p> + +<p>"Very good, so long as you break neither laws +nor bones, Runkle," Dave laughed.</p> + +<p>The Americans had the compartment to themselves. +Had all been in uniform Runkle would +not have been likely to travel in the same compartment +with the young officers, but in citizen's +dress much of discipline could be waived for +greater safety.</p> + +<p>Though Dan Dalzell did not now have much +hope of sight-seeing in Paris, he was able, after +dozing until daylight, to gaze interestedly out +upon the country through which he was traveling.</p> + +<p>Able Seaman Runkle was another absorbed +window-gazer. As for Ensign Dave Darrin, while +he caught many interesting glimpses of the scenery, +his mind was mainly on the question of how the +international plotters were planning to break the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +friendship between the two strongest nations +on earth.</p> + +<p>By what means could these plotters sink a +British ship, and yet make it appear to be the work +of Americans?</p> + +<p>Hundreds of miles had been traveled, and one +day had swung far on into another before a +plausible answer came to Darrin's mind.</p> + +<p>Then Dave fairly jumped—the thing that Admiral +Timworth so dreaded now looked quite easy.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Dan, staring at +his chum.</p> + +<p>"Why?" countered Dave.</p> + +<p>"You jumped so hard," Dan replied.</p> + +<p>"I was thinking."</p> + +<p>"Stop it!" advised Danny Grin. "A little +harder thinking than that might wreck the train."</p> + +<p>Dalzell enjoyed every hour of the journey. In +the daylight hours he was busy "taking in" all +the country through which the train passed. In +the evening hours, Dan was outside on the platform, +at every station, to watch the crowds, large +or small.</p> + +<p>As for Seaman Runkle, that splendid lad was +absorbed, almost to the point of gloom, in watching +at every station for a sign of a spy on the +train with them.</p> + +<p>Before they reached the French-Italian frontier +Dave realized, with a start, that Admiral Timworth<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> +had failed to provide them with such +credentials as would probably be called for in +crossing the Italian-French frontier, and that they +had forgotten to ask for such papers. However, +at the frontier stop their friend Dandelli, the +Italian naval officer, in uniform, almost ran into +them. He was glad to vouch for the pair to the +French and Italian guards at that point, and, +after some hesitation, Dave and Dan were allowed +to proceed into France.</p> + +<p>"But be careful to have proper papers when returning, +if you come this way," Dandelli smilingly +warned them.</p> + +<p>It was seven o'clock on the second morning +after leaving Naples when the express reached +Paris.</p> + +<p>Hardly had the train stopped when Darrin and +Dalzell were out and moving through the station. +Seaman Runkle kept at a distance behind them, +his sharp eyes searching for any signs of spies. +But Runkle was able to make no report of success +when he stepped into the taxicab in which his +superior officers sat.</p> + +<p>Danny Grin was again busy with his eyes as +the taxicab darted through the beautiful streets +of the French capital.</p> + +<p>"What are you laughing at?" Dave asked +suddenly, noting that Dan's grin was even wider +than usual.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Paris strikes me that way—that's all I can +tell you," drawled Dan.</p> + +<p>"Do you consider Paris a joke?" demanded +Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Of course not. But Paris has the name of +being such a gay town—in peace times, of course. +But at this early hour the city looks actually +gray to me. If the look of the city doesn't improve, +later in the day, I can't understand how +any one can feel like being gay."</p> + +<p>"Paris and the world have managed well +enough, in the past, to combine for gayety," +Dave replied. "Just now, of course, with all +the men thinking of war, and so many women +wearing black for dear ones they've lost at the +front, the city can't show much of its former +gayety. Paris is going through her ordeal of +fire. These are dark days for good old France!"</p> + +<p>Suddenly Dan's face fell grave.</p> + +<p>"Now, what's the matter?" quizzed Darrin.</p> + +<p>"I've just had a horrible thought," Dan confessed. +"You haven't been concealing from me, +have you, the fact that, though you had no frontier +passport you have a letter or some form of +credentials to the American Ambassador?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't anything of the sort," Dave rejoined, +he, too, now looking grave.</p> + +<p>"A fine lay-out this is, then," growled Danny +Grin. "Here we are, going to the American<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +Ambassador on a matter of the utmost delicacy. +We are going to tell him and ask him some of the +secrets of the United States government, and we +haven't a scrap of paper to introduce us. Do +you realize what we'll get? The Johnny-run-quick! +We'll get the balluster slide, the ice-pitcher +greeting! Dave, we're going to land hard +on the sidewalk right in front of the Embassy. +And then some frog-eating, Johnny Crapaud +policeman will gather us in as disorderly persons! +Fine!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>AT THE AMERICAN EMBASSY</h3> + + +<p>As the taxicab dashed around a corner +Dave raised his cap.</p> + +<p>"Well, this must be our destination," +he announced. "I've just saluted Old Glory as +it flutters over the building."</p> + +<p>The taxicab came to a stop before a handsome +building.</p> + +<p>On each side of the posts of the gateway stood +a brass shield on which was the inscription:</p> + +<p>"Embassy of the United States of America."</p> + +<p>Very gravely Dan and Runkle followed Dave, +each raising his hat to the Flag as soon as his feet +touched the sidewalk.</p> + +<p>"There's a carriage entrance below," said +Dave, "but we'll take the plain way and walk +in."</p> + +<p>Paying and dismissing the taxicab driver, +Dave led the way to the entrance.</p> + +<p>"A naval party to see the Ambassador, at his +convenience, on business," Dave announced to +the attendant at the door.</p> + +<p>They were shown to an anteroom near the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +door, where they were soon joined by a Mr. +Lupton, who introduced himself as Second Secretary +to the Embassy.</p> + +<p>"The ambassador, Mr. Caine, will not be +here before nine o'clock," announced Mr. Lupton. +"I know that you are expected. You have +not breakfasted?"</p> + +<p>"No," Dave confessed.</p> + +<p>"Then I will ask you to let me be host. Before +I lead the way I will ring for some one to see that +your sailorman is well taken care of."</p> + +<p>Five minutes later Darrin and Dalzell were +seated at a small breakfast table with Mr. +Lupton.</p> + +<p>"Just before reaching here," began Dave, "it +occurred to Mr. Dalzell and myself that we +have, beyond our card-cases, no means of identification. +Can you tell us how Mr. Caine will be +sure that he is talking with the right persons?"</p> + +<p>"I believe that will be arranged all right," +smiled Mr. Lupton. "I, too, have taken you +gentlemen on trust, but presently, I believe, we +are going to be satisfied."</p> + +<p>Two minutes later there stalked into the room +a tall, handsome young man whose navy uniform +set off his good figure to great advantage.</p> + +<p>"Jetson?" exclaimed Dave, rising.</p> + +<p>"The same," smiled the newcomer, advancing +and holding out his hand.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> + +<p>He and Dave shook hands heartily, after which +Dan came in for a similar greeting.</p> + +<p>Readers of the Annapolis series will recall +Jetson as being a fellow member of the Brigade +of Midshipmen with Darrin and Dalzell at the +U. S. Naval Academy. At one time, there, +Dave and Jetson had not been good friends, but +Dave had, at the very great risk of his own life, +saved Jetson from drowning. Now, the two young +officers were on excellent terms.</p> + +<p>"I understand, now, what was darkness to +me before," murmured Dave, after Jetson had +seated himself at table. "Admiral Timworth +knew that you were here, Jetson, and able to +identify us."</p> + +<p>"I have been here for three months," explained +Jetson, smiling, "doing some work to assist the +naval attaché of this Embassy, Commander +Tupper. I have had three months of the hardest +work in this old capital, but now, confound it, +my work here has ended and I'm ordered to join +my ship. The bridge and the quarter-deck are +places of boredom to a fellow who has seen what +I've seen here. Why, I've even made two trips +up to the front—one of them to Verdun."</p> + +<p>"Lucky dog!" cried Danny Grin, with feeling. +"So you've seen some of the big fighting!"</p> + +<p>"It may be well to state that I know fully the +business on which you are ordered here," Jetson<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +continued, "so you may mention it freely before +me if you are so inclined."</p> + +<p>"Then can you tell me," Dave asked, "if it is +known how our enemies propose to sink a British +warship and make it appear to be the work of +someone in the American Navy?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot," Jetson replied. "In fact, it was +only on receipt of a wireless from near Monte +Carlo that the Ambassador had any knowledge +that the international plotters intended to attempt +the destruction of a British warship as +a means for creating bad feeling between the two +countries. The whole plot seems foolishly improbable +to me."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem so to me, any longer," rejoined +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Then you must know some thing that I +haven't heard about," murmured Jetson curiously.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Darrin," broke in Mr. Lupton, "I will +be the Ambassador's authority for you to speak +as freely of the matter as you choose."</p> + +<p>Dave and Dan thereupon told all that had +befallen them at Monte Carlo and at Naples.</p> + +<p>"But still," Jetson broke in perplexedly, "how +is the sinking of a British warship to be brought +about with safety to the plotters, and how is +the crime to be laid at the door of the American +Navy?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wish to speak to the Ambassador on that +point before I mention it to any one else," Dave +answered.</p> + +<p>"Have you told Dalzell?" pressed Jetson.</p> + +<p>"I have not."</p> + +<p>"He certainly hasn't," complained Danny Grin +sadly. "Dave always tells me after he has told +every one else."</p> + +<p>"Danny boy," Dave rebuked him, "where do +you hope to go after you die?"</p> + +<p>"Paris," Dalzell answered promptly.</p> + +<p>Breakfast lasted until word came that the +Ambassador was ready to receive the two young +officers from the flagship of the Mediterranean +Fleet. Then Jetson left his friends.</p> + +<p>Mr. Caine, to whom Mr. Lupton presently +introduced the ensigns, was a man in his fifties, +rather bald, and with a decided stoop in his +shoulders. At home he was a manufacturer +of barbed wire, and his business, as Danny later +suggested, had perhaps helped to give him some +of his keenness and sharpness. He was slenderly +fashioned, and reminded one, at first, of a professor +in a minor college.</p> + +<p>It was when the Ambassador transacted business +that some of his sterling qualities came out. +He was recognized as being one of the cleverest +and ablest of American diplomats.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to meet you, gentlemen," said the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> +Ambassador, shaking hands with Dave and Dan +and then motioning them to seats, which an +attendant placed for them. "Mr. Lupton, you +have doubtless had Jetson's assurance that these +young men are the persons they claim to be?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," Lupton rejoined.</p> + +<p>"Then tell me all you can of this matter," +urged Mr. Caine.</p> + +<p>At a look from Second Secretary Lupton, the +attendant withdrew from the room. Dave and +Dan were soon deep in the narration of events +in which they participated at Monte Carlo and +at Naples.</p> + +<p>"I know the young Comte of Surigny," remarked +Mr. Caine, "and I am deeply disappointed +to learn that he is among our foes, and in such a +mean capacity as the one in which he must be +employed. The young man comes from one of +the most ancient families in France, though he +has never been well-to-do, for his ancestors attended +to the insuring of his poverty. The gambling +streak has run through several generations +of the family."</p> + +<p>Then Dave and Dan continued with their +story, Ambassador Caine paying close attention +to all they said.</p> + +<p>"Gortchky is expected in Paris soon," announced +the Ambassador presently.</p> + +<p>"Is he, sir?" Darrin asked quickly. "Would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> +it be indiscreet for me to ask if you know why he +is coming here?"</p> + +<p>"I have nothing more definite than suspicion," +replied Mr. Caine. "Paris, which has one of the +best detective systems of the world, is also noted +as being the principal headquarters for conspiracies +against governments. Not only do the +anarchists and nihilists look upon Paris as their +Mecca; but other scoundrels working out nefarious +plans for wicked governments also meet here to +lay their dastardly plots. Gortchky may be +coming here to secure new agents to take the +place of those already known to the Americans +who are watching him and his men; or he may +be coming here to hold a conference with the +men higher up, who are directing his scoundrelly +work against the peace of England and America."</p> + +<p>"I take it, sir, that your secret service men will +make every effort to find out what Gortchky does +in Paris, and for what real purpose he is here, +and—"</p> + +<p>Here Ensign Dave Darrin broke off abruptly, +coloring deeply.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon, sir," he apologized hurriedly. +"I had no right to ask you such a +question."</p> + +<p>"I have no objection to answering you," said +the Ambassador seriously. "Of course my men +will make every effort to find out what Gortchky<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +is up to here, if he comes to Paris, but I do not +know how well they will succeed. In the game of +making trouble between nations Emil Gortchky +is an old and wary bird. It may very likely be +that the fellow is coming to Paris only to try to +draw my secret service men into the worst kind +of a wild-goose chase leading only to clues that +are worse than worthless. Gortchky, in other +words, may be on his way to Paris only to draw +our attention away from vital moves about to +be made elsewhere by other members of his +rascally band. Of course, on due complaint, we +could have him arrested as a spy, and it would +go hard with him here in Paris before a military +court. But in that case there are others in the +band of plotters whom we do not know and +cannot locate. So, for very good reasons, we +prefer to have Gortchky at large."</p> + +<p>"I would like immensely to see Gortchky in +Paris," Dave muttered.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you will have your wish," replied +Mr. Caine, with an odd smile.</p> + +<p>Soon after that the interview came to an end, +but Dave and Dan remained in the Embassy +building through the day. An attendant was sent +out to get them what they needed in linen and +other small items.</p> + +<p>Dinner was to be served at seven o'clock, and, +as Mr. Caine did not wish the presence of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> +young officers from the Mediterranean Fleet in +his house to be known, it was arranged that they +should dine in a smaller room alone with Mr. +Lupton.</p> + +<p>At six, however, the Ambassador sent in haste +for Dave to come to his office.</p> + +<p>"That invitation doesn't seem to include me," +remarked Dalzell, rather ruefully, as he glanced +up from a book he was reading in the Embassy +library.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid it doesn't," Dave returned.</p> + +<p>Mr. Caine was at his office desk, holding a +telegram sheet in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Gortchky is expected in town at 7.30 this +evening, Mr. Darrin," announced the Ambassador.</p> + +<p>"Is there anything that I can do in this matter, +sir?" Darrin asked, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"You may go and watch for Gortchky, if you +think it possible to do so without his detecting +you," Mr. Caine replied slowly.</p> + +<p>"The opportunity would delight me beyond +measure," Dave rejoined quickly. "I suppose +I had better take a taxicab that I may be ready +to give effective chase in case Emil Gortchky +uses that kind of transportation."</p> + +<p>"I can supply you with a taxicab and with a +chauffeur who can be trusted," replied the Ambassador. +"The driver I have in mind is a +highly intelligent fellow who has many times been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> +employed by me. And you can dismiss him at +any point, or retain him as long as you wish. +The bill for the taxicab charges will be sent to +the Embassy. How soon do you wish to have +this taxicab here?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I should have it at once," Dave +replied. "Gortchky would know me in these +clothes at first glance, so it would be advantageous +if I arranged to disguise myself. On the streets, +as we came here, I noticed not a few young men +wearing baggy suits of clothes of most un-American +cut. They wore also flowing neckties, and some +of them had blue eyeglasses. There are so many +of these young men about that one more would +hardly attract Gortchky's attention. That style +of dress would make a good disguise for me."</p> + +<p>"The young men you describe are largely +students and artists," replied the Ambassador. +"A disguise of that kind would be less conspicuous +than any other."</p> + +<p>"Then, sir, if the chauffeur can come here +soon, he will have time to take me to stores where +I can get the articles of apparel I need, and I +shall still have plenty of time to meet Emil +Gortchky if he reaches Paris this evening. I +will go and tell Mr. Dalzell about Gortchky +being expected to arrive here to-night."</p> + +<p>"Tell Mr. Dalzell if you wish, but you had +better not take him with you," replied Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +Caine. "Two young men would attract more +attention than one. I am approving of your +undertaking this because, to date, you have +learned more about this conspiracy than any +three of the secret service men whom I have at +my orders."</p> + +<p>Dave hurried away to Dan, who was highly +disappointed at being left out of the evening's +work.</p> + +<p>"But I have the joke on you, anyway," Danny +Grin suddenly declared.</p> + +<p>"How so?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"I shall have my dinner," laughed Dalzell; +"you won't have any."</p> + +<p>"I could forget my meals for three whole days +to stay on the trail of Gortchky," Dave answered, +simply.</p> + +<p>Then he hurried out, for the arrival of the +taxicab was now announced. Darrin had a +minute's conversation with the chauffeur, after +which he entered the car.</p> + +<p>One thing the young ensign quickly discovered, +and that was that on the smooth pavements of +Paris, and in the well-ordered traffic, taxicabs +travel at a high rate of speed. Within five minutes +he had been set down at the door of a shop in +which he found it possible to buy every item of +his disguise, even to shoes, for Darrin suddenly remembered +that his footwear was plainly American.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> + +<p>In fifteen minutes more Dave Darrin emerged +from the store. In one hand he carried his discarded +clothing, packed in a new bag, which he +turned over to the chauffeur for safe keeping. +All of his money, except a small sum, he had +left behind at the Embassy.</p> + +<p>If any policeman had seen him enter the shop +and come out again presenting so changed an +appearance, and if for that reason the policeman +should question him under the impression +that Darrin might be a spy, Dave decided that +he would rely upon his chauffeur to declare that +he had been hired at the American Embassy. +That statement would remove suspicion.</p> + +<p>"You had better kill time for a few minutes," +Dave explained to the chauffeur, who understood +English. "It is not desirable to reach the railway +station earlier than 7.20."</p> + +<p>Accordingly the young ensign enjoyed a brief, +rapid panoramic view of a considerable part of +Paris. The driver, accustomed to taking Americans +about who were strangers in the city, frequently +turned his head to offer information as +to the places or points of interest that they were +passing.</p> + +<p>"It's a shame that Danny boy isn't here to +enjoy all this," Dave told himself. "Even this +way of seeing Paris would be a great treat to +him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> + +<p>Almost to the second of 7.20 the taxicab drew +up as one of a long line of similar vehicles under +the bright lights of the railway station.</p> + +<p>Alighting, Ensign Darrin, feeling rather well +concealed in his disguise, and looking out through +his blue-lensed eyeglasses, strolled about, careful +not to saunter into the most brilliantly lighted +spots.</p> + +<p>Presently he heard a train enter the station. +A thin stream of passengers filtered out. Dave +promptly shifted his position and watched the +arrivals, who later came out in a more compact +throng.</p> + +<p>And there was Emil Gortchky, at last, with +no more marked hand luggage than a light cane, +which he swung jauntily.</p> + +<p>"I hope you don't look my way, my fine bird!" +uttered Ensign Darrin under his breath. "But +if you do, your observation won't do you much +good."</p> + +<p>A hand beckoned from a taxicab. Emil +Gortchky, who had been on the lookout, sauntered +over to the vehicle and clasped the hand +of M. le Comte de Surigny.</p> + +<p>"Surigny, the ungrateful!" uttered Dave disgustedly +to himself. "I induced you to spare your +own worthless life, and then when you found life +sweet once more, you turned against me! I hope +you did not notice me as you sat in that cab."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> + +<p>By this time Dave was at the side step of his +own taxicab. A few words to the chauffeur, and +he entered.</p> + +<p>Surigny's cab drew out of the line, gliding away. +The one in which Dave sat gave chase at a cautious +distance.</p> + +<p>Soon the speed of the leading cab increased, +and the pursuing one followed at the same speed. +After a considerable run both cabs turned into +the broad, well-lighted Boulevard Haussman. +For some blocks both cabs ran along. Then the +one ahead turned in before an imposing-looking +building with a gleaming white marble front.</p> + +<p>"The Grand Prix Club," explained Dave's +chauffeur, glancing back as he stopped on the +other side of the boulevard some distance to +the rear.</p> + +<p>It was the Count of Surigny who left the cab, +which then started forward.</p> + +<p>"Is there gambling going on in that club?" +asked Darrin, as his man started the car forward +again.</p> + +<p>"Naturally," replied the chauffeur, shrugging +his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"It is easy to understand, then," Dave muttered +to himself. "Poor Surigny is no longer +his own master in anything, for he is a slave to +the gambling craze that ruins so many lives. +Gortchky furnishes the young man with money<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> +for gambling—lends it to him, of course, and +thus keeps the Count desperately in his debt. +And so the young Count has to do, when required, +the bidding of the scoundrel who gloats +over the helplessness of his dupe. Poor Surigny!"</p> + +<p>Into less handsome avenues and streets the +taxicabs now turned. Then a distinctly shabby +looking part of Paris was unfolded to the gaze +of the young naval officer.</p> + +<p>"The Rue d'Ansin," announced the chauffeur, +at last.</p> + +<p>"A bad street?" Dave inquired.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"The haunt of criminals?"</p> + +<p>"Criminals are seen here," the chauffeur explained, +"but their real lurking places are in +some of the alleys, farther along, that lead off +from the Rue d'Ansin. Late at night, monsieur, +it is better to ride through this street than to +be afoot on the sidewalk!"</p> + +<p>"Is it the part of Paris where one would come +to meet or to confer with desperate criminals?" +Dave asked.</p> + +<p>"Many of the Apaches live hereabouts," replied +the chauffeur, with another shrug.</p> + +<p>Dave had read of these dangerous thugs, the +so-called "Apaches," native toughs of Paris, +who commit many bold robberies on the streets +by night, and even, sometimes, by day, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +who seldom hesitate to kill a victim or a policeman +if murder will render their own escape sure.</p> + +<p>To an observer the Apache appears to be equally +without fear and without conscience. The Apache +is many degrees more dangerous than his more +cowardly cousin, the "gun-man" of New York.</p> + +<p>"I hope you will not have to take to the streets +here, Monsieur," said the chauffeur.</p> + +<p>"If I have to do that, I am not afraid to take +a chance," Darrin answered, imitating the Frenchman's +shrug with his own broad shoulders.</p> + +<p>Ahead, Gortchky's taxicab was slowing down, +and the pursuing vehicle did the same. Dave +peered about to see if some one were waiting to +be taken up by Gortchky, but, instead, Gortchky +descended.</p> + +<p>"Drive close to the curb on the other side of +the street," whispered Darrin. "Merely slow +down so that I may slip to the sidewalk. Then +go ahead, waiting for me around the corner two +blocks away."</p> + +<p>"One block away would be better, Monsieur," +urged the chauffeur.</p> + +<p>"Make it two," Dave insisted crisply.</p> + +<p>Stepping out on the running board, Dave +leaned well forward, thus making it possible to +close the door of his car as it slowed down. Then, +as Dave stepped to the sidewalk, the taxicab +moved forward more rapidly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> + +<p>Searching in an inner pocket, Emil Gortchky, +down the street on the other side, did not look +up, and apparently did not observe the maneuver +on the part of Dave's chauffeur. Dave slipped +quickly into a darkened doorway, from which he +could watch the international spy with little +danger of being observed.</p> + +<p>Taking out a little packet of papers, and moving +toward a street lamp, Gortchky selected one of +the papers, thrusting the rest back into his +pocket. As he did so, one white bit fluttered to +the sidewalk.</p> + +<p>Reading under the street lamp the paper he +had selected, Gortchky put that particular paper +in another pocket. Then he turned abruptly, +plunging into the depths of an alley-like street.</p> + +<p>Sauntering slowly across the street, in order +not to attract too much attention from other +passers on the badly lighted Rue d'Ansin, Ensign +Darrin, his gaze glued to that piece of paper, +soon reached it and picked it up.</p> + +<p>"For that scoundrel to drop this paper, of +all others that he had in his pocket!" gasped +Dave Darrin, as, under the street light, he took +in its nature.</p> + +<p>Then he paled, for this paper seemed to confirm +absolutely the young ensign's suspicion as +to the way in which the British battleship was +to be destroyed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> + +<p>All in a twinkling Dave's pallor vanished, for +he had something else to think about.</p> + +<p>On the alley-like side street a quick step was +heard that Darrin recognized. It was that of +Emil Gortchky, hastily returning to find the paper +that he had dropped in the heart of Apache +Land!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>"SEEING" THE PARIS APACHES</h3> + + +<p>Like a flash Darrin thrust the paper into +one of his own pockets. Then he turned, +darting into a near-by doorway dark enough +to conceal him from Gortchky's eyes, if he should +look in that direction.</p> + +<p>"I've no reason for fearing an encounter with +Gortchky, unless he knows how to summon the +murderous Apaches to his aid," Dave told himself +as he pressed back as far as he could into his +hiding place. "I don't want Gortchky, however, +to know I'm watching him, and I don't want to +lose this precious paper any more than he does."</p> + +<p>Touching the door accidentally with the hand +that rested behind his back, Dave was delighted +to feel it swing slightly open. In another instant +he had backed into a corridor, softly closing +the door after him.</p> + +<p>"Now Gortchky won't find me, and I'm all +right, unless I am discovered by one of the occupants +of this house, and turned over to the police +as a burglar!" thought the young naval officer +exultantly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> + +<p>Gortchky's step, now slower, went by the door, +which Dave had left ajar by only the tiniest +crack.</p> + +<p>"I cannot have lost that paper here, after +all," Dave heard the international spy mutter +in a low voice. "Certainly it has not been picked +up, for I came back almost instantly, and there +was no one near. It is not likely that I shall +ever see that important little bit of paper again."</p> + +<p>Yet for a few moments longer Dave heard the +international spy moving about as though still +searching. Then the fellow's footsteps died out +as he went around the corner.</p> + +<p>"I'll wait a few minutes before I step out," +Darrin decided. "Gortchky may only be laying +a trap, and even at this instant he may be +peering around the corner to see if any one steps +out of one of these doorways."</p> + +<p>Waiting for what seemed to be a long time, but +what was actually only a few minutes, the young +ensign stepped out to the sidewalk again.</p> + +<p>There were a few people on his own side of +the block, and the sight of any one leaving a +house was not likely to arouse curiosity in the +minds of the denizens of that neighborhood.</p> + +<p>As Dave neared the next corner, however, +four rough-looking fellows came out of a little +café. Their bearing was full of swagger. These +young men, in dress half student and half laborer,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +with caps pulled down over their eyes and gaily-knotted +handkerchiefs around their necks, displayed +the shifting, cunning look that is found +in the hoodlum everywhere.</p> + +<p>As they reached the sidewalk, moving with +the noiseless step peculiar to the Apache, they +heard Darrin briskly coming along. Halting, +they regarded him closely as he neared them.</p> + +<p>"They look like hard characters," Dave told +himself. "However, if I mind my business, I +guess they'll mind theirs."</p> + +<p>It was not to be. One of the Apaches, the +tallest and slimmest of the lot, regarded Darrin +with more curiosity than did any of the others.</p> + +<p>"Ho!" he cried. "See how stiffly our little +student carries himself! He must have been to +see his sweetheart, and feels proud of himself."</p> + +<p>"He has the stride of a banker," jeered another. +"I wonder if he has his bank with him."</p> + +<p>Dave's ear, quickly attuned to the French +tongue, caught and understood the words.</p> + +<p>"Let me see what you look like," urged the +slim fellow, reaching out and plucking from +Darrin's nose the blue eye glasses just as Dave +was passing the group.</p> + +<p>That gesture and the act were so insulting that +Ensign Darrin could not keep back the flash +that leaped into his eyes. He halted, regarding +the Apache steadily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, bless me! He's an American!" cried +the Apache. "All Americans are rich, you know. +My friend, have you a few sous for a group of +poor workingmen?"</p> + +<p>Dave essayed to pass on. As he did so, a foot +was thrust out. Dave saw the movement and +leaped over the foot to avoid being tripped.</p> + +<p>"At him!" hissed the slim Apache. "Let us +shake out his pockets."</p> + +<p>Dave sprang forward, although he knew that +he could not hope to run away. Instead, he +leaped to a wall, placing his back against it. There +he halted, glaring defiantly at his assailants, his +fists up and ready for instant action.</p> + +<p>"Sail in! Trim him!" snarled the slim one. +"If our little American shows fight—kill him!"</p> + +<p>The first who reached Dave reeled back with +a broken nose, for Darrin's first was hard.</p> + +<p>"Stick the pig!" cried the leader, meaning +that the young officer was to be stabbed. Not +one of the four had a knife, it seemed.</p> + +<p>As they surrounded him, the one with the +injured nose having returned to the fray, that +slim Apache drew out a sandbag, long and narrow, +shaped like a sausage, made of canvas +and filled with sand. This is one of the most +deadly weapons in the world.</p> + +<p>"Let us see what soothing medicine will do!" +he jeered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> + +<p>In an instant all four had brought sandbags to +light, and all closed in upon the desperate +American.</p> + +<p>"Come on, you cowards!" roared Dave, forgetting +his French and lapsing back into English. +"If I go out I'll take one of you with me."</p> + +<p>Trying to tantalize their victim, the Apaches +made thrusts at Ensign Dave, and then leaped +nimbly back. It was their hope that he would +spring forward at them and thus leave his rear +unguarded. It is easiest to use the sandbag on +a victim from behind, though the tactics now +employed were favorites with the Apaches.</p> + +<p>Dave had sense enough to divine the nature +of their trick. Unless the police arrived promptly +he expected to be killed by these jeering scoundrels, +but he was determined to sell his life dearly +enough.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the young naval officer saw his chance +and used it. One of his dancing tormentors got +in too close. Darrin's right foot shot up and out, +landing across the Apache's knee-cap.</p> + +<p>Uttering a howl of rage and pain, the fellow +all but crawled back.</p> + +<p>"Kill the American," he howled. "Don't +play with him."</p> + +<p>Instantly the three remaining assailants worked +in closer, yet with all the caution of their wily +natures.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Rush me!" taunted Dave, again in English. +"Don't be so afraid. If you mean to kill me +why don't you show courage enough to do it? +Come on, you sneaks!"</p> + +<p>Though the Apaches could not understand +what the young ensign said to them, they knew +the drift of his jeering words. Their faces contorted +with rage, they struck at him, Dave's +arms working like piston rods in his efforts to +ward off their blows.</p> + +<p>Close to the wall, slipping along on tip-toe +came a tall figure. Then suddenly a newcomer +leaped into the picture.</p> + +<p>Biff! smash! Struck from behind in the +neck, two of the Apaches pitched forward, going +to earth. Dave Darrin, with a feint, followed +up with a swinging right-hand uppercut, laid +the last of the Apaches low, for the fellow sitting +in a doorway, nursing his knee and cursing, no +longer counted.</p> + +<p>"Quick! Out of here!" ordered the newcomer, +seizing Dave by the arm and starting him along.</p> + +<p>"Jetson!" gasped Ensign Darrin, looking into +the face of his rescuer.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered his brother officer. "Hurry +along!"</p> + +<p>"Jetson, you've saved my life this time. +That pack of wolves would have killed me in +spite of my best defense."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We're not out of trouble yet," retorted Jetson, +fairly pushing Darrin along. "Those Apaches +will revive in a few seconds."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! Together, Jetson, we could thrash +half a dozen of their kind, and find it only exercise."</p> + +<p>"But, my boy, don't you realize that there +are more than three or four Apaches around the +Rue d'Ansin? The alarm will sound, and a score +more will rush up. These rascals are sure death, +Darry, if they get at you in sufficient numbers! +The Parisians fear them. You don't see a single +citizen on the street now. Look! Every one of +them flew to cover as soon as the Apaches moved +into action. If bystanders interfered, or even +watched, they too would have to reckon with +these Apaches. Now, Darry, you're no coward, +and neither am I, but if you're wise you will +imitate me by taking to your heels."</p> + +<p>Still holding Dave's arm lightly, Jetson sprinted +along to the next corner.</p> + +<p>"To the right," whispered Dave. "I've a +taxicab here."</p> + +<p>More than halfway down the block they saw +the car at the curb. The chauffeur, when Dave +called, stepped from a doorway in which he had +taken refuge.</p> + +<p>"The Apaches!" gasped the driver.</p> + +<p>"Hustle!" urged Dave. "Come on, Jetson."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> + +<p>As the two young naval officers sprang into the +car, the driver leaped to his own seat. Pressing +the self-starter, the chauffeur soon had his machine +gliding along. Nor did he go back, either, +by way of the Rue d'Ansin.</p> + +<p>Not until he was four blocks away from the +scene did the man ask for his orders.</p> + +<p>"Back to the Embassy," Dave instructed him. +Then he remembered his comrade's swift, fine +rescue.</p> + +<p>"Jetson," he asked, "did you know it was I +who was menaced by the Apaches?"</p> + +<p>"I did not," replied his brother officer. "But +I heard enough, at a distance, to know that an +American was in trouble. In Paris that is sufficient +for me. Darry, I am delighted that I happened +along in time."</p> + +<p>"You saved my life, Jetson, and at the risk of +your own. If you had missed one of the Apaches, +or had lost your balance, your career would have +been ended right there, along with mine."</p> + +<p>"You risked your life for me, Darry, back in +the old Annapolis days, so we are even," answered +Jetson gently. "However, we won't keep books +on the subject of brotherly aid. All I can say, +Darry, is that I am glad I chose this night to +call on an artist who lives in dingy quarters +half a mile beyond where I found you. And I +am also glad that I did not accept his invitation<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +to supper, or I should have come along too late +to serve you."</p> + +<p>As soon as the machine had left them at the +Embassy, Darrin sought out Mr. Lupton.</p> + +<p>"May I see Mr. Caine at once?" asked the +young officer.</p> + +<p>"You have seen Gortchky, then?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I have found what I consider +positive proof as to the plans of Gortchky's +crew."</p> + +<p>"I think Mr. Caine can be seen," replied +Lupton.</p> + +<p>Ensign Darrin was soon with the American +Ambassador, who nodded to Lupton to leave +the room.</p> + +<p>"Here, sir," began Darrin, "is a bit of +paper that Gortchky dropped and which I +picked up."</p> + +<p>Mr. Caine scanned the paper.</p> + +<p>"I do not see anything so very remarkable +about it," he replied.</p> + +<p>Dave whispered a few words in his ear.</p> + +<p>"Is that true?" asked the Ambassador, displaying +sudden agitation.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then I believe you are right, Darrin," +gasped the Ambassador, sinking back into +his chair, his face paling slightly. "Oh the +villains!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then you believe, sir, that I have really discovered +the plot?" asked Dave, who looked only +a whit less agitated.</p> + +<p>"If what you have just told me is true, then it +must be that you have made a correct guess."</p> + +<p>"Will you send word by wireless to Admiral +Timworth, then, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I dare not trust such news, even to the cipher, +which the international gang thought they had +filched, and which they did not get," replied +Mr. Caine. "I believe that the wisest course will +be for you to take the midnight train to Genoa."</p> + +<p>"Then I shall take this paper with me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Darrin, for the Admiral is far more +capable than I of estimating it at its true worth. +It is a matter for a naval man to comprehend and +decide."</p> + +<p>The Ambassador did not neglect to provide the +young ensign with documents, approved by the +French Foreign Office, that would take them safely +over the border into Italy on their return trip.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>DAVE'S GUESS AT THE BIG PLOT</h3> + + +<p>"Friends tell me that in being in the Navy I +have such a grand chance to see the world," +grumbled Dan Dalzell, as the launch headed +for the anchorage of the American warships. +"I went to Paris and had two short taxicab rides +through the city. That was all I saw of Paris. +Then a long railway journey, and I reached +Genoa. I spent twenty-eight minutes in Genoa, +and boarded this launch. Oh, I'm seeing the world +at a great rate! By the time I'm an admiral I +shall know nearly as much of the world as I did +when I studied geography in the Central Grammar +School of Gridley."</p> + +<p>"Don't be a kicker, Danny boy," smiled Dave. +"And just think! When you get home, if any +one asks you if you've been in Paris, you can +say 'Yes.' Should any one ask you if you've seen +Genoa, you can hold up your head and declare +that you have."</p> + +<p>"But my friends will ask me to tell them about +those towns," complained Dalzell.</p> + +<p>"Read them up in the guide books," advised<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> +Jetson, who was of the party. "I've known a lot +of Navy officers who got their knowledge of foreign +places in that way."</p> + +<p>Dave and Dan had had but a fleeting glimpse +of the fine city that now lay astern of them. +Hundreds of sailormen and scores of officers, on +sight-seeing bent, had been ashore for two days.</p> + +<p>But now the recall to the fleet had come. All +save Darrin, Dalzell and Jetson, with Seaman +Runkle, who was now up forward on the launch, +were already aboard their respective ships. The +Admiral waited only for the coming of this launch +before he gave the sailing order.</p> + +<p>Jetson was assigned to the battleship "Allegheny," +a craft only a trifle smaller than the +massive "Hudson."</p> + +<p>The three brother officers and Runkle had +traveled by express from Paris to Genoa, and had +come through without incident. At last even the +watchful Runkle was convinced that they had +eluded all spies.</p> + +<p>"Boatswain's Mate," said Dave, "as this +launch belongs to the flagship, it will be better to +take Mr. Jetson, first, over to his ship."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir," responded the man in charge +of the launch.</p> + +<p>Twenty minutes later Dave Darrin found himself +leading his own party up over the side of the +"Hudson."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Captain Allen wishes to see Ensigns Darrin +and Dalzell at once," announced Lieutenant +Cranston, the officer of the deck. "You will +report to the Captain without further instructions."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir," Dave answered, saluting.</p> + +<p>Exactly ten minutes later the two young ensigns +were ushered into the presence of their +commanding officer.</p> + +<p>"Admiral Timworth has been notified by wireless +from Paris that you have important communications +to make to him," began the Captain. +"I will not waste your time or the Admiral's in +questioning you here. You will come with me +to the fleet commander's quarters. The Admiral +is awaiting you."</p> + +<p>Admiral Thomas Timworth, seated at his +desk, and with his flag lieutenant standing by, +greeted his callers with exceeding briskness.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," he said, "time presses, and we +must dispense with formalities. Ensign Darrin, +I am advised by the Ambassador at Paris of the +importance of your news, but he does not tell me +what the news is."</p> + +<p>"Its importance, sir, depends on whether the +evidence I have to present supports the guess I +have made as to the nature of the plot that has +been planned against the peace and safety of Great +Britain and our own country."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> + +<p>As Dave spoke he produced from an inner +pocket the sheet of paper dropped by Gortchky, +that he had picked up in the Rue d'Ansin.</p> + +<p>"This piece of paper, sir," Darrin continued, +passing it to the fleet commander, "is one that +I <i>saw</i> Emil Gortchky drop from a packet of +several papers that he took from his pocket at +night on one of the worst streets in the slums of +Paris."</p> + +<p>Admiral Timworth scanned the paper, then +read it aloud. It was a receipted bill, made out +in the name of one unknown to those present, +though perhaps an alias for Gortchky himself. +The bill was for a shipment of storage batteries. +At the bottom of the sheet was a filled-in certificate +signed by a French government official, to the effect +that the batteries had been shipped into Italy +"for laboratory purposes of scientific research." +Just below this statement was an official Italian +certificate of approval, showing that the batteries +had been admitted into Italy. In time of war, +with the frontier guarded tenfold more <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'vigilant'">vigilantly</ins> +than in ordinary times, such certificates are +vitally necessary to make shipments from France +into Italy possible.</p> + +<p>"In other words, sir," Dave went on eagerly, +when the fleet commander scanned his face +closely, "it needed some very clever underhand +work, very plausibly managed, to make it possible<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> +to buy those batteries in France and to secure their +admittance into Italy."</p> + +<p>"Why?" quizzed Admiral Timworth, as though +he did not know the answer himself.</p> + +<p>"Because, sir," Dave went on keenly, full of +professional knowledge of the subject, "these +batteries are the best that the French make for +use aboard submarines."</p> + +<p>"True," nodded the fleet commander. "What +then?"</p> + +<p>"Why, sir, by the use of the cleverest kind of +lying that spies can do, Gortchky and his associates +have hoodwinked the French and Italian +governments into believing that the batteries +are to be lawfully used for research purposes, when, +as a matter of fact, they are to be used aboard a +submarine which the plotters intend to use for +destroying a British battleship."</p> + +<p>"We will admit, then," said Admiral Timworth, +as a poser, "that the plotters have probably +gotten into Italy storage batteries that can be +used serviceably on a submarine. But where and +how can the plotters have obtained the submarine +craft itself? Or, if they haven't got it yet, how +are they to obtain one? For submarines are not +sold in open market, and it would be difficult to +steal one."</p> + +<p>"I cannot answer that, as yet, sir," Dave admitted +gravely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And such storage batteries might be used for +purposes of scientific research," continued the +fleet commander.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; but the habits of the buyers should +be considered, should they not? Gortchky and +his associates can be hardly believed to be interested +in science. On the other hand, they +are arch plotters, which would lead us to suppose +that they have bought these batteries to further +a plot. Outside of scientific work the batteries +would not be likely to be used anywhere except +on board a submarine. Storage batteries of different +size and pattern are used for industrial +purposes, but those described in this bill are used +on board submarines."</p> + +<p>"Your reasoning is plausible, Darrin, and probably +correct, too," nodded Admiral Timworth.</p> + +<p>"Besides which, sir," Dave pressed home, "if +we admit that the plotters have conspired to sink +a British battleship at Malta, the easiest way in +war-time, when unidentified strangers cannot get +aboard a warship, would be to effect the sinking +by means of a submarine's torpedo. And, if this +be the plan of the plotters, then the crime is likely +to be attempted only when there are British and +American war craft, and none others, in the +Grand Harbor of Malta."</p> + +<p>"Yet surely the plotters must know that, between +good friends like Britain and America, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +would take more than the mere sinking of a +British ship to make the English suspect us, as +a nation, of being involved in such a dastardly +plot."</p> + +<p>"Our country couldn't be suspected, as a government +or a nation, of being guilty of such a wicked +deed," Dave answered. "But Englishman and +Frenchmen might very easily believe that the +torpedoing was the work of a group of officers +and men in our Navy who hated England enough +to strike her below the belt. With the British +ship sunk, sir, and with none to suspect but the +Americans, there is no telling to what heights +British passion might rise. The British are feeling +the tension of the great war severely, sir."</p> + +<p>"There is one flaw in your reasoning, Mr. Darrin," +Admiral Timworth replied. "We will admit +that the torpedoing happens at a time when only +American and British war craft are visible in +Grand Harbor. Why would it not be wholly +reasonable for the British to suppose that the +torpedoing was the work of a German submarine +that had sneaked into the harbor of Malta under +the surface of the water?"</p> + +<p>"That occurred to me, sir," Dave admitted, +"and at first I couldn't find the answer, but at +last I did."</p> + +<p>"I shall be glad to hear that answer."</p> + +<p>"The submarine, let us suppose, sir, discharges<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> +one torpedo with such accuracy as to sink the +British battleship. Why could not another torpedo +be fired immediately, which would not +strike, but would rise to the surface and be afterwards +identified when found as an American +torpedo? For a torpedo that does not strike and +explode can be so adjusted that it will afterwards +sink or rise and float. And this torpedo that +rises can be of American pattern."</p> + +<p>"But where would the plotters secure an American +torpedo?" demanded Admiral Timworth.</p> + +<p>"The plotters, if they had a secret factory, +could make some torpedoes of the American type, +provided they had obtained the services of a +draftsman and workmen familiar with the American +torpedo."</p> + +<p>"That could be accomplished, in this wicked +old world of ours," nodded Admiral Timworth, +after an interval of deep thought. "I won't declare +that I think it really has been done. Yet +your various reports to me, Mr. Darrin, convince +me that plotters really intend to sink a British +battleship and lay the blame at our country's +door. And such a deed might really provoke +English clamor for war with our country."</p> + +<p>In the Admiral's quarters a long silence followed.</p> + +<p>At length the fleet commander looked up.</p> + +<p>"Captain Allen," he asked, "what do you think +of Mr. Darrin's surmise?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It looks probable to me," said the "Hudson's" +commanding officer promptly.</p> + +<p>"It looks likely to me, also," sighed Admiral +Timworth.</p> + +<p>Then the famous old sea-dog brought his +clenched fist down on his desk with a bang.</p> + +<p>"Malta shall be our next stop," he declared. +"We shall see whether any band of plotters can +put such a plot through while we are watching! +All mankind would shudder at such a tragedy. +All the world would side with England and condemn +the United States and her Navy! Gentlemen, +I now believe that Mr. Darrin has revealed +the details of a plan that will be tried. We must +prevent it, gentlemen! We shall prevent it—or +some of us will lose our lives in the effort to +stop it! Darrin, you shall have your chance in +helping us to stop it. Mr. Dalzell, you, too, +shall have your chance! And now—Malta."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>SURIGNY'S NEXT MOVE</h3> + + +<p>In the Grand Harbor, overlooked by the town +and fortress of Valetta, on the island of Malta, +there lay at anchor the British dreadnaught +"Albion," the cruiser "Wrexham" and the gunboat +"Spite."</p> + +<p>Less than half a mile away lay the American +battleships "Hudson" and "Allegheny" and the +cruiser "Newton."</p> + +<p>It was early evening now. During the day, +soon after the arrival of the American craft, the +usual visits of courtesy had been exchanged between +the two fleets.</p> + +<p>Admiral Barkham, of His Majesty's Navy, +received a most disagreeable shock while in conference +in Admiral Timworth's quarters. In other +words, he had been accurately informed of all +that was so far known to the American fleet +commander.</p> + +<p>"But it is impossible," declared Admiral Barkham. +"Quite impossible!"</p> + +<p>"It would seem so," replied Admiral Timworth. +"Yet the outcome will be the best proof in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> +matter. Sir, with your help, I propose to catch +that submarine, should she appear in these +waters."</p> + +<p>"She will not appear," declared the Englishman. +"I am convinced that such a thing is impossible. +Only madmen would undertake to accomplish +such a horrible thing. True, we have +enemies who employ submarines in this war, but +they do not dare to use them in attacking battleships. +Nor would plotters without the backing +of a government dare try it."</p> + +<p>Then Admiral Timworth caused Ensigns Darrin +and Dalzell to be summoned. They came. +Admiral Barkham listened to their story, his gaze +all the time fixed on their earnest faces.</p> + +<p>It was impossible to doubt the word of two such +intelligent young officers. Admiral Barkham +found his doubts vanishing. He was prepared to +admit that such a crime as he had heard discussed +might be in course of planning.</p> + +<p>"Of course I know the fellow Gortchky," admitted +Admiral Barkham, "and also that trouble-breeder, +Dalny. Yet this is something amazingly +more desperate than they have ever attempted +before. I now admit, sir," turning to Admiral +Timworth, "that there is good reason to suppose +that such a plot may be afoot."</p> + +<p>"The 'Maine' was sunk in Havana Harbor," +rejoined the American Admiral, dryly. "That<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> +incident sent two nations to war. Might not +something like the 'Maine' affair be attempted +here in Valetta Harbor?"</p> + +<p>Sitting with bowed head the British admiral +looked most uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>"At all events," he said, "it is certainly a +matter of duty for the officers of both fleets to be +on the lookout, and for them to work in concert. +Yet I still find it all but impossible to believe what +my judgment tells me might be possible."</p> + +<p>"You are going to advise the officers of your +fleet, then?" asked Admiral Timworth.</p> + +<p>"I think so," replied the Englishman slowly.</p> + +<p>"In the American fleet," said Admiral Timworth, +"very few officers will be told outside of +those who are going to be charged with keeping a +lookout for the submarine."</p> + +<p>At a sign Dave and Dan withdrew, leaving the +two fleet commanders in earnest conversation.</p> + +<p>"It's hard for an Englishman to conceive of +such a crime as being possible, isn't it?" asked +Dan, with a melancholy grin.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it's to the honor of his manhood that +he cannot believe in it," Dave answered gently, +as the chums sat in the latter's quarters.</p> + +<p>Dave and Dan had been excused from ship duty +on account of other duties that were likely to be +assigned to them at any time.</p> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 261px;"> +<img src="images/illus-198.jpg" width="261" height="400" alt=""Admiral Barkham listened to their story."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"Admiral Barkham listened to their story."</span> +</div> + +<p>Half an hour after the chums left the Admiral's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +quarters an orderly summoned them to Captain +Allen's office.</p> + +<p>"Both admirals are convinced," said Captain +Allen, when Dave and Dan had reported, "that +the crime, if it is to be attempted, will be tried +at night. As there are still a few hours before +dark Admiral Timworth wishes you to take one +of the launches and go alongside the British flagship. +There will you find three or four young +British officers ready to join you. You will all +go ashore in Valetta and remain there until +nearly dark. You will circulate about the town, +as sight-seers usually do. While ashore you will +keep your eyes open for glimpses of the Gortchky-Dalny +plotters and their subordinates, whom you +may find there. Admiral Timworth particularly +desires to know whether any of that unsavory +crew have reached Malta."</p> + +<p>The launch being ready alongside, Dave and +Dan, both in uniform, went at once over the side. +They were soon alongside the "Albion," and a +voice from deck invited them aboard. There the +officer of the deck introduced them to four young +English officers. Three minutes later the party +went aboard the launch, and headed toward shore.</p> + +<p>Outside of the forts and garrison buildings the +town is a small one, though at this time there were +several places of amusement open on two of the +principal streets.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> + +<p>Through these places the party strolled, seemingly +bent only on having a good time.</p> + +<p>"Have you seen any of the bally spies?" murmured +one of the young English officers, Whyte +by name.</p> + +<p>"Not a sign of one," Dave answered in a low +tone.</p> + +<p>"What if they're not here?" persisted Whyte.</p> + +<p>"It may be that none of them will show up at +Malta," Darrin answered. "Or it may be that +those who do come will come only on that submarine +we are looking for."</p> + +<p>"I would like to meet one of those plotters," +grumbled Dorcliffe, another of the English party +and the possessor of a bulky frame and broad +shoulders.</p> + +<p>"What would you do?" asked Dave smilingly.</p> + +<p>"I believe I'd jolly well choke the breath out of +him!" asserted Mr. Dorcliffe.</p> + +<p>"That would betray the fact that we know the +gang and the work that they're planning," Dave +returned.</p> + +<p>"Would it?" asked Mr. Dorcliffe, looking +thoughtful. "Oh, I say! It's bally hard work +to contend with such bounders. Why can't all +men fight in the open?"</p> + +<p>"Real men do," Dave answered. "The fellows +we are trying to run down are not real men. +Beings who can do wholesale murder for pay are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +bad beyond the comprehension of honest +men."</p> + +<p>"But we're not finding any one that we want to +see," complained Sutton, another of the English +party.</p> + +<p>"I didn't expect to find that crew on parade," +Dave replied, "and I think it extremely likely +that none of them is now in Valetta or on the +Island of Malta."</p> + +<p>Then all fell silent, for the leaders of the party +had turned in at one of the cafés most frequented +by visitors.</p> + +<p>There were but few people at the tables. +Glancing across the room Dave felt a sudden +throb of astonishment and disgust.</p> + +<p>Hastily rising from a table was a young man +who averted his face.</p> + +<p>"There's the Count of Surigny!" whispered +Dave to Whyte.</p> + +<p>An instant later a door at the side of the room +closed almost noiselessly, with the young French +nobleman on the other side of it.</p> + +<p>"Did you see that fellow?" Dave demanded, +hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"We did," came the acknowledgment of +Dave's group.</p> + +<p>"That is Surigny," Darrin informed them. +"He is the fellow whom I saved from suicide at +Monte Carlo, and now he is in the ranks of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +men who have planned the worst crime of the +twentieth century. Surigny is now where his +follies have placed him—associated with the +vilest creatures who disgrace the name of Man!"</p> + +<p>The party had seated themselves at a table +where beverages and refreshments are served. A +tireless Italian soprano and a Russian tenor +were grinding out some of the stock music of the +place. Two dancers were waiting to follow them.</p> + +<p>The naval officers looked bored. They were +not in this café for pleasure, but strictly for +business—that of national honor.</p> + +<p>A waiter strolled leisurely into the room, looked +about, then approached the table at which the +American and English officers were seated. Dropping +a towel at Dave's side, the waiter bent over +to pick it up, at the same time slyly pressing into +Dave's hand a piece of paper.</p> + +<p>Holding it under the table and glancing at it, +Dave found it carried a brief message in French. +Translated, it read:</p> + +<p>"For vital reasons, I beg you to follow the +waiter, who can be trusted, and come to me at +once. Come alone and secretly. Honor depends +upon your compliance! S."</p> + +<p>"Surigny!" muttered Ensign Darrin, disgustedly, +under his breath. "That impossible scoundrel! +He has sold himself to those plotters, and +now would betray me. The wretch!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p> + +<p>Yet, after a moment's thought, Dave decided +to see the man.</p> + +<p>Bending over, Dave whispered to Dan the +message contained in the note.</p> + +<p>"Are you going?" quivered Dan, his eyes +flashing indignation.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And I?"</p> + +<p>"You will remain here, Dan. Tell the others +if you can do so without being overheard. Make +my excuses after I have left you."</p> + +<p>Then, his head erect, his heart pumping indignantly, +Dave Darrin rose and sought the waiter, +who lingered at the end of the room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>TRUTH, OR FRENCH ROMANCE</h3> + + +<p>"You know what is expected of you?" Dave +asked the waiter, in an undertone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Master," replied the man, a +Maltese who spoke English with an odd accent.</p> + +<p>"Then I will follow you," Darrin added.</p> + +<p>At the heels of the waiter Dave went through +a narrow corridor, then climbed a flight of stairs.</p> + +<p>Pausing before a door, the waiter knocked +softly, four times.</p> + +<p>"<i>Entrez, s'il vous plaît</i>" ("Come in, if you +please"), a voice answered.</p> + +<p>Throwing open the door, the waiter bowed and +swiftly departed.</p> + +<p>Ensign Dave Darrin stepped inside, closed the +door, and found himself face to face with the Count +of Surigny.</p> + +<p>That young Frenchman, his face unwontedly +pale, searched Dave's face with his eyes.</p> + +<p>"You are not glad to see me," he said at last.</p> + +<p>"Do I show it?" inquired Darrin, his face without +expression.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You are not glad to see me," Surigny went on +rather sadly. "Then it is because you suspect."</p> + +<p>"Suspect—what?" Dave demanded, to gain +time.</p> + +<p>"You know the company that I have been +keeping," the young Count continued.</p> + +<p>"Has it been the wrong kind of company for a +gentleman to keep?" Ensign Darrin asked coldly.</p> + +<p>"You know!" cried the Count bitterly.</p> + +<p>"Then," asked Dave, "is it indiscreet for me +to ask why you have permitted yourself to associate +with such company?"</p> + +<p>"I doubt if you would believe me," replied +Surigny, wincing.</p> + +<p>"Is there any good reason why I should believe +you?" Dave returned, studying the Frenchman's +face.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps none so good as the fact that I am a +gentleman," the Count of Surigny answered +more boldly. "The word of a gentleman is always +sacred."</p> + +<p>"May I ask to what this talk is leading?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly know how to proceed with you," +complained the young Frenchman. "Once you +did me a great service. You taught me to live +and that to die by my own hand was cowardice. +Monsieur, you taught me how to be a man."</p> + +<p>"And you have remembered the lesson?" Dave +inquired, with the same expressionless face.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I at least know," the Frenchman returned, +"that a man should remember and serve his +friends."</p> + +<p>"Then you have been serving me?"</p> + +<p>"I have been working hard, swallowing insult +and stifling my sense of decency as far as possible, +in order that I might serve you and prove myself +worthy to be your friend," replied Surigny, with +such earnestness that Darrin now found himself +staring in open-eyed astonishment at the young +nobleman.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are going to try to offer me particulars +of how you have been preparing to serve +me," Dave said with a shrug.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur," cried the Frenchman, as if in sudden +desperation, "are you prepared to accept my +word as you would wish your own to be accepted?"</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't that be asking considerable of a comparative +stranger?"</p> + +<p>"Then answer me upon your own honor, Monsieur +Darrin," the Count of Surigny appealed +eagerly. "Do you consider me a gentleman or—a +rascal?"</p> + +<p>Ensign Dave opened his lips, then paused. He +was now asked to speak on his own honor.</p> + +<p>His pallor giving way to a deep flush, Surigny +suddenly opened his lips to speak again.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Darrin," he urged, his voice quavering, +"do me the honor to look in my eyes. Study<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +me from the viewpoint of an honest man. Tell +me whether you will believe what I have to say +to you. Do not be too quick. Take time to +think."</p> + +<p>As Dave found himself gazing into the depths +of the other's eyes, and as he studied that appealing +look, he felt his contempt for Surigny +rapidly slipping away.</p> + +<p>"Now, speak!" begged M. le Comte de Surigny. +"Will you believe what I am about to tell you, as +one man of honor speaks to another?"</p> + +<p>For an instant Ensign Dave hesitated. Then +he answered quickly:</p> + +<p>"Yes; I will believe you, Monsieur le Comte."</p> + +<p>"In doing so, do you feel the slightest hesitation?"</p> + +<p>"Naturally," rejoined Darrin, a slight smile +parting his lips, "I am assailed by some doubts +as to whether I am wise in doing so, but I will believe +what you have to say to me. I prefer to +believe you to be, of your own choice, a man of +honor."</p> + +<p>Surigny uttered a cry of delight. Then he went +on:</p> + +<p>"Perhaps, Monsieur Darrin, you will even be +willing to set me the example in truthfulness by +telling me whether you know of the plot of those +with whom I have had the shame of being associated."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You will doubtless recall, Monsieur le Comte, +since it was said only a moment ago, that I promised +only to believe what you might have to say +to me. I did not promise to tell you anything."</p> + +<p>Indeed, at this point, Ensign Dave was perilously +near to breaking his word as to believing +Surigny. It looked to him as if the Frenchman +were "fencing" in order to extract information.</p> + +<p>"Well, then," exclaimed Surigny, with a gesture +of disappointment, "I will tell you that which I +feel I must. Listen, then. With Gortchky, +Mender, Dalny and others, I have been engaged +in a plan to cause a British warship to be sunk in +the harbor yonder, and under circumstances such +as to make it appear as the work of you Americans. +Did you know that, Monsieur?"</p> + +<p>"Go on," urged Dave Darrin.</p> + +<p>"At first," murmured the Count, coming closer, +"I believed Gortchky's statement that I was +being engaged in secret diplomatic service. When +I learned the truth, I was deeply involved with +the miserable crew. Also, I was very much in +debt, for Gortchky was ever a willing lender.</p> + +<p>"There came a day, Monsieur, when there +dawned on me the vileness of the wicked plot in +which I had become engaged. For a few hours +I felt that to destroy myself was the only way in +which I could retrieve my honor. But the lesson +you had taught served me well in those hours of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +need. Then the thought of you, an officer in the +American Navy, brought a new resolve into my +mind. No pledges that I had ignorantly made to +such scoundrels could bind me. I was not their +slave. Pledges to do anything that could bring +dishonor upon one are not binding on a man of +honor. I did not even feel a sense of debt to +Gortchky, for he had used the money with evil +intentions. From the moment of these realizations +I had but one object in view. I would go +on taking such money as I needed, and with no +thought of the debt; and I would serve these +monsters with such seeming fidelity that I could +at last find my way open to serving <i>you</i> fully, +Monsieur Darrin. I pause for an instant. Do +you believe all that I have just told you, my +friend?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Dave. The next second he +caught himself wondering if, through that "yes," +he had unintentionally lied.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>THE ALLIES CLEAR FOR ACTION</h3> + + +<p>"I left Naples for this island on an east-bound +liner," continued the Count of Surigny. +"Not until within an hour of sailing did I +know the whole of the terrible story that now +spoils my sleep at night and haunts me by day. +Monsieur Darrin, if you have scented any dreadful +plot, at least I do not believe you know just +what it is."</p> + +<p>Once more the young Frenchman paused. +Dave, however, having regained his expressionless +facial appearance, only said:</p> + +<p>"Go on, Monsieur le Comte."</p> + +<p>"Then I have but to tell you what the plot +is," resumed Surigny. "Gortchky, Mender, Dalny +and others knew that the American fleet would +stop at Malta, because American fleets in these +waters always do stop at Malta. They knew also +that a British fleet often remains here for months +at a time. So these arch scoundrels knew to +a certainty that the 'Hudson' of your Navy +would be here in due course of time. In a word, +every plan has been made for sinking a British<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +battleship here at Malta under circumstances +which will make it appear to be plainly the work +of a group of American naval men."</p> + +<p>Darrin, still silent, steadily eyed the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>"You do not start!" uttered Surigny, in amazement. +"Then it must be because you already +know of the plot!"</p> + +<p>"Go on, please," urged Dave quietly.</p> + +<p>"The plan must have been made long ago," +the Frenchman continued, "for, before August, +1914, before the great war started, though just +when I do not know, Gortchky and the others, +or their superiors, had a submarine completed +at Trieste. It was supposed to be a secret order +placed for the Turkish government. The craft +was not a large one. Gortchky and some associates +took the submarine out for trial themselves. +Days later they returned, reporting that the +underseas craft had foundered, but that they +had escaped to land in a collapsible boat. Most +of the payments on the submersible had already +been made. Gortchky paid the balance without +protest, and the matter was all but forgotten.</p> + +<p>"I do not know what reason Gortchky had +given the builder, if indeed he offered any explanation, +but the tubes in the submarine had +been made of the right dimensions and fitted +with the right mechanism to fire the American<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> +torpedo. And a man whom I judge to have been +a German spy in America before the war—a +German who had served as draftsman in the +employ of an American munitions firm—was +at Trieste to furnish the design for both the +torpedo tubes and for the four American torpedoes +that the Trieste firm also supplied.</p> + +<p>"You will have divined, of course, Monsieur +Darrin," Surigny continued, "that the submarine +was not lost, but concealed at a point somewhere +along the shores of the Mediterranean until +wanted. So far ahead do some enemies plot! +Where the submarine has remained during the +interval I do not know, but I do know that, +submerged only deep enough for concealment, +she has been towed to these waters recently by +relays of fishing boats manned by Maltese traitors +to Britain. Ah, those rascally Maltese! They +know no country and they laugh at patriotism. +They worship only the dollar, and are ever ready +to sell themselves! And the submarine will +endeavor to sink the British battleship to-night!"</p> + +<p>"To-night!" gasped Darrin, now thoroughly +aroused.</p> + +<p>"To-night," Surigny nodded, sadly, his face +ghastly pale. "Even the yacht that carries the +plotters is here."</p> + +<p>"These are hardly the times," Dave remarked, +"when it would seem to any naval commander<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> +a plausible thing for a yacht to cruise in the +submarine-infested Mediterranean. And, if the +plotters are using and directing the movements +of a yacht, I am unable to see how they could +obtain clearance papers from any port."</p> + +<p>"Oh, the yacht's sailing papers are correct," +Surigny declared, eagerly. "The yacht has +Russian registry and is supposed to be sold to +Japanese buyers to be put in trade between +the United States and Japan, carrying materials +from which the Japanese make Russian munitions +of war. So you will see how plausible it is +to be engaged in transferring a Russian yacht +to Japanese registry at this time."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" grunted Darrin. "It seems a +stupid thing, indeed, for any Japanese shipping +firm to buy a low, narrow craft, like the typical +yacht, to convert her into a freighter."</p> + +<p>"Ah, but the yacht is neither low nor narrow," +replied Surigny. "She is a craft of some three +thousand tons, broad of beam and with plenty +of freeboard."</p> + +<p>"What flag does she fly?" Dave asked.</p> + +<p>"That I do not know," was the Count's answer. +"It may be that she does not fly any. Two of +her passengers are reported to be a Russian +prince and a Japanese marquis. But Monsieur +Mender is not a Russian at all, and no more a +prince than he is a Russian. As for the Japanese,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +he is merely a Filipino, once a mess attendant +in your Navy, and now a deserter, for he hates +your country."</p> + +<p>"When will the yacht reach these waters?" +Dave inquired.</p> + +<p>"As I have said, she is here already, or as near +as she will come," the Frenchman continued. +"At noon she was at anchorage in the channel +between the islands of Comino and Gozo. It is +known as the North Channel."</p> + +<p>"I know the spot," said Dave, nodding. +"Comino is the little island that is used as a +quarantine station. Monsieur le Comte, do +you know anything more, of importance, that +you have not already told me?"</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Darrin, I believe that nothing of +importance has been left out of my narrative. +But you believe me? You will now accept my +hand?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," Dave burst out, extending his hand +almost impulsively. M. le Comte Surigny seized +it delightedly.</p> + +<p>"Ah, it is good, it is grand!" cried the young +Frenchman, "after such associates as I have +had for weeks, to find myself again fit for the +confidence and the friendship of a gentleman!"</p> + +<p>"But what will become of you?" asked Dave, +a feeling of regret suddenly assailing him. "What +will become of you, my dear Surigny? Is it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +likely that the plotters, if they be foiled, will +suspect you? Is it likely that they would seek +your life as a forfeit?"</p> + +<p>"What is my life?" laughed the Frenchman +gayly. "I have never valued it highly, but now, +when I have won back my self-respect, a blow +in the dark would be but a mark of honor. If +they wish to kill me, let them. It would be a +glorious death, in the cause of honor!"</p> + +<p>Dave glanced out of the window, then gave a +start of alarm.</p> + +<p>"Time is passing," he murmured. "I must take +my information where it will be of the most +service. And you, Surigny, may I take the liberty, +without waiting to ask our Admiral's leave, of +inviting you to accept the hospitality of the flagship? +Will you come on board with me?"</p> + +<p>"Afterward," replied the Frenchman. "Afterward, +when the truth of what I have told you is +recognized."</p> + +<p>"Where will you stay for the present, then?"</p> + +<p>"Where I am now," smiled the Count.</p> + +<p>Dave took one long step forward, again gripping +Count Surigny's right hand with both his own +hands.</p> + +<p>"Surigny, I am under more obligations than I +can ever repay. Few men with the instinct of +a gentleman could have endured, for weeks, +having to associate with and serve such rascals<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +as this grewsome crew. You have, indeed, +proved yourself noble, and I deeply regret that +I have ever allowed myself to distrust and dislike +you."</p> + +<p>"Let us say no more," begged the Count. +"After the chase is over—and may you win the +game—you will find me here, reveling in the +thought that I have been able to warn you so +completely."</p> + +<p>Had it not been that he again remembered how +late it was growing, Ensign Darrin would have +remained longer with this now bright-faced +Frenchman. As it was, Dave tore himself away +from Surigny, and lost no time in rejoining his +party below.</p> + +<p>As Dave stepped to the table, Lieutenant +Whyte, of the British Navy, raised his eyebrows +in slight interrogation. None spoke.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," smiled Darrin, "how it goes +with you gentlemen of England, but I am sure +Dalzell will agree with me that it is time to get +back to our ship."</p> + +<p>"It is," Dalzell affirmed, taking the cue.</p> + +<p>The score was settled, after which the party +left the hotel. Dave stepped to Whyte's side. +Through the streets of the little town the party +passed quickly by twos, gayly chatting. Once +they were clear of the streets and near the mole +Dave began:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Whyte, the moment for action is at hand. +Surigny sent for me, and I believe he has told +me the truth. He felt under obligations, and, +when invited, joined the international plotters +in order to find out how he could serve me. He +has told me that a yacht bearing the supervising +plotters is now anchored in North Channel, and +that the submarine is concealed somewhere under +neighboring waters. It is the intention of the +plotters to attempt to sink one of your ships +to-night."</p> + +<p>"Do you believe the fellow?" demanded Whyte +in a shocked tone.</p> + +<p>"At first I found it hard to believe him," Dave +admitted, "but now I believe that he told me +the truth."</p> + +<p>"And if he has not?" questioned the British +officer.</p> + +<p>"In any event, Whyte, the yacht must be +watched. However, your Admiral Barkham will +have to decide what action shall be taken."</p> + +<p>"Do you know whether others of the crew, +besides Surigny, are in Valetta?" Whyte asked.</p> + +<p>"I did not ask Surigny," Dave rejoined. +"Indeed, it is not important to know. What we +must do is to catch the submarine; the conspirators +may wait for subsequent overhauling."</p> + +<p>At Darrin's signal the launch from the flagship +promptly put off. Darrin ordered that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> +English officers be put aboard their own ship +first. As the launch drew alongside the "Albion" +Dave added:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Whyte, I shall wait until you ascertain +whether your Admiral has any message to send +to Admiral Timworth. That, of course, would +be after hearing your report."</p> + +<p>For ten minutes the "Hudson's" launch lay +alongside the "Albion." Then Mr. Whyte appeared, +coming nimbly down the gangway and +stepping into the launch.</p> + +<p>"With Admiral Barkham's compliments, I am +to carry a message to Admiral Timworth," +Whyte announced. "I am also to inquire whether +your Captain desires a conference with Admiral +Timworth before I deliver my message."</p> + +<p>Dave conducted the English officer aboard the +American flagship. Captain Allen soon received +them. He heard Ensign Darrin's report, then +telephoned to Admiral Timworth for permission +to bring to his quarters the English admiral's +representative, together with his own youngest +officers.</p> + +<p>Admiral Timworth received them, listening +attentively to the report that Dave had to make +of his conversation with the Count of Surigny.</p> + +<p>"Do you believe that the Frenchman was +telling the truth?" the fleet commander inquired. +Dave answered in the affirmative.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Does your message from Admiral Barkham +concern the Frenchman's report?" inquired Admiral +Timworth, turning to Whyte, who had +kept modestly in the background.</p> + +<p>"It does, sir," Lieutenant Whyte answered, +stepping forward. "Admiral Barkham's compliments, +sir, and he has used the wireless to the +quarantine station on Comino Island. Such a +yacht as the Count of Surigny described is at +anchor in North Channel, and is reported to have +a Russian prince and a Japanese nobleman on +board. So Admiral Barkham gives at least that +much credence to the Frenchman's story."</p> + +<p>Whyte paused a moment, that Admiral Timworth +might speak, if he chose, then continued:</p> + +<p>"Admiral Barkham imagines, sir, that you +would like to have a share in searching the yacht +and in guarding against submarine attack. To +that end, sir, he signaled to the military governor +at Malta and secured the latter's assent to a +plan of having the American naval forces co-operate +with us in running down the plot."</p> + +<p>"Of course we shall be glad to aid," declared +Admiral Timworth, heartily, "and we are much +complimented over being invited to help you in +British waters."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>MAKING STERN WORK OF IT</h3> + + +<p>Lieutenant Whyte then unfolded, +briefly, the plan of Admiral Barkham for +procedure against the yacht and the submarine. +To these plans Admiral Timworth +quickly agreed.</p> + +<p>"We have four large launches on the flagship," +the fleet commander stated. "Three of these +shall be put over the side, officered and manned +and ready for instant service."</p> + +<p>"Admiral Barkham also suggests, sir, that, +during the night, the officers in command of +your launches run without lights, when possible, +for secrecy," Whyte continued.</p> + +<p>"How many launches will Admiral Barkham +put in service?" Admiral Timworth inquired.</p> + +<p>"Three, sir," responded Whyte.</p> + +<p>"Who will be the ranking officer in your fleet +of launches?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I am to be, sir," Lieutenant Whyte +replied, bowing.</p> + +<p>"Very good," nodded Admiral Timworth. "It +would not be courteous, in British waters, Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +Whyte, for me to appoint an officer who would +rank yourself, so I shall ask Captain Allen to +designate Ensign Darrin as ranking officer in +our launch fleet. Ensign Dalzell will naturally +command another of the launches. Who will +command the third, Captain?"</p> + +<p>"Ensign Phillips," replied Captain Allen.</p> + +<p>The courtesy of appointing an ensign to head +the American launch fleet lay in the fact that +an ensign is one grade lower in the service than +a junior lieutenant. When naval forces of different +nations act together the ranking officer, +no matter what country he represents, is in +command. Had Admiral Timworth put his +launch fleet in charge of a lieutenant commander, +for instance, then the British launches, too, +would have been under the command of the +American officer. As it was, Lieutenant Whyte +would be ranking and commanding officer in +the combined launch fleet. This was both right +and courteous, as Malta is an English possession, +and the waters near by are British waters.</p> + +<p>Plans were briefly discussed, yet with the +thoroughness that is given to all naval operations. +Lieutenant Whyte departed, and Ensign Phillips +was sent for. Admiral Timworth and Captain +Allen charged the young officers with their +duties, upon the successful performance of which +so much depended.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Remember, gentlemen," was Captain Allen's +final word, "that, in line with what the Admiral +has stated, you are merely to co-operate with, +and act under the orders of, the British ranking +officer. Yet, if occasion arise, you will display +all needed initiative in attaining the objective, +which is the capture of the scoundrelly plotters +and the seizure of the submarine before it can +work any mischief. You will even sink the +submarine by ramming, if no other course be +open to stop her wicked work."</p> + +<p>Each of the flagship's launches was equipped +with a searchlight. While the council was going +on in the Admiral's quarters the electricians of +the ship were busy overhauling these searchlights +and making sure that all were in perfect working +order.</p> + +<p>From the British flagship came a prearranged +signal to the effect that Lieutenant Whyte was +about to put off.</p> + +<p>Dave's launch crew comprised, besides machinists +and the quartermaster, twenty-four sailors +and eight marines. A one-pound rapid-fire gun +was mounted in the bow, and a machine gun +amidships.</p> + +<p>"Send your men over the side, Ensign Darrin," +Captain Allen ordered, as he took Dave's hand. +"Go, and keep in mind, every second, how much +your work means to-night."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir," Dave answered.</p> + +<p>When the word was passed, Dave's launch +party was marched out on deck and sent down +over the side. Dave Darrin took his place in +the stern, standing by to receive any further +instructions that might be shouted down to +him. "Cast off and clear!" called down the +executive officer.</p> + +<p>Dan Dalzell, whose launch party was not to +clear until a later hour, waved a hand at his +chum. Dave waved back in general salute.</p> + +<p>At the same time Lieutenant Whyte put off +from the "Albion" and sped onward to meet +the American craft.</p> + +<p>"We are to sail in company to North Channel," +called Whyte.</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir," Dave answered, saluting.</p> + +<p>With three hundred feet of clear water between +them, the launches moved rapidly along.</p> + +<p>The distance to the middle of North Channel +was about fifteen miles. Time and speed had +been so calculated that the yacht should not be +able to sight them by daylight. After dark the +two launches were to maneuver more closely +together, and Whyte, who knew the North +Channel, was to be pilot for both craft until it +came time to use their searchlights.</p> + +<p>Over in the west the sun went down. Darkness +soon came on. Neither launch displayed even<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> +running lights. One had a sense of groping his +way, yet the launches dashed along at full speed.</p> + +<p>Dave Darrin was now in the bow, with the +signalman at his side, who would turn on the +searchlight when so ordered. With his night +glasses at his eyes, Ensign Dave could tell when +the British launch veered sharply to port or +starboard, and thus was able to steer his own +course accordingly.</p> + +<p>Twelve minutes later a brief ray shot from +the Englishman's searchlight. It was the signal.</p> + +<p>"Turn on your light," Dave ordered to the +man at his side. "Swing it until you pick up +the North Channel. Then pick up and hold a +yacht—"</p> + +<p>Ensign Darrin followed with the best description +he had of the strange yacht.</p> + +<p>Less than a minute later the lights on both +navy launches had picked up the strange yacht, +well over in the Channel. Dave studied her +through his glass.</p> + +<p>"That's the craft," Darrin muttered to himself. +"My, but she looks her part! While she +isn't large for a freighter, she's well calculated +for that class of work."</p> + +<p>"Your best speed ahead, sir!" shouted Whyte, +through a megaphone. "Board the yacht on +her starboard quarter. Quick work, sir!"</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir!" Dave called back.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then he stepped swiftly amidships to the +engineers.</p> + +<p>"Get every inch of speed to be had out of the +engines, my man."</p> + +<p>Next, to the helmsman:</p> + +<p>"Quartermaster, steer straight ahead and make +that yacht's starboard quarter!"</p> + +<p>As Dave turned, he found his own face within +three inches of Seaman Runkle's glowing countenance.</p> + +<p>"Runkle," Dave smiled, "we are fond of the +Englishmen. Their commanding officer called +for our best speed, and we're going to show it."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir!" grinned Runkle. "When any +foreigner asks for the best we have in speed, he's +likely to see it, sir."</p> + +<p>Already the "Hudson's" launch had drawn +smartly ahead of the British craft, and the distance +between them grew steadily, though the +Englishman was doing his best to keep up in +the race.</p> + +<p>Under the yacht's stern dashed the launch, +and brought up smartly under the starboard +quarter, laying alongside.</p> + +<p>"Hullo, there! Vat you call wrong?" demanded +a voice in broken English from the +yacht's rail.</p> + +<p>"Naval party coming aboard, sir," Dave +responded courteously. "Take a line!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I vill not!" came the defiant answer.</p> + +<p>"All the same, then," Dave answered lightly. +"Bow, there! Make fast with grapple. Stern, +do the same!"</p> + +<p>Two lines were thrown, each with a grappling +hook on the end. These caught on the yacht's +rail. Three or four sailormen, one after the +other, climbed the grappling lines. Two rope +ladders were swiftly rigged over the side, by the +Americans on the yacht's deck. Dave Darrin +was quickly on board, with twenty of his seamen +and all his marines, by the time that the English +launch rounded in alongside the port quarter.</p> + +<p>"You? Vat you mean?" demanded a short, +swarthy-faced man, evidently captain of the +yacht, as he peered at Dave's party. "You are +American sailors!"</p> + +<p>"Right," Darrin nodded.</p> + +<p>"And dese are British vaters!"</p> + +<p>"No matter," Dave smiled back at the blustering +fellow. "Here come the Englishmen."</p> + +<p>For he had sent four of his men to catch and +make fast the lines from the British launch, and +now the British jack-tars, taking their beating +in the race good-humoredly, were piling on +board.</p> + +<p>"Captain," cried Lieutenant Whyte, striding +forward, "I represent Admiral Barkham, ranking +officer of His Majesty's Navy in these waters.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +I have the Admiral's orders to search this +craft."</p> + +<p>"You search him for vat, sir?" demanded the +skipper.</p> + +<p>"My orders are secret, sir. The search will +begin at once. Ensign Darrin, if you will leave +your marines to hold the deck, we will use all +our seamen and yours below."</p> + +<p>"Very good, sir," Dave replied, saluting. "You +do not wish any one allowed to leave the yacht, +do you, Lieutenant?"</p> + +<p>"Not without my permission or yours, Ensign."</p> + +<p>Dave accordingly gave the order to the corporal +in charge of his marine party.</p> + +<p>In another minute American and English tars +were swarming below decks on the yacht.</p> + +<p>On deck and in the wheel house Darrin had not +seen more than four men of the yacht's crew, +besides the skipper.</p> + +<p>"There do not seem to be any men below," +Dave muttered, as he explored the yacht between +decks. "I wonder if that skipper gets along +with four deck hands in addition to his engine-room +and steward forces."</p> + +<p>His men in squads, under petty officers, worked +rapidly. Dave Darrin moved more slowly, passing +on into the dining cabin and the social hall of +the yacht, which were below decks.</p> + +<p>Adjoining the social hall were several cabins.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +Dave threw open the doors of the first few he +came to, finding in them no signs of occupation.</p> + +<p>Then a steward, smiling and bowing, appeared +and asked him in French:</p> + +<p>"Do you seek any one here?"</p> + +<p>"You have a Prince aboard?" Dave asked.</p> + +<p>"Even so."</p> + +<p>"And a Japanese nobleman?"</p> + +<p>"We have."</p> + +<p>"I wish to see them."</p> + +<p>"Both are resting at present," the steward +expostulated.</p> + +<p>"I must see them immediately," Dave insisted.</p> + +<p>"It is hardly possible, sir," protested the +steward. "It is not to be expected that I can +disturb such august guests."</p> + +<p>"Steward, do you wish me to summon my men +and have these cabin doors battered down?"</p> + +<p>"Do not do that!" urged the steward in alarm. +"Wait! I have pass-keys. Which would you +see first?"</p> + +<p>"The Prince, by all means."</p> + +<p>"I will admit you to his room, Monsieur, and +next silently slip away. But be good enough to +let the Prince believe that he left his door unlocked. +This way, monsieur."</p> + +<p>Finishing his whispered speech, the steward +glided ahead. He unlocked a cabin door, opening +it but a crack. Dave stepped softly inside.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> +Instantly the door was pulled shut and +locked.</p> + +<p>Through transoms on opposite sides of the cabin +Mender and Dalny showed their evil faces, +as each trained on the young naval officer an +ugly-looking naval revolver.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>AFTER THE PEST OF THE SEAS</h3> + + +<p>"Make a sound, and you feed the fishes, +my fine young naval dandy!" hissed +Dalny.</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" retorted Dave, contemptuously. +"Order your steward to unlock that door, or I +shall be put to the trouble of smashing it down +with my shoulder."</p> + +<p>"And be shot in the back while you are doing +it," jeered Mender.</p> + +<p>"I haven't had the honor of meeting you before, +but I take it that you are the bogus Russian +Prince," laughed Dave. "Just now, though, +you look much more like an apprentice to the +Black Hand."</p> + +<p>"You should be saying your prayers, instead +of talking impudence," sneered Dalny.</p> + +<p>"As for this cardboard Prince, words fail me," +mocked Dave, still speaking in French, "but as +for you, Dalny, I have already tested your +courage, and know it to be worthless. You are +a coward, and would not dare to use that revolver, +knowing, as you must, that my men are aboard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +and would tear you to pieces. Go ahead and +shoot, if you dare. I am going to break my way +out of this cabin, and then I shall arrest both of +you."</p> + +<p>"Is there no way of compromising?" begged +Dalny, his evil face paling, "In exchange for +your life, Monsieur Darrin, can you not offer us +a chance for escape?"</p> + +<p>"One brave man down!" laughed Ensign Dave. +"That was spoken like the coward that you are, +Dalny."</p> + +<p>Darrin turned to break down the door. He +knew that he was taking chances, for the sham +Prince might be a man cast in a braver mould +than Dalny, and, in his desperation, might shoot +at the back that Dave so recklessly presented.</p> + +<p>At the third lunge from Darrin's sturdy shoulder, +the door snapped open at the lock. The young +naval officer stepped out into the social hall. +There was no sign of the steward.</p> + +<p>"Seaman here!" Dave bawled lustily. He was +obliged to repeat the summons twice before a +hearty "Aye, aye, sir!" was heard in the distance.</p> + +<p>Then Jack Runkle showed his jovial face at +the top of the companionway. Catching sight of +his officer, Runkle bounded down the steps and +came up on a run, saluting.</p> + +<p>"Runkle, go to the corporal of marines<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +and ask him to send two men here. Then stand +by."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>Runkle was off like a shot on his errand and +soon returned with two marines.</p> + +<p>"Now, men," Dave directed, pointing to the +doors, "batter them down. That door, first."</p> + +<p>As the men aligned themselves for the assault, +Darrin, mindful that the sham Prince was armed +and might prove ugly, stood by with his revolver +drawn.</p> + +<p>Bang! crash! The door was down.</p> + +<p>"It will be wise to surrender to superior force," +Darrin called sternly. "We shall shoot to kill at +any sign of resistance."</p> + +<p>As the words were uttered in French the marines +did not understand, but they advanced unhesitatingly +on Mender, disarmed him and led him +outside the room.</p> + +<p>"Take care of him, Runkle," ordered Dave. +"Now, marines, that other door!"</p> + +<p>Down came the barrier, and Dalny, shaking +and white, was brought out to keep Mender +company.</p> + +<p>"Break down every door that's locked," was +Darrin's next order.</p> + +<p>Within five minutes a little, quaking brown +man was secured and led out. All the locked +cabins had now been entered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You're the Japanese marquis, are you?" +Dave jeered. "Do you find, Marquis, that it +pays any better than being a Filipino mess +attendant?"</p> + +<p>The Filipino hung his head without answering.</p> + +<p>"Take these prisoners to the corporal of marines, +and ask him to iron them and watch them closely," +Dave directed. "Runkle, do you know where +Lieutenant Whyte is?"</p> + +<p>"In the hold, sir, or was."</p> + +<p>"Follow me, then, and we'll see if we can find +him."</p> + +<p>Down in the main cargo hold forward, Dave +and Runkle came upon Whyte and a party of +English and American sailormen.</p> + +<p>"Ah, there you are, Mr. Darrin," called Whyte. +"We've been making a jolly big search through +the hold, but, except for ship's supplies, it appears +to contain nothing very interesting. However, +we shall have time to examine it further later +on. And you?"</p> + +<p>"I have three prisoners," Dave explained, and +told who and what they were.</p> + +<p>"Take them with you, Ensign, if you have +room on your launch," Whyte directed. "I +will now take my men above and post a guard, +so that you may withdraw your own guard +and get under way at once."</p> + +<p>"We have done well so far," Dave answered,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> +as he gripped the English officer's hand. "I +pray that we may be permitted to do as well +all through the night."</p> + +<p>Runkle was sent through the craft to recall all +of the American sailors.</p> + +<p>When Dave reached the deck he found that +the entire crew of the yacht, including the engine-room +force and the stewards, had been rounded +up and driven to the deck.</p> + +<p>"Over the side," directed Darrin, as his men, +recalled, gathered near him. He followed, but +went over last of all. Orders for casting off and +shoving clear were instantly given.</p> + +<p>"Keep the engines up to their best performance +all the way," was Dave's order. "Boatswain's +mate, watch sharp for the courses, as I may +change frequently."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>Heading out of North Channel, Dave drove +back for Valetta, keeping about a mile off the +coast.</p> + +<p>After making a few knots, he came abreast of +another British launch that lay further to seaward. +With lantern signals the Englishman +asked:</p> + +<p>"Is the submarine supposed to be loose?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," Dave had his signalman reply.</p> + +<p>"Where?"</p> + +<p>"Don't know."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm here to warn incoming ships against +entering Grand Harbor to-night," the Englishman +wound up. "Are you seeking the submarine?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," Dave had flashed back.</p> + +<p>"Good luck to you!" came heartily from the +English launch.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," was Darrin's final response.</p> + +<p>The searchlight of Dave's launch was swinging +busily from side to side, searching every bit of +the water's surface that could be reached.</p> + +<p>"If the submarine comes up, Runkle, you may +be the first to sight her," Dave smiled to that +seaman, who stood beside him.</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir; if I sight that craft I won't be +mean enough to keep my news to myself."</p> + +<p>"I wonder where Dalzell is," thought Dave. +"What is he doing in this night's work?"</p> + +<p>As for Ensign Dave, his every nerve was keyed +to its highest pitch. Outwardly he was wholly +calm, but he felt all the responsibility that rested +upon him to-night, as did every other officer who +commanded a launch from either fleet.</p> + +<p>Searchlight and naked vision were not enough. +Almost constantly Darrin had his night glass at +his eyes.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, as the light shifted over the water, +Dave thought he caught sight of something +unusual.</p> + +<p>"Steady with that light there, signalman," he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +commanded suddenly. "Back slowly to port +with the beam."</p> + +<p>Darrin forced himself to be calm.</p> + +<p>"Steady," he called, again. "Hold the light +on anything you see, signalman."</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir; I <i>do</i> see something," replied +the man who was manipulating the searchlight.</p> + +<p>That he did see the mysterious something was +proved by the manner in which he kept the light +upon it.</p> + +<p>That on which Darrin now trained his night +glass was a marked rippling on the water, half a +mile away, and farther seaward. A landsman +would have missed it altogether. Yet that rippling +on the sea's surface was clearly different +from the motion of the water near by.</p> + +<p>"It might be a school of large fish," Dave +mused aloud, in Runkle's hearing, "though at +night they are likely to rest. Runkle, and you, +men, keep your eyes peeled to see if you can +make out fish leaping out of the water."</p> + +<p>The ripple continued, unbroken at any point. +Moreover, it moved at uniform speed, and in a +line nearly parallel with the coast.</p> + +<p>Gradually the launch gained on that ripple. +Dave could not turn his fascinated gaze away from +the sight.</p> + +<p>"I think I know what that is, sir," broke in +Seaman Runkle, after three minutes of watching.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am sure that I <i>do</i>, Runkle," Dave Darrin +returned. "It's a submarine, for some reason +just barely submerged. That line of ripple is +the wake left by her periscope."</p> + +<p>As if to confirm the young naval officer's words, +the ripple parted. As the line on the water +broke, the periscope came fully into view, and +the turret showed above water, continuing to rise +until the deck was awash.</p> + +<p>"There's the pest of the seas!" cried an excited +voice.</p> + +<p>Every man on the launch was now straining +his eyes for a better look at the submarine, +barely a quarter of a mile away.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>THE PUZZLE OF THE DEEP</h3> + + +<p>"Coxswain!" shouted Dave.</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>"Send up three blue rockets!"</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + +<p>One after another the rockets ascended, bursting +high overhead and slowly falling.</p> + +<p>From Grand Harbor, several miles distant, a +rocket ascended and burst, showing red.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p> + +<p>Darrin's signal had been seen and answered. +Both fleets now knew that one of the launches +had sighted the submarine craft. The three blue +rockets had been the signal agreed upon in +advance. Runkle was at the gun. Ensign Darrin +gave him the range.</p> + +<p>"I wish we had a four-inch gun in the bow," +Dave muttered wistfully, "but we'll have to do +the best we can with the one-pounder. Ready! +Fire!"</p> + +<p>Even before the command to fire had been +uttered the craft ahead had begun to submerge.</p> + +<p>As the brisk, snappy report of the little piece +sounded, and a faint puff of smoke left her muzzle, +Runkle's head bobbed up to watch the result of +his shot.</p> + +<p>"Forward of her turret by about a foot!" +Runkle muttered in disgusted criticism of his +own shooting.</p> + +<p>A sailor had thrown the breech open, while a +second swabbed the bore through and the first +fitted in a fresh shell, closing the breech with a +snap.</p> + +<p>Runkle seemed to sight and fire almost in the +same instant, and, as before, straightened up +to watch the accuracy of his shot by the splash +of water on the other side of the craft. The +launch's searchlight held a steady glare on the +mark.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nearer by a few inches, sir," Runkle called +over his shoulder while the men with him swabbed +and loaded. Again Runkle fired.</p> + +<p>"The shell must have passed aft of the turret +by about six inches," remarked Darrin, catching +through his glass a glimpse of the splash of +water where the little shell struck the waves.</p> + +<p>"I'll do better, or drown myself, sir," growled +Runkle.</p> + +<p>"Quick! She is submerging rapidly," commanded +Darrin.</p> + +<p>Bang! An instant after the report a smothered +exclamation came from the unhappy gunner. +The submarine had safely submerged. Not +even her periscope was above water now.</p> + +<p>"If the turret had been four inches nearer the +sky you'd have put it out of commission," declared +Ensign Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Rotten work," growled Runkle in disgust.</p> + +<p>"It's night shooting, my man," Dave answered. +"Good work just the same."</p> + +<p>Runkle had an excellent gunnery record, and +Darrin did not like to see that fine fellow fretting +when he had done his best. None the less it +was highly important to send that submarine to +the bottom and quickly at that.</p> + +<p>"We've got to go by bubbles, now," Darrin +declared. "She isn't likely to show her eye +again."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> + +<p>Had he gotten the launch close enough to +observe the bubbles it is possible that the young +ensign could have followed the enemy trail. +Twice or thrice Dave believed that he had picked +up glimpses of bubbles with the searchlight, but +at last, with a sigh, he gave orders to shut off +speed and drift. Inaction became wellnigh +insupportable after a few moments and Darrin +called for slow speed ahead.</p> + +<p>"There she is again" he cried. "There's her +periscope. The scoundrel is standing out to sea."</p> + +<p>Over the starboard quarter the searchlight +signals of two other launches were observed.</p> + +<p>"What's taking place?" came the signaled +question from one.</p> + +<p>"Fired a few shots at a vanishing turret, but +missed," Dave ordered signaled back. "Enemy +standing out to sea. Am following."</p> + +<p>"Will follow also," flashed back the answer.</p> + +<p>"And one of their gunners will bag the game at +the first chance," groaned Runkle. "The jinx +is sitting tight on my chest to-night!"</p> + +<p>"It might be, if there were any such animal as +a jinx," laughed Darrin. "Your missing was just +plain bad luck, Runkle. Your shooting was +good."</p> + +<p>"The periscope is being pulled inboard, sir," +called one of the seamen who stood by with +Runkle.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I see it. There she goes, under again," Dave +answered.</p> + +<p>The Navy launch was dashing full speed ahead. +But with no clue to follow, Darrin passed some +anxious seconds. Should he follow on the course +he had been taking, or should he shut off speed? +In the dark there was a good chance that the +submarine commander, if so minded, would be +able to double and head back for shore.</p> + +<p>Land lights were still visible from his position. +Dave turned to estimate their distance.</p> + +<p>"About six knots off shore," he concluded, +half aloud.</p> + +<p>"Sir?" questioned the corporal of marines, +thinking the ensign was addressing him.</p> + +<p>"I was just telling myself that we're about six +knots off shore."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied the corporal, saluting.</p> + +<p>"Listen to me, you men who are near enough +to hear. Your understanding of what is in my +mind may help you the better to work with me +on this job. Two launches are keeping with us, +over the starboard, and I judge the nearer one +to be about four knots off. Coxswain, use the +lantern signal and ask who commands."</p> + +<p>Soon Hardy discovered that, in order to make +his signal visible at that distance, he would have to +stand higher. Springing to the forward deck his +signal was instantly understood on the other craft.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dave, who had jumped up beside him, read the +answer:</p> + +<p>"Ensign Dalzell."</p> + +<p>"I was sure of it," Dave smiled. "Coxswain, +order number 2 launch to come up on parallel +course, standing off half-mile to starboard of +us."</p> + +<p>"Order understood," was flashed back from +Dalzell's launch.</p> + +<p>Bit by bit Dan overhauled, at last taking the +position indicated. Darrin's launch was moving +at slow speed now, for he did not care to run out +of sight of land, thus leaving the way clear for +the submarine to double on him and put back +toward Grand Harbor.</p> + +<p>"Why doesn't the fellow take a chance on +torpedoing us?" was signaled from Dalzell's +launch.</p> + +<p>"He has only three," was Darrin's reply.</p> + +<p>That was brief, but Danny Grin understood, +as Dave had intended he should, that the submarine +was believed to be equipped with only +three torpedoes. Evidently the enemy still +hoped for a chance to sink a British battleship.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he discovered that for which he +sought, and in the same instant a seaman called, +as the rays of the searchlight shifted:</p> + +<p>"Periscope two points off the port bow, sir."</p> + +<p>"Right!" clicked Ensign Darrin.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> + +<p>"May I fire, sir?" begged Runkle, bending over +his piece.</p> + +<p>"Yes, try it. Pretty long shot, though."</p> + +<p>Before Runkle could aim and discharge his +piece a swift, red flash shot from the bow of the +number 2 launch commanded by Danny Grin. +Runkle fired a second later, but the periscope +still stood as if mocking the eager gunners.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad somebody else missed," growled +Runkle, who was becoming exasperated. He +was doing himself injustice, though, for each +time he had fired, his mark, considering the +distance, had been small, and the searchlight +was no peer of daylight in aiding a gunner.</p> + +<p>Ensign Darrin admitted to himself that he was +stumped. He ordered the course changed, with +speed ahead, his purpose being to scan the water +for the bubbled trail left by the underseas craft. +But by the time that he judged himself to be +going over the recently observed position of the +submersible the searchlight revealed no bubbles.</p> + +<p>The third launch now coming in close, Dave, +by signal, ordered Ensign Sutton of the British +forces to go slowly inshore. He too was to +watch for bubbles, as well as to be alert for a +re-appearance of the enemy craft.</p> + +<p>The longer the suspense lasted, the more uneasy +Darrin became.</p> + +<p>"There she is, sir!" called a low but penetrating<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> +voice from the stern watch. "Three points off +the stern to port, sir."</p> + +<p>So quickly did the helmsman bring the launch +about that she heeled and shipped a volume of +water. Darrin, as he leaped upon the forward +deck, ordered the sailor manning the searchlight +to shut off.</p> + +<p>"Don't turn it on again without orders. I +believe I can follow the pest with my glass if she +will only keep her conning tower above water. +Signalman, send my order to the other launches +not to use their searchlights without first asking +permission."</p> + +<p>By this time Darrin, standing on the forward +deck, had the submarine's turret, or as much of +it as showed, in the field of his night-glass.</p> + +<p>Not more than a foot of it showed above water, +and, even through the glass, at a distance of +nearly half a mile, it would hardly have been +discernible without the aid of the searchlight, +had it not been for the white wake left by the +turret in its course through the water.</p> + +<p>"May I try a shot now, sir?" begged Runkle, +"I'm certain I can hit the turret this time."</p> + +<p>"If you could do it surely, you'd be the best +shot in the Navy," smiled Darrin. "I'm not +going to use the searchlight unless I have to, and +it would be almost impossible to make a hit +in the dark without it. The pest is headed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> +shoreward, and I want to creep up close from the +rear, if possible."</p> + +<p>Dissatisfied, Runkle none the less saluted and +turned back to his gun.</p> + +<p>"Keep a close sight on the sneak," Dave called +after him. "When you hear me call 'Ready!' +you will complete your aim and fire without further +orders."</p> + +<p>An order transmitted to the man standing by +the engine sent the launch plunging ahead at +increased speed.</p> + +<p>Of a sudden the pursuit assumed a new aspect. +The submarine suddenly veered around to port, +and then headed straight toward the launch.</p> + +<p>"Now's our chance!" glowed a seaman, excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," retorted another strained voice. "Our +chance for death!"</p> + +<p>The same thought came into the minds of +many on the launch. The submarine, it seemed, +was about to discharge a torpedo at the pursuer.</p> + +<p>"Starboard!" commanded Darrin. "Keep her +bow to port of us!"</p> + +<p>Seaman Jack Runkle strained his ears for the +solitary word from Ensign Darrin that would be +so welcome.</p> + +<p>"Will he ever give that order?" fumed the +impatient sailor at the breech of the one-pounder.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>CONCLUSION</h3> + + +<p>"Stand by, gunner!" warned Darrin.</p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir!" came from the man at +the one-pounder.</p> + +<p>The crew had ceased to be on tension, for it +had dawned upon them that, as the two craft +were approaching each other almost head on, +there was hardly a chance that a torpedo could be +made to register.</p> + +<p>"Ready!" Darrin ordered.</p> + +<p>There was a sharp bark from the throat of the +one-pounder. Smash! A cheer went up from +the watching seamen. The shot hit the mark. +But the two men with Runkle were cleaning and +loading for still another shot at the conning tower.</p> + +<p>"Any more, sir?" inquired Runkle, with a grin, +after firing and landing a second shot in the +submarine's superstructure.</p> + +<p>"Not unless ordered," Darrin answered, crisply. +"If that fellow dives now he'll go below and stay +there for good."</p> + +<p>Instead of diving, however, the top of the submarine's +conning tower was seen to rise higher +and higher above the water.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She's rising, but she's lost her steerage way, +sir," announced the corporal of marines.</p> + +<p>"The helmsman was undoubtedly killed by +the first or second shot," suggested Dave. "It +looks as if the survivors mean to surrender, but +we'll watch out for tricks."</p> + +<p>He gave the order for slow speed ahead, soon +reducing it to mere headway.</p> + +<p>"Marines prepare to board," ordered the ensign, +as the launch came up close to the now unmanageable +submarine, whose deck showed a bit +more than awash.</p> + +<p>It called for fine work on the part of the quartermaster +to set his launch alongside without crushing +it.</p> + +<p>Gauging closely with his eye, Ensign Darrin +called out:</p> + +<p>"Ready to board! Board!"</p> + +<p>Making the first leap himself, Dave landed on +both feet on the slippery deck of the undersea +boat, the marines following eagerly and quickly.</p> + +<p>"Lay off and wait!" Dave called back to the +quartermaster. Then he stepped closer to the +conning tower, through which two holes had been +drilled by the two registering one-pound shells.</p> + +<p>"Open up, you fellows down there!" Dave +called, briskly. "And don't attempt any tricks."</p> + +<p>Inside he heard shuffling movements, but there +was no evidence of intent to obey his order. So<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> +he called again, but this time spoke in French, +believing that order might be more easily understood +by those inside the submarine.</p> + +<p>"Don't shoot! I'll come up and open," answered +a voice in broken French, strongly tinged +with Maltese accent.</p> + +<p>After a few moments the hatch was raised. +Then, one after another, eight or ten of Darrin's +crew went below.</p> + +<p>"No more men below," ordered Dave, who then +followed his men in.</p> + +<p>It was a miserable spectacle that met his eyes. +A heavy body lay face downward in a pool of +blood on the steel deck.</p> + +<p>"Who was this?" demanded Dave of the other +four men who crouched to one side in fear and +trembling.</p> + +<p>"Gortchky," answered one of the quartette +sullenly.</p> + +<p>There could be little danger of mistaking the +dead man. Though no feature of the face had +been preserved, every line in that odious body +stood out clearly in Dave Darrin's mind. It was, +indeed, all that was left of Emil Gortchky. Mr. +Green Hat would never again steal the secrets of +nor plot trouble between nations!</p> + +<p>"An able man, even if a wicked one," said +Dave slowly, uncovering in the presence of Death.</p> + +<p>The body of Emil Gortchky was allowed to remain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> +where it lay. The other four men of the +submarine crew, one of whom was proved later +to be an expert submarine commander and a +deserter from the Swedish navy, were taken up +to the platform deck, and thence transferred to +the launch, where they were put beside Mender, +Dalny, the badly-scared Filipino, and the other +prisoners removed from the yacht.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Dan Dalzell had ranged up +alongside, followed by Sutton of His Majesty's +Navy. Both of these young officers went aboard +the submarine and below deck for a look.</p> + +<p>Rocket signals had informed those on anxious +watch in Grand Harbor of the capture of the submarine. +Congratulations had been signaled back.</p> + +<p>Just as the dawn broke, watchers in the waters +near Valetta saw Dave Darrin's launch enter the +harbor, the submarine limping along in tow.</p> + +<p>Early as the hour was, a band was lined up on +the quarter deck of the "Albion." When Darrin's +boat was within six cable-lengths, the band broke +out exultingly into the strains of "See the Conquering +Hero Comes!"</p> + +<p>Probably no naval officer so young as Dave Darrin +had ever been so signally honored by a foreign +naval commander as was Dave Darrin then.</p> + +<p>The submarine was anchored on a spot indicated +by the port authorities of Valetta. Then Dave +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>Darrin shaped his course for the "Hudson."</p> + +<p>From hundreds of men, lined up on the decks +of the flagship, rose lusty cheers.</p> + +<p>"Bully boy, Darrin!" shouted a group of officers +from the quarter-deck.</p> + +<p>"Ensign Darrin," cried Admiral Timworth, +striding forth from his quarters and grasping the +young ensign by the hand. "I offer you my +heartiest congratulations! For reward you shall +have anything within my power to grant."</p> + +<p>"Sir, I know what I want most at present," +Ensign Darrin replied, gravely.</p> + +<p>"What?" asked the Admiral, quickly.</p> + +<p>"A nap, a bath, clean clothing and a breakfast, +sir."</p> + +<p>"But later on, Mr. Darrin?"</p> + +<p>"At Port Said, sir, I shall ask Captain Allen +to grant me, if it does not interfere with duty, +three days ashore to meet my wife, whom I expect +to find there when the fleet arrives."</p> + +<p>For, as readers of the Boys of the Army Series +are aware, Dave and his High School sweetheart, +Belle Meade, were wedded immediately at the +end of some border troubles in which Dave and +Dick Prescott were involved on the Mexican +border.</p> + +<p>Despite, or perhaps on account of, the stirring +experiences through which he had passed, Darrin +was asleep five minutes after his head touched +the pillow.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p> + +<p>Danny Grin, who had been in only at the finish, +lay awake for an hour before slumber visited him.</p> + +<p>All that was left of Emil Gortchky was dropped +into an unmarked, unhonored grave at Malta. +Mender, Dalny and the Filipino were condemned +by a British court-martial to be shot, a sentence +that was soon after carried out.</p> + +<p>As for the master and crew of the yacht, they +persisted to the end in strenuously denying any +guilty knowledge of the real intentions of the +plotters. They escaped the death sentence, but, +as their conduct was none the less of a guilty +nature, the master of the yacht received a sentence +of twenty years in prison, while his subordinate +officers and the members of the crew were imprisoned +for ten years each.</p> + +<p>On information supplied to the Italian government +Countess Ripoli was arrested. She was +not an Italian woman, but had married an Italian +nobleman who had died, after which she had +turned to spy work. She was locked up and held +for trial at Rome, but died of a fever before the +day of her trial arrived.</p> + +<p>The minor spies and the thugs employed by +Gortchky and Dalny, unless they have since +fallen into trouble with their own local police, +have, of course, gone unpunished.</p> + +<p>George Cushing, the secret service agent, is +now on duty in the Panama Canal Zone.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p> + +<p>M. le Comte de Surigny was a happy man when +Dave visited him ashore on the day following the +capture of the submarine. Surigny is now in +Paris, the valued friend of a noted advocate, in +whose offices he is studying law. An inheritance +of comfortable proportions has since come to the +Count, but he has determined upon a career of +hard work. He is a strong, fine character in these +days, and is proving, to the full, the manhood +that Dave Darrin awakened in him.</p> + +<p>The fleet remained a week at Port Said, Egypt. +Dave had three happy days ashore with Mrs. +Belle Darrin, and Danny Grin was often to be +found in their company.</p> + +<p>Jack Runkle received his promised rating, becoming +a boatswain's mate. He is now industriously +climbing the ladder of promotion.</p> + +<p>It is reluctantly, indeed, that we take leave of +Dave Darrin in this volume, but we shall meet +him and Danny Grin again, and very soon, in +the pages of the next volume of this series, which +will be published under the title, "<span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's +South American Cruise</span>; or, Two Innocent +Young Naval Tools of an Infamous Conspiracy." +In this absorbing story Dave Darrin and Dan +Dalzell are shown at their best as faithful and +loyal officers of Uncle Sam's Navy.</p> + +<h2>THE END</h2> + + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> + +<h2> +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S<br /> +<br /> +Best and Least Expensive<br /> +Books for Boys and Girls<br /> +</h2> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> +<h2> +The Motor Boat Club Series</h2> +<h3> +By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> +<p> +The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are +wonderfully entertaining, and they are at the same time sound +and wholesome. No boy will willingly lay down an unfinished +book in this series.</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="The Motor Boat Club Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, The Secret of Smugglers' Island.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan Heir.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; Or, A Daring Marine Game at Racing Speed.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; Or, The Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>5 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; Or, Laying the Ghost of Alligator Swamp.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>6 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; Or, A Thrilling Capture in the Great Fog.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>7 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES; Or, The Flying Dutchman of the Big Fresh Water.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> +<div class='center'><br /> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +<br /> +Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price.<br /> +</div> +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> +<h3><big>Henry Altemus Company</big><br /> +1326-1336 Vine Street Philadelphia<br /> +</h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>Battleship Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>These stories throb with the life of young Americans on to-day's +huge drab Dreadnaughts.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="THE BATTLESHIP BOYS"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, Earning New Ratings in European Seas.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS; Or, Upholding the American Flag in a Honduras Revolution.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>6 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE WARDROOM; Or, Winning their Commissions as Line Officers.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>7 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS WITH THE ADRIATIC CHASERS; Or, Blocking the Path of the Undersea Raiders.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>8 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' SKY PATROL; Or, Fighting the Hun from above the Clouds.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The Range and Grange Hustlers</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>Have you any idea of the excitements, the glories of life on +great ranches in the West? Any bright boy will "devour" the +books of this series, once he has made a start with the first +volume.</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="The Range and Grange Hustlers"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE RANCH; Or, The Boy Shepherds of the Great Divide.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST ROUND-UP; Or, Pitting Their Wits Against a Packers' Combine.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE PLAINS; Or, Following the Steam Plows Across the Prairie.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS AT CHICAGO; Or, The Conspiracy of the Wheat Pit.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>Submarine Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By VICTOR G. DURHAM</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Submarine Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as Young Experts.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at Annapolis.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of the Deep.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>5 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings of the Deep.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>6 THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>7 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; Or, Breaking Up the New Jersey Customs Frauds.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The Square Dollar Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Square Dollar Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS WAKE UP; Or, Fighting the Trolley Franchise Steal.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING; Or, In the Lists Against the Crooked Land Deal.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The College Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The College Girls Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>1 GRACE HARLOWE'S FIRST YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SECOND YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>3 GRACE HARLOWE'S THIRD YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>4 GRACE HARLOWE'S FOURTH YEAR AT OVERTON COLLEGE.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>5 GRACE HARLOWE'S RETURN TO OVERTON CAMPUS.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>6 GRACE HARLOWE'S PROBLEM.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>7 GRACE HARLOWE'S GOLDEN SUMMER.</td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>All these books are bound in Cloth and will be sent postpaid +on receipt of only 50 cents each.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>Pony Rider Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By FRANK GEE PATCHIN</h3> + +<p>These tales may be aptly described the best books for boys and girls.</p> + +<div class='blockquot'>1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the +Lost Claim.—2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The +Veiled Riddle of the Plains.—3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN +MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer Trail.—4 THE +PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby +Mountain.—5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; Or, +Finding a Key to the Desert Maze.—6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS +IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the Silver Trail.—7 THE PONY +RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; Or, The Mystery of +Bright Angel Gulch.</div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The Boys of Steel Series</h2> + +<h3>By JAMES R. MEARS</h3> + +<p>Each book presents <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original omits this word">a</ins> vivid picture of this great industry. Each story +is full of adventure and fascination.</p> + +<div class='blockquot'>1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of +the Shaft.—2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the +Diamond Drill Shift.—3 THE IRON BOYS ON THE ORE BOATS; +Or, Roughing It on the Great Lakes.—4 THE IRON BOYS IN THE +STEEL MILLS; Or, Beginning Anew in the Cinder Pits.</div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The Madge Morton Books</h2> + +<h3>By AMY D. V. CHALMERS</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Madge Morton Books"> +<tr><td align='left'>1 MADGE MORTON—CAPTAIN OF THE MERRY MAID.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>2 MADGE MORTON'S SECRET.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>3 MADGE MORTON'S TRUST.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>4 MADGE MORTON'S VICTORY.</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>West Point Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The principal characters in these narratives are manly, young +Americans whose doings will inspire all boy readers.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="West Point Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the Cadet Gray.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory of the Soldier's Life.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for Flag and Honor.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>Annapolis Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted +in these volumes.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Annapolis Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy "Youngsters."</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the Second Class Midshipmen.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The Young Engineers Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High +School Boys Series. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry +Hazelton prove worthy of all the traditions of Dick & Co.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="The Young Engineers Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, At Railroad Building in Earnest.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks on the "Man-Killer" Quicksand.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN NEVADA; Or, Seeking Fortune on the Turn of a Pick.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN MEXICO; Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>Boys of the Army Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States +Army of to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master +pen.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Boys of the Army Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the United States Army.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First Real Commands.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; Or, Following the Flag Against the Moros.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>6 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS LIEUTENANTS; Or, Serving Old Glory as Line Officers.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>7 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS WITH PERSHING; Or, Dick Prescott at Grips with the Boche.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>8 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE GREAT MARNE DRIVE; Or, Putting Old Glory in the Forefront in France.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>Dave Darrin Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Dave Darrin Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 DAVE DARRIN AT VERA CRUZ; Or, Fighting With the U. S. Navy in Mexico.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 DAVE DARRIN ON MEDITERRANEAN SERVICE.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 DAVE DARRIN'S SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 DAVE DARRIN ON THE ASIATIC STATION.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>5 DAVE DARRIN AND THE GERMAN SUBMARINES.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>6 DAVE DARRIN AFTER THE MINE LAYERS; Or, Hitting the Enemy a Hard Naval Blow.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The Meadow-Brook Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JANET ALDRIDGE</h3> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="The Meadow-Brook Girls Series"> +<tr><td align='left'>1 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS UNDER CANVAS.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>2 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>3 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>4 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN THE HILLS.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>5 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS BY THE SEA.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>6 THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ON THE TENNIS COURTS.</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>All these books are bound in Cloth and will be sent postpaid +on receipt of only 50 cents each.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>High School Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck. +Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating +volumes.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="High School Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co.'s First Year Pranks and Sports.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football Gridiron.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>Grammar School Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar +school boys, comes near to the heart of the average American boy.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Grammar School Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at Winter Sports.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun and Knowledge.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>High School Boys' Vacation Series</h2> + +<h3>By H. IRVING HANCOCK</h3> + +<p>"Give us more Dick Prescott books!"</p> + +<p>This has been the burden of the cry from young readers of the +country over. Almost numberless letters have been received by the +publishers, making this eager demand; for Dick Prescott, Dave Darrin, +Tom Reade, and the other members of Dick & Co. are the most +popular high school boys in the land. Boys will alternately thrill +and chuckle when reading these splendid narratives.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="High School Boys' Vacation Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' CANOE CLUB; Or, Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER CAMP; Or, The Dick Prescott Six Training for the Gridley Eleven.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' FISHING TRIP; Or, Dick & Co. in the Wilderness.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' TRAINING HIKE; Or, Dick & Co. Making Themselves "Hard as Nails."</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>The Circus Boys Series</h2> + +<h3>By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON</h3> + +<p>Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely +interesting and exciting life.</p> + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="The Circus Boys Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the Sawdust Life.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on the Tanbark.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny South.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show on the Big River.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The High School Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A. M.</h3> + +<p>These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the +reader fairly by storm.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="The High School Girls Series"> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities.</div></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><div class='hang1'>4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the Ways.</div></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<h2>The Automobile Girls Series</h2> + +<h3>By LAURA DENT CRANE</h3> + +<p>No girl's library—no family book-case can be considered at all +complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books.</p> + +<div class='blockquot'>1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer +Parade.—2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; +Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.—3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS +ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.—4 +THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out +Against Heavy Odds.—5 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT PALM +BEACH; Or, Proving Their Mettle Under Southern Skies.—6 THE +AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT WASHINGTON; Or, Checkmating the +Plots of Foreign Spies.</div> + +<div class='center'>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</div> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> +<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p> +<p>Page 89, paragraph break inserted between the following two lines:</p> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"I will see you, Captain, in five minutes."</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">"Thank you, sir. I request permission to bring</span><br /> +<p>Text uses both someone/some one and anyone/any one.</p> + +<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p></div> + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service, by +H. 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