unless a reply from the Navy
Department should arrive earlier. In that case have me called at
once."

The flag lieutenant is the personal aide of the fleet commander.

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.

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.

At four bells (two o'clock) an orderly called at Dan's and Dave's
quarters, with orders to report to the Admiral at once.

When the two young ensigns reached the Admiral's quarters they found
Lieutenant Simpson there also.

"Be seated, gentlemen," directed the Admiral.

For a few moments Admiral Timworth shuffled papers on his desk,
glancing briefly at some of them.

"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."

CHAPTER VIII

ON LIVELY SPECIAL DUTY

"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.

"There can be no doubt that thinking Englishmen are prepared to go to
almost any extent