tomatoes, with dessert to follow.

"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.

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.

The chums had succeeded in obtaining a small table by themselves,
close to an open window that overlooked the sidewalk.

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.

All that went on before the cafe was interesting enough. It was not,
however, until near the end of the meal that anything happened of
personal interest to Dave and Dan.

Then there was a quick step behind them, next a voice cried gaily:

"My dear Monsieur Darrin, who could have expected to see you here?"

"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?"

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.

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.

"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 prospero