us 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."

"I knew you must have some good reason for not serving in the French
army at such a time," Dave replied.

"I tried to enter the army," Surigny replied, "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."

"Is it permitted to ask if you have found employment?" Dave inquired.

"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."

That answer was enough to prevent Dave from making any further
inquiries as to the Count's new means of a livelihood.

"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?"

"We shall be delighted to meet any friend of yours, Surigny," Dave
replied pleasantly.

"Then I shall bring him here at once," replied the Frenchman,
lightly, rising and moving rapidly away.

"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."

"We shall know that if Count Surigny chooses to inform us," smiled
Dave.

Then their talk ceased, for they heard the Count's voice in
conversation with some one as he came up behind them.

"My dear Monsieur Darrin," cried the Count, "I am honored in being
able to present to you Monsieur Dalny."

Ensign Darrin rose, wheeled and thrust out his hand. Then his eyes
turned to the newcomer's face.

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.

"Monsieur Darrin," replied M. D