len.

"I don't, sir, and I don't like the people of this country any better.
Not after the beating I got to-night."

"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, 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."

"Very good, sir."

"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."

"Thank you, sir."

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.

Quickly Captain Allen placed Dave's letter in his superior officer's
hands.

"This is live news, indeed," cried the Admiral, as he laid the letter
down. "Darrin and Dalzell are doing clever work."

"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 robbed of his money and of a
faked letter with which the sailor had provided himself."

Captain Allen then repeated Runkle's story.

"You have Runkle slated for promotion, of course?" asked Admiral
Timworth.

"Certainly, sir."

"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
des