perate 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 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."

"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?"

"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?"

"He will be off watch in an hour, sir."

"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."

"Shall I send Runkle ashore in uniform or in citizen's dress?" asked
Captain Allen.

"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."

Fifteen minutes later the Admiral's letter of instruction had been
signed, and a substantial amount of money enclosed.

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.

A few minutes later the launch delivered them at the mole, then glid