n agitation.

"Yes, sir."

"Then I believe you are right, Darrin," gasped the Ambassador, sinking
back into his chair, his face paling slightly. "Oh the villains!"

"Then you believe, sir, that I have really discovered the plot?" asked
Dave, who looked only a whit less agitated.

"If what you have just told me is true, then it must be that you have
made a correct guess."

"Will you send word by wireless to Admiral Timworth, then, sir?"

"I dare not trust such news, even to the cipher, which the
international gang thought they had filched, and which they did not
get," replied Mr. Caine. "I believe that the wisest course will be for
you to take the midnight train to Genoa."

"Then I shall take this paper with me?"

"Yes, Mr. Darrin, for the Admiral is far more capable than I of
estimating it at its true worth. It is a matter for a naval man to
comprehend and decide."

The Ambassador did not neglect to provide the young ensign with
documents, approved by the French Foreign Office, that would take them
safely over the border into Italy on their return trip.

CHAPTER XVII

DAVE'S GUESS AT THE BIG PLOT

"Friends tell me that in being in the Navy I have such a grand chance
to see the world," grumbled Dan Dalzell, as the launch headed for the
anchorage of the American warships. "I went to Paris and had two short
taxicab rides through the city. That was all I saw of Paris. Then a
long railway journey, and I reached Genoa. I spent twenty-eight
minutes in Genoa, and boarded this launch. Oh, I'm seeing the world at
a great rate! By the time I'm an admiral I shall know nearly as much
of the world as I did when I studied geography in the Central Grammar
School of Gridley."

"Don't be a kicker, Danny boy," smiled Dave. "And just think! When you
get home, if any one asks you if you've been in Paris, you can say
'Yes.' Should any one ask you if you've seen Genoa, you can hold up
your head and declare that you have."

"But my friends will ask me to tell them about those towns,"
complained Dalzell.

"Read them up in the guide books," advised Jetson, who was of the
party. "I've known a lot of Navy officers who got their knowledge of
foreign places in that way."

Dave and Dan had had but a fleeting glimpse of the fine city that now
lay astern of them. Hundreds of sailormen and scores of officers, on
sight-seeing bent, had been ashore for two days.

But now the recall to the fleet had come. All save Darrin, Dal