not been that he again remembered how late it was growing,
Ensign Darrin would have remained longer with this now bright-faced
Frenchman. As it was, Dave tore himself away from Surigny, and lost no
time in rejoining his party below.

As Dave stepped to the table, Lieutenant Whyte, of the British Navy,
raised his eyebrows in slight interrogation. None spoke.

"I don't know," smiled Darrin, "how it goes with you gentlemen of
England, but I am sure Dalzell will agree with me that it is time to
get back to our ship."

"It is," Dalzell affirmed, taking the cue.

The score was settled, after which the party left the hotel. Dave
stepped to Whyte's side. Through the streets of the little town the
party passed quickly by twos, gayly chatting. Once they were clear of
the streets and near the mole Dave began:

"Mr. Whyte, the moment for action is at hand. Surigny sent for me, and
I believe he has told me the truth. He felt under obligations, and,
when invited, joined the international plotters in order to find out
how he could serve me. He has told me that a yacht bearing the
supervising plotters is now anchored in North Channel, and that the
submarine is concealed somewhere under neighboring waters. It is the
intention of the plotters to attempt to sink one of your ships
to-night."

"Do you believe the fellow?" demanded Whyte in a shocked tone.

"At first I found it hard to believe him," Dave admitted, "but now I
believe that he told me the truth."

"And if he has not?" questioned the British officer.

"In any event, Whyte, the yacht must be watched. However, your Admiral
Barkham will have to decide what action shall be taken."

"Do you know whether others of the crew, besides Surigny, are in
Valetta?" Whyte asked.

"I did not ask Surigny," Dave rejoined. "Indeed, it is not important
to know. What we must do is to catch the submarine; the conspirators
may wait for subsequent overhauling."

At Darrin's signal the launch from the flagship promptly put off.
Darrin ordered that the English officers be put aboard their own ship
first. As the launch drew alongside the "Albion" Dave added:

"Mr. Whyte, I shall wait until you ascertain whether your Admiral has
any message to send to Admiral Timworth. That, of course, would be
after hearing your report."

For ten minutes the "Hudson's" launch lay alongside the "Albion." Then
Mr. Whyte appeared, coming nimbly down the gangway and stepping into
the launch.

"With Admiral