oments ago, that the United States
government had hoped he _would_ be robbed. Lieutenant Totten was sent
ashore, ostensibly to look after the launch, but in reality, to learn,
if possible, whether Cushing's assailant put off in the launch of
another power, and if so, which power. Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell, you
noted, did you not, the nationality of the launch in which Mr.
Cushing's assailant escaped?"

"I did not, sir," Dave replied. "It was not a naval launch, and
therefore did not belong to any ships belonging to the Entente Allies'
naval vessels in port here."

"Then, gentlemen," continued Admiral Timworth, his voice in tones of
formal command, "you will not at any time mention this matter to any
one unless so directed by me. I have had just one object in sending
for you and giving you this order. For some time our Government has
known that secret efforts are being made to discredit us with the
allied powers of Europe. I feel rather certain that this fleet, while
in the Mediterranean, will be closely watched by plotters serving one
of the Central European powers, or else acting on their own account in
the hope of being able to succeed and then claim reward from that
government. Keep your eyes open. You may meet other spies and have
reason to suspect them to be such. Do not be fooled by the apparent
nationality of any man's name. A spy uses many names in his course
around the world. Few international spies ever use their own names.
The man in the green hat, who assaulted Mr. Cushing to-night, is one
of the cleverest of his kind, and perhaps the most able with whom we
shall have to contend. The fellow's name is supposed to be Emil
Gortchky. At one time or another he has served as spy for nearly every
government in Europe. He is a daring, dangerous, and wholly
unscrupulous fellow. Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell, I sent for you in
order to tell you these things, and to add that if, during this
cruise, you run across the fellow at any point, you are to report the
fact to me promptly. Of course you will understand that the seal of
official secrecy attaches to all that I have said. That is all,
gentlemen. Good evening."

Saluting, Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell promptly withdrew. They were
still a good deal puzzled.

"I'll come to your quarters in a minute, if I may," murmured Danny
Grin, as he reached the door of his own cabin.

"I want you to come," Dave answered dryly.

So, in another minute, Dan Dalzell, minus sword an