ted at his desk.

"Orderly!" called the commanding officer briskly.

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Guard the door and report that I am engaged."

"Aye, aye, sir."

In an instant Captain Allen, who had briefly greeted his youngest
officers, turned to them.

"Your note, Mr. Darrin, stated that you had a matter to report to me
of such importance that you did not believe I would wish to lose a
moment in hearing what Mr. Dalzell and yourself could tell me."

"That is the case, sir," Dave bowed. "Have I your permission to
proceed, sir?"

"Yes. You may take seats, if you wish."

Bowing their thanks, the young officers remained on their feet.

Ensign Dave plunged at once into the narration of what had befallen
them ashore.

Captain Allen listened to the tale without comment, but when Dave
related what he had overheard the two men say when passing the
imitation grove on the darkest part of the Casino veranda, the
commanding officer sprang to his feet.

"Mr. Darrin," he demanded, "are you positive of the words that you
have just repeated?"

"I am, sir. In a matter of such importance I was careful to record
every word in my mind just as it was uttered."

"Then I must communicate with the Admiral at once," continued Captain
Allen, seating himself again. "Even if the Admiral be abed I consider
this a subject of enough importance to call him."

Taking down the receiver of the telephone that led direct to the fleet
commander's quarters, the Captain sent in a call to the Admiral's
quarters.

Soon there came a response.

"This is the Captain speaking, Admiral," announced the "Hudson's"
commanding officer. "Although the hour is late, sir, I request
permission to report to you on a matter of importance."

"I will see you, Captain, in five minutes."

"Thank you, sir. I request permission to bring two officers with me."

"Permission is granted, Captain."

"Thank you, sir."

Hanging up the transmitter, Captain Allen sank back in his chair.

"Is there anything else, gentlemen, that you wish to say to me before
we go to the Admiral?"

"I think I have told you all, sir," Dave replied.

"And I, too," Dalzell added.

Keeping his eye on the clock, Captain Allen presently arose, girded on
his sword, parted the curtains, and led the way.

"If I am wanted, Orderly, I shall be in the Admiral's quarters."

"Aye, aye, sir."

The three officers then filed rapidly along the deck, presented
themselves at the Admiral's quarters,