and in a
tone carefully guarded, "to sit here and listen to the crackle of the
wireless--it seems to fit in, somehow, with this beautiful morning. I
have grown to love it; and I have never conquered my wonder--it is so
marvellous that one can throw into the atmosphere a message to be picked
up and understood hundreds of miles away. It seems even more wonderful
on the ocean than on the land. A message that travels as fast as light
travels. Think of it, my Prince!"

"It is, indeed, wonderful," the younger man agreed. "But it seems to me,
my dear Admiral, that, if what you tell me is true, there is in the
world at this moment something more wonderful still--a force which even
you do not understand."

"You are right," agreed the older man, gravely. "But we _must_
understand it--we _must_ control it. It means world-empire!"

Both their faces were set and serious, and they spoke almost in
whispers, with a glance from time to time to make sure no one was near,
or a lapse into silence when any one approached.

"If we succeed," the younger man began; but the other grasped him by the
arm.

"There must be no 'if,'" he protested. "Do not permit yourself to use
that word. There must be no failure! Think, for a moment, of the
tremendous issues which hang upon it! And, after all, the game is in our
hands."

"I have not yet met the inventor," said the younger man; "but from what
you have told me, I fear he is an enthusiast who will make difficulties.
However, as you say, we must succeed at any price."

"Yes; at any price!" and as he uttered the words, the Admiral glanced
searchingly at his companion's face. But the other was gazing out across
the water, and did not seem to notice the other's peculiar emphasis.

Again they sat silent as three or four persons, passing, paused to peer
in at the window of the wireless-house.

"Are you sure the French do not suspect?" asked the younger man, when
they had gone.

"How could they?"

"The inventor must have left some trace--that wireless station in the
grove."

"A small affair, well hidden. Even if it is discovered, it cannot
possibly be connected with the disaster."

"Perhaps not. But the other installation?"

"The other installation was brought away by the inventor. He left
nothing behind except some batteries, which can betray no secret."

"And he has the mechanism with him now?"

"Yes--in his baggage. You see how complete our power is."

"I see," nodded the other bri