rench in
itself, though Dalny is hardly a French name. Perhaps it makes little
difference, though, for men who sell their time and services as I am
afraid this Dalny fellow is doing, are quite likely to masquerade
under assumed names."

Presently M. Dalny excused himself for a few moments. Sauntering
toward the rear of the restaurant, he stepped into a side passage,
then made a quick entrance into a private room, the door of which he
instantly locked. He now crossed the room and stood before the
solitary diner in that room.

"My dear Mender!" cried Dalny.

"Your face betrays interest, Dalny," remarked the other, who was the
older of the pair whom Dave had heard on the Casino veranda.

"And I am interested," continued Dalny, in a low tone. "I have met the
two young officers from the American flagship."

"That is what you are here to do," smiled Monsieur Mender.

"The fellow Darrin refuses me any information about the movements of
the American fleet."

"That was perhaps to be expected," answered Mender reflectively.

"But I fear matters are worse than that," Dalny went on hurriedly.

"Explain yourself, Dalny."

"Darrin did not see my face until he rose to greet me, when Surigny
introduced us," continued Dalny. "Then he started, slightly, yet most
plainly. Monsieur Mender, that young American naval officer knows
something about us."

"Not very likely, Dalny."

"Then he at least suspects something."

"Why should he?"

"Monsieur Mender," hurried on Dalny, "you recall that evening on the
Casino veranda at Monte Carlo? You and I, as we approached a little
grove of potted trees, talked rather more incautiously than we should
have done."

"It was an indiscretion, true," nodded the white-haired Mender
thoughtfully.

"And, afterwards, as you know, I told you I thought I heard someone
move behind those little trees."

"And so--?"

"I suspect, Monsieur Mender, that it was Ensign Darrin, of the
battleship 'Hudson,' who stood behind those trees, and who overheard
us."

"I wish I knew if such were the case," replied M. Mender huskily, his
face paling with anxiety.

"If Darrin overheard our talk, he doubtless reported it to his
superior officers," declared Dalny.

"Unquestionably--if he really heard," admitted Mender.

"Then that pair of young officers, for they are close friends, must
have been sent ashore to see if they could get track of the numerous
party whom you direct, my dear Monsieur Mender."