Naples.

"I know the young Comte of Surigny," remarked Mr. Caine, "and I am
deeply disappointed to learn that he is among our foes, and in such a
mean capacity as the one in which he must be employed. The young man
comes from one of the most ancient families in France, though he has
never been well-to-do, for his ancestors attended to the insuring of
his poverty. The gambling streak has run through several generations
of the family."

Then Dave and Dan continued with their story, Ambassador Caine paying
close attention to all they said.

"Gortchky is expected in Paris soon," announced the Ambassador
presently.

"Is he, sir?" Darrin asked quickly. "Would it be indiscreet for me to
ask if you know why he is coming here?"

"I have nothing more definite than suspicion," replied Mr. Caine.
"Paris, which has one of the best detective systems of the world, is
also noted as being the principal headquarters for conspiracies
against governments. Not only do the anarchists and nihilists look
upon Paris as their Mecca; but other scoundrels working out nefarious
plans for wicked governments also meet here to lay their dastardly
plots. Gortchky may be coming here to secure new agents to take the
place of those already known to the Americans who are watching him and
his men; or he may be coming here to hold a conference with the men
higher up, who are directing his scoundrelly work against the peace of
England and America."

"I take it, sir, that your secret service men will make every effort
to find out what Gortchky does in Paris, and for what real purpose he
is here, and--"

Here Ensign Dave Darrin broke off abruptly, coloring deeply.

"I beg your pardon, sir," he apologized hurriedly. "I had no right to
ask you such a question."

"I have no objection to answering you," said the Ambassador seriously.
"Of course my men will make every effort to find out what Gortchky is
up to here, if he comes to Paris, but I do not know how well they will
succeed. In the game of making trouble between nations Emil Gortchky
is an old and wary bird. It may very likely be that the fellow is
coming to Paris only to try to draw my secret service men into the
worst kind of a wild-goose chase leading only to clues that are worse
than worthless. Gortchky, in other words, may be on his way to Paris
only to draw our attention away from vital moves about to be made
elsewhere by other members of his rascally band. Of course, on due
complaint, we