strike and explode can be so
adjusted that it will afterwards sink or rise and float. And this
torpedo that rises can be of American pattern."

"But where would the plotters secure an American torpedo?" demanded
Admiral Timworth.

"The plotters, if they had a secret factory, could make some torpedoes
of the American type, provided they had obtained the services of a
draftsman and workmen familiar with the American torpedo."

"That could be accomplished, in this wicked old world of ours," nodded
Admiral Timworth, after an interval of deep thought. "I won't declare
that I think it really has been done. Yet your various reports to me,
Mr. Darrin, convince me that plotters really intend to sink a British
battleship and lay the blame at our country's door. And such a deed
might really provoke English clamor for war with our country."

In the Admiral's quarters a long silence followed.

At length the fleet commander looked up.

"Captain Allen," he asked, "what do you think of Mr. Darrin's
surmise?"

"It looks probable to me," said the "Hudson's" commanding officer
promptly.

"It looks likely to me, also," sighed Admiral Timworth.

Then the famous old sea-dog brought his clenched fist down on his desk
with a bang.

"Malta shall be our next stop," he declared. "We shall see whether any
band of plotters can put such a plot through while we are watching!
All mankind would shudder at such a tragedy. All the world would side
with England and condemn the United States and her Navy! Gentlemen, I
now believe that Mr. Darrin has revealed the details of a plan that
will be tried. We must prevent it, gentlemen! We shall prevent it--or
some of us will lose our lives in the effort to stop it! Darrin, you
shall have your chance in helping us to stop it. Mr. Dalzell, you,
too, shall have your chance! And now--Malta."

CHAPTER XVIII

SURIGNY'S NEXT MOVE

In the Grand Harbor, overlooked by the town and fortress of Valetta,
on the island of Malta, there lay at anchor the British dreadnaught
"Albion," the cruiser "Wrexham" and the gunboat "Spite."

Less than half a mile away lay the American battleships "Hudson" and
"Allegheny" and the cruiser "Newton."

It was early evening now. During the day, soon after the arrival of
the American craft, the usual visits of courtesy had been exchanged
between the two fleets.

Admiral Barkham, of His Majesty's Navy, received a most disagreeable
shock while in conference in Admiral