Timworth's quarters. In other
words, he had been accurately informed of all that was so far known to
the American fleet commander.

"But it is impossible," declared Admiral Barkham. "Quite impossible!"

"It would seem so," replied Admiral Timworth. "Yet the outcome will be
the best proof in the matter. Sir, with your help, I propose to catch
that submarine, should she appear in these waters."

"She will not appear," declared the Englishman. "I am convinced that
such a thing is impossible. Only madmen would undertake to accomplish
such a horrible thing. True, we have enemies who employ submarines in
this war, but they do not dare to use them in attacking battleships.
Nor would plotters without the backing of a government dare try it."

Then Admiral Timworth caused Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell to be
summoned. They came. Admiral Barkham listened to their story, his gaze
all the time fixed on their earnest faces.

It was impossible to doubt the word of two such intelligent young
officers. Admiral Barkham found his doubts vanishing. He was prepared
to admit that such a crime as he had heard discussed might be in
course of planning.

"Of course I know the fellow Gortchky," admitted Admiral Barkham, "and
also that trouble-breeder, Dalny. Yet this is something amazingly more
desperate than they have ever attempted before. I now admit, sir,"
turning to Admiral Timworth, "that there is good reason to suppose
that such a plot may be afoot."

"The 'Maine' was sunk in Havana Harbor," rejoined the American
Admiral, dryly. "That incident sent two nations to war. Might not
something like the 'Maine' affair be attempted here in Valetta
Harbor?"

Sitting with bowed head the British admiral looked most uncomfortable.

"At all events," he said, "it is certainly a matter of duty for the
officers of both fleets to be on the lookout, and for them to work in
concert. Yet I still find it all but impossible to believe what my
judgment tells me might be possible."

"You are going to advise the officers of your fleet, then?" asked
Admiral Timworth.

"I think so," replied the Englishman slowly.

"In the American fleet," said Admiral Timworth, "very few officers
will be told outside of those who are going to be charged with keeping
a lookout for the submarine."

At a sign Dave and Dan withdrew, leaving the two fleet commanders in
earnest conversation.

"It's hard for an Englishman to conceive of such a crime as being
possible, isn'