Barkham's compliments, I am to carry a message to
Admiral Timworth," Whyte announced. "I am also to inquire whether your
Captain desires a conference with Admiral Timworth before I deliver my
message."

Dave conducted the English officer aboard the American flagship.
Captain Allen soon received them. He heard Ensign Darrin's report,
then telephoned to Admiral Timworth for permission to bring to his
quarters the English admiral's representative, together with his own
youngest officers.

Admiral Timworth received them, listening attentively to the report
that Dave had to make of his conversation with the Count of Surigny.

"Do you believe that the Frenchman was telling the truth?" the fleet
commander inquired. Dave answered in the affirmative.

"Does your message from Admiral Barkham concern the Frenchman's
report?" inquired Admiral Timworth, turning to Whyte, who had kept
modestly in the background.

"It does, sir," Lieutenant Whyte answered, stepping forward. "Admiral
Barkham's compliments, sir, and he has used the wireless to the
quarantine station on Comino Island. Such a yacht as the Count of
Surigny described is at anchor in North Channel, and is reported to
have a Russian prince and a Japanese nobleman on board. So Admiral
Barkham gives at least that much credence to the Frenchman's story."

Whyte paused a moment, that Admiral Timworth might speak, if he chose,
then continued:

"Admiral Barkham imagines, sir, that you would like to have a share in
searching the yacht and in guarding against submarine attack. To that
end, sir, he signaled to the military governor at Malta and secured
the latter's assent to a plan of having the American naval forces
co-operate with us in running down the plot."

"Of course we shall be glad to aid," declared Admiral Timworth,
heartily, "and we are much complimented over being invited to help you
in British waters."

CHAPTER XXI

MAKING STERN WORK OF IT

Lieutenant Whyte then unfolded, briefly, the plan of Admiral Barkham
for procedure against the yacht and the submarine. To these plans
Admiral Timworth quickly agreed.

"We have four large launches on the flagship," the fleet commander
stated. "Three of these shall be put over the side, officered and
manned and ready for instant service."

"Admiral Barkham also suggests, sir, that, during the night, the
officers in command of your launches run without lights, when
possible, for secrecy," Whyte continued.

"