voices
faintly, he turned to see if Dalzell were approaching.

Instead, it was the white-bearded foreigner, the murmur of whose voice
had reached him. With him was another man, younger, black-haired, and
with a face that somehow made the beholder think of an eagle.

The two men were engaged in close, low-voiced conversation.

"I'd better step into view," reflected Darrin, "so that they may not
talk of private matters in my hearing."

Just then a chuckle escaped the younger of the pair, and with it Dave
distinguished the word, "American."

It was the sneering intonation given the word that made Dave Darrin
start slightly.

"Those men are discussing my country," muttered the young ensign,
swiftly, "and one of them at least is well acquainted with that spy,
Gortchky. Perhaps I shall do better to remain where I am."

Nor had Dave long to deliberate on this point, for the pair now neared
the grove. They were speaking French, and in undertones, but Dave's
ear was quick for that tongue, and he caught the words:

"England's friendship is important to America at the present moment,
and it is very freely given, too. The English believe in their Yankee
cousins."

"When the English lose a naval ship or two at Malta or elsewhere, and
learn that it is the Americans who sink their ships, and then lie
about it, will the English love for America be as great?" laughed the
younger man.

"The English will be furious," smiled the white-bearded man, "and they
will never learn the truth, either. For a hundred years to come Great
Britain will hate the United States with the fiercest hatred."

"It is a desperate trick, but a clever one," declared the younger man,
admiringly. "Nor will there be any way for either England or America
to learn the truth. The whole world will know that the Yankees
destroyed two British ships with all on board. It will probably bring
the two countries to actual war. No matter though England is at
present engaged in a huge war, the sentiment of her people would force
her to take the United States on, too."

Ensign Dave Darrin, overhearing that conversation, and well knowing
that he was listening to more than vaporing, felt his face blanch. He
steeled himself to rigid posture as he felt himself trembling
slightly.

Farther down the veranda strolled the French-speaking pair, then
wheeled out of sight.

In a twinkling Dave strode silently, swiftly toward the salon that he
had left. As he stepped into