"You are right," agreed the older man, gravely. "But we must understand it—we must control it. It means world-empire!"
Both their faces were set and serious, and they spoke almost in whispers, with a glance from time to time to make sure no one was near, or a lapse into silence when any one approached.
"If we succeed," the younger man began; but the other grasped him by the arm.
"There must be no 'if,'" he protested. "Do not permit yourself to use that word. There must be no failure! Think, for a moment, of the tremendous issues which hang upon it! And, after all, the game is in our hands."
"I have not yet met the inventor," said the younger man; "but from what you have told me, I fear he is an enthusiast who will make difficulties. However, as you say, we must succeed at any price."
"Yes; at any price!" and as he uttered the words, the Admiral glanced searchingly at his companion's face. But the other was gazing out across the water, and did not seem to notice the other's peculiar emphasis.
Again they sat silent as three or four persons, passing, paused to peer in at the window of the wireless-house.
"Are you sure the French do not suspect?" asked the younger man, when they had gone.
"How could they?"
"The inventor must have left some trace—that wireless station in the grove."