"That is the case, sir," Dave bowed. "Have I your permission to proceed, sir?"
"Yes. You may take seats, if you wish."
Bowing their thanks, the young officers remained on their feet.
Ensign Dave plunged at once into the narration of what had befallen them ashore.
Captain Allen listened to the tale without comment, but when Dave related what he had overheard the two men say when passing the imitation grove on the darkest part of the Casino veranda, the commanding officer sprang to his feet.
"Mr. Darrin," he demanded, "are you positive of the words that you have just repeated?"
"I am, sir. In a matter of such importance I was careful to record every word in my mind just as it was uttered."
"Then I must communicate with the Admiral at once," continued Captain Allen, seating himself again. "Even if the Admiral be abed I consider this a subject of enough importance to call him."
Taking down the receiver of the telephone that led direct to the fleet commander's quarters, the Captain sent in a call to the Admiral's quarters.
Soon there came a response.