"It was an indiscretion, true," nodded the white-haired Mender thoughtfully.
"And, afterwards, as you know, I told you I thought I heard someone move behind those little trees."
"And so—?"
"I suspect, Monsieur Mender, that it was Ensign Darrin, of the battleship 'Hudson,' who stood behind those trees, and who overheard us."
"I wish I knew if such were the case," replied M. Mender huskily, his face paling with anxiety.
"If Darrin overheard our talk, he doubtless reported it to his superior officers," declared Dalny.
"Unquestionably—if he really heard," admitted Mender.
"Then that pair of young officers, for they are close friends, must have been sent ashore to see if they could get track of the numerous party whom you direct, my dear Monsieur Mender."
"You believe that the two young American officers are ashore in Naples as spies upon us?" questioned Mender, his tone cold and deadly.
"It would seem so," Dalny answered readily.