"Can't be helped. This is a matter of national importance."
"Very well, then; only don't give the show away that I once held his Majesty's commission."
Dacres found himself in the company of the Commander-in-Chief, the Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, two naval secretaries, the Superintendent of Police, and two high officials from Scotland Yard.
To these he related the circumstances under which he had met the Mexican in the train, and that he had come purposely to warn his friend, Commander Hythe, that the plans of the submarines were in danger.
"Did you come here on your own initiative, sir?" asked one of the Scotland Yard men.
"No," replied Dacres. "I was acting under instructions."
"Whose, might I ask?"
This was an awkward question. Dacres hesitated.
"One who has good reason to wish to see Durango arrested," he replied guardedly. "I'm not at liberty at present to divulge his name."
"But suppose we insist?" asked the Commander-in-Chief bluntly.