“The first trial of a new model of submarine boat, which is expected to revolutionize naval warfare, will be given in presence of the former Emperor at a place that will be kept secret until the last minute. An indiscretion has revealed its name; it is called The Seven-of-Hearts .”

The Seven-of-Hearts ! That presented a new problem. Could a connection be established between the name of the submarine and the incidents which we have related? But a connection of what nature? What had happened here could have no possible relation with the submarine.

“What do you know about it?” said Daspry to me. “The most diverse effects often proceed from the same cause.”

Two days later, the following foreign news item was received and published: