Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz | Page 6

is no time for jesting."
Commander Bainbridge, the executive officer, received the young officers in his quarters. He proved to be more communicative, talking pleasantly with them for fully a minute and a half after the young men had introduced themselves, and had turned over to him the official papers connecting them with this dreadnought's personnel.
"Let me see, Mr. Dalzell," said Lieutenant Commander Bainbridge, referring to a record book on his desk, "you will be in Lieutenant Trent's division. Find Mr. Trent on the quarter deck and report to him. Mr. Darrin, you are assigned to Lieutenant Cantor's division. I will have an orderly show you to Mr. Cantor."
Dan departed first, walking very erect and feeling unusually elated, for Dalzell had thoroughly liked the appearance of Trent in their brief meeting, and believed that he would be wholly contented in serving under that superior.
While Dave's quarters were on the port side of the ship, Cantor's proved to be on the right side.
The messenger halted before a curtained doorway, rapping.
"Who's there?" called a voice inside.
"Messenger, sir, showing Ensign Darrin to Lieutenant Cantor, sir."
"Then you may go, messenger. Darrin, wait just an instant won't you, until I finish my toilet."
"Very good, sir."
A moment later the hail came from within.
"Right inside, Darrin!"
Dave entered, to find a somewhat older officer standing with extended hand. But Ensign Darrin could not believe his eyes when he found himself faced by the man who had annoyed the young woman on the night before---and that annoyer standing there erect and handsome in the uniform of a Navy lieutenant!

CHAPTER II
AT THE MERCY OF A BULLY
Their hands met, but in light clasp, without pretense of warmth.
Then Darrin fell back, bringing his right hand mechanically to a salute as he mumbled:
"I am Ensign Darrin, sir, and have been ordered, by the executive officer, to report to you for duty in your division."
"Very good, Mr. Darrin," rejoined the lieutenant. "My division goes on watch at eight bells noon. You will report to me on the quarter deck at that time."
"Very good, sir."
With a quick step Lieutenant Cantor reached the curtain, holding it slightly aside and peering out into the passage-way. His face was red, but there was one portion that was redder still.
"I see," Dave reflected, "that Cantor still wears the welt that I printed on his cheek last night. But it staggers me," he thought, gravely, "to find such a fellow holding an officer's commission in the Navy."
Satisfied that there were no eavesdroppers near, Lieutenant Cantor stepped back, facing the young ensign, whom he looked over with an expression of mingled hate and distress.
"I believe we have met before," said Cantor, with a quick, hissing indrawing of his breath.
"To my very great regret, we have, sir," Darrin answered, coldly.
"Last night!"
"Yes, sir."
"And you behaved abominably, Darrin!"
"Indeed, sir?"
"You interfered," Lieutenant Cantor continued, "with one of the most important affairs of my life."
"Yes, sir? With one of the most shameful, I should imagine, sir."
Ensign Darrin's tone was officially respectful, but his glance cold. He felt no respect for Cantor, and could see no reason why he should pretend respect.
"I had a strong belief that I should see you again," Cantor continued, his gleaming eyes turned on the new ensign.
"You knew me to be of the Navy, sir?"
"I did not, Darrin, nor did you know me to be of the Navy. Otherwise, it is not likely that you would have behaved as you did."
"If I had known you to be the fleet admiral, Mr. Cantor, my conduct could not have been different, under the circumstances."
"Darrin, you are a fool!" hissed the division officer.
"I am much obliged to you, sir, for your good opinion," Dave answered, in an even voice.
For an instant the lieutenant frowned deeply. Then his face cleared. His glance became almost friendly as he continued:
"Darrin, I think it probable that you will have a chance to repair your bad work of last night."
"Sir?"
"Last night you told me that you had noted the number of the taxicab in which the young woman escaped me."
"I did, sir."
"Perhaps you still remember that number. Indeed, I am sure that you must."
"I do remember the number, sir."
"What was it?" asked Cantor, eagerly.
"That number, sir, so far as I am concerned," Ensign Darrin answered, tranquilly, "is a woman's secret."
"It is a secret which I have a right to know," Lieutenant Cantor went on pressingly.
"The number, sir, I would not dream of giving you without the permission of the young woman herself," Darrin answered, slowly. "As I do not even know her name, it is unlikely that I shall be able to secure that permission."
"Darrin, it is my right to receive an answer to my question," insisted Cantor, his eyes glittering coldly.
"You will have to find out from some one other than myself, then," was Dave's calm answer.
"Darrin, you force me