Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz | Page 6

the captain, with the respectful compliments of
Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell, and state that they await his permission to
report to him."
"Aye, aye, sir."
In less than a minute the messenger returned, stating that the captain
would receive them at once.
Captain Gales, a heavily-built, stately-looking man of fifty, rose from
his desk in his office as the two young ensigns stepped through the
door. The young men saluted their commander, then stood rigidly at
attention.
"Mr. Darrin?" asked the captain, extending his hand, which Dave
promptly clasped. Then Dan was greeted.
"Glad to have you with us," was all the captain said. Then, to the
marine orderly who stood just within the door: "Show these gentlemen
to the executive officer."
"He didn't ask after our folks, nor even if we liked the looks of the
ship," Dalzell complained, in a whisper, as they followed the orderly.

"Be silent, Danny Grin!" urged Darrin, rebukingly. "This 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,