Part 6 (1/2)
After a covert glance, to make sure that he was not in danger of being overheard, Darrin replied, in an undertone:
”Lieutenant Cantor was the man of whom I told you last night.”
”Not the-----”
”Yes,” Dave nodded.
”But it seems incredible that an officer of our Navy could be guilty of any such conduct,” Dalzell gasped, his eyes large with amazement. ”Are you sure?”
”Didn't you notice the welt on Mr. Cantor's cheek?” Dave asked, dryly.
Danny Grin nodded, then fell silent over his plate.
After the meal Lieutenant Trent saw to it that both the new ensigns were introduced to such officers as they had not met already.
”We can't possibly remember all their names---scores of 'em!”
gasped Dan, as the two young officers stood outside the mess.
”We'll learn every name and face before very long,” Darrin answered.
”But I mustn't stand talking,” Dave went on, as he again hung his sword at his side. ”I'm on duty, and can't stand another call-down.”
”Are you going to tell what Cantor did last night?” Dan queried.
”No; and don't you tell, either!”
”Small fear of my babbling _your_ business, David, little Giant!”
a.s.sured Dalzell. ”You are strong enough to go in and slay your own Goliath.”
Drawing on his white gloves, Dave Darrin stepped alertly to the quarter deck, to find himself facing the frown of Lieutenant Cantor.
CHAPTER III
THE JUNIOR WORM TURNS
”Wonder what my man has in store for me?” flashed through Dave's mind, as he saluted his division commander.
But Cantor, after returning the salute, merely turned away to pace the deck.
Presently, however, the lieutenant stepped over to Darrin, when the pair had the quarterdeck to themselves.
”Are you going to tell me?” murmured the lieutenant, his burning gaze on the frank young face before him.
”Tell you what, sir?” Dave asked.
”That taxicab number?”
”No, sir!”
”Think!”