troduced 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