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 to tell you more than I really ought to
tell. I am going to marry that young woman!"

"Is