the young woman aware of your intentions, sir?" Dave demanded,
quietly.

"Yes! Darrin, I tell you, I am going to marry that young woman,
and it is most imperative that I should see her as early as possible.
Give me the number of that taxicab, and I can find the driver
and learn where he took her. Now, what are you smiling at, Darrin?"

"It struck me, sir, that you should already know the address of
a young woman whom you are engaged to marry."

Lieutenant Cantor repressed an exclamation of impatience and bit
his lips.

"Of course I know her home address," he deigned to reply, "but
she is not a New Yorker. Her home is at a considerable distance,
and I do not know where to find her in New York. Give me that
taxicab number and I shall be able to secure shore leave. By
this evening I shall have found her."

"You do not expect me to wish you luck in a matter like this,
sir?" Ensign Darrin inquired.

"I expect you to give me the number of that taxicab, and at once,"
replied Cantor. He did not raise his voice, but there was
compelling fury in his tone.

"I have already declined to do that, sir," Dave insisted.

"Darrin, do you realize that I am your superior?" demanded the
lieutenant.

"I am aware, sir, that you are my superior officer," Darrin answered,
with strong emphasis on the word "officer."

"And you refuse to please me in a trifling matter?"

"Pardon me, sir, but from the little that I saw and heard, I cannot
believe that your discovery of her address would be regarded by the
young woman as a trifling matter."

"Do you persist in refusing to tell me that taxicab number?" hissed
Lieutenant Cantor.

"Sir, as a gentleman, I must," Dave rejoined. For a full half
minute Lieutenant Cantor stared at his subordinate in speechless
anger. Then, when he could command his voice somewhat, he resumed:

"Oh, very good, you---you young---puppy!"

Another brief interval of silence, and the lieutenant continued,
in a crisp, official tone:

"Mr. Darrin, go to the division bulletin board and get an accurate
copy of the roster of the division. Also make a copy of our station
bills. You will then report to me on the quarter deck just before
eight bells, noon."

"Aye, aye, sir! Any further orders?"

"None!"

Cantor stood there, an appealing look in his eyes, but Dave, saluting,
turned on his heel and went out.

"So that is the fellow who is to teach me the duties and the ideals
of the service," Dave D