e-----"

"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!"
assured 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!"

"When I have decided that a given course of conduct is the only
course possible to a gentleman," Ensign Darrin replied, "I have
no further occasion to give thought to that subject."

"Darrin, you might make me your friend!" urged his superior officer.

"That would be delightful, sir."

"Darrin, don't try to be ironical with me!"

Dave remained silent.

"If you don't care for me for your friend, Darrin," Cantor warned
him, "it is possible, on the other hand, to make an enemy of me.
As an enemy you would not find me wanting either in resource
or opportunity."

"Have you any orders for me, sir?" asked Darrin, coolly. That
was as near as he could come, courteously, to informing Cantor
that he wished from him none but official commun