Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz | Page 9

the responsibility of an officer in setting his men an example in
punctuality. If this occurs again, sir, I shall feel it my duty to turn in
report of your negligence!"
Several men of the watch and two of the marine guard hoard this
rebuke administered. Dave Darrin's face flushed, then paled from the
humiliation of the rebuke. Yet he had been guilty of an actual breach of
discipline, minor though it was, and could not dispute Cantor's right to
reprove him.
"I very much regret my negligence, sir," Dave answered, saluting, but
he bit his lip in the same instant for he realized how thoroughly his
superior officer enjoyed the privilege of administering the rebuke.
From inside Dan Dalzell heard the words.
At once, on the stroke of eight bells, the mess signal was hung to the
breeze. While that flag flew no one was admitted to the battleship
unless he belonged on board.
Then appeared a little Filipino mess servant, who asked Dave and Dan
to follow him to their assigned seats.
"Am I permitted to go to mess, sir?" Dave asked of Lieutenant Cantor.
"Yes," was the short answer.

While the signal flew the sergeant of the marine guard was in charge at
the quarter-deck gang plank. There was no need of a commissioned
officer there.
To their delight Darrin and Dalzell found themselves assigned to seats
at the table together.
Lieutenant Trent stepped down, introducing the new arrivals to the
officers beside whom, and opposite whom they sat.
"I was sorry to hear you get that calling down," Dalzell whispered to
his chum, as soon as that was possible under the cover of the
conversation of others. "Why did Lieutenant Cantor seem to enjoy his
privilege so much?"
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!" 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 communications.
"Pardon me, sir," said Cantor, and stepped away to salute Commander
Bainbridge, who had just appeared on the quarter-deck. There was a
low-toned conversation between the two officers. Then, as the pair
exchanged salutes, and Bainbridge went on to the captain's quarters,
Lieutenant Cantor came back to his selected victim.
"Darrin, you will go below and finish the watch, loading stores in the
number four