improbable as any official report that I have ever seen."

"The report is true in every detail," repeated Dave, his face
flushing.

Lieutenant Cantor rose from his desk, facing his angry subordinate.

"You lie!" he declared, coldly.

"You cur!" Dave Darrin hissed back, his wrath now at white heat.

Instantly he launched a blow full at Cantor's face. The lieutenant
warded it off.

Within three or four seconds several blows were aimed on both sides,
without landing, for both were excellent boxers.

Then Dave drove in under Cantor's guard with his left hand, while
with his right fist he struck the lieutenant a blow full on the
face that sent him reeling backward.

Clutching wildly, Cantor seized a chair, carrying it over with
himself as he landed on the floor.

In an instant Lieutenant Cantor was on his feet, brandishing the
chair aloft.

"Ensign Darrin," he cried, "you have made the error of striking
a superior officer when on duty!"