"I don't know what to make of young Darrin," Cantor continued.
"First he insulted me, and then struck me."

"Knocked you down, didn't he?" asked Trent.

"Yes," nodded Cantor.

"What are you trying to do to that youngster?" asked Trent, coolly.

"What am I trying to do to him?" Cantor repeated, in seeming
astonishment. "Nothing, of course, unless I'm driven to it. But
Darrin insulted me, and then followed it up with a blow."

Trent fixed his brother officer with a rather contemptuous glance
as he answered, stiffly.

"Cantor, there are two marines aft. Go and tell your version
to the marines."

"Are you going to call me a liar, too?" demanded Cantor, his eyes
blazing, as he turned a threatening face to Trent.

"Keep cool," urged Lieutenant Trent, "and you'll get out of this
affair more easily than you would otherwise."

"But you spoke," argued Cantor, "as though you doubted my word.
If you were outside my door at the time, then you know that I
asked Darrin, 'Am I a liar?' Then he struck me at once."