up, "and also, I trust, a gentleman. It is both my sworn duty
and my inclination to see truth prevail at all times in the service."

"But think it over, Trent," urged Lieutenant Cantor. "Now, aren't
you ready to admit that you heard me ask, 'Am I a liar'?"

"I can admit nothing of the sort," Trent returned. Then, laying
a hand on the arm of the other lieutenant, Trent continued:

"Cantor, all the signs point to the belief that we shall be at
war with Mexico at any time now. We can't afford to have the
ward-room mess torn by any court-martial charges against any officer,
unless he richly deserves the prosecution. Darrin doesn't; that
I know. I have no right to balk any officer who demands a courtmartial
of any one on board, but it is right and proper that I should
he prepared to take oath as to what I know of the merits of the
matter. I must assume, and I hope rightly, that you really have
an erroneous recollection of what passed before the blow was struck.
Cantor, you have the reputation of being a hard master with young
officers, but I know nothing affecting your good repute as an
officer and a gentleman. I am ready to believe that you, yourself,
have a wrong recollection of what you said, but I am very certain
as to the exact form of the words that I heard passed. Good night!"

Barely returning the salutation, Cantor passed on to Captain Gales's
office, to which he was promptly admitted.

The hour was late, but the commander of the "_Long Island_" was
anxious to get at the whole truth of the evening's affair ashore,
and so was still at his desk.