"He didn't ask after our folks, nor even if we liked the looks
of the ship," Dalzell complained, in a whisper, as they followed
the orderly.

"Be silent, Danny Grin!" urged Darrin, rebukingly. "This is no
time for jesting."

Commander Bainbridge, the executive officer, received the young
officers in his quarters. He proved to be more communicative,
talking pleasantly with them for fully a minute and a half after
the young men had introduced themselves, and had turned over to
him the official papers connecting them with this dreadnought's
personnel.

"Let me see, Mr. Dalzell," said Lieutenant Commander Bainbridge,
referring to a record book on his desk, "you will be in Lieutenant
Trent's division. Find Mr. Trent on the quarter deck and report
to him. Mr. Darrin, you are assigned to Lieutenant Cantor's division.
I will have an orderly show you to Mr. Cantor."

Dan departed first, walking very erect and feeling unusually elated,
for Dalzell had thoroughly liked the appearance of Trent in their
brief meeting, and believed that he would be wholly contented in
serving under that superior.

While Dave's quarters were on the port side of the ship, Cantor's
proved to be on the right side.

The messenger halted before a curtained doorway, rapping.