"Very good, sir."

"Have you told Dalzell about me since coming aboard?"

"I have not."

"And you won't?" pressed Cantor.

"On that point, sir, I decline to pledge myself," Darrin responded,
with unusual stiffness.

"Darrin, do you want to make an enemy?"

"Mr. Cantor, I never, at any time, wish to make an enemy. I am
not trying to make one of you."

"I will regard that as a promise from you," returned Cantor, then
moved quickly away.

"It would have been better," murmured Darrin, softly, turning
and regarding the moving figure, "if you had heard me out. However,
Mr. Cantor, though you are not now here to hear me say it, I did
not promise silence. Yet it is difficult to conceive what would
make me open my mouth on the subject of last night's happening.
I have never been a tale-bearer, and, much as I may despise that
fellow, and the affront that he offers the Navy, in remaining
in the service, I fancy his secret is safe from all---except Dalzell.
Danny and I haven't yet begun to have secrets from each other."

Presently Dan Dalzell, wearing his sword and pulling on his white