gloves as he came, appeared, walking aft. There was time only
for a smiling nod, for Dave suddenly remembered, with a start
that it was time for him to report for change of watch.

Hastening down the passage-way Dave hung his sword on, then hastily
rummaged the suit case for a pair of white gloves that he had
previously tucked in there.

Hastening, he reached the deck just as the watch was being changed.
With quick step Ensign Darrin took his momentary post. Then,
when the old watch had gone off duty, Lieutenant Cantor turned
to his subordinate with a frown.

"Ensign Darrin, you made a bad beginning, sir," declared the new
watch officer, crisply. "In the future, I trust you will be more
mindful of the responsibility of an officer in setting his men
an example in punctuality. If this occurs again, sir, I shall
feel it my duty to turn in report of your negligence!"

Several men of the watch and two of the marine guard hoard this
rebuke administered. Dave Darrin's face flushed, then paled from
the humiliation of the rebuke. Yet he had been guilty of an actual
breach of discipline, minor though it was, and could not dispute
Cantor's right to reprove him.

"I very much regret my negligence, sir," Dave answered, saluting,
but he bit his lip in the same instant for he realized how thoroughly
his superior officer enjoyed the privilege of administering the
rebuke.