Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock
page 40 of 234 (17%)
page 40 of 234 (17%)
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salutes. Then the relieved young officer hastened above to report
the completion of his duty to his division commander, who would be furious if kept waiting. Dave glanced toward Cantor's quarters, then realized that the lieutenant must still be on the quarter deck. In his haste to be punctual, Darrin forgot his sword and white gloves, which he had left in his own cabin on the way to duty between decks. Without these appurtenances of duty on the quarter-deck, Darrin made haste aft, found his division commander, saluted and reported his relief. "Mr. Darrin," boomed Cantor, in a tone of high displeasure, "don't you know that an officer reporting to the quarter-deck when in any but dungaree clothes, should wear his gloves and sword. Go and get them, sir---and don't keep me waiting beyond my watch time when I have shore leave!" Again red-faced and humiliated, Ensign Darrin saluted, wheeled, made haste to his quarters, then returned wearing sword and gloves. This time he saluted and made his report in proper form. "Mr. Darrin," said his division officer, scathingly, "this is the second time to-day that I have had to teach you the things you should have learned in your first week at Annapolis. You are making a bad beginning, sir." Dave saluted, but this time did not answer in words. |
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