"Officers often have to do that for each other," Cantor went on,
in the same low tone, "and they do it willingly as between comrades."

It was on the tip of Darrin tongue to retort that he didn't believe
any true officer, being a man of honor, could stoop to making
a false official report. Yet he instantly thought better of it,
and forced back the sarcastic retort that rose to his lips.

"You're not going to succeed in the Navy, sir," Cantor continued,
then, seeing the young ensign's face still impassive, he added,
with a malicious leer:

"Since you are determined to make an enemy of me, Darrin, I shall
do my best to see to it that you have short shrift in the service."

"Of that I haven't a doubt," Dave returned, but he caught himself
in time and said it under his breath.

Then came the changing of the watch. Trent and Dalzell appeared
and went on duty.

Formally, Dave wished his division commander good night, Cantor
answering only with a grunt.

Returning to his stateroom, Dave threw off belt and sword, hung
up his cap, then sat down in his desk chair, leaning back and
steadily regarding the breech of the great gun.

"I wonder if any other young officer in the service is at the
mercy of such a brute," Darrin asked himself, wretchedly. "I