them. One messenger, catching sight of the three officers on
the superstructure, came bounding up the steps, halting and saluting.

"Compliments of the executive officer," announced the messenger;
"Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell are directed to report to his office
immediately."

"Perhaps you'll hear the news at once," murmured Trent, as his
juniors left him.

When the two ensigns reported to him, Commander Bainbridge was
pacing the passageway outside his office.

"The captain is awaiting us in his office," said the executive.
"We will go there at once."

The instant he entered the captain's quarters, Darrin had sudden
misgivings of some impending misfortune, for Lieutenant Cantor,
very erect, and looking both stern and important, was talking in
low tones with Captain Gales.

"Now, what has the scoundrel found to fasten upon me?" Ensign
Dave Darrin wondered, with a start. "And how has he managed
to drag Dan into it?"




CHAPTER VI