"Of course I know her home address," he deigned to reply, "but she is not a New Yorker. Her home is at a considerable distance, and I do not know where to find her in New York. Give me that taxicab number and I shall be able to secure shore leave. By this evening I shall have found her."
"You do not expect me to wish you luck in a matter like this, sir?" Ensign Darrin inquired.
"I expect you to give me the number of that taxicab, and at once," replied Cantor. He did not raise his voice, but there was compelling fury in his tone.
"I have already declined to do that, sir," Dave insisted.
"Darrin, do you realize that I am your superior?" demanded the lieutenant.
"I am aware, sir, that you are my superior officer," Darrin answered, with strong emphasis on the word "officer."
"And you refuse to please me in a trifling matter?"
"Pardon me, sir, but from the little that I saw and heard, I cannot believe that your discovery of her address would be regarded by the young woman as a trifling matter."
"Do you persist in refusing to tell me that taxicab number?" hissed
Lieutenant Cantor.
"Sir, as a gentleman, I must," Dave rejoined. For a full half minute Lieutenant Cantor stared at his subordinate in speechless anger. Then, when he could command his voice somewhat, he resumed: