THE WARD-ROOM HEARS REAL NEWS
Hurrying to the now empty office of the executive officer, Cantor made correct entry of his return to ship on the record, then hurried to his own quarters, and with almost the speed of magic, slipped into his undress uniform, belted on his sword, and appeared smartly on the quarter-deck.
For two minutes he paid no heed to Darrin, save to return the salute with which the young ensign greeted his superior's return to command of the deck.
Presently, however, Lieutenant Cantor stepped over to say in an undertone:
"Darrin, you have made the wrong start, and I see that you are bound to keep it up."
"I am trying to do my duty, sir," Darrin returned. "I could not consent to make a false official return."
"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."