"You lie!" he declared, coldly.
"You cur!" Dave Darrin hissed back, his wrath now at white heat.
Instantly he launched a blow full at Cantor's face. The lieutenant warded it off.
Within three or four seconds several blows were aimed on both sides, without landing, for both were excellent boxers.
Then Dave drove in under Cantor's guard with his left hand, while with his right fist he struck the lieutenant a blow full on the face that sent him reeling backward.
Clutching wildly, Cantor seized a chair, carrying it over with himself as he landed on the floor.
In an instant Lieutenant Cantor was on his feet, brandishing the chair aloft.
"Ensign Darrin," he cried, "you have made the error of striking a superior officer when on duty!"