“Mr. Katura must have seen some active, hard service,” pressed Danny Grin.
“Alas, no,” Toruma answered, “Mr. Katura has not been any more fortunate than have we.”
“Darrin has seen some service,” Danny Grin went on calmly. “He was commended in orders for gallant and daring work when the Navy took Vera Cruz. Then, down in Vengara, in South America, in a revolution, he went, with one companion, into the wilds of Vengara to visit the camp of the former dictator, Benedito, who had an army behind him, fighting the government of Vengara. With the help of only that one companion, Darrin, in the heart of Benedito’s own army, took the ex-dictator captive, at the point of a revolver, and brought him through the forests, through the government lines as well, and turned General Benedito over to the United States forces.”
“That was a splendid deed,” bowed Toruma.
“Have you heard of the recent conduct of our Navy at Nu-ping, China?” Dan asked.
“Oh, yes,” nodded Toruma. “That was an excellently managed affair, and one highly creditable to your Navy.”
“The officer who was in command at Nu-ping,” continued Dalzell, “was David Darrin, Ensign, United States Navy.”
“He did a splendid act,” admitted Lieutenant Toruma, bowing.
“And now,” added Lieutenant Hata, “he impresses others as being afraid to meet a gentleman on the field of honor!”
“When a man has such a record, don’t officers like you and Mr. Katura, who have never smelled burning powder, feel like boys criticizing the courage of a veteran?” asked Dan dryly. With the words, Dan, with one of his famous and sardonic grins, turned on his heel and walked away, leaving the two very much ruffled young Japanese officers.