"Tony, is this the fellow who paid you to drug my friend?
"The treacherous Greek has betrayed me!" was the thought that flashed instantly through Brimmer's startled mind.
"Let go of my collar, Darrin!" he commanded loudly. "If this lying Greek has dared to say that I—"
"Shut up!" ordered Dave tersely.
Ever since coming to Annapolis he had tried to keep his temper in the background. But now, quivering in his righteous wrath, Darrin was once more the hot-headed, impulsive, generous Dave of old—a doer of deeds, and a thrasher of scoundrels.
"No, no, no!" protested Tony, shrilly and cunningly. "Mr. Brimmer, he no tell me—he no hire me—"
"Be silent, fellow!" commanded Dave Darrin hotly. "You've told the truth once. Don't spoil it with a dozen lies! Brimmer, you dastard, you disgrace to the noble old uniform—"
By a quick, forceful twist Brimmer had freed himself from Dave's frantic clutch.
It availed the plotter but little, however.
Quick as a flash Dave let drive with his right fist, landing a blow on the chest that sent Mr. Brimmer flat to the pavement of the alley.