The young man was so brusque about it, however, that other table mates ceased quizzing him.
Yet, as soon as the meal was over, many a youngster asked others of his class for news regarding Pen. But none possessed it.
During the brief rest that followed the meal, however, Midshipman Pennington made it his business to try to meet Dave Darrin alone. He succeeded, finding Dave staring off across the water at the port rail.
"Of course, Mr. Darrin," began the other midshipman, in a voice suggestive of ice, "you are aware that the incident of an hour ago cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed."
"I don't believe there's any danger of that," retorted Darrin, with an ironical glance at Pennington's damaged-looking nose.
"Confound you, sir," hissed the other midshipman, "don't you dare to be insolent with me."
"Why, I had thought," observed Dave, "that, of your own choice, the period of courtesies between us had passed."
"I shall call you out, Mr. Darrin!"
"You'll find my hearing excellent," smiled Dave. "I shall make but one stipulation."
"I'll do you the favor of asking what that stipulation is," sneered Pennington.