When the waiter returned Perry gave him another fee, praised the dinner, and questioned him closely about the two others who had dined at the table before them.
Mark listened in silence to all that was said, and as they walked away Bemis Perry remarked:
“I am right, Merrill. Breslin was simply the tool of Scott Clemmons.”
CHAPTER XL.
THREE REPORTS.
Captain De Long, the commander of the cruising ship Constellation, was seated in his cabin smoking his cigar before retiring, when Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill requested an interview, which was at once granted by the genial commander.
“Well, Mr. Merrill, did you enjoy your run ashore?”
“Yes, sir, with the exception of an unfortunate meeting with Barney Breslin, which I desire to report to you.”
“Ah! have you had trouble with him?”
“Yes, sir, I regret to say, too, that it was in a public place. Another cadet and myself went to the Astor House for dinner, and met Breslin and a friend coming out. The former stepped in front of me, and asked if I recognized him and meant to cut his acquaintance. I responded that I certainly did, when he aimed a blow at me, which I parried, and at the same time knocked him down. My cadet friend drew me out of the quickly gathering crowd, and we had our dinner, sir; but I deemed it best to report the affair to you.”