Further, I shall be obliged to testify that you said to him, 'you lie.' Then Darrin knocked you down, as any other self-respecting man must have done." "But I didn't tell him he lied," protested Cantor, with much seeming warmth.

"On the contrary, I asked him if he meant to imply that I lied." "That may be your version, Cantor," Lieutenant Trent rejoined, "but I have just told you what my testimony will have to be." "What's your interest in this Darrin fellow ?" Cantor demanded, half-sneeringly.
"Why, in the first place," Trent answered, calmly, "I like Darrin.
And I regard him as an excellent, earnest, faithful, competent young officer." "But why should you try to shield him, and throw me down, if this matter comes before a court-martial ?" "Because I am an officer," replied Trent, stiffly, drawing himself up, "and also, I trust, a gentleman.

It is both my sworn duty and my inclination to see truth prevail at all times in the service." "But think it over, Trent," urged Lieutenant Cantor.

"Now, aren't you ready to admit that you heard me ask, 'Am I a liar' ?" "I can admit nothing of the sort," Trent returned.

Then, laying a hand on the arm of the other lieutenant, Trent continued: "Cantor, all the signs point to the belief that we shall be at war with Mexico at any time now.