Good night!" Barely returning the salutation, Cantor passed on to Captain Gales's office, to which he was promptly admitted.
The hour was late, but the commander of the "_Long Island_" was anxious to get at the whole truth of the evening's affair ashore, and so was still at his desk.
"Oh, I am glad to see you, Lieutenant Cantor," was the captain's greeting, as that officer appeared, after having sent in his compliments.

"You have both reports ?" "Here they are, sir," replied the younger officer, laying them on the desk.
"Be seated, Lieutenant.

I will go through these papers at once." For some minutes there was silence in the room, save for the rustling of paper as Captain Gales turned a page.
At last he glanced up from the reading.
"I note, Lieutenant Cantor, that you are still of the opinion that the fight could have been avoided." "That is my unalterable opinion, sir," replied the lieutenant.
"You are aware, of course, Mr.Cantor, that your report will form a part of the record that will go to the Navy Department, through the usual official channels ?" "I am well aware of that, sir." "Have you any other papers to submit in connection with Ensign Darrin ?" For the barest instant Lieutenant Cantor hesitated.
Then he rose, as he replied: "No other papers, sir." "That is all, Lieutenant," nodded the captain, and returned his subordinate officer's salute..