Yet, when we are at sea, you will soon begin to realize how cramped the life is." After chatting a little longer with Lieutenant Trent, Ensign Darrin started forward along the decks, taking in all he could see of this huge, floating castle.
Presently he returned to the quarter-deck, but Lieutenant Trent was busy with a lieutenant of the marine guard.

Dave stepped inside.

Almost immediately he heard a step at his side.

Glancing around, Dave looked into the face of Lieutenant Cantor.
"A while ago I noticed you talking with Trent," Dave's division officer remarked, in a low voice.
"Yes, sir." "Did you discuss me ?" "Yes, sir." "What did you say, Darrin ?" "I mentioned that you were my division officer." "Did Trent say anything ?" "Mr.Trent said that you were a very efficient officer." "Did you tell him anything---about---er---about last night ?" "Nothing," Dave answered.
"Positive about that ?" insinuated Cantor.
"Sir," Dave answered, "I am an officer and, I trust---a gentleman." "Then you told Trent nothing about last night ?" "I have already told you, sir, that I didn't." "Nor to anyone else on this ship ?" pressed the lieutenant.
"I told Dalzell, last night, that I had met with a stranger who was-----" "That will do!" snapped Cantor.
"Very good, sir." "Have you told Dalzell about me since coming aboard ?" "I have not." "And you won't ?" pressed Cantor.
"On that point, sir, I decline to pledge myself," Darrin responded, with unusual stiffness.
"Darrin, do you want to make an enemy ?" "Mr.Cantor, I never, at any time, wish to make an enemy.

I am not trying to make one of you." "I will regard that as a promise from you," returned Cantor, then moved quickly away.
"It would have been better," murmured Darrin, softly, turning and regarding the moving figure, "if you had heard me out.