that good sense," rumbled the deep voice
of John Carmody, "then I don't agree with you. You condemn
Darrin-----"

"Who is speaking?" roared Lieutenant Cantor.

"My name is John Carmody," returned the planter, coolly.

"Then be good enough to remain silent," commanded Cantor.

"Since I'm on a government boat," retorted the planter, "I suppose
I may as well do as I'm ordered. But at some other time I shall
air my opinion of you, young man, as freely as I please."

Lieutenant Cantor bit his lips, then gave the order to proceed
to the appointed rendezvous.

As Cantor's launch neared Dalzell's steamer, the lieutenant ordered
a rocket sent up. From away over on the horizon an answering
rocket was seen.

Forty minutes later the "_Long Island_" lay to close by. Cantor's
launch was the first to go in alongside.

"Were you successful?" hailed the voice of the executive officer
from the bridge.

"Ensign Darrin was, sir," Cantor replied, through the megaphone.

"Are all the missing Americans safe?"

"Yes, sir," Cantor continued.

"And all our own men?"

"Two killed, sir, and four wounded, through what I believe to be
disobedience of orders."

Instructions came for Lieutenant Cantor's launch to lay alongside.
Soon after the men were on deck and the launch hoisted into place.
Then, under orders, Darrin ran alongside. First of all
his wounded men were passed on hoard, being there received by
hospital stewards from the sick bay. Then, amid impressive silence,
the two dead men were taken on board.

"Ensign Darrin," directed the officer of the deck, from the bridge,
"you are directed to report to Captain Gales, at once."

Saluting, and holding himself very erect, Dave Darrin stepped
proudly aboard. His face was white and angry as he neared the
captain's quarters, but the young ensign strove to command himself,
and tried to keep his sorely tried temper within bounds.

"You will pass inside, sir, at once," directed the marine orderly,
as the young officer halted near the door.

Acknowledging the marine's salute, Dave Darrin passed him and
entered the office.

Lieutenant Cantor, erect and stern, faced Captain Gales, who looked
the sterner of the two.

"Ensign Darrin," began the battleship's commanding officer, rising,
"most serious charges have been preferred against you, sir!"

CHAPTER X

DAVE IS STUNG TO THE QUICK

Ensign Darrin bowed, then awaited further communication from his
commanding