“Darrin, you are a fool!” hissed the division officer.

“I am much obliged to you, sir, for your good opinion,” Dave answered, in an even voice.

For an instant the lieutenant frowned deeply.  Then his face cleared.  His glance became almost friendly as he continued: 

“Darrin, I think it probable that you will have a chance to repair your bad work of last night.”

“Sir?”

“Last night you told me that you had noted the number of the taxicab in which the young woman escaped me.”

“I did, sir.”

“Perhaps you still remember that number.  Indeed, I am sure that you must.”

“I do remember the number, sir.”

“What was it?” asked Cantor, eagerly.

“That number, sir, so far as I am concerned,” Ensign Darrin answered, tranquilly, “is a woman’s secret.”

“It is a secret which I have a right to know,” Lieutenant Cantor went on pressingly.

“The number, sir, I would not dream of giving you without the permission of the young woman herself,” Darrin answered, slowly.  “As I do not even know her name, it is unlikely that I shall be able to secure that permission.”

“Darrin, it is my right to receive an answer to my question,” insisted Cantor, his eyes glittering coldly.

“You will have to find out from some one other than myself, then,” was Dave’s calm answer.

“Darrin, you force me to tell you more than I really ought to tell.  I am going to marry that young woman!”

“Is the young woman aware of your intentions, sir?” Dave demanded, quietly.

“Yes!  Darrin, I tell you, I am going to marry that young woman, and it is most imperative that I should see her as early as possible.  Give me the number of that taxicab, and I can find the driver and learn where he took her.  Now, what are you smiling at, Darrin?”

“It struck me, sir, that you should already know the address of a young woman whom you are engaged to marry.”

Lieutenant Cantor repressed an exclamation of impatience and bit his lips.

“Of course I know her home address,” he deigned to reply, “but she is not a New Yorker.  Her home is at a considerable distance, and I do not know where to find her in New York.  Give me that taxicab number and I shall be able to secure shore leave.  By this evening I shall have found her.”

“You do not expect me to wish you luck in a matter like this, sir?” Ensign Darrin inquired.

“I expect you to give me the number of that taxicab, and at once,” replied Cantor.  He did not raise his voice, but there was compelling fury in his tone.

“I have already declined to do that, sir,” Dave insisted.

“Darrin, do you realize that I am your superior?” demanded the lieutenant.

“I am aware, sir, that you are my superior officer,” Darrin answered, with strong emphasis on the word “officer.”

“And you refuse to please me in a trifling matter?”