Dave Darrin at Vera Cruz: Fighting with the U.S. Navy in Mexico

aited further communication

tain Gales, "that any form of conflict was to be avoided b

ir," Darri

u opened fire on Cosetta and his band and have returned to ship w

ed the young ensign,

Ensign Darrin," ordere

that Cosetta's fellows o

oking straight into

ything to provoke that fire?"

r," Dave

while Cantor gave an almost in

ovoke Cosetta into ordering his fello

prisoners. There was not a shot fired on either side until after I had placed the released prisoners unde

escaped without r

e been able t

't you?" press

bmitted, and ran, pursued by superior numbers, to our launch. Moreover, I was

in, there was no other course

f the situation, sir," replie

is your bes

Capt

ship with your casualties amounting to thirty per cent of y

face of fighting against orders, and sustaining such losses to his own immedi

unate affair, sir," co

ut could not refrain from asking a question. "Sir, do you wish me to hand my sword to

ered Captain Gales, calmly.

that was stripped to the bare facts. He told everything from the land

e knowledge. And I would suggest, sir," Darrin added, "that Mr. Carmody, who knows more of Cosetta than any of

unition did you bring

traying nothing of

ammunition w

rifle amm

more than three or four of his cartridges. Some

that Ensign Darrin did his best to bring on an en

alties, while unfortunate, is to be justified only by a decision as

comment was an eloquent

censure. Until further notice you will continue in your duties. Lieutenant Cantor will, as early as possible, turn in a written report of the work of the expedition, and you, Ensign Darrin, will make a written report on your own part in the affair. You w

rin returned. Salutin

ave encountered Dan, who

" asked Danny Grin,

Dave retur

r you because you behaved like a

is his

an Dalzell. "Do you think he is going

d his chum. "Cantor is a bright man, and in rasc

l the fellow out

ty of Danny Grin's temper when it was fully aroused. "A challenge would suit Cantor

Ensign Dalzell, "unless that fellow

ssed himself. Then he sent a messenger in search of a typewriting machine. When that came Darrin

e made two or three minor change

tenant Cantor could receive him. A reply cam

eport, sir,"

on his heel and leave t

topped h

lease, Darrin. I wish to run

f a chair, Darrin rem

he report, Cantor fr

he signed sheets

mmander, "do you realize that y

r," Dave answ

"With your talents you should engage in wr

e in every respect,

le report--as highly improbable as any

every detail," repeated

from his desk, facing

he declar

n hissed back, his wr

w full at Cantor's face. Th

ows were aimed on both sides, without l

and, while with his right fist he struck the lieutenant

a chair, carrying it over with h

Cantor was on his feet, b

have made the error of striking