DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS

Two Plebe Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy

by

H. IRVING HANCOCK

CONTENTS

CHAPTERS I. Two Admirals in the Bud II. The First Day at the Naval Academy III. A Taste of Hazing IV. The "Youngsters" Who Became "Spoons On" V. Invited to Join the "Frenchers" VI. Dave Passes the Lie VII. On the Field of the Code VIII. The Man Who Won IX. Dan Just Can't Help Being "Touge" X. "Just For Exercise!" XI. Midshipman Henkel Does Some Thinking XII. A Chronic Pap Frapper XIII. Midshipman Farley's About-Face XIV. The Trap in Midshipman's Quarters XV. Air "The Rogue's March" XVI. Brimmer Makes a New Friend XVII. Tony Baits the HookXVIII. In the Days of "Old Two-Five" XIX. The Collision of the Chesapeake XX. In the Line of Duty XXI. Official and Other Report XXII. The "Bazoo" makes TroubleXXIII. The Spectre at the Fight Party XXIV. Conclusion

CHAPTER I

TWO ADMIRAL'S IN THE BUD

"Dave, I'm getting nervous!"

"Is that the best way you can find to enjoy yourself?" demandedthe taller boy. 

"But I am, Dave--dreadfully nervous!" insisted Dan Dalzell positively. 

"Well, you'll have to conceal it, then. The doctors at the UnitedStates Naval Academy won't pass any nervous wrecks, " laughed DaveDarrin. 

"Don't you understand?" demanded Dan, in a hurt voice. "The nearerwe get to Annapolis the more nervous I'm getting. "

"You'd better drop off, then, " hinted Dave ironically, "and takethe next car back to Odenton and Baltimore. What earthly goodwould a Naval officer be who was going to get nervous as soonas he came in sight of an enemy?"

"But I wouldn't get nervous in the sight the enemy, " flared upDan Dalzell. 

"Then why get nervous about the folks down at the Naval Academy?They all intend to be your friends!"

"I guess that is true, " Dan went on. "Of course, back in April, we went before the Civil Service Commission and took our academicexaminations. We passed, and haven't got that to go up againstagain. "

"We passed the home medical examiner, too, " retorted Dave. "Infact, you might say that we passed the sawbones with honors. 

"But that medical chap put in a long time listening at my chest, "complained Dan Dalzell, who was undeniably fidgeting in his seat. "Then, too, the civil service sawbones told me that, while hepassed me, as far as he was concerned, I'd have to stand the ordealagain before the Naval surgeons at Annapolis. "

"Well, he did just the same thing with me, " rejoined Darrin. "You just keep your eye on me, Dan! Do you see me shaking? Doyou hear my voice falter? See me burning any blue lights?

"Perhaps, Dave, you don't take the whole business as much to heartas I do, " continued Dan Dalzell almost tremulously. "Why, GreatScott, if they drop me at the Naval Academy, I'll be the bluestfellow you ever saw! But maybe you won't care, Dave, whetheryou are dropped or not. "

"Won't I?" grumbled Darrin. "The Navy is the only thing in lifethat I care about!"

"Then aren't you nervous, just now?" demanded Dan. 

"If I am, I'm not making a show of myself, " retorted Darrin. 

"But are you nervous?" begged Dan. 

"No!" roared Dave, and then he allowed a grin to creep over his face. 

"Oh, go ahead and say so tonight, " jeered Dan. "Tomorrow, ifyou have the good luck to get sworn in, you'll have to quit fibbingand begin practicing at telling the truth. A midshipman at theNaval Academy, I understand, is kicked out of the service if hetells lies. "

"Not quite--only in case he gets caught, " laughed Dave Darrin. 

"But really, about being nervous--"

"Oh, forget that sort of nonsense, won't you, Dan, old fellow?"begged his chum. "Just get your eye on the lovely country we'regoing through. "

It was just about the first of June. Our two young travelershad come by train, from Baltimore to a little country junction. Thence they had traveled, briefly, by trolley, to Odenton. There, after a wait of some minutes, they had boarded another trolleycar, and were now bowling along through the open country of thatpart of Maryland. At the end of their journey lay the historiclittle town of Annapolis. It was now after seven o'clock; stilldaylight, the fag end of a beautiful June day in Maryland. 

Dave Darrin and Dan Dalzell had been appointed as midshipmen atthe United States Naval Academy. If they should succeed in passingthe four years' course in the big government school at Annapolis, they would then be sent to sea for two years, as midshipmen, afterwhich they would return to Annapolis for their final examinations. Passing these last examinations, they would then be commissionedas ensigns in the United States Navy, with the possibility ofsome day becoming full-fledged admirals. 

Readers of our High School Boys Series have no need of furtherintroduction to Dave and Dan. 

These two young men will be remembered as former members of Dick& Co. , six famous chums back in the lively little city of Gridley. 

Dick Prescott, Greg Holmes, Dave Darrin, Dan Dalzell, Tom Readeand Harry Hazleton had composed the famous sextette who, in theirday at Gridley High School, had been fast chums and leaders inall pertaining to High School athletics in their part of the state. 

Following their High School days, however, the six chums had becomesomewhat widely scattered. Dick Prescott and Greg Holmes securedappointments to the United States Military Academy. Readers ofour West Point Series are already familiar with the stirring doingsand life of Dick and Greg at the fine old Army Academy on theHudson. At the time this present narrative opens Dick and Greghad been nearly three months as plebe cadets, as told in the firstvolume of the West Point Series, under the title, "DICK PRESCOTT'SFIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT. "

Tom Reade and Harry Hazleton had gone from Gridley High Schoolto the far West, where they had connected themselves with a firmof civil engineers engaged in railway construction. What befellTom and Harry is told in "THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO, " thefirst and very entertaining volume in the Young Engineers Series. 

Readers of "THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM" recall how DaveDarrin won his appointment to the Naval Academy, as did Dick Prescotthis chance for West Point, from the Congressman of the home district. Dalzell's appointment, on the other hand, came from one of thetwo United States Senators from that state. 

And here Dave and Dan were, on a trolley car from Odenton, rapidlynearing Annapolis. 

At the forward end of the car was a small compartment set apartfor the use of smokers Dave and Dan did not smoke; they had takeseats in this compartment because they wished to be alone. 

"You asked me to let you know when we got near Annapolis, gentlemen, "announced the conductor, a cheery-faced young man, thrusting hishead in. "There is the town right ahead of you. "

"You said that you go by the hotel, I think?" Dave asked. 

"I'll stop and call the hotel, " replied the conductor. "We'llbe there in less than two minutes. "

It was a quaint, old-fashioned, very pretty southern town thatthe car now entered. 

"I'll bet they're a thousand years behind the times here, " sighedDalzell, as they gazed about them. 

"Not at the Naval Academy, anyway, " retorted Dave Darrin. 

"Oh, of course not, " Dan made haste to agree. 

The car passed an imposing-looking brick building that housedthe post-office, then sped along past the handsome, dignifiedold residence of the Governor of Maryland. Up on a hill at theirleft the State Capitol stood out. Then the car bell clanged, and the car stopped. 

"Maryland Hotel!" called the conductor. 

Dave and Dan caught up their suit cases and descended from thecar. At their right, the found the steps leading to the porchof the roomy old hotel. In another moment they were in the office, registering. 

"You want a room together, gentlemen?" asked the clerk. 

"Surely, " retorted Dan. "My friend is always afraid when thegas is turned off. My presence quiets him. "

"Pardon me, gentlemen, but are you on your way to the Naval Academy?"queried the clerk. 

"Yes, " nodded Dave quietly. 

"Then you will want a room with bath, of course. You'll haveto strip before the medical examiners tomorrow. 

"A room with bath, of course, " assented Dan. "I never have stoppedat a hotel without a bathroom. "

Dan didn't mention that this was the first time he had ever stoppedat a hotel in his short life. 

"Front!" called the clerk. 

A small black boy in knee trousers came forward, picked up theirsuit cases and led the way to the next floor. 

"My! I wonder who else is expected, " muttered Dalzell, as thetwo young travelers found themselves in their room after the boyhad left them. 

It was an enormous room, and the three beds in it did not crowdthe apartment in the least. All the furniture was of a massiveand old-fashioned pattern. 

A few minutes later, with face and hands washed--clean collars, clothes neatly brushed, the two clear-eyed, manly-looking youngfellows returned to the first floor. 

"I suppose this hotel is full of young men like ourselves, wonderingwhat tomorrow will bring them, when they get before the sawbones, "muttered Dan. 

"Candidates, like ourselves, you mean?" suggested Darrin. "We'llinquire. " With that, he approached the clerk and made the inquiry. 

"Oh, no, " replied the clerk, in answer to Dave's question. "Thereare only two other candidates besides yourselves stopping here. There are a good many young men in town, of course, but mostof them have been here for some weeks, and are in lodging houses. A good many young men come here, you know, to attend the Navalpreparatory schools before they go up for their examinations. "

"We've had our academic examinations, and have passed, " announcedDan. 

"What about supper, sir?" asked Dave, who, in his short trip throughthe South, had noticed that in this part of the country the "sir"is generally employed. 

"You'll find supper ready, gentlemen, " replied the clerk, pointingthe way to the dining room. 

So the two young men passed in and enjoyed their first sample ofsouthern cookery. 

At this hour there were only a half dozen other people in thedining room--none of them interesting, Darrin decided, afterhastily surveying the other diners. 

The meal over, the two young candidates sauntered again out intothe hotel office. 

"Any midshipmen out around the town, sir?" Darrin asked. 

"Hardly, sir, " replied the clerk, with a smile. "At this hourthe young gentlemen are in their rooms at Bancroft Hall. "

"What does a midshipman look like?" ventured Dalzell. 

"Like a human being, of course, " Dave laughed. 

"You mean the uniform?" inquired the clerk. "A midshipman, sir, wears a dark blue uniform, like an officer's, and a visored cap, Naval pattern. He also wears the anchor insignia on each sideof his coat collar. "

Dave and Dan soon walked over to the open doorway and stood lookingout upon the street, in which, at this time, few people were passing. Hearing a step in the office, Dan quickly turned. He sawa young man coming through the office, holding himself very erect. This young man was in dark blue uniform, with visored cap, andon each side of his collar was the anchor insignia. Past theanchor were two bars, but Dalzell didn't notice that at the moment. 

"There's a real midshipman, " whispered Dan, plucking at Dave'ssleeve. "I'm going to speak to him. "

"Don't you do it, " warned Dave, in an undertone. "You may makea mistake. "

"Mistake?" echoed Dan. "With that anchor on his collar?"

Hastily Dan Dalzell slipped back into the office, going up tothe young man in uniform, who had stopped before the desk. 

"Good evening, " began Dan politely. "I'd like to introduce myself. 'Tomorrow I expect to be one of the crowd. You're a midshipman, aren't you?"

"I'm an officer of the Navy, " replied the uniformed stranger coldly, as he half turned to glance briefly at Dalzell. "You are a candidate, I suppose? Then I fancy you will report at the superintendent'soffice in the morning. "

With that the Naval officer turned away, leaving poor Dalzellfeeling decidedly dumfounded. 

"Wasn't that a midshipman?" gasped Dan, in a whisper. 

"That gentleman is a lieutenant in the Navy, " replied the clerk, with a slight smile. 

Crestfallen Dan hurried back to Darrin, brushing off his sleeveswith his hands as he walked. 

"Served you right; you must get over being fresh, " Dave Darrinrebuked his chum. "But what is the matter with your sleeves?"

"I'm brushing the frost off of them, " murmured Dan dejectedly. "Did you notice the ice-bath that fellow threw over me?"

"Come out for a walk, " urged Dave. "But be careful where youstep and what you say to others. "

The two young men strolled down the street. 

"Well, " smiled Darrin, "I must say, Dan, that you appear to begetting all over your nervousness. "

"No; I'm still nervous, " protested Dan. "Before, I was afraidI wouldn't get into the Naval Academy. Now, I'm only afraid thatI shall. "

"What nonsense are you talking now?" demanded Darrin, giving hischum a sharp look. 

"Why, if they're all going to be as chesty as that near-officer Ispoke to in the hotel, " blinked Dan, "I'm not so sure that I want togo in with the bunch. "

"That officer wasn't either chesty or snobbish, " rejoined Darrin. 

"Then you will kindly explain what he tried to do to me?"

"That's easy enough. That Naval officer recognized in you a rathercommon type--the too-chummy and rather fresh American boy. Downhere in the service, where different grades in rank exist, it isnecessary to keep the fresh greenhorn in his place. "

"Oh!" muttered Dan, blinking hard. 

"As to your not wanting to go into the service, " Dave continued, "if you should fail, tomorrow, in your physical examination, youwould be as blue as indigo, and have the blue-light signal upall the way back home. "

"I don't know but that is so. Yes; I guess it is, " Dalzell assented. 

"Now, there are at least ninety-nine chances in a hundred thatyou're going to pass the Navy doctors all right, Dan, " his chumwent on. "If you do, you'll be sworn into the Naval service asa midshipman. Then you'll have to keep in mind that you're notan admiral, but only a midshipman--on probation, at that, asour instructions from the Navy Department inform us. Now, asa new midshipman, you're only the smallest, greenest little boyin the whole service. Just remember that, and drop all your jolly, all your freshness and all your patronizing ways. Just listenand learn, Dan, and study, all the time, how to avoid being fresh. If you don't do this, I'm mighty confident that you're up againsta hard and tough time, and that you'll have most of the othermidshipmen down on you from the start. "

"Any more 'roast' for me?" asked Dalzell plaintively. 

"No; for, if you need any more, you'll get it from other midshipmen, who don't know you as well as I do, and who won't make any allowancesfor your greenness and freshness. "

"My!" murmured Dan enthusiastically. "Won't I quiver with gleethe first time I see you being called for twelve-inch freshness!"

Yet, despite their wordy encounters, the two remained, as always, the best and most loyal of friends. 

For an hour and a half the two youngsters roamed about Annapolis, taking many interested looks at quaint old buildings that hadstood since long before the Revolutionary War. 

At last they turned back to the hotel, for, as Dalzell suggested, they needed a long night's sleep as a good preparation for goingbefore the Naval surgeons on the next day. 

Five minutes after they had turned out the gas Dave Darrin wassoundly, blissfully asleep. 

In another bed in the same room Dan Dalzell tossed for fullyhalf an hour ere sleep caught his eyelids and pinned them down. In his slumber, however, Dan dreamed that he was confrontingthe superintendent of the Naval Academy and a group of officers, to whom he was expounding the fact that he was right and theywere wrong. What the argument was about Dan didn't see clearly, in his dream, but he had the satisfaction of making thesuperintendent and most of the Naval officers with him feel like alot of justly-rebuked landsmen. 

CHAPTER II

THE FIRST DAY AT THE NAVAL ACADEMY

A few minutes before nine o'clock, the next morning, Dave andDan were strolling through Lover's Lane, not far from theadministration building at the United States Naval Academy. 

Their instructions bade them report at 9. 15. Dan was for goingin at once and "calling on" the aide to the superintendent. Butthis Dave vetoed, holding that the best thing for them to do wasto stick to the very letter of their orders. 

So, as they waited, the young men got a glimpse of the imposing pilesof buildings that compose the newer Naval Academy. Especially didhandsome, big, white Bancroft Hall enchain their admiration. Thisstructure is one of the noblest in the country. In it are themidshipmen's mess, the midshipmen's barracks for a thousand youngmen, numerous offices and a huge recreation hall. 

"That's a swell hotel where they're going to put us up for fouryears, isn't it?" demanded Dan. 

"I fancy that we'll find it something more--or less--than ahotel, before we're through it, " was Dave's prophetic reply. 

As, at this time in the morning, all of the enrolled midshipmenwere away at one form or another of drill or instruction, thecentral grounds were so empty of human life that the onlookercould form no idea of the immense, throbbing activity that wasgoing on here among the hundreds of midshipmen on duty. 

"Here's some of our kind, " spoke Dan, at last, as he espied morethan a dozen young men, in citizen's dress, strolling along underthe trees. 

"I guess they're candidates, fast enough, " nodded Darrin, afterbriefly looking at the approaching group. 

"Cheap-looking lot, most of them, aren't they?" asked Dalzellcheerfully. 

"Probably they're saying the same thing about us, " chuckled Davedryly. 

"Let 'em, then. Who cares?" muttered Dalzell. 

"Dan, my boy, I reckon you'll need to put the soft pedal on yourcritical tendencies, " warned Dave. "And, if you want my friendlyopinion, I've a big idea that you're going to talk your way intoa lot of trouble here. "

"Trouble?" grinned Dalzell. "Well, I'm used to it. "

In truth Dan had been victor in many a hard-fought schoolboydisagreement, as readers of the High School Boys Series are aware. 

As the young men in question drew nearer they eyed Darrin andDalzell with a disapproval that was not wholly concealed. Thetruth was that Dave and Dan were recognized as not being boyswho had studied at one of the Naval prep. Schools in Annapolis. The assumption was, therefore, that Dave and Dan had not beenable to afford such a luxury. 

"Good morning, gentlemen, " was Dave's pleasant greeting. "Youare candidates, like ourselves, I take it?"

This fact being acknowledged, Dave introduced himself and hisfriend, and soon some pleasant new acquaintances were being formed, for Darrin had a way that always made him popular with strangers. 

"Have you two got to go up before the June exams. Here?" askedone of the young men, who had introduced himself as Grigsby. 

"Part of it, " grinned Dan. "We've already gone through the primertests and the catechism, and that sort of thing; but we stillhave to go before the barber and the toilet specialists and seewhether our personal appearance suits. "

"You're lucky, then, " replied Grigsby. "Our crowd all have totake the academic exams. "

"Cheer up, " begged Dan. "Any baby can go past the academic exams. Arithmetic is the hardest part. One funny chap on the CivilService Commission nearly got me by asking me how much two andtwo are, but Darrin saved me, just in the nick of time, by holdingup five fingers; so I knew the answer right off. "

Some of the candidates were already surveying Dan with a gooddeal of amusement. They had heard much of the severe way upperclassmen at the Naval Academy have of taking all the freshnessout of a new man, and, like Dave, these other candidates scentedplenty of trouble ahead for cheerful, grinning Dan Dalzell. 

"Gentlemen, " broke in Dave quietly, "do you see the time on theclock over on the academic building? It's nine-fourteen. Whatdo you say if we step promptly over to the administration buildingand plunge into what's ahead of us?"

"Good enough, " nodded one of the new acquaintances. "Supposeyou lead the way?"

So, with Dan by his side, Dave piloted the others over to theadministration building, just beyond the chapel. 

As they stepped inside, and found themselves in a hallway, a marineorderly confronted them. 

"Candidates, gentlemen? Walk right upstairs. An orderly there willdirect you to the office of the superintendent's aide. "

"Thank you, " replied Dave, with a bow, and led the way upstairs. 

Near the head of the stairs another marine, in spick-and-spanuniform, wearing white gloves and with a bayonet at his belt, called out quietly:

"Candidates? First two, step this way please. "

He swung open a door. Dave and Dan stepped into an office wherethey found a young-looking though slightly bald gentleman in uniform, seated behind a flat-top desk. 

"We have come to report, sir, according to our instructions, "announced Dave Darrin, happily. 

"You are candidates, then?" asked Lieutenant-Commander Graham, reaching for a pile of bound sheets. 

"Yes, sir. "

"Names?

"David Darrin and Daniel Dalzell, sir. "

"Have you your papers, Mr. Darrin?"

"Yes, sir. "

Dave drew an official-looking envelope from an inner pocket andhanded it to Lieutenant-Commander Graham. 

These the Naval aide scanned closely, after which he looked up. 

"You have your papers, Mr. Dalzell?"

"Yes, " nodded Dan. 

A more than perceptible frown flashed across the face of the officer. 

"Mr. Dalzell, whenever you answer an officer you will say 'yes, sir, ' or 'very good, sir. '"

Rather red in the face Dan handed over his envelope. 

Mr. Graham examined these papers, too. Then, pulling a pile ofblanks before him, he filled out two, bearing the names of theyoung men, and signed them, after which he handed one of the signedblanks to each. 

"Mr. Darrin, you will inquire of the orderly downstairs your wayto the office of the commandant of midshipmen. You will thenat once present yourself before the commandant, handing him thispaper. "

"Yes, sir; thank you, sir, " replied Dave, with a slight bow. 

"Mr. Dalzell, stick close to your friend and you will find outwhat to do. "

"Yes, sir, " murmured Dan, again reddening. 

The orderly below directed the two young men how to proceed to themain entrance of Bancroft Hall, there to turn to their left andinquire again their way to the commandant's office. 

"You see, " lectured Dave pleasantly, as the chums plodded alongone of the walks, "you have already received your first lesson. You answered the superintendent's aide without saying 'sir. ' You'llhave to work out of this freshness. "

"That wasn't freshness; it was ignorance, " protested Dalzell. "Don't you worry, Dave; I shall soon get the Naval trotting gaitto such an extent that I shall be saying 'sir' at every other word. "

This declaration was more prophetic than Dalzell could guess atthat moment. 

Each lad had a queer feeling at heart as he began to climb thelong series of white steps that lead to the main entrance to BancroftHall. What would be the outcome? Were they hence-forth to findthis huge pile "home" for four years to come? Would they, throughall after life, look back upon this great government trainingschool as their alma mater? It all seemed to depend, now, onthe verdict of the examining Naval surgeons!

But there was little time for thought. Once inside, they wereushered, by a white-gloved midshipman, into the office of CommanderJephson, commandant of midshipmen. 

That gentleman, also in uniform, as were all Navy officers onduty at the Academy, looked briefly as the two young men stoodbefore him. 

"Candidates, gentlemen?"

"Yes, sir, " replied Dave. 

"Your orders?"

Each young man handed over the slip given him by the aide. CommanderJephson scanned each sheet closely, then made some entries ona set of papers of his own. 

Next the commandant touched a button on his desk. Almost immediatelyfootsteps were heard outside. Another white-gloved midshipmanentered, raising his hand smartly to his cap in salute. Thissalute the commandant acknowledged in kind. 

"Mr. Salisbury, conduct Candidates Darrin and Dalzell outside. Ascertain how soon the surgeons will be ready to examine them, and conduct the candidates to the Board Room at the time assignedfor their examination. "

"Very good, sir, " replied Midshipman Salisbury, in measured tones. Again the inter-change of salutes, after which Midshipman Salisburyled Dave and Dan to an outer office. 

"Wait here, " directed the midshipman briefly, "I'll let you know whenit's time to go to the Board Room. "

Five minutes later the midshipman again approached them. 

By this time there were seven more candidates in the room. Theaide to the superintendent and the commandant were passing theyoung men quickly through the mill. 

"Mr. Darrin, Mr. Dalzell!" called the midshipman master of ceremonies. As Dave and Dan started to their feet their conductor added:

"Follow me to the Board Room. "

Down the corridor and into the Board Room the two chums were led. There, awaiting them, they found three Naval medical officers, all in their proper uniform and one of them seated at a desk. 

"Strip, with the least delay possible, " ordered the senior surgeon. 

In a very short space of time Dave and Dan stood forth, minusclothes and, it must be confessed, both very nervous as to whatthese medical men might or might not find. 

Thorough, indeed, was the examination, which began with the heart. But it went much further, including the hair, scalp, eyes, teeth, the condition of the tonsils, the appearance of the tongue, andso on, by regular stages, down to the soles of their feet. 

"If there's a square quarter of an inch these fellows have missed, I didn't notice it, " muttered Dan to himself. 

"You may dress, Mr. Darrin, " announced the senior surgeon, andDave went to the chair on which his clothing lay. 

"Mr. Dalzell, come here a moment"

Dan began to feel queer. What had they missed? On what pointwas his physical condition doubtful?

"Open your mouth, " directed one of the surgeons. 

Then followed some more exploration of his teeth. 

"Oh, " murmured Dan, when the medical men gave him a rest for amoment. "It's only my teeth, eh? That's not a vitally importantpoint, is it, sir?"

"We reject candidates for what might seem very slight defectsof the teeth, " replied the senior surgeon, with emphasis. "Openyour mouth again. "

The cold ooze stood out on Dan's brow this time. Joke as he might, he did not want to be dropped out of the Navy. Were these medicalofficers going to find, in his mouth, the clue his disqualification?

"Hm!" said the senior surgeon, watching while another medicalofficer did the probing and the holding of the dental mirrors. 

That "hm!" sent a cold chill of dread coursing down young Daniel'sspine. 

"Your teeth just about pass, " remarked the senior officer. "Youmay dress, Mr. Dalzell. "

It was not long before Dave and Dan both had their clothing on. As Dan was finishing, Dave turned to the senior surgeon. 

"Is it improper, sir, for me to ask whether we have passed?" askedDarrin quietly. 

"You have both passed, " nodded the surgeon. "Mr. Dalzell, however, will do well to take the most wholesome care of his teeth hereafter. "

Just then the door opened and two more candidates were shown in. 

"Come with me, " directed the same midshipman master of ceremonies. 

Dan was indiscreet enough to range up alongside their conductor, just missing a vigorous nudge that Dave tried to give him. 

"Well, we slipped by the drug-store sign all right, " Dan confidedto the white-gloved midshipman. "Now, how soon do we get ourmessenger-boy uniforms?

"Never, I hope, " replied their conductor frigidly, "unless youcan learn to speak of the uniform of the service with more respect. "

Dan fell back abashed. His style of humor, he was fast discovering, did not seem to make a hit at Annapolis. 

Back in the same waiting room the two young men lingered untilnearly eleven o'clock. More than two score of candidates hadpassed the medical examiners by this time, and some others hadfailed to pass. Yet many of these successful candidates had yetto take their scholastic examinations over in Academic Hall, andso did not wait with Dave and Dan, who had now passed in everything. 

By eleven there were fully a dozen young men who, like Dave andDan, were ready to be sworn in. These were now led to the commandant'soffice. Here each signed a paper agreeing to serve in the UnitedStates Navy for a term of eight years, unless sooner legally discharged. Each also signed a statement to the effect that he took this stepwith the full permission of parents or guardian. 

Then the commandant of cadets ordered them to form in a line facinghis desk. A notary appeared, who administered to them the oathof loyalty and obedience. These young men were at last actualmembers of the brigade of midshipmen. 

Commander Jephson now delivered a short address to the lined-updozen. He pointed out where the lines of their duty lay, andexhorted them to seek their duty and to perform it at all times. In closing the commandant put emphasis on these words:

"One word more, young gentlemen. Until this moment perhaps allof you have been wont to look upon yourself as boys. That timehas passed. From the moment that you were sworn into the Navyof the United State--remember--you became men. All of yoursuperior officers will now look to you to realize most fully thatyou are men--men in word, deed, thought and judgment. "

Now another midshipman, a cadet petty officer, appeared and conductedthe new members of the brigade outside. 

"Fall in by twos, " he directed. "When I give the word, move forwardas well as you can, in the idea of marching. "

It was, indeed, a busy hour that followed. The young men wereled before the midshipmen's pay officer, with whom each depositedthe sum of two hundred and sixty-four dollars and ninety-eightcents. This amount from each new midshipman is required by law. Of this sum sixty dollars is applied to the purchase of booksneeded by the new midshipman. The balance of the sum goes topay for uniforms, articles of equipment, etc. From this it wouldseem that an absolutely poor boy had no chance to enter the NavalAcademy. It usually happens, however, that, when a very poorboy is appointed to the Naval Academy, his Congressman, or someof his friends or fellow townsmen will loan him the money, returnableafter he enters the service as an officer. 

In addition to the amount required by law to be deposited withthe Academy authorities each midshipman is ordered to turn overany other money that may be in his possession, this extra amountto be credited to him. A midshipman, on entering the service, receives a salary of six hundred dollars a year. Nearly all ofthis, however, is required to pay his ordinary expenses. Eachmidshipman is allowed a very small amount of spending money, with, however, a more liberal allowance when visiting ports during acruise. 

It is forbidden for a midshipman to receive spending money fromhome or friends. Midshipmen sometimes disobey this latter regulation, but, if detected, are liable to severe punishment. 

Afterwards the new midshipmen were taken to the storekeeper's, whereeach was supplied with one of the uniform caps worn by midshipmen. 

Thence the young men were marched back to Bancroft Hall and outonto the terrace over the mess hall. 

"Halt! Break ranks!" commanded their instructor, Midshipman Cranthorpe. "You will now pay close heed and endeavor to learn rapidly. Mr. Darrin, step over here. "

Dave went forward, Midshipman Cranthorpe placing him. 

"The others will form in line of platoon front, using Mr. Darrinas their guide, " directed the young instructor. 

Then followed some rapid-fire drilling in dressing, facings, countingfours, marching and halting. The material in hand was excellent, or Midshipman Cranthorpe might have been in despair. 

Presently their instructor gave the order to break ranks, showingthe new men where to stand, up against the building, out of theway. Almost immediately a bugler sounded a call. Then the newmen were treated to a sight that made their blood dance. 

Out of Bancroft Hall hastily poured scores and scores of midshipmen, until nearly six hundred had assembled. These were the membersof the three upper classes. 

The brigade of midshipmen is divided into two battalions, eachof two divisions, six companies. The first and fourth companiesformed on the right of the first battalion, the seventh and tenthcompanies on the right of the second battalion. The divisionsformed with intervals of two paces between companies preparatoryto muster. Second call was sounded quickly on the bugle, immediatelyafter which the first petty officer of each company began brisklyto call the roll. Each man answered just loudly enough to beheard. While roll-call was going on company commanders steppedbriskly along inspecting their companies. 

As the muster of each company was completed the first petty officercommanded, "count off!"

"One, two, three, four! One, two, three four!" went the countalong each company line. Then the first petty officer of eachcompany wheeled about, saluted his company commander, and reported:

"Sir, all present or accounted for!"

Company commanders next corrected the alignment on the right centercompany of each line. 

Battalion commanders, seeing the divisions of their respectivebattalions aligned, faced about, while the battalion adjutantstook post to right and rear. The brigade adjutant then facedabout, saluted the brigade commander, reporting: "Sir, the brigadeis formed. "

Receiving the word from his superior, the brigade adjutant nextread the orders, after which he was ordered to take his post. 

While this was going on Midshipman Cranthorpe had formed his awkwardsquad to the rear, behind the first battalion. 

Now orders rang out crisply for battalion commanders to take charge. Thereupon each battalion commander marched his command in columnof squads into the mess hall; battalion commanders preceding theirbattalions, company commanders preceding their companies and thejunior officers of each company following the company. Last ofall came Midshipman Cranthorpe's awkward squad. 

And very awkward, indeed, these young men felt. Each had a burningconviction that he was being watched curiously by hundreds ofpairs of eyes. The new men might as well have saved themselvestheir worry. Barely an upper class man in the hall was payingany heed whatever to these self-conscious plebes. 

The meal, a mid-day dinner, was an excellent one. Few of thenew men, however, had any notion of what it consisted. 

Mess hall was left with almost the same amount of formality. In the short recreation period that followed the new men, painfullyconscious that their caps were the only part of the uniform theywore, were hurried away by Midshipman Cranthorpe. 

Now they were quickly assigned to the rooms that they would occupyduring their first year at the Naval Academy. 

The midshipmen are not roomed by classes. Instead, each is assignedto a company, and there are three companies to a division. Eachdivision occupies a floor in Bancroft Hall. It is not calleda "floor" but a "deck. " Dave and Dan were assigned to the armorywing of the lowest deck, on what was virtually the basement floorof Bancroft Hall, or would have been, but for the mess hall underneath. 

As far as wood work went it was a handsome room. When it cameto the matter of furniture it was plain enough. There was themain or study room. Off at either side was an alcove bedroom. There was also a closet in which stood a shower bath. The onewindow of the room looked over across the Academy grounds in thedirection of Academic Hall. 

A cadet petty officer from the first class briefly, crisply instructedthem concerning the care of their room, and their duties withinits walls. 

What followed that afternoon put the heads of the new midshipmenin a whirl. Afterwards they had a confused recollection of havingbeen marched to the tailor at the storekeeper's, where they weremeasured for uniforms, all of which are made to order. They recalledreceiving a thin, blue volume entitled "Regulations of the U. S. Naval Academy, " a book which they were advised by a first clansmaninstructor to "commit to memory. "

"In former days, in the old-time academy, there were somethingmore than six hundred regulations, " dryly remarked the cadet pettyofficer in charge of them. "In the new up-to-date Naval Academythere are now more than one thousand regulations. You are allexpected to appreciate this merciful decrease in the number ofthings you are required to remember. "

There were also two periods of drill, that afternoon, and what-notmore. 

Supper came as a merciful release. When the meal was over, whilemany of the upper class men remained outside in the warm Juneair, the plebes were ordered to go to their rooms and start inmaking themselves familiar with the thousand-and-more regulations. 

"Thank goodness they give us some time for light reading, " mutteredDan Dalzell, as he stalked into his room, hung up his uniformcap and sank into a chair. "Whew! What a day this has been!"

"I've rather enjoyed it, " murmured Dave, as he sank into the chairon the opposite side of the study table. 

"Huh! You have liberal ideas, then, about enjoyment. How manyhundred rules are you going to commit to memory tonight?

"I don't know, " returned Dave. "But I do know that my head isin a big whirl, and that I'm going to rest it for a few minutes. By the way, Dan, there's one thing I hope you remember. "

"What is that?" demanded Dalzell. 

"What did they tell us this lower deck was named?"

"Dunno, " grunted Dan. "But I have my own name for it. _I_ callit the pinochle deck. "

"I'm afraid that won't do to repeat, " laughed Dave. 

At that moment the handle of the door was turned. Five upperclass midshipmen entered, closing the door behind them. Thenthey stood there, glaring at the two poor plebes in "cit. " clothes. 

CHAPTER III

A TASTE OF HAZING

"Good evening, gentlemen, " nodded Dave pleasantly, as he roseand stood by the study table, waiting to hear the pleasure ofhis visitors. 

Dan Dalzell favored his callers with a nod, but remained seated, both hands thrust deep in his pockets. 

"Get up on your feet, mister!" ordered one of the midshipmen, so sternly that Dan obeyed like a shot. 

"Excuse me, " he began hastily. "I didn't know you came here inan official capacity. I thought--"

"Silence, mister!" commanded another of the visitors. Dan subsided. 

"What's your name, mister?" demanded the last speaker, as he favoredDave with his next glance. 

"Why, my name is Dave Darrin, " replied that plebe pleasantly. 

"Say 'sir, ' mister, when you address an upper class man. Whenasked your name, reply, 'Darrin, sir. '"

"Darrin, sir, " replied Dave promptly. 

"Stand at attention, both of you!" commanded another visitor. 

Both plebes obeyed. Now still another caller wheeled upon Dan. 

"What's your name, mister. "

"Dan Dalzell. "

"Dalzell--Sir!" thundered Dan's questioner. 

"Dalzell, sir, " Dan responded meekly enough. 

"It is plain enough that both of you plebes need a good deal ofpractice in the use of the word, sir. Therefore, in your nextanswers, you will be careful to employ 'sir' after each word thatyou utter in your reply. Mister, " to Dave, "what did you come tothe Naval Academy for?"

"To, sir, become, sir, a sir, Naval, sir, officer. Sir. "

"Very good, mister. Mister, " to Dalzell, "why did you come here?"

"For sir, the same pur--"

"Sir, sir, sir, sir!" interrupted the quizzer. "Now, try again, mister. "

"For, sir, the, sir, same, sir, purpose, sir. "

"Now, mister, " continued the quizzing visitor, transfixing Dalzellwith a look of tremendous sternness, "can you talk French?"

Dan's eyes twinkled briefly. 

"I don't know, sir. I never tried, sir, " replied Dalzell, in pretendedembarrassment. 

For a moment it looked as though Dan had turned the tables ofmischief upon his tormentors. His reply was so absurd that allof the upper class men, for a moment, betrayed signs of twitchingat the corners of their mouths. Then all of them conquered thedesire to laugh and returned to the inquest with added severity. The late questioner turned to one of his classmates, remarkingscornfully:

"_Touge!_"

"Very touge, indeed" replied the one addressed. 

A "touge" plebe, in Naval Academy parlance, is one who is wholly"fresh. "

"Mister, " continued Dan's quizzer, "we find you too full of levityfor one who intends to embrace the profession of quarter-decklounger. In our belief it will be necessary for you to let somenew ideas soak into your head. Mister, get your wash basin andfill it exactly half full of water. Remember, mister--neithera drop nor less than exactly half full. "

Dan's first impulse was to grin, his second to laugh. Yet somethingin the tone and look of the last speaker made "touge" Dalzellfeel that the simplest way out of difficulty would be for himto obey as carefully and speedily as he could. So, with a hurried"very good, sir, " Dalzell turned in quest of his basin. He broughtit, just about half full, for the inspection of his imperiousvisitor. 

"Place it there on the floor, beside the wall, " ordered the tormentor

Dan obeyed. 

"Now, mister, stand on your head in that water!"

Dan flushed hotly, for an instant. He even clenched his fists. Then, with a sudden rush of good sense to the head, he bent overto carry out the order that he had received. 

It was not as easy a feat as might be supposed, even for a ratherwell trained and hardened athlete like Dan Dalzell. 

He got his head into the bowl all right, and rested his handson the floor on either side of the bowl. It was when he triedto throw his feet up against the wall that he came to grief. His feet slid along the wall and came down to the floor again. 

Dan fell out of the bowl with a good deal of splash. 

"If, at first, you don't succeed, mister, " began Midshipman Trotter, who had constituted himself chief of the tormentors, "try, trysome more. "

"I'll make it, sir, " responded Dan cheerily, and his very manner, now, inclined his tormentors to go a little more lightly with him. 

At the third trial, with his eyes closed, just below the level ofthe water, Dalzell succeeded in standing very solidly on his head. 

The upper class men, who were all third class men, or "youngsters"as they are unofficially termed, watched the performance withinterest. 

"Rather well done, for a beginner, " commented Midshipman Trotter. "As you were, mister. "

Dan, unfortunately, tried to be a bit "smart. " He made a halfsomersault forward, trying to spring up on his feet. He fellback, however, and sat down squarely in what was left of the water. 

"Never mind a little wet, mister, " advised Midshipman Trotter, with a very serious face. "We always rate a man as highly awkward, however, if he breaks the washbowl. "

"Which one of you is the better athlete?" suddenly asked MidshipmanHarris. 

Neither chum intended to be caught, by this crowd, as wantingin modesty. 

"He is, sir, " replied Dan, with great promptness, nodding towardDarrin. 

"Dalzell is, sir, " contended Dave. 

"In view of this conflicting testimony, we shall have to settlethe question by actual test, " replied Mr. Trotter. "Mister, "to Dan, "bale out your boat. "

From the nod which accompanied this command Dalzell understoodthat he was to empty the water from his wash basin so he promptlyobeyed. 

"Mister, " to Darrin, "launch your boat on this water here. "

Plainly the "water" signified the floor. Dave brought out hisown wash basin with alacrity. Under further orders the chumsplaced their bowls about four feet apart. 

"Here, " announced Midshipman Trotter, taking two toothpicks froma pocket, "are a pair of oars. "

Dave Darrin received the toothpicks with a grin. 

"And here are your oars, mister, " supplemented Mr. Trotter, handinganother pair of toothpicks to Dan Dalzell. 

At this instant a faint knock was heard at the door, which openedimmediately after. 

"Got a pair of beasts at work, fellows?" asked a voice. "Hereare some more young admirals who need a little help. "

Four new midshipmen, in the custody of three youngsters, now steppedinto the room and the door was closed. 

"Bender's in charge of the floor tonight, you know, " nodded oneof the newly-arrived youngsters, "and Bender's duty-crazy. Besides, he belongs to the second class, and hardly admits that we're alive. "

On each floor a midshipman is detailed to be in charge throughthe evening. He is responsible for discipline on his floor, andmust report all breaches of the rules. A midshipman who wishesto stand well with his comrades may, when in charge of the floor, conveniently fail to see a good many minor breaches of discipline. When the man in charge of the floor reports all breaches thatcome to his notice he is said to be duty-crazy. He is also chargedwith "trying to make his mark in grease. " "Grease" is high standingon the efficiency report. As a rule the man who stands well in"grease" stands somewhat lower in general popularity. 

Midshipman Bender, second class, was, at this time, regarded asone of the worst "greasers" of all. 

"What's on?" inquired Midshipman Hayes, one of the newcomers inthe room. "Tub race?"

"No, sir; fast spurt in single-pair shells, " replied MidshipmanTrotter impressively. 

"Whew! You've caught some real athletes, have you?"

"That's what we want to find out, " responded Mr. Trotter. "Now, then, misters, we warn you against approaching this noble sportin any spirit of levity! You are not to think that this workis for your own amusement, or for anyone else's. You must tryyourselves out fairly and squarely. Our purpose is to find outwhich is the better oarsman, and also which rows with the morefinish. Take your seats in your craft. "

Dave and Dan seated themselves, with all possible gravity, in theirrespective wash basins. 

"Up oars!" commanded Mr. Trotter. 

As neither plebe knew just what was meant by this command theyhad to be shown how to sit holding their "oars" straight up inthe air. 

"Let fall!"

This time the two new men guessed fairly well. They went throughthe motions of allowing their toothpick oars to fall into row-locks. 

"Now, at the outset, take your strokes from my count, " directedMr. Trotter. "One, two three, four, five, six, seven--"

And so on. It was all ludicrously absurd, to see Dave and Danbending to their tasks as seriously as though they were rowingreal craft with actual oars. 

One of the visiting plebes was stupid enough to giggle. 

"Go over and stand by the window in arrest, mister, " ordered MidshipmanHayes. "You shall be tried later!"

Then the "boat race" continued. It soon proved to be more thanabsurd; it was decidedly fatiguing. Both Dave and Dan found thattheir strained positions, and the motions required of them, madebacks and shoulders ache. Their legs, too, began to suffer fromcramp. 

It was not until both showed signs of decided weariness that therace was brought to an end. 

Then the cadet who had giggled was called forward, ordered tohalf fill one of the washbowls and to stand on his head in it. 

While this was going on there was not a smile from anyone. Fromthe serious faces of all this might have been one of the mostimportant bits of drill in the whole course at the Academy. 

Dave, however, made the best impression upon the youngsters. All the other new men came sooner or later, to the ordeal of standingon their heads in the wet bowl, but Dave seemed destined to escape. 

The rowing was carried on until all of the youngsters had tiredof this sport. 

"Fall in, in platoon front, " directed Midshipman Trotter. 

The six plebes, solemn as owls, stood up in line, "dressing" theirline carefully. 

"Now, attend me carefully, " cautioned Mr. Trotter, sweeping astern glance down the line of plebes. "I am about to tell youa bit of the day's news from over in Sleepy Hollow, which placeis known to Maryland geographers as the village of Annapolis. You must attend me with extreme care, for, after I have narratedthe news, I shall question you concerning it. Do you follow me, misters?"

"Yes, sir, " came in a chorus. 

"You need not answer quite as loudly, " warned Midshipman Trotter, sending a backward look over his shoulder at the door. "Now, then, the police over in Sleepy Hol--Annapolis--today learnedthe details of a yellow tragedy. Some weeks ago three Chinamencame to town and opened a clean--I mean, a new--laundry. Duringthe last week, however, the public noted that the door leadingfrom the office to the rear room was always closed. You followme?"

"Yes, sir, " came in an almost whispered chorus. 

"Finally, " continued Mr. Trotter, "one customer, more curiousthan the others, reported his observations to the police. Todaythe Johnny Tinplates made a raid on the place. A most curiousstate of affairs came to light. So--but is this tangled taleclear to you all as far as I have gone?"

"Yes, sir, " came the whispered chorus. 

"What the police learned, " went on Mr. Trotter, in a voice thatnow sounded slightly awestruck, "was this: a week ago the threeChinese partners had a serious row. They quarreled, then fought. Two of the yellow partners killed the third! And now, a seriousproblem confronted the two survivors of that misunderstanding. What was to be done with the remains of the unsuccessful disputant?"

Midshipman Trotter looked at each of the wondering plebes in turn. It looked as though he were asking the question of them. 

"I don't know, sir, " admitted Dan Dalzell, at the left of the line. 

"I don't know, sir, " admitted the man next to Dan. So it wentdown the line, until Dave Darrin, at the further end, had admittedhimself to be as much in the dark as were the others. 

"Then, listen, " resumed Mr. Trotter impressively. "The Chinese, being descended from a very ancient civilization, are not onlyvery ingenious but also very thrifty. They were burdened withtwo hundred pounds of evidence on the premises. In their extremitythe two survivors cut up their late partner, cooked him, and disposedof the flesh at meal times. "

From the gravity of the narrator's expression he appeared to bereciting a wholly true story. 

"Now, then, " rasped out Midshipman Trotter, "that being the stateof affairs at the laundry--_what was the telephone number_?"

Trotter's gaze was fixed on Dan Dalzell's face almost accusingly. 

"How the--" began startled Dan gruffly. Then, instantly realizingthat he was making a mistake, he broke in hastily:

"Beg your pardon, sir, but I don't understand how to get at thetelephone number. "

"You try, mister, " ordered Midshipman Trotter, turning to theplebe next to Dalzell. 

"I can't solve the problem, sir. "

So it ran, straight down the line, each confessing his ignorance, until finally Mr. Trotter glared at Dave Darrin. 

"Come, come, mister, from the very exact narrative that I havegiven, can't you deduce the telephone number of that laundry?"

"Yes, sir; I think so, " answered Darrin, with a slight smile. 

"Ah! Then there's a man in the squad who is more than a meresaphead. Let us have the telephone number, mister!

"Two-ate-one-John, " replied Dave promptly. 

This was the correct answer. Dave had heard that "gag" before. 

"Mister, " beamed Mr. Trotter, "I congratulate you. You are nomollycoddle. Your head is not over-fat, but somewhat stockedwith ideas. As soon as you have soaked in a few more ideas youwill be fit to associate with the young gentlemen at thissailor-factory. You may, therefore, take the washbowl, fill ithalf full of ideas, and stand on your head in them until they havesoaked well in!"

Poor Dave, his face flushed crimson, could have dropped in hishumiliation at having thus fallen into the trap. But he startedmanfully for the washbowl, which he half filled with water. Meanwhilethe other five plebes were choking. They could have screamedin their glee--had they dared!

Placing the bowl where ordered, Dave bent down to his knees, immersingthe top of his head in the water. 

With hands on opposite sides of the bowl he balanced his feet, preparatory to hoisting them into place against the wall. 

"Up oars!" commanded Mr. Hayes dryly. 

From one of the visiting plebes came an incautious giggle. Mr. Hayes turned and marked his man with a significant stare thatmade the unfortunate giggler turn red and white in turn with alarm. 

At the order, "up oars, " Dave Darrin sent his feet aloft. Byrare good luck he succeeded the first time trying. 

There he remained, his head in the bowl of water, his feet restingagainst the wall. 

Just at this moment, though, the sound of trouble was in the air, even if it reached interested ears but faintly. 

A step was heard in the corridor outside. There was a faint knock. 

The upper class midshipmen knew on the instant what the knockmeant--and so indeed did Dave Darrin. 

CHAPTER IV

THE "YOUNGSTERS" WHO BECAME "SPOONS ON"

It was a most critical moment in the life histories of severalyoung men who had grown to consider themselves as future officersin the United States Navy!

Such a man as Midshipman Bender was certain to report any formof hazing he detected. 

Now, the usual punishment meted out to hazers at either Annapolis orWest Point is dismissal from the service!

True, this was not brutal hazing, but merely the light form ofthe sport known as "running" the new man. 

Nevertheless, "all hazing looks alike" to the public, when postedby the newspapers, and the Naval Academy authorities deal severelywith even "running. "

So, for all of the "youngsters, " or third class men, who had beenconducting the evening's festivities, all the elements of trouble, and perhaps of dismissal, were at hand. 

But Dave Darrin had been the first to hear the soft approach offootsteps, and somehow, he had guessed at the meaning of it all. 

Just in the fraction of a second before the knock had soundedat the door Dave had made a fine handspring that brought him fromhis topsy-turvy attitude to a position of standing on his feet. And, at the same time, he held the washbowl in his hand withouthaving spilled a drop of the water. Like a flash Dave few acrossthe room, depositing the bowl where it belonged. With a towelhe wiped his hair, then swiftly mopped his face dry. Hair brushand comb in hand, he turned, saving:

"Why, I suppose, gentlemen, Dalzell and myself were very fairathletes in the High School sense of the word. But it's a longjump from that to aspiring to the Navy football team. Of coursewe'll turn out for practice, if you wish, but--"

At this moment, Lieutenant Bender, the "duty-crazy" one, thrustthe door open. 

Here Dave, on his way to the mirror, hairbrush and comb in hand, halted as though for the first time aware of the accusing presenceof Bender, midshipman in charge of the floor for the day. 

"Uh-hum!" choked Midshipman Bender more confused, even, than hehad expected the others to be. 

"Looks like rather good material, doesn't he, Bender?" inquiredMr. Trotter. "Green, of course, and yet--"

"I didn't come here to discuss Navy athletics, " replied MidshipmanBender. 

"Oh, an official visit--is that it?" asked shipman Hayes, favoringthe official visitor with a baby-stare. "As it is past graduation, and there are no evening study hours, there is no regulation againstvisiting in the rooms of other members of the brigade. "

"No, " snapped Mr. Bender, "there is not. "

Saying this the midshipman in charge turned on his heel and leftthe room. 

An instant after the door had closed the lately scared youngstersexpressed themselves by a broad grin, which deepened to a verydecided chuckle as Mr. Bender's footsteps died away. 

"Mister, " cried Midshipman Trotter, favoring Darrin with a glanceof frank friendliness, "do you know that you saved us from frappingthe pap hard?"

"And that perhaps you've saved us from bilging?" added MidshipmanHayes. 

"I'm such a greenhorn about the Navy, sir, that I am afraid Idon't follow you in the least, sir, " Darrin replied quietly. 

Then they explained to him that the "pap" is the conduct report, and that "to frap" is to hit. To "frap the pap" means to "getstuck on" the conduct report for a breach of discipline. A "bilger"is one who is dropped from the service, or who is turned backto the class below. 

"I judged that there was some trouble coming sir, " Dave confessed, "and I did the best that I could. It was good luck on my part thatI was able to be of service to you. "

"Good luck, eh?" retorted Midshipman Trotter. "Third class men, fall in!"

As the "youngsters" lined up Mr. Trotter, standing at the rightof the line, asked coaxingly:

"Mister, will you be condescending enough to pass down the lineand shake hands with each of us?"

Flushing modestly, but grinning, Dave did as asked--or directed. 

"Mister, " continued Midshipman Trotter impressively, "we findourselves very close to being 'spoons on' you. "

For a youngster to be "spoons on" a new fourth classman meansfor the former to treat the latter very nearly as though he werea human being. 

"Now, you green dandelions may go, " suggested Mr. Trotter, turningto the four "visiting" plebes. 

As soon as this had come about Trotter turned to Dave Darrin. 

"Mister, we humble representatives of the third class are goingto show you the only sign of appreciation within our power. Weare going to invite you to stroll down the deck and visit us inour steerage. Your roommate is invited to join us. "

Dave and Dan promptly accepted, with becoming appreciation. Allof the youngsters escorted Dave and Dan down the corridor toMidshipman Trotter's room. 

In the course of the next hour the youngsters told these new midshipmenmuch about the life at the Naval Academy that it would otherwisehave taken the two plebes long to have found out for themselves. 

They were initiated into much of the slang language that the oldermidshipmen use when conversing together. Many somewhat obscurepoints in the regulations were made clear to them. 

Lest the reader may wonder why new fourth class men should tamelysubmit to hazing or "running, " when the regulations of the NavalAcademy expressly prohibit these upper class sports, it may beexplained that the midshipmen of the brigade have their own internaldiscipline. 

A new man may very easily evade being hazed, if he insists upon it. 

His first refusals will be met with challenges to fight. If hecontinues to refuse to be "hazed" or "run, " he will soon findhimself ostracized by all of the upper class men. Then his ownclassmates will have to "cut" him, or they, too, will be "cut. "The man who is "cut" may usually as well resign from the NavalAcademy at once. His continued stay there will become impossiblewhen no other midshipman will recognize him except in dischargeof official duties. 

The new man at Annapolis, if he has any sense at all, will quietlyand cheerfully submit to being "run. " This fate falls upon everynew fourth class man, or nearly so. The only fourth class manwho escapes bring "run" is the one who is considered as beingbeneath notice. Unhappy, indeed, is the plebe whom none of theyoungsters above him will consent to haze. And frequent it happensthat the most popular man in an upper class is one who, whilein the fourth class, was the most unmercifully hazed. 

Often a new man at the Naval Academy arrives with a firm resolutionto resist all attempts at running or hazing. He considers himselfas good as any of the upper class men, and is going to insist onuniformly good treatment from the upper class men. 

If this be the new man's frame of mind he is set down as being"ratey. "

But often the new man arrives with a conviction that he will haveto submit to a certain amount of good-natured hazing by his classelders. Yet this man, from having been spoiled more or less athome, is "fresh. " In this case he is called only "touge. "

Hence it is a far more hopeful sign to be "touge" than to be "ratey. "

The new man who honestly tries to be neither "touge" nor "ratey, "and who has a sensible resolve to submit to tradition, is sometimestermed "almost sea-going. "

Dave Darrin was promptly recognized as being "almost sea-going. "He would need but little running. 

Dan Dalzell, on the other hand, was soon listed as being "touge, "though not "ratey. "

CHAPTER V

INVITED TO JOIN THE "FRENCHERS"

Within the nest few days several things happened that were ofimportance to the new fourth class men. 

Other candidates arrived, passed the surgeons, and were sworn intoNaval service. 

Many of the young men who had passed the surgeons, and who hadgone through the dreary, searching ordeals over in grim old AcademicHall, had now become members of the new fourth class. 

As organized, the new fourth class started off with two hundredand twenty-four members--numerically a very respectable battalion. 

At the outset, while supplied only with midshipmen's caps, andwhile awaiting the "building" of their uniforms, these new midshipmenwere drilled by some of the members of the upper classes. 

This state of affairs, however, lasted but very briefly. Graduationbeing past, the members of the three upper classes were ratherpromptly embarked on three of the most modern battleships of theNavy and sent to sea for the summer practice cruise. 

The night before embarkation Midshipman Trotter looked in brieflyupon Dave Darrin and his roommate. 

"Well, mister, " announced the youngster, with a paternal smile, "somehow you'll have to get on through the rest of the summerwithout us. "

"It will be a time of slow learning for us, sir, " responded Darrin, rising. 

"Your summer will henceforth be restful, if not exactly instructive, "smiled Trotter. "In the absence of personal guidance, mister, strive as far as you can to reach the goal of being sea going. "

"I'll try, sir. "

"You won't have such hard work as your roommate, " went on Trotter, favoring Dalzell with a sidelong look. "And, now, one partingbit of advice, mister. Keep it at all times in mind that youmust keep away from demoralizing association with the forty per cent. "

Statistics show that about forty per cent of the men who enterthe U. S. Naval Academy fail to get through, and are sent backinto civil life. Hence the joy of keeping with the winning "sixty. "

The next morning the members of the three upper classes had embarkedaboard the three big battleships that lay at anchor in the Severn. It was not until two days afterwards that the battleships sailed, but the upper class men did not come ashore in the interval. 

Soon after the delivery of uniforms to the new fourth class menbegan and continued rapidly. 

Dave and Dan, having been among the first to have their measuretaken, were among the earliest to receive their new Naval clothing. 

A tremendously proud day it was for each new midshipman when hefirst surveyed himself, in uniform, in the mirror!

The regular summer course was now on in earnest for the new men. 

On Mondays those belonging to the first and second divisions marcheddown to the seamanship building, there to get their first lessonsin seamanship. This began at eight o'clock, lasting until 9. 30. During the same period the men who belonged to the third andfourth divisions received instruction in discipline and ordnance. In the second period, from 10 to 11. 30 the members of the firstand second division attended instruction in discipline and ordnancewhile the members of the third and fourth divisions attended seamanship. 

In the afternoon, from 3 to 4. 45, the halves of the class alternatedbetween seamanship and marine engineering. 

All instruction proceeded with a rapidity that made the headsof most of these new midshipmen whirl! From 5 to 6 on the sameafternoon the entire fourth class attended instruction in theart of swimming--and no midshipman hope to graduate unless heis a fairly expert swimmer!

Wednesday and Saturday afternoons were devoted to athletics andrecreation. 

A midshipman does not have his evenings for leisure. On the firstfive evenings of each week, while one half of the class went tothe gymnasium, the other half indulged in singing drill in RecreationHall. 

"What's the idea of making operatic stars out of us?" grumbledDan to his roommate on day. 

"You always seem to get the wrong impression about everything, Danny boy, " retorted Darrin, turning to his roommate with aquizzical smile. "The singing drill isn't given with a view tofitting you to sing in opera. "

"What, then?" insisted Dan. 

"You are learning to sing, my dear boy, so that, later on, you willbe able to deliver your orders from a battleship's bridge in anagreeable voice. "

"If my voice on the bridge is anything like the voice I developin Recreation Hall, " grimaced Dalzell, "it'll start a mutiny rightthen and there. "

"Then you don't expect sailors of the Navy to stand for the kindof voice that is being developed in you in Recreation Hall?" laughedDarrin. 

"Sailors are only human, " grumbled Dalzell. 

The rowing work, in the big ten-oared cutters proved one of the mostinteresting features of the busy summer life of the new men. 

More than half of these fourth class midshipmen had been accustomedto rowing boats at home. The work at Annapolis, however, they foundto be vastly different. 

The cutter is a fearfully heavy boat. The long Naval oar issurprisingly full of avoirdupois weight. True, a midshipman has tohandle but one oar, but it takes him many, many days to learn how todo that properly. 

Yet, as August came and wore along, the midshipmen found themselvesbecoming decidedly skilful in the work of handling the heavy cutters, and in handling boats under sail. 

Competitive work and racing were encouraged by the Navy officers whohad charge of this instruction. 

Each boat was under the direct command of a midshipman who servedas crew captain, with thirteen other midshipmen under him as crew. 

When the post of crew captain fell to Dan Dalzell he embarkedhis crew, gave the order to shove off and let fall oars, and gotaway in good style. 

Then, leaning indolently back Dan grinned luxuriously. 

"This is the post I'm cut out for, " he murmured, so that stroke-oarheard him and grinned. 

Yet, as "evil communications corrupt good manners, " Dan's attitudewas reflected in his crew of classmates. The cutter was mannedbadly at that moment. 

"Mr. Dalzell!" rasped out the voice of Lieutenant Fenton, theinstructor, from a near-by boat. 

Dan straightened up as though shot. But the Navy officer's voicecontinued sternly:

"Sit up in a more seamanlike manner. Pay close attention to thework of your boat crew. Be alert for the best performance ofduty in the boat that you command. For your inattention, andworse, of a moment ago, Mr. Dalzell, you will put yourself onthe conduct report. "

The next morning, at breakfast formation, Dan's name was readfrom the "pap. " He had been given five demerits. This was belowthe gravity of his offense, but he had been let off lightly thefirst time. 

"You've got to stick to duty, and keep it always in mind, " Darrinadmonished his chum. "I don't intend to turn preachy, Dan; butyou'll surely discover that the man who lets his indolence orsense of fun get away with him is much better off out of the NavalAcademy. "

"Pooh! A lot of the fellows have frapped the pap, " retorted Dalzell. "Demerits don't do any harm, unless you get enough of 'em to causeyou to be dropped. "

"Well, if there is no higher consideration, " argued Dave, "atleast you must remember that the number of demerits fixes yourconduct grade. If you want such liberties and privileges as areallowed to new midshipmen, you'll have to keep your name away fromthe pap. "

"Humph! Setting your course toward the grease mark are you?"jeered Dan. 

"Think it over!" urged Dave Darrin patiently. 

Before August was over the new fourth class men marched "likeveterans. " They had mastered all the work of drill, marching andparade, and felt that they could hold their own in the brigade whenthe upper class men returned. 

On the 28th of August the three big battleships were sighted comingup the bay in squadron formation. A little more than an hourlater they rode at anchor. 

It was not, however, until the 30th of August that the upper classmenwere disembarked. 

August 31 was devoted to manifold duties, including the hurriedpacking of light baggage, for now the members of the three upperclasses were to enjoy a month's leave of absence before the beginningof the academic year on October 1. 

Then, like a whirlwind mob, and clad in their "cit. " clothes, theupper class men got away on that hurried, frenzied leave. 

There was no leave, however, for the new midshipmen. 

In lieu of leave, through the month of September, the new fourthclass men spent the time, each week-day, from ten o'clock untilnoon, at the "Dago Department, " as the Department of Modern Languagesis termed. 

Here they made their start in French. 

"When Trotter comes back, " muttered Dan, "if he asks me whetherI can talk French, I'll tell him that I've tried, and now I knowI can't. "

It was the last night before the upper classmen were due back fromtheir leave. 

Dave and Dan were in their room, poring hard over French, whena light tap sounded on the door. 

Right on top of the tap Midshipman Farley, fourth class, enteredon tiptoe, closing the door behind him. 

This accomplished, Farley dropped his air of stealth, strollingover to the study desk. 

"There's a nice little place in town--you know, Purdy's, " beganFarley significantly. 

"I've heard of it as an eating place, " responded Darrin. 

"It's more than that, " returned Farley, smacking his lips. "It'san ideal place for a banquet. "

"I accept your word for it, " smiled Dave. 

"I don't ask you to, Darrin, " grinned Farley. "Like any honestman I'm prepared to prove all I say. Purdy has received--byunderground telegraph--orders to prepare a swell feast for eight. It's to be ready at eleven tonight. We had the eight all madeup, but two fellows have flunked cold. We're to French it overthe wall tonight, leaving here a few minutes after taps. Are you on?"

Farley's enthusiastic look fell upon the face of Dalzell. 

"I'm on!" nodded Dan

"No; you're not" broke in Dave quietly. 

"I'm afraid I must disagree with you, little David, " murmured Dan. 

"Oysters, clams, fish--watermelon!" tempted Midshipman Farley. 

"Um-yum!" grunted Dan, his eyes rolling. 

"Then you're with us, Dalzell?" insisted Farley. 

"Well, rather--"

"--not!" interjected Dave Darrin with emphasis. 

"Now, what are you butting in for, you greasy greaser?" demandedFarley, giving Dave a contemptuous glance. "Maybe you won't joinus, and maybe we'd just as soon not have as greasy a midshipmanas you at the festive board, but Dalzell isn't tied to your apronstrings, are you, Dalzell?"

"No; he's not, " replied Darrin, speaking for his chum. "Dalzellwill speak for himself, if he insists. But he and I have beenchums these many years, and we've often given each other goodadvice in trying or tempting times. Dalzell will go with you, if he cares to, for he already knows all that I have to say onthe subject. "

"You've had your nose stuck down deep in the grease-pot ever sinceyou struck Annapolis!" cried Farley angrily. "I hope you bilge, Darrin; with all my heart I hope you bilge soon. We don't needa mollycoddle like you here in the Naval Academy!"

"Isn't that about all you want to say?" demanded Dave, lookingup with a frown. 

"No; it's not half what I have to say, " cried Farley hotly. "Darrin, your kind of fellow is a disgrace to the Naval service! You'rea sneak--that's what--"

"You may stop, right there!" frowned Darrin, rising from his chair. 

"I'll stop when I'm proper ready!" retorted Farley hotly. 

"If you don't stop right now, you'll finish while engaged in landingon your ear in the hall outside!" warned Dave, stepping forward. 

There was a new look in Darrin's usually patient eyes. It wasa look Farley hadn't seen there before, and it warned the hot-headedmidshipman that he was in danger of going too far. 

"Oh, fudge on you, Darrin!" jeered Farley, turning on his heel. "Going to be with us, Dalzell?

"No, " replied Dan promptly. "I never travel with the enemies ofmy friends. "

"Greasers, both of you!" flung back the caller, and left them. 

"If that fellow had talked an hour longer I believe I might havelost my patience, " smiled Darrin, as he turned back to his desk. "But I'm glad you're not with that outfit tonight Danny boy. It may turn out a big scrape. "

"Why should it turn out a big scrape. " demanded Dan. 

"Oh, you never can tell, " replied Darrin, as he picked up hisbook. 

Farley did not succeed in getting two more midshipmen to joinin the Frenching. Twenty minutes after taps, however, the originalsix of the fourth class slipped out of Bancroft Hall. 

Slyly they made their way to where they had a board hidden nearthe wall of the Academy grounds. 

One at a time, and swiftly, they went up this board, and overthe wall. 

At Purdy's they found a meal to tempt the most whimsical appetite. The meal over they spent much time in singing and story-telling. 

It was nearly two in the morning when Farley and his fellow feasterstried to get back into the grounds, over the wall. 

They got over the wall, all right, but only to fall into the handsof one of the watchmen, who seemed to have known exactly whereto expect their return. 

All six were reported to the officer in charge. At breakfastformation Midshipmen Farley, Oates, Scully, Brimmer, Henkel andPage were assigned fifty demerits each for unauthorized absenceduring the night. 

Farley and his friends were furious. More, they were talkative. 

Had Dave Darrin been less occupied that day he would have notedthat many of his classmates avoided him. 

Dan did notice, and wondered, without speaking of the matter. 

That day all the upper class men returned, and Bancroft Hall hummedfor a while with the bustle of the returning hundreds. 

Just before the dinner formation Youngster Trotter encounteredDave in the corridor. 

"Hullo, mister!" was Trotter's greeting, and the youngster actuallyheld out his hand. 

"I hope you had a mighty pleasant leave, sir, " replied Dave, returningthe handclasp. 

"Passably pleasant, passably, mister, " returned Midshipman Trotter. "But see here, mister, what's this about you and your class thatI've heard?

"Nothing, so far as I know, sir, " replied Dave, scanning the youngster'sface closely. 

"It must be more than nothing, " returned Trotter. "I understandthat more than half of your class are furious with you over somethingthat happened last night. I've heard you called a sneak, mister, though I don't believe that for a single minute. But I've heardmutterings to the effect that your class will send you to coventryfor excessive zeal in greasing, to the detriment of your classmates. What about it all, mister?"

Dave Darrin gazed at the youngster with eyes full of wonder. 

"What about it?" repeated Dave. "That's the very thing I'd like toknow, sir, for this is the very first word I've heard of it. "

Nor could Midshipman Trotter doubt that Dave Darrin had answeredin all sincerity. 

"Well, you certainly must be innocent, mister, if you're as puzzledas all this, " replied the youngster. "Then it must be that maliciousmischief is brewing against you in some quarter. Take my advice, mister, and find out what it all means. "

"Thank you. I most certainly will, sir, " replied Dave, his eyesflashing. 

CHAPTER VI

DAVE PASSES THE LIE

Dalzell looked up wonderingly as Darrin marched swiftly into theirroom. 

"Danny boy, have you heard any talk against me today?" demandedDave. 

"Do I look as though I had been fighting?" queried Dan promptly. 

"I've just heard, from Trotter, that a good many of the fellowsin our class are scorching me, and talking of sending me to coventry. Will you--"

"I sure will, " broke in Dan, dropping his book, rising and snatchingat his cap. "I'll be back as soon as I've heard something, or havesettled with the fellow who says it. "

Dan was out of the room like a flash. 

Dave sat down heavily in his chair, his brow wrinkling as he triedto imagine what it all meant. 

"It must all be a mistake that Trotter has made, " argued Davewith himself. "Of course, Trotter might be stringing me, butI don't believe he would do that. Now, to be sure, I came nearto having words with Farley last night, but that wouldn't be thebasis for any action by the fourth class. That, if anything, would be wholly a personal matter. Then what am I accused ofdoing? It must be some fierce sort of lie when the fellows talkof taking it up as a class matter. "

For ten minutes more Dave puzzled and pondered over the problem. Then the door flew open and Dan bolted hastily in. 

"You haven't been hitting anyone have you? asked Dave, noticingthe flushed, angry face of his chum. 

"No! But one of us will have to do some hitting soon, " burst hotlyfrom Dalzell. 

"It'll be my hit, then, I guess, " smiled Dave wearily. "Haveyou found out--"

"Dave it's the most absurd sort of lie! You know that Farleyand his little crowd got caught last night, when they returnedfrom their Frenching party over the wall?"

"Frenching" is taking unauthorized leave from the academic limitsby going over the wall, instead of through the gate. 

"Yes; I know Farley and his friends got caught, " rejoined Darrin. "But what has that to do with me?

"Farley and his friends are sore--"

"They ought not to be, " said Darrin quietly. "They took the chance, and now they ought to be ready to pay up like good sportsmen. "

"Dave, _they say you informed on them, and got them caught!_"

"What?" shouted Darrin, leaping to his feet. His face was deathlywhite and the corners of his mouth twitched. 

He took two bounding steps toward the door, but Dalzell threwhimself in his chum's way. 

"Not just this minute, Dave!" ordered Dan firmly. "We don't wantany manslaughter here--not even of the 'justifiable' kind!Sit and wait until you've cooled off--some. When you go outI'm going with you--whether it's out into the corridor, or outof the Naval Academy for good. Sit down, now! Try to talk itover coolly, and get yourself into a frame of mind where you cantalk with others without prejudicing your case. "

"My case?" repeated Dave bitterly, as he allowed Dan to forcehim back into his chair. "I haven't any case. I haven't doneanything. "

"I know that, but you've got to get cool, and stay so, if you wantto make sure that others have a chance to know it, " warned Dan. 

"Does Farley say that I sneaked in information against him?"

"Farley and the others are so sore over their demerits that theybelieve almost anything, now, and they say almost anything. Ofcourse, Farley remembers the row he had with you last night. In a fool way he puts two and two together, an decides that youhelped set the trap for them. "

"If I had done a dirty thing like that, then I'd deserve to becut by the whole brigade, " retorted Dave, his face flushing. 

"But I want to tell you, right now, Dave, that some of the fellowsof our class know you too well to believe any such thing against you. "

"I'm properly grateful to the few, then, " retorted Darrin, his eyessoftening a trifle. "But come along, Dan, if you will. I mean tostart in at once to sift this thing down. "

"Let me look at you, " ordered Dalzell, grappling with his chum, and looking him over. 

Then, a moment later, Dan added:

"Yes; you're cool enough, I think. I'll go with you. But rememberthat the easiest way to destroy yourself is to let your temperget on top. If anybody is to get mad before the crowd, let medo it. Then you can restrain me if I get too violent. "

Dave Darrin took his uniform cap down from the nail and put iton with great deliberation. Next, he picked up his whisk broom, flecking off two or three imaginary specks of dust. 

"Now, I guess we can go along, Danny boy, " he remarked, in a toneof ominous quietness. 

"Where are you headed?" murmured Dalzell, as they reached theroom door. 

"To Farley's room, " answered Dave Darrin coolly. "Do you supposehe's there?"

"He was, a few moments ago" Dan answered. 

"Then let us hope he is now. "

Carrying himself with his most erect and military air, Darrinstepped down the corridor, Dalzell keeping exactly at his side. 

The chums arrived before the door of the room in which Farley waslodged. 

Dave raised his hand, sounding a light knock on the door, whichhe next pushed open. 

Farley and a dozen other members of the fourth class were in theroom. Moreover, it was evident instantly that some of those presentwere discussing the burning class issue. 

"But are you sure he did it? Farley?" one midshipman inquired, as the chums entered. 

"Sure?" repeated Farley. "Of course I am! Didn't I tell you whata hot row we had. Darrin--"

"I'm here to speak for myself, Farley, " boomed in the quiet, steadyvoice of Dave Darrin. "But I'll hear you first, if you wish. "

"Oh, you're here, are you?" cried Farley hotly, wheeling abouton the visitors. 

Some of the other fourth class men present turned and glancedcoldly at the two last-comers. Others looked on with eager curiosity. 

"I've heard, " announced Darrin, "that you are saying some thingsabout me that don't sound well. So I've come to ask you what youare saying. "

"I won't keep you waiting, " jeered Farley. "You know, from hearingmorning orders, that six of us were given fifty demerits apiece. "

"For going over the wall to a late supper in town, " nodded Dave. 

"You wouldn't go with us, " continued Farley angrily, "and gaveus a greaser's talk-fest instead. "

"I didn't advise you against going, " responded Dave, standingwith his arms folded, utterly cool as he eyed his accuser. 

"Then, after we went, some one went and wised the powers, " chargedFarley. "Now, no one but a most abandoned greaser would do that. "

To "wise the powers" is to give information to the Naval officers. 

"The fellow who would wilfully tell on you would be worse thanwhat you term a greaser, " agreed Dave. 

"Careful, " warned Farley ironically. "You know who told, or whocaused the wise word to leak to the powers. "

"I don't, " Dave denied bluntly. 

"You're the sneak, yourself!" cried Farley angrily. 

"I am not, " spoke Dave, with clear denial. 

"Do you mean to say I lie?" demanded Midshipman Farley threateningly, as he took a step forward. 

"Do you deliberately state that I informed upon you, or causedyou to be informed upon?" demanded Dave Darrin. 

"Yes, I do!

"Then you lie!" returned Darrin promptly. 

With a suppressed yell Farley sprang at Darrin, and the latterstruck out quickly. 

CHAPTER VII

ON THE FIELD OF THE CODE

Midshipman Farley had the bad judgment to stop that blow withthe side of his neck. 

Across the room he spun, going down in a heap, his head underthe study table. 

Dave Darrin looked on with a cool smile, while Farley lay therefor an instant, then scrambled out and up onto his feet. 

But two or three other new midshipmen sprang in between Dave andhis accuser. 

"We can't have a fight here, Farley, " urged two or three in thesame breath. 

"Let me at the sneak!" sputtered Farley who was boiling over withrage. 

"Yes; let him at me, " voiced Dave coolly, "and I'll send him intothe middle of next term!"

But three of the midshipmen clung to Farley, who furiously strove tofling them off. 

"Let me at him!" insisted the accuser. "He struck me. "

"You struck at him first, and didn't land, " replied one of thepeacemakers. "You go on with a fight here, and you'll bring theofficer in charge down on us all. Farley, if you feel you'vea grievance you are privileged to take recourse to the regularcode in such matters. "

"The fellow has lied about me, and I'm ready to settle it withhim now, or outside by appointment, " broke in Dave, speaking ascoolly as before. 

"He calls me 'fellow' and 'liar, '" panted Farley, turning white. "Do you think I can stand that?

"You don't have to, " replied one of those who held Farley back. "Send Darrin a challenge, in the regular way. "

"I will!" panted Midshipman Farley. "And I'll hammer him all overand out of the meeting-place!"

"Then it's settled for a challenge, " interposed Dan Dalzell. "That will suit us all right. We'll be ready whenever the challengecomes. And now, to prevent getting a lot of decent fellows intoa needless scrape, Darrin and I will withdraw. "

Dan took Dave by the arm, and both turned to leave the room. 

"You--" began Farley hoarsely, when another midshipman clappeda hand over his mouth. 

"Shut up Farley! Save all of your undoubted grit for the field, whenyou two meet. "

The door closed softly behind Darrin and Dalzell. 

"Why didn't you let me at the sneak?" bellowed Farley, released, now, from interfering hands. 

"See here, Farley, " advised one of his friends, "cool down and keepyour face in a restful attitude. Darrin behaved twice as well asyou did. If you don't look out you'll lose the sympathy of theclass. Just keep cool, and restrain your tongue from wagging untilyou've met Darrin. Don't try to start the row again, this side ofthe field where you meet. If you do, you'll get many a cold shoulder. "

Other midshipmen present spoke in the same vein. Farley, whowanted to be popular at all times, presently allowed himself tobe advised. 

Of course the news of the meeting, and of the more emphatic one tocome spread fast through Bancroft Hall. There is an unknownwireless that carries all such news on wings through the brigadeof midshipmen. 

Within half an hour Henkel and Page brought the challenge to DaveDarrin. Dan, in the meantime, had been busy, and had inducedMidshipman Rollins, of the fourth class, to act with him as second. Rollins, indeed, needed little urging. He was eager to see thefight. 

Tyson, of the second class, was secured as referee, while Trotter, of the third class, gladly agreed to act as time-keeper. 

The time was set for an hour before taps, as, on this evening, it would be easy for all the young men involved to slip away andbe back in time for taps. 

"I won't let the thing run over two rounds, " promised Farley, who had an excellent idea of himself as a fighter. 

That afternoon Dave and Farley were obliged to pass each other. Dave did not even seem to know that his enemy was around. Farley, on the other hand, glared ferociously at Darrin as he passed. 

Midshipman Trotter certainly would have come around to offer Davefriendly counsel, had not his position as one of the officialsof the fight restrained him. 

Dave, by his prompt action, had veered many of his classmatesaround to his side. The bulk of opinion in the class, however, was that Farley would make good in his boasts of victory. Hewas a heavily-built yet very active young man, who had shown greatpromise in boxing bouts in the gymnasium. 

At half-past eight that evening, while scores of cadets strolledthrough the grounds, thinking of the academic term to begin onthe morrow, some little groups made their way more directly acrossthe grounds. Many interested glances followed them. 

Over in the direction of the Old Government Hospital stepped Dave, accompanied by Dan and Rollins. 

They were the first to arrive, though a few minutes later MidshipmenTyson and Trotter appeared. 

"Farley doesn't seem in as a big hurry as he was, " remarked DanDalzell laughingly. 

It was not, in fact, until close to the time that Farley, Henkeland Page came on the scene. 

"We want to put this mill through briskly, gentlemen, " announcedMidshipman Tyson, in a low tone. "Both principals will be goodenough to get ready as rapidly as possible. "

Dave Darrin had been only awaiting the order. Now he took offhis cap and uniform blouse, handing them to Dan, who folded thecoat and laid it on the ground, placing the cap on top of it. 

By this time Darrin had pulled his shirt over his head. Dan tookthat also, while Rollins produced a belt which Dave strapped abouthis waist with care. 

Then he stepped forward, like a young war horse, sniffing thebattle. 

Farley was more leisurely in his preparations, though he did notappear nervous. In fact, Farley wasn't a bit nervous. But hemeant "wind up" the fight in such short order that there wouldbe an abundance of time to spare. 

"There's no use in giving you any advice, old fellow, " murmuredDan. "You've been in too many fights, back in the good old HighSchool days of Dick & Co. "

"I can handle myself, " nodded Dave, "unless Farley proves to bea veritable wonder. "

"He certainly thinks he is, " warned Rollins. "And a good manyof the fellows believe Farley to be the best man of the classin this line of work. "

"They won't think so much longer, " returned Dan, as simply asthough merely stating a proved fact. "You see, Rollins, you neverhad the great good luck to get your kid training with Dick & Co. Our old crowd always went in to win just because we were blindto the idea that there was any possible chance of losing. "

"Did you always make good?" asked Rollins curiously. 

"Just about always, I reckon, " nodded Dan confidently. 

"You must have been a wonder-bunch then, " smiled Rollins. 

Farley was ready, now, and coming forward with a second on eitherside of him. 

"Step in Dave old fellow. " directed Dan. 

Dave came forward to where Midshipman Tyson awaited them. 

"Gentlemen, " announced the referee, "this is to be a fight tothe finish, bare hands. As time is short you are urged to mixit up briskly to a conclusion. The usual ring rules will guidethe officials of this meeting. Hand-shaking will dispensed with. Are you ready?"

"Ready!" hissed Farley venomously. 

"Ready, " nodded Dave coolly. 

"Time!"

With a yell Farley leaped in. He didn't want it to last morethan one round, if it could be helped. 

The fury of his assault drove the lighter Darrin back. Farleyfollowed up with more sledge-hammers. He was certainly a dangerousman, with a hurricane style. He was fast and heavy, calculatedto bear down a lighter opponent. 

Before that assortment of blows Dave Darrin was forced to resortto footwork. 

"Stand up and fight!" jeered Farley harshly as he wheeled andwheeled, still throwing out his hammer blows. "Don't play sneakon the field!"

Dave didn't even flush. Trained with Dick Prescott at GridleyHigh School, Darrin was too old a hand to be taunted into indiscretion. 

In spite of his footwork, however, Farley succeeded in landingupon him twice, though neither blow did much damage. 

Then a third blow landed, against the side of Darrin's head, thatjarred him. It was all he could do to stand off Farley untilhe recovered his wits enough to dodge once more. 

Yet, all the while, Darrin was watching his chance. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE MAN WHO WON

"This isn't a sprint!" yelled Farley, in high disgust. "Come backhere!" Dave did come back. 

Wheeling suddenly, he struck his right arm up under Farley's nowloose guard. 

In the same fraction of a second Dave let fly with his left. 

Smack!

It wasn't such a very hard blow--but it landed on the tip ofFarley's nose. 

With a yell of rage Farley made a dive at his lighter opponent. 

"_Time!_"

In his rage Farley tried to strike after that call, but Dave boundedto one side. 

Then, turning his back, Darrin walked away to where Dan and MidshipmanRollins awaited him. 

"Be careful, Mister Farley, " warned Second Class Man Tyson, stridingover to him. "You struck out after the call of time. Had theblow landed I would have been compelled under the rules to awardDarrin the fight on a foul. "

"First blood for our side!" cheered Dan, as he sprang at Davewith a towel. 

In a few moments the young man had been well rubbed down, andnow Dan and Rollins, on opposite sides, were kneading his muscles. 

From over in Farley's corner came a growl:

"I came here to fight, not to go in for track work. That fellowcan't fight. "

"Queer!" remarked Dan cheerfully. "We hold all the honors so far. "

Quickly enough the call of time came. 

Farley, the flow of blood from his nose stanched, came back asfull of steam as before. 

Dave's footwork was as nimble as ever. Speed and skill in dodgingwere features of Darrin's fighting style. 

Yet Farley caught him, with a blow on the chest that sent himto his knees. 

Like a flash, however, Darrin was upon his feet, and Farley lungedat him swiftly and heavily. 

In the very act of reaching his feet, however, Dave Darrin leapedlightly to the left. 

With an exclamation of disgust Farley turned and swung again. 

But Dave dropped down, then shot up under his opponent's guardonce more. 

_Biff!_

This time an exclamation of real pain came from Farley, for theblow had landed solidly on his left eye, just about closing it. 

A second time Darrin might have landed, but he was taking no chancesunder a steam-roller like Farley. 

As Dave danced away, however, followed up by his opponent, bellowingfrom the sudden jolt his eye had received, he saw that Farleywas fighting almost blindly. 

Dan Dalzell now jumped in as close as he had any right to be. He wanted to see what would happen next. 

Nor was he kept long guessing, for Dave had slipped around onthe blind side of his opponent. 

"Confound you! Can't you stand up and fight square?" demandedFarley harshly. 

Dave flushed, this time. Dodging two of Farley's blows he nextmoved as though about to retreat. 

Instead, however, Darrin leaped up and forward. 

Pound! Dave's hard left fist landed crushingly near the pointof Farley's jaw. 

Down went the larger man, while his seconds rushed to him. 

Midshipman Trotter, watch in hand, began calling off the seconds. 

Steadily he counted them, until he came to "--eight, nine, _ten_!"

Still Farley lay on the ground, his good eye, as well as his damagedone, closed. 

If he was breathing it was so slightly that his seconds, not permittedunder the rules to go close, could not detect the movements ofrespiration. 

"He loses the count, " announced Second Class Man Tyson, in businessliketones. "I award the fight to Mister Darrin. "

Always the ceremonious "mister" with which upper class men referto new fourth class men. It is not until the plebe becomes a"youngster" that the "mister" is dropped for the more friendlysocial address. 

Farley's seconds were kneeling at his side now. 

"Can you bring him out easily?" asked Midshipman Tyson, goingover to the defeated man's seconds. 

"He's pretty soundly asleep, just now, " put in Midshipman Trotter. "My, but that was a fearful crack you gave your man, mister!"

"I'm sorry if I have had to hurt him much, " replied Dave coolly. "I am not keen for fighting. "

Dan and Rollins offered their services in helping to bring Farleyto, only to met by a curt refusal from Midshipman Henkel. 

So Dave and his seconds stood mutely by, at a distance, whilethe two officials in the late fight added their efforts to thoseof the seconds of the knocked-out man. 

At last they brought a sigh from Farley's lips. 

Soon after the defeated midshipman opened his eyes. 

"Is--Darrin--dead?" he asked slowly, with a bewildered look. 

Midshipman Trotter chuckled. 

"Not so you could notice it, mister. But you surely had a closecall. Do you want to try to sit up?"

This Farley soon concluded to do. Then his seconds dressed him. 

"Now, see if you can stand on your feet, " urged Midshipman Tyson. 

By this time Farley's wits had returned sufficiently for him tohave a very fair idea of what had passed. 

Aided by Henkel and Page Midshipman Farley got to his feet. Therehe stood, dizzily, until his late seconds gave him stronger support. "You can't go back to Bancroft while you are in this condition, mister, " hinted Tyson decidedly. "You'll have to pass in reviewbefore one of our medical gentlemen, and do whatever he deems best. "

"Dan, " murmured Dave, "go over and ask Farley whether he caresto shake hands. "

Dan crossed in quest of the information. 

"Never!" growled Farley, with a hissing intake of breath. 

"It's a shame to have bad blood after the fight is over, " mutteredTyson rebukingly. 

"I don't want anything to do with that fellow until we meet again, "growled Farley. 

"Great Scott, mister! You don't think of calling Mister Darrinout again, do you?" demanded Tyson, with a gasp. 

"Yes; if he can be made to fight fair!" snarled Farley. 

"He fought fairly this time, mister, " replied Second Class ManTyson, almost with heat. "You're a fast, heavy and hard scrapperfor your age, mister, but the other man simply out-pointed youall through the game. If you call him out again, and he meetsyou, he can kill you if he sees fit. "

"Misters, " directed Midshipman Trotter, addressing Henkel andPage, "you'd better hurry to get your man over to a surgeon ifyou want to be in your rooms at lights-out time. "

As Page and Henkel started away with their unfortunate comrade, Dave approached Tyson. 

"Sir, do you believe that I fought with entire fairness?" askedDarrin of the referee. 

"Fair? Of course you did, mister, " replied Tyson. "Come along, Trotter. "

Dave, who had dressed some time before, now turned with Dan andRollins and started back. They took pains not to be seen closeto the upper class men. 

"Who won?" demanded a fourth class man, curiously, as they nearedBancroft Hall. 

"Farley will tell you tomorrow if he's able, " grinned Dan. 

When taps sounded on the bugle, that evening, all of the midshipmen, save Farley, were in their rooms. 

Promptly as the last note of taps broke on the air the last of themidshipmen was in bed, and the electric light was turned off from amaster switch. The inspection of rooms was on. 

CHAPTER IX

DAN JUST CAN'T HELP BEING "TOUGE"

Fourth Class Man Farley did not put in an appearance at breakfastformation in the morning. 

As this was the opening day of the first term of the academicyear it was a bad time to be "docked for repairs" at the hospital. 

Merely reading over the list of the fourth class studies did notconvey to the new men much idea of how hard they were to findtheir work. 

In the department of Marine Engineering and Naval Constructionthere were lessons in mechanical drawing. 

No excuse is made for a midshipman's natural lack of ability indrawing. He must draw satisfactorily if he is to hope to pass. 

In mathematics the new man had to recite in algebra, logarithmsand geometry. 

In addition to the foregoing, during the first term, the new midshipmanhad courses in English and in French. 

As at West Point, the mathematics is the stumbling block of the newman at Annapolis. 

In the first term algebra, logarithms and geometry had to be finished, for in the second term trigonometry was the subject in mathematics. 

Shortly before eight in the morning the bugle call sounded for thefirst period of recitation. 

The midshipmen fell in by classes in front of Bancroft Hall. After muster the classes marched away by sections. 

Each section contained an average of ten men, under command ofone of their number, who was known as the section leader. 

It was the section leader's duty to march his section to the properrecitation room in Academic Hall, to preserve discipline whilemarching, and to report his section to the instructor. 

At the beginning of the academic year the fourth class men weredivided into sections in alphabetical order. Afterwards the sectionswould be reorganized according to order of merit. 

So, at the outset, Darrin and Dalzell were in the same section, and Dave, as it happened, had been appointed section leader. 

When the command rang out Dave marched away with his section, feeling somewhat proud that he had attained even to so small adegree of command. 

It was an interesting sight to see hundreds of midshipmen, splitup into so many sections, marching across the grounds in so manydifferent directions, for not all the sections were headed forAcademic Hall. 

Dave knew the number of the room to which his section was bound, andknew also the location of the room. 

Sections march, in step, at a brisk gait, the clicking of so manyheels against the pavements making a rhythmic, inspiring sound. 

Some of the midshipmen in Dave's section however, felt low-spiritedthat morning. They had been looking through their text-books, and felt a dread that they would not be able to keep up the stiffpace of learning long enough to get past the semi-annual examinationsin the coming January. 

Dave and Dan, however, both felt in good spirits. They had lookedthrough the first lessons in algebra, and felt that they wouldnot have much trouble at the outset, anyway. They believed thatthey had been well grounded back in their High School days. 

On their way Darrin's section was passed by three officers ofthe Navy. Midshipmen must always salute officers of the Navy. While marching in sections, however, the only midshipman whosalutes is the section leader. 

Three times Dave's hand came smartly up to the visor of his capin salute, while the other men in his section looked straight ahead. 

Reaching Academic Hall Dave marched his section mates into therecitation room. 

Lieutenant Bradshaw, the instructor, was already present, standingby his desk. 

Darrin saluted the lieutenant as soon as he had halted the section. 

"Sir, I report all members of the section present. "

Five of the midshipmen were directed by Lieutenant Bradshaw to goto their seats. The rest were ordered to blackboards, Dave and Danamong the latter number. 

Those at the blackboards were each given a problem to lay outon the blackboard. Then the instructor turned to the fourth classmen who remained in their seats. 

These he questioned, in turn, on various aspects of the day's lesson. 

All the time the midshipmen at the blackboard worked busily away, each blocking out phase after phase of his problem. 

Dave Darrin was first to finish. He turned his back to the board, taking the position of parade rest. 

Dan was third to finish. 

"Mr. Darrin, you may explain your work, " announced LieutenantBradshaw. 

This Dave did, slowly, carefully, though without painful hesitation. When he had finished the instructor asked him several questionsabout the problem, and about some other phases of the day's work. Darrin did not jump at any of his answers, but made them thoughtfully. 

"Very good, indeed, Mr. Darrin, " commented the instructor. "But, when you are more accustomed to reciting here, I shall hope fora little more speed in answering. "

As Dave was returning to his seat Lieutenant Bradshaw marked him3. 8 per cent on the day's work. 

That was an excellent marking, 4 being the highest. The lowestaverage in a study which a midshipman may have, and hold his placein the Naval Academy, is 2. 5. Anything below 2. 5 is unsatisfactory, which, in midshipman parlance is "unsat. " Taking 4 to represent100 per cent. , 2. 5 stands for 62. 5 per cent. This would not bea high average to expect, as courses are laid down in the averageHigh School of the land; but as most of our American High Schoolsgo 2. 5 at Annapolis is at least as good a marking as 90 per centwould be in a High School. 

"Good old Dave leaks too slow at the spout, does he?" chuckledDan to himself, as he waited at parade rest. "When it comes myturn, then, as I happen to know my problem as well as the fellowwho wrote the book, I'll rattle off my explanation at a gait thatwill force the lieutenant to stand on his feet to hear all I say. "

Dalzell was the fourth man called upon at the blackboard. 

Taking a deep breath, and assuming a tremendously earnest look, Dan plunged into the demonstration of his problem as fast as hecould fire the words out. 

Lieutenant Bradshaw, however, listened through to the end. 

"Your demonstration is correct, Mr Dalzell, " said the instructorquietly. "However while speed in recitation is of value, in thefuture try to speak just a little more slowly and much more distinctly. You are fitting yourself to become a Naval officer one of thesedays. On shipboard it is of the utmost importance that an officer'svoice be always distinct and clear, in order that every word heutters may be instantly understood. Try to keep this always inmind, Mr. Dalzell, and cultivate the habit of speaking distinctly. "

The rebuke was a very quiet one, and courteously given. But Dan, who knew that every other man in the section was grinning in secretover his discomfiture, was quickly losing his nerve. 

Then, without favor, Lieutenant Bradshaw questioned Dan searchinglyon other details of the day's work. Dan stammered, and forgotmuch that he had thought he knew. 

Lieutenant Bradshaw set down a mark of 2. 9, whereas Dalzell, hadhe stuck sensibly to the business in hand, would have been markedas high as Dave had been. 

As the section was marching back to Bancroft Dan whispered:

"Dave, did you hear the old owl go 'too-whoo' at me in the sectionroom?"

"Stop talking in section!" ordered Dave crisply. 

"Blazes! There isn't a single spot at Annapolis where a fellowcan take a chance on being funny!" muttered Dalzell under his breath. 

"Dave, old chum, " cried Dan tossing his cap on the bed as theyentered their room. "Are you going to turn greaser, and stay greaser?"

"What do you mean?" asked Darrin quietly. 

"You told me to shut up in the ranks. "

"That was right, wasn't it? I am under orders to see that thereis no talking in the section when marching. "

"Not even a solitary, teeny little word, eh?"

"Not if I can stop it, " replied Dave. 

"And what if you can't stop it?"

"Then I am obliged to direct the offender to put himself on thereport. "

"Great Scott! Would you tell your chum to frap the pap for alittle thing like that, and take demerits unto himself?"

"If I had to, " nodded Dave. "You see, Dan, we're here tryingto learn to be Naval officers and to hold command. Now, it'smy belief that a man who can't take orders, and stick to them, isn't fit to give orders at any period in his life. "

"This sort of thing is getting on my nerves a bit, " grumbled Dan. "Just think of all the freedom we had in the good old days backat Gridley!"

"This is a new life, Dan--a different one and a better one. "

"Maybe, " half assented Dalzell, who was beginning to accumulatethe elements of a "grouch. "

"Dan, " asked Darrin, as he seated himself at his desk and openeda book preparatory to a long bit of hard study, "don't you knowthat your bed isn't the regulation place to hang your cap?"

"Oh, hang the cap, and the regulations, too!" grumbled Dalzell. "I'm beginning to feel that I've got to break through at somepoint. "

"Pick up your cap, and put it on its hook--do, " begged Darrincoaxingly. 

At the same time he looked us with a smile which showed that hethought his friend was acting in a very juvenile manner. 

Something impelled Dan to comply with his chum's request. Then, after hanging the cap, with great care, on its nail, the disgruntledone slipped to the study table and picked up a book. 

Just as he did so there came a knock on the door. 

Then Lieutenant Stapleton, in white gloves and wearing his sword, stepped into the room, followed by a midshipman, also white-gloved. 

Lieutenant Stapleton was the officer in charge, the young manthe midshipman in charge of the floor. 

"Good morning, gentlemen, " said the Lieutenant pleasantly, asboth midshipmen promptly rose to their feet and stood at attention. Dave and Dan remained standing at attention while the lieutenantstepped quickly about the room, taking in everything with a practicedglance. 

"Everything in order, " commented the lieutenant, as he turnedto the door. "Resume your work, gentlemen. "

"Maybe you're glad you hung your cap up just in time, " grinnedDave. 

"Oh, bother the whole scheme!" grunted Dan "The idea of a fellowhaving to be a jumping-jack all the time!"

"A midshipman has to be a jumping-jack, I reckon, " replied Dave, "until he learns to be a man and to live up to discipline as onlya man can. "

"See here, do you mean to say--"

"Go on with your study of English, unless you're sure you knowall the fine points of the language, " interrupted Darrin. "Iknow I don't and I want time to study. "

Dan gazed steadily at his chum, but Darrin seemed too deeply absorbedin his work to be conscious of the gaze. 

On the whole studies and recitations passed off rather pleasantlyfor both chums that day, though both could see that there werebreakers ahead. 

After supper a few minutes were allowed for recreation, whichconsisted mostly of an opportunity for the midshipmen to chatwith each other. Then came the call that sent them to their roomsto study for two solid hours. 

"I wish the powers that be would let us sit up an hour later, "sighed Dave, looking up from his book in the middle of the studyperiod. 

"I'd rather they'd let us sleep an hour later in the morning, "grumbled Dan. 

"But, really, it would be great to have chance to study an hourmore each evening, " insisted Dave. 

"Huh!"

"Yes; I begin to feel that we're going to need more study timethan we get, if we're ever to pass. "

At 9. 30 the release bell rang. Dan closed his book with a joyfulbang, Darrin closing his much more reluctantly. 

"I'm going visiting, " declared Dalzell, starting toward the door. 

Before he could reach the door, however, there sounded a slightknock and two midshipmen of the third class stepped in. 

"Mister, what's your name?" demanded one of the visitors. 

"Dalzell, sir, " replied Dan, standing at attention. 

"What's yours, mister?

"Darrin, sir. "

"Stand on your head, mister. "

Dave obeyed with good-natured speed. 

"That will do, mister. Now, on your head, mister. "

Dan made a grimace, but obeyed. 

Then the other visitor demanded:

"Do either of you fourth class men intend to try to be ratey?"

"No, sir, " replied Darrin promptly. 

"Do you, mister?" turning to Dalzell. 

"No, sir. "

"Are you both a bit touge?" asked the youngster questioner. 

"I hope not, sir, " replied Dave. 

"Do you feel that way, mister?"--looking at Dan. 

"What way, sir?"

"Do you feel inclined to be touge, mister?"

"I'm willing to be anything that's agreeable, and not too muchwork, sir, " replied Dan, grinning. 

It is offensive for a fourth class man to grin in the presenceof an upper class man. 

Moreover, two other youngsters had just stepped into the roomto watch proceedings. 

"Mister, " commanded the youngster whom Dan had answered, "wipethat grin off your face. "

Dalzell drew out his handkerchief, making several elaborate passesacross his countenance with it. 

"Touge!" growled his inquisitor. 

"Very touge, indeed, " assented the other three youngsters. 

"Why did you bring out your handkerchief, mister?"

"Just obeying orders, " replied Dan, with another grin. 

"Wipe that grin off your face, sir!--no, not with your handkerchief!"

So Dalzell thrust the handkerchief away and applied his blousesleeve to his face. 

"Stop that, mister!

"Yes, sir, " replied Dalzell meekly. 

"Don't you know how to wipe a grin off your face?"

"I'm not sure, sir, " Dan admitted. 

"Mister, you are wholly touge! I'm not sure but that you're aratey plebe as well. "

Thereupon Youngster Quimby plunged into a scathing lecture onthe subject of a plebe being either touge or ratey. At firstDan listened with a becoming air of respect. Before long, however, a huge grin began to illumine Dalzell's face. 

"Wipe that grin off, mister!" commanded Mr. Quimby sternly. 

"I--I simply can't!" gasped Dan, then began to roar with laughter. 

"Why can't you?" insisted Quimby. "What's the matter?

"It's--it's your face!" choked Dan. 

"My face?" repeated Quimby, reddening "What do you mean, sir?"

"I--I--it would be a shame to tell you!" sputtered Dalzell betweenspasms of laughter. 

Truth to tell, Midshipman Quimby did look funny when he attemptedto be over-stern. Quimby's face was one of his sensitive points, anyway. Yet it was not, strictly speaking, the face, but thelook of precocious authority on that face which had sent Dan, with his keen sense of humor, off into spasms of laughter. Butthe youngster didn't propose to see the point. 

"Mister, " spoke Midshipman Quimby, with an added sternness oflook that sent Dan off into another guffaw, "you have been guiltyof insulting an upper class man. Your offense has been soserious--so rank--that I won't accept an apology. You shallfight, mister!"

"When? Whom?" asked Dan, the big grin still on his face. 

"_Me_, mister--and as soon as the thing can be pulled off. "

"Oh, all right, sir, " nodded Dalzell. "Any time you like, then, sir. I've been accustomed, before coming here, to getting mostof my exercise out of fighting. But--pardon me, if I meet, Ishall have to hit--pardon me--that face. "

"Call this plebe out, Quimby, and trim him in good shape, " urgedone of the other youngsters present. "He's touge all the waythrough. He'll need trimming. "

"And he'll get it, too, " wrathfully promised Midshipman Quimby, whowas rated high as a fighter at the Naval Academy. 

CHAPTER X

"JUST FOR EXERCISE"

"Now, then, mister, keep your eyes on my humorous face!"

It was the next evening, over behind the old government hospital. 

Midshipman Quimby had just stepped forward, from the hands ofhis seconds, two men of the third class. 

"I can't keep my eyes away from that face, and my hands are achingto follow the same route, sir, " grimaced Dalzell. 

He, too, had just stepped forward from the preliminary care ofDave and of Rollins, for that latter fourth class man was as anxiousto see this fight as he had been the other one. 

"Stop your talk, mister, " commanded Midshipman Ferris, of thesecond class, who was present to officiate as referee. "On thefield you talk with your hands. Don't be touge all the time, or you'll soon have a long fight calendar. "

"Very good, sir, " nodded Dan, his manner suddenly most respectful--asfar as appearance went. 

Dave Darrin did not by any means approve his chum's conduct ofthe night before, but Dave was on hand as second, just the same, and earnestly hoping that Dan might get at least his share ofthe honors in the event that was now to be "pulled off. "

"Gentlemen, " began Mr. Ferris, in the monotonous way of referees, "this fight is to be to a finish, without gloves. Hand-shakingwill be dispensed with. Are you ready?"

"Ready!" assented both. 

"Time!"

Both men advanced warily. 

Quimby knew well enough that he could whip the plebe, but he didn'tintend to let Dalzell get in any blows that could be guarded against. 

Both men danced about until Mr. Ferris broke in, rather impatiently:

"Stop eating chocolates and mix it up!"

"Like this, sir?" questioned Dan. Darting in, on a feint, hefollowed Quimby's block with a blow that jolted the youngster'schin. 

Then Dan slipped away again, grinning gleefully, well aware thatnothing would anger Quimby more easily than would that same grin. "I'll wipe that disgrace off your face myself, " growled Quimby, closing in briskly. 

"Come over here and get it, " taunted Dan, showing some of hisneatest footwork. 

Quimby sent in three blows fast; two of them Dalzell blocked, but one hit him on the chest, staggering him slightly. MidshipmanQuimby started to follow up his advantage. In another moment, however, he was backing away with a cut lip. 

"There's something to wipe off your own face, " suggested Dan, grinning harder than ever. 

Stung, Mr. Quimby made strenuous efforts to pay back with worse coin. He was still trying when the call of time sounded. 

"You didn't half go in after him, Dan, " murmured Dave, as the latterand Rollins quickly toweled their man in the corner. 

"If I had, I might have gotten more of him than I wanted, " mutteredDalzell. 

"Why don't you mix it up faster?" queried Rollins. 

"Because, " proclaimed Midshipman Dan, "I don't want to fight orget hurt. I'm doing this sort of thing just for exercise, youunderstand. "

Then they were called into the second round. Quimby, in the meantime, had been counseled to crowd the plebe hard, and to hammer him whenhe got close. 

So, now, Quimby started in to do broadside work. At last he scoredfairly, hitting Dalzell on the nose and starting the flow. 

But, within ten seconds, Dalzell had return the blow with interest. After that things went slowly for a few more seconds, when timewas again called. 

"That plebe isn't exactly easy, " Quimby confided to his seconds. "I've got to watch him, and be cautious. I haven't seen a plebe ascool and ready in many a day. "

In the third round Quimby was perhaps too cautious. He did notrush enough. Dan, on the other hand, bore down a bit. Just beforethe call of time he closed Quimby's right eye. 

Both Quimby and his seconds were now dubious, though the youngster'sfighting pluck and determination ran as high as ever. 

"I've got to wipe him off the field in this fourth round, or go tothe grass myself, " murmured Quimby, while his seconds did the bestthey could with him. 

"I'm warming up finely, " confided Dan to Dave and Rollins. 

"You're coming through all right, " nodded Dave confidently. "Atpresent you have twice as much vision as the other fellow, and onlya fraction as much of soreness. But keep on the watch to the end. "

For the first twenty seconds of the new round it was Quimby whowas on the defensive. Dan followed him up just warmly enoughto be annoying. 

At last, however, Dan straightened, stiffened, and there was aquick flash in his eyes. 

He saw his chance, and now he jumped in at it. His feint reachedfor Quimby's solar plexus, but the real blow, from Dalzell's righthand, hammered in, all but closing Quimby's other eye. 

Smack! Right on top of that staggerer came a hook that landedon the youngster's forehead with such force that Quimby fell overbackward. He tried to catch himself, but failed, and lurchedto the ground. 

"--six, seven, eight--" counted the timekeeper. 

Quimby staggered bravely to his feet, but stood there, his kneeswobbling, his arms all but hanging at his side. 

Dan did not try to hit. He backed off slightly keeping only athalf-guard and watching his opponent. 

"What's the matter, Quimby" called Mr. Ferris. "Can't you go on?"

"Yes; I'm going on, to the knock-out!" replied the youngster doggedly. 

He tried to close in, but was none too steady on his feet. Dan, watching him, readily footed it, merely watching for the youngsterto lead out. 

"Time!"

Quimby's two seconds rushed to his side. Midshipman Ferris andthe time-keeper also gathered around. 

"Quimby, " spoke the referee, "you're in no shape to go on. "

"I can stand up and be hit, " muttered the youngster gamely. 

"Mr. Dalzell, do you care to go further?" asked Mr. Ferris. 

"I shan't attempt to hit Mr. Quimby, sir, unless he develops agood deal more steam. "

Ferris looked at Quimby's seconds. They shook their head. 

"I award the fight to Mister Dalzell, " declared Midshipman Ferris. 

"Oh, give it to Mr. Quimby, if you don't mind, sir, " begged Dan. "He got the game, and might as well have the name along with it. "

"Mister, don't be touge all the time, " cried Mr. Ferris sharply. 

"I don't mean to be, sir, " replied Dan quite meekly. "What Imeant to convey, sir, is that I don't care anything about winningfights. The decision, sir, is of very little importance to me. I don't fight because I like it, but merely because I need theexercise. A fight about once a week will be very much to my liking, sir. "

"You'll get it, undoubtedly, " replied Midshipman Ferris dryly. 

"Whee, won't it be great!" chuckled Dan, in an undertone, as hestepped over to his seconds. "Give me that towel, Dave. I canrub myself off. "

While Dan was dressing, and Quimby was doing the same, one ofthe seconds of the youngster class came over, accompanied by thetimekeeper. 

"Mister, you really do fight as though you enjoyed it, " remarkedthe latter. 

"But I don't, " denied Dan. "I'm willing to do it, though, tokeep myself in condition. Say once a week, except in really hotweather. A little game like this tones up the liver so that Ican almost feel it dancing inside of me. "

As he spoke, Dalzell clapped both hands to his lower left sideand jumped up and down. 

"You heathen, your liver isn't there, " laughed the time-keeper. 

"Isn't it?" demanded Dan. "Now, I'm ready to maintain, at alltimes, that I know more about my liver and its hanging-out placethan anyone else possibly can. "

There was a note of half challenge in this, but the time-keepermerely laughed and turned away. Members of the second class usuallyfeel too grave and dignified to "take it out of" plebes. Thatwork is left to the "youngsters" of the third class. 

A little later Mr. Quimby presented himself for medical attendance. His face certainly showed signs of the need of tender ministration. "Dan, why in the world are you so fresh?" remonstrated Dave, when the two chums were back in their room. "You talk as thoughyou wanted to fight every man in the upper classes. You'll getyour wish, if you don't look out. "

"Old fellow, " replied Dalzell quizzically, "I expect to get intotwo or three more fights. I don't mean to be touge, but I dointend to let it be seen that I look upon it as a lark to be calledout. Then, if I win the next two or three fights also, I won'tbe bothered any after that. This is my own scheme for joining thepeace society before long. "

Nor is it wholly doubtful that Dan's was the best plan, in thelong run, for a peaceful life among a lot of spirited young men. 

CHAPTER XI

MIDSHIPMAN HENKEL DOES SOME THINKING

"Busy" asked Midshipman Henkel, of the fourth class, steppinginto the room which Farley and Page shared. 

The release bell had just sounded, giving all of the young mena brief interval of freedom before taps. 

"Not especially, " laughed Farley, as he finished stacking hisbooks and papers neatly. 

It was about a week after the night of Dan's fight with MidshipmanQuimby. 

"Let me get a good look at your face, Farley, under the light, "continued Henkel. "Why, it looks almost natural again. My, butit was a rough pounding that fellow, Darrin, gave it!"

"Yes, " nodded Farley, flushing. 

"Let me see; isn't it about time that you squared matters up withDarrin?" went on Midshipman Henkel. 

"How? What do you mean?" demanded Farley, while Page, too, lookedon with interest. 

"Well, first of all, Darrin gets the whole bunch of us ragged by thewatchman. The when you object, he pounds your face at his own sweetwill. "

"What are you trying to do?" laughed Farley. "Are you trying to fanup the embers of my wrath against Darrin?"

"Such embers shouldn't need much fanning, " retorted Mr. Henkel coolly. "Surely, you are not going to let the dead dog lie?"

"Darrin and I fought the matter out, and he had the good fortuneto win the appeal to force, " replied Plebe Farley stiffly. "Idon't associate with him now, and don't expect to, later on, ifwe both graduate into the Navy. "

"That satisfies your notions of honor, does it, with regard toa man who not only injured you, but pounded your face to a fearfulpulp?"

Henkel's tone as he put the question, was one of bitter irony. 

"Do you know, " demanded Farley, rising, his face now flushingpainfully, "I don't wholly like your tone. "

"Forget it, then, " begged Henkel. "I don't mean to be offensiveto you, Farley. I haven't the least thought in the world likethat. But I take this whole Darrin business so bitterly to heartthat I suppose I am unable to comprehend how you can be so meekabout it. "

"Meek?" cried Farley. "What do you mean by that word?"

"Well, see here, " went on Henkel coaxingly, "are we men of spirit, or are we not? We fellows devise a little outing in the townof Annapolis. It's harmless enough, though it happens to be againstthe rules in the little blue book. We are indiscreet enough tolet Darrin in on the trick, and he pipes the whole lay off tosome one. Result--we are 'ragged' and fifty 'dems. ' apiece. When you accuse Darrin of his mean work he gives you the lie. True, you show spirit enough to fight him for it, but the fightturns out to be simply more amusement for him. Now, I've beenthinking over this thing and I can't rest until the mean workis squared. But I find you, who suffered further indignitiesunder Darrin's fists, quite content to let the matter rest. That'swhy I am astonished, and why I say so frankly. "

Having delivered this harangue with an air of patient justice, Henkel seated himself with one leg thrown over the edge of thestudy table, waiting to hear what Farley could say in reply. "Well, what do you plan to do further in the matter?" insistedMidshipman Farley. 

"To get square with Darrin!"

"How?"

"Well, now see here, Farley, and you, too, Page, what has happened?At first we had the class pretty sore against Darrin for getting ourcrowd ragged. Since the fight, however, in which you were pummeledlike--"

"Never mind my fate in the fight, " interposed Farley. "It wasa fair fight. "

"Well, ever since the fight, " resumed Henkel, "Darrin has beenclimbing up again in class favor. Most of the boobies in thefourth class seem to feel that, just because Darrin hammered youso, the beating you received proves Darrin's innocence of a meanact. "

"I can't help what the class concludes, " retorted Farley stiffly. 

"Page, you have more spirit than that, haven't you?" demandedHenkel, wheeling upon Midshipman Farley's roommate. 

"I hope I have spirit enough, " replied Page, bridling slightly, "but I am aware of one big lack. "

"What is that?"

"I seem to lack the keen intelligence needed to understand whatyou are driving at, Henkel. "

"That's the point, Henkel, " broke in Midshipman Farley, walkingthe floor in short turns. "Just what are you driving at? Whyare you trying to make me mad by such frequent references to thefact that Darrin won his fight with me?"

"I'm sounding you fellows, " admitted Henkel. 

"That's just what it rings like, " affirmed Midshipman Page, noddinghis head. "Well, out with it! What's your real proposition?"

"Are you with me?" asked Midshipman Henkel warily. 

"How can we tell, " demanded Farley impatiently, "until you comedown out of the thunder clouds, and tell us just what you mean?"

"Pshaw, fellows, " remarked Mr. Henkel, in exasperation, "I hateto think it, but I am beginning to wonder if you two have theamount of spirit with which I had always credited you. "

"Cut out the part about the doubts, " urged Farley, "and tell us, in plain English, just what you are driving at. "

"Fellows, I believe, then, " explained Midshipman Henkel, "thatwe owe it to ourselves, to the Naval Academy and to the Navy, to work Dave Darrin out of here as soon as we can. "

"How?" challenged Farley flatly. 

"Why, can't we put up some scheme that will pile up the 'dems. 'against that industrious greaser? Can't we spring a game thatwill wipe all his grease-marks off the efficiency slate?" askedMidshipman Henkel mysteriously. 

"Do you mean by putting up a job on Darrin?" inquired Page. 

"That's just it!" nodded Henkel, with emphasis. 

"Putting up a job on a man usually calls for trickery, doesn't it?"questioned Farley. 

"Why, yes--that is--er--ingenuity, " admitted Henkel. 

"Trickery isn't the practice of a gentleman, is it?" insistedFarley. 

"It has to be, sometimes, when we are fighting a rascal, " retortedMidshipman Henkel. 

"I'm afraid I don't see that, " rejoined Page, shaking his head. "Dirty work is never excusable. I'd sooner let a fellow seem to winover me, for the time being, than to resort to trickery or anythinglike underhanded methods for getting even with him. "

"Good for you, Page!" nodded Farley "That's the whole game fora gentleman--and that's what either a midshipman or a Naval officeris required to be. Henkel, old fellow, you are a little too hotunder your blouse collar tonight. Wait until you've cooled off, and you'll sign in with us on our position. "

"Then you fellows are going to play the meek waiting game withDarrin, are you?" sneered Henkel. 

"We're going to play the only kind of game that a gentleman mayplay, " put in Page incisively, "and we are not going to dally withany game about which a gentleman need feel the least doubt. "

"You've spoken for me, Page, old chap, " added Farley. 

Midshipman Henkel took his leg off the desk, stood there for amoment, eyeing his two comrades half sneeringly, then turned onhis heel and left the room. Just before he closed the door afterhim Henkel called back:

"Good night, fellows. "

"Well, what do you think of that?" demanded Farley, a moment later. 

"I think, " replied Midshipman Page, "just as you do, that Darrin, in his desire to bone grease somewhere, played a dirty trick onus. I consider Darrin to be no better than a dog, and I apologizeto the dog. But we're not going to make dogs of ourselves in orderto even up matters. "

"We're certainly not, " replied Farley, with a nod. "Oh, well, Henkel is a mighty good fellow, at heart. He'll cool down andcome around all right. "

At that instant, however, Midshipman Henkel, with a deep scowlon his face, was whispering mysteriously with his roommate Brimmer. 

CHAPTER XII

A CHRONIC PAP FRAPPER

Another week had passed. 

By this time all of the new midshipmen had had a very strong tasteof what the "grind" is like at the U. S. Naval Academy. 

If the lessons had seemed hard at the outset, the young men nowregarded the tax demanded on their brains as little short of inhuman. 

The lessons were long and hard. No excuse of "unprepared" orotherwise was ever accepted in a section room. 

The midshipman who had to admit himself "unprepared" immediatelystruck "zip, " or absolute zero as a marking for the day. Many suchmarks would swiftly result in dragging even a bright man's averagedown to a point where he would fall below two-five and be "unsat. "

"I thought we plugged along pretty steadily when we were in theHigh School, " sighed Dave Darrin, looking up from a book. "Dannyboy, a day's work here is fully three times as hard as the severestday back at the High School. 

"David, little giant, " retorted Dalzell, "your weak spot is arithmetic. It's just seven times as hard here as the worst deal that we ever gotin the High School. "

"Oh, well, " retorted Darrin doggedly, "other men have stood thisracket before us, and have graduated into the Navy. If they didit, we can do it, too. Mr. Trotter was telling me, yesterday, that the plebe year is the hardest year of all here. "

"Mr. Trotter is a highly intelligent individual, then, " murmuredDan Dalzell. 

"He explained that the first year is the hardest just because thenew man has never before learned how to study. After our firstyear here, he says, we'll have the gait so that we can go easilyat the work given us. "

"If we ever live through the first year, " murmured Dan disconsolately. "As for me, I'm hovering at the 'unsat. ' line all the time, andconstantly fearing that I'm going to be unseated. If I couldsee myself actually getting through the first year here, withjust enough of an average to save me, I'd be just as happy asever a fourth class man can hope to be here. "

"Remember the old Gridley spirit, Danny boy, " coaxed Dave. "Wecan't be licked--just because we don't know how to take a licking. We're going to get through here, Danny, and we're going to becomeofficers in the Navy. It's tough on the way--that's all. "

"And we green young idiots, " sighed Dalzell, "thought the lifehere was just a life of parading, with yachting thrown in on theside. We were going to feel swell in our gold lace, and puffout our chests under the approving smiles of the girls. We weregoing to lead the german--and, say, Dave, what were some of theother fool things we expected to find happiness in doing at Annapolis?

"It served us right, " grunted Darrin, "if we imagined that wewere going to get through without real work. Danny boy, I don'tbelieve there's a single thing in life--worth having--a fellowcan get without working hard for it!"

"There goes the call for mathematics, Dave. We'll tumble out andsee whether we can get a two-six today. 

"Or a two-seven, " suggested Darrin hopefully. "My, but how faraway a full four seems!

"Did anyone ever get a full four?" asked Dan, opening his eyesvery wide. 

As each, with his uniform cap set squarely on, and his book andpapers carried in left hand, turned out, he found the corridorto be swarming with midshipmen fully as anxious as were this pair. 

A minute later hundreds of midshipmen were forming by classes. Then the classes parted into sections and the little groups marchedaway in many directions, all going at brisk military gait. Dave got through better, that forenoon, than usual. He madea three-one, while Dalzell scored a two-eight. 

Then this section, one of many, marched back. 

As Dave and Dan swung down the corridor, and into their own room, they halted, just inside the door, and came quickly to attention. Lieutenant Hall, the officer in charge for the day, stood there, and with him the midshipman who served as assistant cadet officerof the day. 

"Mr. Darrin, " spoke Lieutenant Hall severely, "here is your dressjacket on the floor, and with dust ground into it. "

"Yes, sir, " replied Dave, saluting. "But I left it on its properhook--I am sure of that. "

Up came Dan's hand in quick salute. 

"May I speak, sir?"

"Yes, Mr. Dalzell, " replied the officer in charge. 

"I remember seeing Mr. Darrin's coat hanging properly on its hook, sir, just before we marched off to math. Recitation. "

"Did you leave the room, Mr. Dalzell, after Mr. Darrin, or evenwith him?" questioned Lieutenant Hall. 

"No-o, sir. I stepped out just ahead of Mr. Darrin. "

"That is all, then, Mr. Dalzell. Mr. Darrin, there is a pairof your shoes. They are in place, but one of them is muddy. "

Dave glanced at the shoes uneasily, a flush coming to his face. 

"I am certain, sir, that both shoes were in proper condition whenI left to go to the last recitation. "

"Then how do you account for the dust-marked dress jacket on thefloor, and the muddy shoe, Mr. Darrin?"

"I can think of no explanation to offer, sir. "

"Nor can I imagine any excuse, " replied Lieutenant Hall courteously, yet skeptically. 

Lieutenant Hall made a further inspection of the room, then turnedto Dave. 

"Mr. Darrin, you will put yourself on the report for these twoexamples of carelessness of your uniform equipment. "

"Very good, sir. "

Saluting, Dave crossed to the study table, laying his book andpapers there. Then, once more saluting, he passed LieutenantHall and made his way to the office of the officer in charge. 

Taking one of the blanks, and a pen, Dave Darrin filled out thecomplaint against himself, and turned it over. 

"Dave, you didn't leave your things in any such shape as that?"burst from Dan as soon as Dave had returned to his room. 

"I didn't do it--of course I didn't, " came impatiently from Darrin. 

"Then who did?"

"Some fellow may have done it for a prank. "

Dan shook his head, replying, stubbornly:

"I don't believe that any fellow in the Naval Academy has a senseof humor that would lead him to do a thing like that, just asa piece of what he would consider good-natured mischief. Dave, this sort of report against you on pap means demerits. "

"Fortunately, " smiled Darrin, "the pap sheet is so clear of myname that I can stand a few demerits without much inconvenience. "

But at breakfast formation, the next morning, Dave's name wasread off with twenty demerits. 

"That's a huge shame, " blazed forth Dan, as soon as the chums wereback in their room, preparing to march to their first recitation. 

"Oh, well, it can't be helped--can it?" grimaced Dave. 

Within the next fortnight, however, Darrin's equipment and belongingswere found to be in bad shape no less than five other times. With a few demerits which he had received in the summer term Davenow stood up under one hundred and twenty demerits. 

"I'm allowed only three hundred demerits for the year, and twohundred by January will drop me, " muttered Dave, now becomingthoroughly uneasy. 

For, by this time, he was certain that some unknown enemy hadit "in for him. " Darrin felt almost morally certain that someone--and it must be a midshipman--was at the bottom these troubles. Yet, though he and Dan had done all they could think of to catchthe enemy, neither had had the least success in this line. 

"Eighty demerits more to go, " muttered Dave, "and the superintendentwill recommend to the Secretary of the Navy that I be droppedfor general inaptitude. It seems a bit tough, doesn't it, Dannyboy?"

"It's infamous!" blazed Dalzell. "Oh, if I could only catch theslick rascal who is at the bottom of all this!"

"But both of us together don't seem to be able to catch him, "replied Darrin dejectedly. "Oh, well, perhaps there won't beany more of it. Of course, I am already deprived of all privileges. But then, I never care to go into Annapolis, and I am never invitedto officers' quarters, anyway, so the loss of privileges doesn'tmean so very much. It's the big danger of losing my chance toremain here at the Naval Academy that is worrying me. "

Yet outwardly, to others, Dave Darrin was patient. His surplusirritation he vented in extraordinary effort in the gymnasium, where he was making a remarkable record for himself. 

But of course his worries were reflected in his studies and recitations. Dave was dropping steadily. He seemed soon destined to reachthe "wooden section" in math. This "wooden section" is the sectioncomposed of the young men who stand lowest of all in a given study. The men of the "wooden section" are looked upon as being certainof dismissal when the semiannual examinations come along. 

Now, for five days, things went along more in a better groove. Nothing happened to Darrin, and he was beginning to hope thathis very sly persecutor had ceased to annoy him for good. 

On the sixth day, however, the chums returned from recitationin English. 

"Nothing seems to be wrong here, " remarked Dave, with a sigh ofsatisfaction. 

"Umf--umf!" sniffed Dan, standing still in the middle of theroom. "Doesn't it smell a little as though some one had beensmoking in here?"

"Don't even suggest the thing!" begged Dave turning white at thethought. 

Tap-tap! sounded at the door. In walked the white-gloved cadetassistant officer of the day. 

"Mr. Darrin, you will report immediately to the officer in charge. "

"Very good, sir, " Dave answered. 

This was again Lieutenant Hall's day to be in charge. Dave walkedinto that gentleman's office, saluted, reported his presence underorders and then stood at attention. 

"Mr. Darrin, " began Lieutenant Hall, "I had occasion to inspectyour room. The air was quite thick with tobacco smoke. I feltit necessary to make a very thorough search. In the pocket ofyour rain-coat I found"--Lieutenant Hall produced from his deska pouch of tobacco and a well-seasoned pipe--"these. "

The officer in charge looked keenly at Darrin, who had turnedalmost deathly white. Certainly Dave had the appearance of onewholly guilty. 

"Have you anything to say, Mr. Darrin?" continued the officer incharge. 

"I have never, in my life, sir, smoked or used tobacco in any form, "Darrin truthfully answered. 

"Then how did these articles come to be in your possession?"

"They were _not in my possession_, sir, were they?" Darrin asked, with the utmost respect. 

Lieutenant Hall frowned perceptibly. 

"Mr. Darrin, do not attempt any quibble. The circumstances underwhich these articles were found place them sufficiently in yourpossession. What have you to say that will clear you?"

"I can offer, sir, the testimony of my roommate, Mr. Dalzell, who will declare most positively that he has never known me touse tobacco. "

"Did Mr. Dalzell leave your room with you when you went to yourlast recitation?"

"No, sir; he left fifteen minutes before, by permission, to goto his locker in the gymnasium to look over certain articles there. "

"Then you are unable to call your roommate to support your assertionthat you did not smoke before going with your section to recitationin English?"

"I have only my unsupported word, sir, as a midshipman and a gentleman, to offer. "

"Under almost all circumstances, Mr. Darrin, a midshipman's wordof honor should be sufficient. But you have been reported severaltimes of late, and with apparent justice. You will make in writing, Mr. Darrin, at once, such report as you wish to hand in on thisincident, and the report against you will be considered in theusual way. "

Dave returned to his room. Though he was discouraged his face lookedgrim, and his air was resolute. 

Taking pen and paper he began to prepare his report on this latestcharge. 

Having finished and signed, Dave next picked up a bit of exercisepaper and began to figure. 

"What are you doing, old chap?" asked Dan sympathetically. 

"My head is in too much of a whirl for me to trust myself to anymental arithmetic, " Darrin answered. "I have been figuring howmuch further I have to go. First offense of having tobacco inpossession calls for twenty-five demerits. That brings the totalup to one hundred and forty-five. Dave, I have a lease of lifehere amounting to fifty-four more demerits in this term. Thefifty-fifth signs my ticket home!

"The next trick of this kind attempted, " cried Dalzell, his faceglowing with anger, "must sign, instead, the home ticket of therascal who is at the bottom of all this!"

"But how?" demanded Dave blankly. "He has been entirely too slickto allow himself to be caught. "

CHAPTER XIII

MIDSHIPMAN FARLEY'S ABOUT-FACE

The gloom that now hung over Dave Darrin was the thickest, theblackest that he had ever encountered in his short life. 

He was fully convinced, of course, that his troubles were thework of some determined and unscrupulous enemy or enemies. 

Yet he was equally convinced that he was not likely to catch theplotter against his happiness. He and Dan had already done allthat seemed to be in their power. 

On the Saturday afternoon following the tobacco incident the firstray came to light up the gloom--though it did not take away anyof awesome demerits that had piled up against him. 

Dave and Dan were standing chatting in a group of about a score offourth class men when Farley and Page stepped briskly in theirdirection. 

Dave glanced at the pair in some astonishment, for it was weekssince he had been on speaking terms with either of them, and nowboth looked as though about to address him. 

"One moment gentlemen, all, if you please, " called out MidshipmanFarley. "Let no one leave just now. I have something to saythat I wish to make as public as possible. "

Then, turning toward the astonished Darrin, Mr. Farley continued:

"Darrin, I got into a bad scrape once, and I accused you of carryingthe information that resulted in several others and myself beingdetected. I was positive in my charge. I now wish to make you themost public apology that is possible. I know now that you did notin any way betray myself and my companions. "

"I am glad you have come to this conclusion, " Dave Darrin replied. 

"It is not exactly a conclusion, " replied Farley frankly. "It isa discovery. "

"How did you find it out, Farley?" asked Dan Dalzell, speaking tothat midshipman for the first time in many weeks. 

"I have the word of the watchman who caught us. That is old Grierson, and there isn't a more honest old fellow in the yard. "

"Did you ask Grierson, Farley?" questioned another midshipmangravely. 

"No; for that would be to pile on another offense, " replied Farleyreadily. "I am well enough aware that a midshipman has no rightto go to a watchman about a matter in which the watchman has reportedhim. But a civilian is under no such restrictions. As some ofyou fellows know, my cousin, Sloan, was here at the Academy yesterday. Now, Ben Sloan is a newspaper man, and a fellow of an inquiringdisposition. I told Ben something about the scrape I had beenin, and Ben soon afterward hunted up Grierson. Grierson toldBen the whole truth about it. It seems that Grierson did nothave any information from anyone. He saw our crowd go over thefence the night we Frenched it. But Grierson was too far awayto catch any of us, or recognize us. So he made no alarm, butjust waited and prowled until we came back. He heard the noisewe made trying to get up over the wall from the outside, and randown to that part of the wall. He didn't make any noise, andstood in the shrubbery until we had all dropped over. Then hestepped out, looked us over quickly and demanded our names. Hehad us ragged cold, so there was nothing to do but give him ournames. Now, there's the whole story fellows, and I'm mighty gladI've got at the truth of it. "

"So am I, " muttered Dan dryly. 

"Darrin, you haven't said whether you accept my apology, " Farleycontinued insistently. "I'm mighty sorry for the whole thing, and I'm glad you thrashed me as you did when we met. I richlydeserved that for my hot-headedness. "

For just a moment Dave Darrin couldn't speak, but he held out hishand. 

"Thank you, old fellow, " cried Farley, grasping it. "From nowon I hope we shall trust each other and be friends always. "

Farley had been a good deal spoiled at home, and had a hasty, impetuous temper. His career at Annapolis, however, was doing muchto make a man of him in short time. 

Several of the other midshipmen spoke, expressing their pleasurethat the whole thing was cleared up, and that Dave had provedto be above suspicion. 

"And now I'm off to find the other fellows who were with me thatnight, " continued Farley. "I've told Page, already, but I'vegot to find Scully and Oates, Henkel and Brimmer and put themstraight also. "

Five minutes later Farley was explaining to Midshipman Henkel. 

"Well, you are the softy!" said Henkel, in a sneering tone. 

"Why?" demanded Farley stiffly. 

"To fall for a frame-up like that. "

"Do you mean that my cousin lied to me?"

"No; but Grierson certainly did. "

"Old man Grierson is no liar, " retorted Farley. "He is one ofmost trusted employes in the yard. He has caught many a midshipman, but Grierson is such a square old brick that the midshipmen of twogenerations love him. "

"You're too easy for this rough world, " jeered Midshipman Henkel. 

"Perhaps I am, " retorted Farley. "But I'm going through it decently, anyway. "

"So you went and rubbed down Darrin's ruffled fur as gently as youcould, " continued Henkel. 

"I went to him and apologized--the only thing a man could do underthe circumstances. "

"And now I suppose some of the fellows are trying to build up analtar to Darrin as the class idol?"

"I don't know. I hope so, for I'm convinced that Dave Darrin is asdecent a fellow as ever signed papers at Annapolis. "

"Go on out and buy some incense to burn before Darrin, " laughedHenkel harshly. 

Perhaps Mr. Henkel might not have been as flippant had he knownthat, all the time, Farley was studying him intently. 

"So, in spite of all explanations, you still have no use for Darrin?"asked Midshipman Farley. 

"I have just as much use for him as I have for any other big sneak, "retorted Mr. Henkel. "He betrayed us to the watchman, and I don'tcare what explanations are offered to show that he didn't. "

"And you won't be friendly with Darrin?" insisted Farley. 

"I?" asked Henkel scornfully. "Not for an instant!

"Well, I hardly believe that Darrin will care much, " replied Mr. Farley, turning on his heel and walking out of the room. 

"It's a mighty good thing that Darrin is going to be dropped outof Annapolis, " growled Henkel to himself. "He's altogether tooslick in playing a dirty trick on people and then swinging themaround so that they'll fawn upon him. When Farley first camehere he was a fellow of spirit. But he's been going bad for sometime, and now he's come out straight and clean for grease-mark!"

Saturday afternoon proved a dull time for Dave Darrin. The heavypile of demerits opposite his name prevented his getting leaveeven to stroll out into the town of Annapolis. Dan could havegone, but would not leave his chum. 

Sunday morning there was chapel, but Dave, usually attentive, heard hardly a word of the discourse. Sunday afternoon he turneddoggedly to his books. Dan, who was getting along better, andwho just now, stood three sections higher than Dave in math. , went visiting among the members of his class. 

Sunday evening all the cadets were again busy at their studiesuntil 9. 30. As early as the regulations allowed Dave turned downhis bed, undressed and got into it, feeling utterly "blue. "

"It's no use, " he told himself, as he lay awake, thinking, thinking, thinking. "Some one has it in for me, of course. But Dan and Itogether can't find out who the rascal is. He may try nothingagainst me again, for weeks, but sooner or later he'll turn anotherdemerit trick against me. Before January I shall be home again, looking for some sort of job. "

Before eight o'clock the following morning the class, after muster, broke into sections which marched away to recitation in math. 

Dan Dalzell was now section leader of one group. Dave marched inthe ranks of a much lower section. 

This morning the section with which Dave marched was one man short. Not until the members had taken their seats, or places at theblackboards, did Darrin give heed enough to note that it was Farleywho was absent. 

The section leader, however, had reported that Mr. Farley wasabsent by permission of the head of the Department of Mathematics, "for purposes of study. " Unusual as this excuse was the instructorhad accepted it without making any inquiry. 

If Farley was in his room for purposes of study, then what kindof "study" could it be?

For at that precise moment, Midshipman Farley was standing closeto a tiny crack between the edge of his room door and the jamb. He was "peeking" out attentively. 

Curiously enough Midshipman Page, Farley's roommate, had alsobeen excused from attending section work. At this moment Mr. Page sat tilted back in his chair, with his feet resting acrossthe corner of the study table. 

A most unmilitary pose for Mr. Page, to be sure. Yet what needwas there to fear report with roommate Farley thus industriouslystanding by the door?

So Mr. Page hummed softly to himself and stared out of the window. 

Midshipman Farley remained by the door until he was becoming decidedlywearied of his occupation, and Page had several times shifted his feet. 

Then, all of a sudden, Midshipman Farley turned with a low, sharp hiss. 

"It?" whispered Midshipman Page, rising swiftly. 

"Yes, " nodded Farley. 

Midshipman Page walked swiftly out of the room, though his heelsdid not make as much noise as usual. 

Just after Page had left the room Midshipman Farley stole alongthe corridor, halting before a door. 

There he paused, as though on duty. It was not long before hiserect attitude was accounted for, for Lieutenant Nettleson, theofficer in charge, came down into the corridor, followed by thecadet officer of the day. 

Just a little way behind them walked Midshipman Page. 

Farley stood quickly at attention, saluting the officer in charge, who returned the salute. 

CHAPTER XIV

THE TRAP IN MIDSHIPMEN'S QUARTERS

Tap-Tap! sounded Lieutenant Nettleson's knuckles on the door. 

Just a shade longer than usual the lieutenant waited ere he turnedthe door knob and entered the room. 

Behind him, like a faithful orderly, stood Midshipman Hawkins, ofthe first class, cadet officer of the day. 

A quick look about the room Lieutenant Nettleson took, then turnedto the cadet officer of the day. 

"Mr. Hawkins, " spoke the O. C. , "Mr. Darrin seems to be growingworse in his breaches of duty. "

"So it seems, sir, " agreed the cadet officer the day. 

"Mr. Darrin has left his bed turned down, " continued the lieutenant, inspecting that article of furniture. "And, judging by the looksof the sheets, he has been abed with his boots on. "

"Yes sir. "

"You will put Mr. Darrin on the report for this latest offense, Mr. Hawkins. "

"Aye, aye, sir. "

Lieutenant Nettleson made a further inspection of the room. 

"And Mr. Darrin has neglected to empty his washbowl. He has alsothrown the towel on the floor. Put Mr. Darrin on the report forthat as well. "

"Aye, aye, sir. "

"That is all here, Mr Hawkins. "

"Very good, sir. "

O. C. And cadet officer of the day turned to leave the room. As theywere crossing the threshold Midshipman Farley, saluting, reported:

"I think, sir, if you search more closely, you will find some onein this room. "

"Very good, " replied the officer in charge, turning back. 

In truth, Lieutenant Nettleson was already aware that there was aprowler in the room, for he had seen a pair of feet in a dark corner;but he had purposely awaited Midshipman Farley's report. 

Now, swift as a flash, Lieutenant Nettleson turned back, goingstraight so the cupboard in which Dave Darrin's uniform equipmenthung. 

Pushing aside a dress uniform and a raincoat that hung like curtains, Lieutenant Nettleson gazed into the face of--Midshipman Henkel!

Henkel had been caught so suddenly, had realized it so tardily, thatthe grin of exultation had not quite faded from his face by the timethat he stood exposed. 

In another second, however, that midshipman's face had turned aswhite as dirty chalk. 

"Stand forth, sir!" ordered the O. C. Sternly. 

Henkel obeyed, his legs shaking under him. 

"What is your name?"

"Henkel, sir. "

"Mr. Henkel, what are you doing in the room of another midshipman, in the absence of both occupants?

"I--I--just dropped in, sir!" stammered affrighted midshipman. 

"Mr. Henkel, sir, " continued Lieutenant Nettleson sternly, "ithas long been a puzzle to the discipline officers why Mr. Darrinshould so deliberately and senselessly invite demerits for lackof care of his equipment. You may now be certain that you willbe accused of all breaches of good order and discipline that havebeen laid at Mr. Darrin's door. Have you anything to say, sir. "

Midshipman Henkel, who had been doing some swift thinking, hadhad time enough to realize that no one had seen him doing anymischief in the room. The offense, merely, of visiting anothermidshipman's room improperly would call but for ten demerits. Pooh! The scrape was such a simple one that he would lie valiantlyout of the graver charge and escape with ten demerits. 

"I admit being here, sir, without propriety. I am innocent ofany further wrongdoing, sir, " lied the culprit. 

Lieutenant Nettleson studied the young man's face keenly. 

"Mr. Henkel, was Mr. Darrin's bed turned down and in its presentdisordered state when you entered the room?"

"Yes, sir. "

"You declare this on your honor as a midshipman and gentleman?"

"Yes, sir, " lied the unabashed Henkel. 

"Was Mr. Darrin's washbowl in its present untidy state?"

"I don't know, sir. I didn't notice that. "

"Very good, Mr. Henkel. Go to your room and remain there in closearrest. Do not leave your room, except by orders or proper permission, sir. "

"Very good, sir, " replied Henkel, saluting. Then, his face stilla ghastly hue, he turned and marched from the room, not venturing, under the eyes of the O. C. , to look at either Farley or Page. 

When the sections came marching back from math. Lieutenant Nettlesonstood outside the door of his office. 

"Mr. Darrin!" called the O. C. And, a moment later, "Mr. Dalzell!"

Both wondering midshipmen approached the officer in charge for theday at Bancroft Hall, and saluted. 

"Mr. Darrin, " stated Lieutenant Nettleson, "you and your roommatemay go to your room to leave your books. In the room you willfind some evidences of disorder. Do not attempt to set them straight. As soon as you have left your books return to me. "

"And I also, sir?" queried Dan, saluting. 

"You, also, Mr. Dalzell, " replied the officer. 

"Now, has this thing broken loose again?" groaned Dave Darrin, as thetwo chums hurried below. 

"It seems as if it ought to stop some time, " gasped Dalzell. 

"It will, and soon, " gritted Darrin. "In a very short time, now, I shall certainly have the full course of two hundred demerits. Great--Scott!"

For now the two chums were in their room, and saw the full extent ofthe mischief there. "I guess I may as well wire home to Gridley forthe price of my return ticket, " hinted Dave bitterly. 

"Don't do anything of the sort, " urged Dan, though with but littlehope in his voice. "You may still have a margin of ten or fifteendems. Left to hold you on. "

"We're under orders, Danny boy, to report back to the O. C. "

"O. K. "

"Come along, then. "

In the office of the officer in charge stood Midshipmen Farley andPage. Just after Dave and Dan entered Henkel came in, accompaniedMidshipman Hawkins, the cadet officer of day. 

It was an actually ferocious gaze that Henkel turned upon Darrin. In that same instant Dave believed that a great light had broken inupon his mind. 

"Mr. Hawkins, " requested the O. C. , "ascertain whether the commandantof midshipmen can see us now. "

Saluting, the cadet officer of the day passed out of the room, veryprim and erect, his white gloves of duty a very conspicuous part ofhis uniform. 

In a few moments, he returned, raising his right, white-gloved handto the visor of his cap. 

"The commandant of midshipmen is ready, sir. "

"Come with me, then, " directed Lieutenant Nettleson, who had alreadyrisen to receive the cadet officer's report. 

The O. C. Led the way into the office of Commander Jephson, U. S. Navy, the commandant of midshipmen. 

"This, Mr. Nettleson, I understand, relates to Mr. Darrin's lateapparent course in matters of discipline?" inquired CommanderJephson. 

The commandant of midshipmen, who was middle-aged and slightlybald, removed his eye-glasses, holding them poised in his righthand while he gazed calmly at Mr. Nettleson. 

"Yes, sir. This is the matter, " replied the O. C. , saluting hissuperior. 

Commander Jephson had, usually, a manner of slow and gentle speech. He impressed one, at first sight, as being a man lacking in "ginger, "which was a great mistake, as many a midshipman had found to hiscost. 

The commandant of cadets, however, did not believe in becomingexcited or excitable until the occasion arose. 

"Be good enough to make your statement, Mr. Nettleson, " requestedCommander Jephson. 

Consulting a slip of paper that he held in his left hand the youngerNaval officer recounted the previous instances in which MidshipmanDarrin, fourth class, U. S. Naval Academy, had been found delinquentin that he had slighted the care of his equipment or of his room. 

Having made this preliminary statement, the officer in charge nowcame down to the doings of the present day. 

Midshipman Henkel kept his gaze fixed on Lieutenant Nettleson's face. Henkel's bearing was almost arrogant. He had fully decided uponhis course of lying himself out of his serious scrape. 

CHAPTER XV

AIR "THE ROGUE'S MARCH"

"It is already, sir, " spoke Lieutenant Nettleson, "a matter ofknowledge with you that Mr. Darrin denied his responsibility ineach case of disorder among his personal belongings. It is alsoa matter within your knowledge, sir, that Mr. Darrin, finally, in his desperation, informed you that he believed that some enemyin the brigade of midshipmen was responsible for all the bad appearancesagainst him. 

"The reply of this department, sir, to Mr. Darrin, was to the effectthat, while there was a possibility of his claim being correct, yetit was nearly inconceivable. Mr. Darrin was given permission tobring forward any evidence he could secure in support of his view. As time passed, and he confessed himself unable to secure any suchevidence, one set of demerits after another accumulated againstMr. Darrin. 

"Yesterday, sir, so I am informed, Mr. Farley and Mr. Page approachedyou, stating that they believed they had good reason for suspectinga member of the brigade of seeking to injure Mr. Darrin. MidshipmenFarley and Page also stated to you that they believed the offenderto be a member of the half of the fourth class which does notrecite in mathematics the same time as does the half of the classto which Mr. Darrin and his roommate belong. 

"As Midshipmen Farley and Page belong to the half of the classthat recites during the same periods as do Mr. Darrin and Dalzell, Midshipmen Farley and Page requested permission to remain in theirroom during the time when they would otherwise be reciting inmathematics. They were thus to remain for two mornings, and othermembers of the fourth class were then willing to stay on watchfor two mornings more, and so on, until the offender against Mr. Darrin, if there was one, could be caught in the act. "

What a baleful glare Midshipman Henkel shot at Farley and Page!Then Henkel saw the eye of the commandant of midshipmen fixedcuriously on him, and glanced down at the floor. 

"This very unusual permission, sir, you finally agreed to seekfrom the head of the Department of Mathematics. So, this morning, Mr. Farley and Mr. Page did not march off to recitation in mathematics, but remained in their room. Presently Mr. Page reported to me, in great haste, that a midshipman other than Mr. Darrin, or Mr. Dalzell had just entered their room. I thereupon went down tothat room, knocked, waited a moment, and then entered, accompaniedby the cadet officer of the day. The condition of things thatI found in the room you already, sir, know from my written report. While in the room I detected a pair of feet showing under thebottom of Mr. Darrin's uniform equipment hanging in his cupboard. I pretended, however not to see the feet, and turned to leavethe room when Mr. Farley, as prearranged, stepped forward andinformed me that he had seen some one enter the room a while before. I then turned and compelled the prowler to step forth. Thatprowler was Mr. Henkel. "

"You questioned Mr. Henkel as to his reason for being in the room?"asked Commander Jephson. 

"I did, sir. "

"Did he deny guilty intention in being there?"

"He did, sir, other than admitting that he had broken the regulationsby entering another midshipman's room in that midshipman's absence. "

Tapping his right temple with the eye-glasses that he held inhis hand, the commandant of midshipmen turned to look more directlyat the startled culprit. 

"Mr. Henkel, did you arrange any or all of the disorder whichLieutenant Nettleson reported having found in Mr. Darrin's room?"

"I did not, sir. "

Henkel's voice was clear, firm--almost convincing. 

"Have you, at any time, committed any offense in Mr. Darrin's room, by tampering with his equipment or belongings, or with the furnitureof the room?"

"Never, sir, " declared Midshipman Henkel positively. 

"You are aware that Mr. Darrin has been punished by the impositionof a great many demerits for untidiness in the care of his equipment?"

"Yes, sir. "

"But you were not responsible for any of these seeming delinquencieson Mr. Darrin's part?"

"Never, sir. "

"You did not turn down, disarrange and soil his bed this forenoon, or create the appearance of untidiness in connection with Mr. Darrin washbowl?"

"No, sir. "

"You make these denials on your word of honor, as a midshipmanand gentleman?" persisted Commander Jephson. 

"I do, sir, and most earnestly and solemnly, sir, " replied MidshipmanHenkel. 

"One word, more, Mr. Henkel, " went on the commandant of midshipmen. "When you improperly entered Mr. Darrin's room this morning, did you then observe the signs of disorder which Lieutenant Nettlesonsubsequently discovered and reported?"

"I did, sir, as to the bed. The washbowl I did not notice. "

"That will do, for the present, Mr. Henkel. Mr. Farley, will younow state just what you saw, while watching this forenoon?"

Midshipmen Farley told, simply, how he and Page had commencedtheir watch. 

"In the first place, sir, " declared Farley, "as soon as Mr. Darrinand Mr. Dalzell had left their room, and the corridor was empty, Mr. Page and I, acting by permission and direction of this office, went at once to Mr. Darrin's room. We made an inspection. Atthat time there were no such signs of disorder as those whichLieutenant Nettleson subsequently found. Then, sir, Mr. Pageand I went back to our room. I held our door very slightly ajar, and stood in such a position that I could glance down the corridorand keep Mr. Darrin's room door constantly within my range ofvision. "

"As a matter of vital fact, Mr. Farley, " interrupted the commandantof midshipmen, "did you at any time relax such vigilance, even for afew seconds?"

"Not even for a few seconds, sir. "

"After the inspection that Mr. Page and yourself made, who was thefirst person that you saw enter Mr. Darrin's room?"

"Mr. Henkel!

"Was he Alone?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Did you then immediately send Mr Page to the officer in charge?"

"I did, sir. "

"And yourself?"

"Without allowing my glance to turn from Mr. Darrin's door, sir, Istepped out into the corridor, walked close to Mr. Darrin's roomdoor, and then stood there until Lieutenant Nettleson and Mr. Hawkins arrived. "

"Then, Mr. Farley, you are certain that there was no disorder inMr. Darrin's room at the time when he and Mr. Dalzell left torecite in mathematics?

"I am absolutely positive, sir. "

"And you are also certain that none but Mr. Henkel entered that roomup to the time when the disorder was discovered by LieutenantNettleson?"

"I am certain, sir. "

Midshipman Page was then questioned. He bore out the testimonyjust given by Farley in every particular. 

The manner of the commandant of midshipmen was still gentle when heturned again to Henkel. 

"Mr. Henkel, do you wish to modify your previous statements inany way?"

"No, sir, " replied Henkel. "In all my answers I have told thewhole and exact truth, as I know it. I am eager, sir, to answerany further questions that you may wish to put to me on the subject. "

"Gentlemen, you may all withdraw, save Lieutenant Nettleson andMr. Henkel, " announced the commandant, after a few moments ofseemingly mild thought. "Mr. Hawkins, of course you understandthat what you know of this matter you know officially, and thatyou are not to mention or discuss it until such time as officialaction shall have been taken. As for you other midshipmen, Isee no harm, gentlemen, in your discussing it among yourselves, but you will see to it that information does not, for the present, spread through the brigade. You may go, gentlemen. "

Once outside Farley and Page walked so rapidly that Dave and Dandid not attempt to overtake them in the corridors. But they foundFarley and Page waiting outside Dave's room door. 

"May we come in?" asked Farley. 

"If anyone on earth may, " replied Dave heartily, throwing open thedoor, then stepping back to allow the others to enter. 

"I'm afraid we've cooked a goose for some one, " cried Farley, with grim satisfaction. 

"Great Scott, yes, " breathed Dan Dalzell, in devout thankfulness. 

"Is it fair, Farley, for me to ask you whether you suspected Henkelbefore you caught him?" queried Dave Darrin. 

"Yes; and the commandant knows that. Henkel came here one night, weeks ago, and mysteriously tried to interest us in putting upa job to get you dropped from the Navy rolls. When Page and Ireally tumbled that an enemy working against you, it didn't takeus two minutes to guess who that enemy was. Then we started onthe warpath. "

"I wonder, " asked Dave Darrin huskily, "whether it is really necessaryfor me to assure you of the tremendous burden of obligation thatyou've put upon me?"

"It isn't necessary, any way that you can look at the question, "retorted Farley promptly. "What we did for you, Darrin, is nomore than we'd stand ready to do for any man in the brigade whowas being ground down and out by a mean trickster. "

"Wouldn't I like to take peep in on Henkel, now, while the commandantis grilling him in that gentle way the commandant has?" mockedMidshipman Page. 

"David, little giant, the matter is cleared and as good as squared, "cried Dalzell. "And now I know this is the first time in my lifethat I've ever been really and unutterably happy!"

During the nest two days it was known through the brigade at largethat Midshipman Henkel was in close arrest. The brigade did notat once learn the cause. Yet, in such appearances as Henkel waspermitted to make, it was noted that he bore himself cheerfullyand confidently. 

Then, one day, just before the dinner formation, Darrin was orderedto report at the commandant's office. 

"Mr. Darrin, " announced Commander Jephson, when the midshipmanhad reported and saluted, "I am glad to be able to announce thatwe have been able to pile up so much evidence against Mr Henkelthat young man finally confessed that it was he, and he alone, who created all the disorders with your equipment, and in yourroom for which so many demerits have been inflicted upon you. At the dinner formation. Therefore, when the orders of the dayare published by the brigade adjutant, you will again hear thatyour demerits, given for the offenses unjustly charged againstyou, have been remitted by order of the superintendent. You willalso learn that you have been restored to the first conduct grade, with all the privileges belonging to the midshipmen of that grade. "

It was with a light heart that Dave Darrin left the commandant'soffice, though the young man had been expecting that very decision. 

Yet, despite the fact that he knew it was coming, Dave's heartthrilled with exultation and gratitude as he heard the order readout in the brigade adjutant's quick, monotonous tones. 

Then, immediately following, came another order. 

Midshipman Henkel, for dishonorable conduct, was dropped fromthe rolls!

"Fours right, march!"

By companies the brigade wheeled and marched into the mess hall--theair resounding with the quick, martial tread of eight hundred ormore of the pick of young American manhood!

As the command "march" was given one man fell out of the ranks. Henkel, from the moment of the publications of the order, was nolonger a midshipman!

He had fallen deservedly, as one not fit to associate with gentlemen, or to figure among the future defenders of his country of honorablemen. 

As the brigade marched indifferently off, and left him there, Henkel gazed, for a few moments at the solid ranks of blue andgold, and a great sob welled up within him. In this supreme momenthe realized all that he had lost--his place among honest men!

Then, crushing down any feeling of weakness, he turned on his heel, a sneer darkening his face. 

Then, recalling himself, Henkel sprang up the steps and hastened tothe room that had been partly his. Here he discarded his uniformsubstituting for it the citizen's clothes which had been brought tohim from the midshipmen's store. His own few belongings that hecared about taking with him he packed hastily in a dress-suit case. 

Yet the task required time. His roommate, Brimmer, was back beforeHenkel was ready to depart. 

"You'd better wait, now, until the coast is clear, " whisperedBrimmer. "Hosts of the fellows are hanging about outside. "

"They won't see me, " jeered Henkel harshly. "I'll wait untilthey're off at afternoon duties. But see here, Brimmer, don'tyou dare forget that I might have said much about you, and thatI didn't. Don't dare forget that I leave to you the task of humblingthat fellow, Darrin. If you fail me, Brimmer, it won't be toolate for me to do some talking. "

"Oh, I'll get Darrin out of here, " grimaced Brimmer. "But I won'ttry to do it the way you did. You went in for enmity. I'm goingto undo Darrin by being his friend. "

"Well, I'm through and ready to leave, " muttered Henkel. "ButI'm not going until the coast is clear. "

Seating himself by the window, he stared moodily out, thinkingof the life which had strongly appealed to him, and from whichhe had exiled himself. While he was so occupied knock soundedat the door; then the cadet officer of the day stepped in:

"I see you are ready to go, Mr. Henkel, " announced the cadet officer. "The published order was to the effect that you leave the NavalAcademy immediately. The officer in charge has sent me to see thatyou comply with the order at once. "

"Oh, well, " muttered Henkel bitterly. He turned, holding out hishand to his late roommate. 

"Goodby, Brimmer; good luck!"

"The same to you, " replied Brimmer, as their hands met. Thatwas all that was said with the cadet officer of the day lookingon, but both of the late roommates understood the compact of dishonorthat lay between them concerning Dave Darrin's coming fate. 

With his derby hat pulled low over his eyes and gripping his suitcase, Henkel slunk through the corridors of Bancroft Hall. Nowhe faced the hardest ordeal of all in going out through the entranceof the great white building, beyond which stood many groups ofmidshipmen. 

Now these young men of the Navy caught sight of Henkel. No goodbyeswere called out to him. Instead, as his feet struck the flaggingof the walk scores of lips were puckered. The midshipmen gavethe departing one a whistled tune and furnished the drum part withtheir hands. That tune was--

"The Rogue's March. "

CHAPTER XVI

BRIMMER MAKES A NEW FRIEND

"Darrin, I hope you don't hold me in any way responsible for thatfellow Henkel's actions. 

"Why should I?" asked Dave, turning and looking into the eyes ofMidshipman Brimmer. 

"I know that, for a while, there was hard feeling between us, "continued Brimmer seriously. "It took me a long time to get it outof my stubborn head that you were the one responsible for having ourcrowd ragged by the watchman the night of the spread in Annapolis. Even after Farley changed his mind it took me a long time to believethat he was right. "

"I forgot that whole matter long ago, " replied Darrin. 

"Then will you accept my tardy apology, and let us be friends?"urged Brimmer, holding out his hand. 

It was not Dave Darrin's way to hold a grudge forever. He extendedhis own hand to take Brimmer's. 

"And I hope you'll let me know you better, " continued Brimmer, turning to Dan Dalzell. 

"Most people who know me at all think they know me too well, "laughed Dan, but he held out his hand. 

Perhaps, in other walks of life, the chums might have been morewary about accepting Brimmer's suddenly proffered friendship, as they stood in the open air just after dinner one November day. The weather was so fine and mild that it seemed a shame to becooped up between walls. Back in the High School days, for instance, Dave and Dan would have been more cautious in accepting such anoffer of friendship. But at the U. S. Naval Academy the atmosphereis wholly different. The midshipmen are ranked as gentlemen, and all are so taken on trust unless they betray themselves asdishonorable. Ninety-nine per cent of the young men are earnest, honest and wholly aboveboard. 

After that, during the next two or three weeks, Brimmer cultivatedthe acquaintance of Darrin and Dalzell at every possible opportunity. Often, in the evening, he came hastening to their room for a shortvisit after the release bell had sounded at 9. 30. When he called, Brimmer always remained until the warning call just before taps. 

"It took you a long while to find out that Dave Darrin is whiteenough to shake hands with, " laughed Farley, one day. 

"As I remember, it took you quite a little while, also, to findit out, " laughed Brimmer. "I admit that I am slow at formingmy friendships. But there's no mistake about Darrin, when you getto know him. He's about the finest fellow in the class. "

"He certainly is, " nodded Farley heartily. 

Being shorn of the long list of unjustly-given demerits that hadstood against his name, Darrin was now in the first conduct grade. So was Dan. That gave to both considerable in the way of privileges. On Saturdays and Sundays, for instance, they were at libertyto accept invitations to call on or dine at the houses of officersand their families. This privilege, while pleasant to possess, amounted to little, for Dave and Dan had been too busy over theirstudies to have any opportunity to attract social notice. 

As to dancing, fourth class men do not, by tradition, attend anyof the midshipmen's hops, which are reserved for upper class men. 

Neither is a plebe midshipman expected to be seen escorting youngladies. In fact, the plebe has no social pleasures within theacademy walls. 

Outside, however, it is different. If the fourth class men areacquainted with young ladies in the town of Annapolis they mayvisit them on Saturday afternoons when so invited. 

Here, again, Dave and Dan found no delight. For they became acquaintedwith none of the girls of Annapolis. 

They could, however, on Saturday afternoon secure permission togo into the town. Any change outside of the Academy walls nowbecame welcome, though our young midshipmen had no other formof pleasure than merely to stroll through the streets of the townand occasionally regale themselves with a dish of ice-cream ora glass of soda at Wiegard's. 

Brimmer, one Saturday afternoon, when strolling through the town, discovered a new little shop on Main Street. 

This was a little store that had just been fitted up. Some fruitwas displayed for sale, though the main business of the placeappeared to be the dispensing of various temperance drinks. 

On the sign over the door the proprietor's first name was givenas "Tony. " The second name was an unpronounceable Greek one. 

Being thirsty Brimmer stepped inside. 

"Are you Tony?" he asked of the swarthy young man behind the counter. 

"Yes, sare, " grinned Tony. "What you drink?"

Brimmer looked over the stock, selected a bottle of ginger aleand paid for it. 

"Business good?" asked the midshipman. 

"No, sare; ver' bad, " replied Tony sadly. 

"Oh, well, it will pick up by-and-by. "

"I hope so, sare. But when I come here I think maybe the midsheepmencome see me offen. You, sare, first midsheepman who came here. "

"You have a neat little place, " continued Brimmer. "And thisginger ale, " holding up his glass, "is good. You'll have tradeenough by-and-by. "

"You tell other midsheepmen they come here, sare?" asked Tonyhopefully. 

"Why, yes; I think perhaps I can send you a bit of trade, " repliedBrimmer. The young man's father was a politician, and a prosperousone. The son had learned the wisdom of making friends whereverhe could, since there could be no telling when a friend anywheremight be useful. 

"You come with me, sare, " urged Tony, taking a gentle hold onBrimmer's arm, and leading him to the rear of the store. 

Tony threw open a door, revealing a rear room in which were threetables. 

"Maybe midsheepmen like play cards, sometimes, " suggested Tony, with a grin. 

"Great!" cried Brimmer. "Yes; sometimes the fellows do like toknow a quiet little place where they can have a good game withouta discipline officer butting in. Good enough; I'll tell someof the fellows about this place; but you must keep it quiet, andnot let anyone else into that room. "

"For midsheepmen on'y, " promised Tony solemnly. 

"Good enough, then, " smiled Mr. Brimmer. "I'll bring you a partyas soon as possible. "

"Then you make me your frien', sare, " protested the Greek. 

As Brimmer went strolling along the street, after that, a planbegan rapidly to hatch in his mind. He thought he saw how Tonycould made a most valuable ally. 

As luck would have it, Brimmer was not long in meeting three midshipmenof rather wild tendencies. To them he proposed a quiet littlegame of cards. He led his classmates back to Tony's. Here theyregaled themselves with ginger ale, then passed on into the rearroom. For more than two hours the midshipmen remained here. Occasionally they called for more of the temperance drinks. Asthey left Brimmer passed Tony a two-dollar bill, for this midshipmandisregarded the regulations in that he frequently received moneyfrom home and was always well supplied. 

"Thank you, sare, " cried Tony, bowing very low, indeed. 

The following Saturday Brimmer returned to the little shop witha small party of friends. 

Late that afternoon Tony was richer by a few dollars. 

"You one ver' good frien', sare, " protested the delighted Tony. "Me? I your ver' good frien', too. I do anything for you, sare--try me!"

"I'm getting Tony about where I want him, " thought Mr. Brimmer. "Just a little more help to him, and then I'll spring my ideaon him. "

Thanksgiving had gone by, and now the Christmas Holidays werenearing. Brimmer was playing his game slowly, and without theslightest risk to himself. Tony must take all the risk. If theGreek got into any trouble Brimmer could deny all knowledge ofthe matter. 

One Saturday afternoon, just before Christmas Midshipman Brimmercame down Main Street, looked in and found the Greek standingalone in his shop. 

"Howdy, Tony, " was the midshipman's greeting, as he saunteredinto the store. 

"Hullo, my good frien', sare. "

"Wish you a Merry Christmas, Tony. "

"I don' know, sare, I don' know, " replied the Greek, shaking hishead. 

"Why, isn't business good now, Tony?"

"You do ver' much, my frien', to help make it better, " repliedTony, shaking his head, "but still I not make much money. "

"Are you hard up at Christmas, Tony?" asked Brimmer, with pretendedsympathy. 

"Oh, yes, sare; all time hard up. "

At that moment Brimmer's gleaming eyes saw Dave Darrin and DanDalzell passing on the other side of the street. 

"Quick, Tony! Get a look at my friends over there!" whisperedBrimmer. "Take such a good look that you will know them againanywhere. Now, it's the one on the inside, especially. Notehim sharply, Tony. "

"I never mistake him again, sare, eff I see him, " replied theGreek gravely. 

"Do you see many of these ten-dollar bills nowadays, Tony?" questionedBrimmer, carelessly displaying a banknote. 

The Greek shook his head wistfully. 

"This is yours now, Tony; and twice as much more afterwards, ifyou do what I want of you. It's a good joke that I want to playon a midshipman down at the Academy. "

"A joke, eh?" repeated the Greek. "Then, sare, my frien', itcan't be anything so ver' bad, eef it only a joke. "

"Oh, it isn't anything bad, " Brimmer lied cheerfully. "But thatfellow played a warm one on me, and I want to pay him back. "

"I understand, sare, my ver' good frien'. "

Inside of five minutes Tony understood very much better. Still, the Greek saw no real harm in what he now engaged himself to do. 

That night Tony slept with Brimmer's ten-dollar note under hispillow. Dave Darrin slept as soundly as ever, unconscious ofharm hanging over his head. 

Midshipman Brimmer did much gleeful chuckling after taps, as helay on the bed in the room that Henkel had once shared with him. 

"Now, let's see anyone get a chance to bring this job back tome!" laughed Brimmer. "And goodby, Darrin! The Naval Academywon't know you much longer!"

CHAPTER XVII

TONY BAITS THE HOOK

Up to this time Darrin had dropped in at Tony's but once, andDan not at all. 

The Saturday after Christmas was an anxious one for nearly allof the midshipmen. Only a few availed themselves of any privilegeof going into Annapolis this Saturday afternoon. Most of theyoung men remained in their rooms at Bancroft Hall, anxiouslygoing over the work in which they were soon to take their semi-annualexaminations. 

Especially was this true of the fourth class men in the "wooden"or lowest sections. Most of these men knew that, if they succeededin staying on at all, it would be by a very small margin indeed. Even the men in the "savvy sections, " with the highest marksof their class, were eager to come out as well as possible inthe dreaded semi-ans. 

Dave and Dan both had secured permission to go into Annapolis. 

"We'll want to clear out the cobwebs by a brisk walk, anyway, "declared Darrin. 

They did not intend to go townward, however, until rather latein the afternoon. 

Dan, when he could stand the grind no longer picked up his cap. Dave wanted to put in least fifteen minutes more over his book. 

"I've got to get out in the air, " Dalzell muttered. 

"Going to town?" Dave asked. 

"Yes. Coming along?"

"I've got a little more in logarithms to clean up, " murmured Darrin, looking wistfully at two pages in one of his text-books on mathematics. "Will it do as well, Danny boy, if I follow in fifteen or twentyminutes?"

"Yes; you'll probably find me on Main Street, though you can lookin at Wiegard's on the way. "

Wiegard's is the famous confectionery shop where cadets go forcandy, for ices or soda fountain drinks. If upper class men andyoung ladies are plentiful in Wiegard's, however, prudent fourthclass men keep right on without stopping. 

Dan left Bancroft Hall quite certain that his chum would not bealong for at least an hour. 

At the gate Dan made his report of liberty, then kept on up MarylandAvenue. 

As he turned into State Circle he slowed up a trifle, glancingin through the door at Wiegard's. 

"Too many upper class men in there for me, " decided Dan, so turninghe made his was way through the State Capitol grounds, and on intoMain Street. 

Here he strolled more slowly, passing, here and there, a memberof his class, though none with whom he was particularly intimate. 

"I'm thirsty, " decided Dalzell. "I don't believe I want any ofthe hot drinks. There's Tony's. I'll drop in and get a bottleof soda lemonade. "

Tony saw the fourth classman coming, and a peculiar smile crossedhis lips. On the occasion on which Brimmer had pointed out thechums to the Greek the latter had understood that it was Dan whowas to be the principal victim. 

"Good afternoon, Tony!" was Dan's greeting, as he stepped intothe shop. "Merry Christmas. "

"Thank you, sare, good frien', " was Tony's reply. Then the Greekturned briefly, to hide a grin. 

"Crowd seems to have left you, Tony, " said Dan sympathetically. 

"Save their money to buy present for girls, " guessed the Greek. 

"Tony, have you a small bottle of lemon soda that's good and cold?"

"Oh, yes, sare. "

"Then I want it. "

Tony fumbled among bottles clinking in ice under the counter. At last he found what he wanted and held the bottle up to thecapping machine. Then the Greek did something unusual. Insteadof emptying the bottle into a glass on the counter he performedthat service underneath the counter. Next he held the glass upfull of bright, cold liquid filled with bubble and sparkle. 

"It makes me thirstier to look at this, " muttered Dan, pickingup the glass. "I'll get it down as soon as I can. "

He sipped the last out of the glass, put do a coin to pay forit, and stood, for a moment, chatting with Tony. 

"Excuse me, sare, " broke in the Greek, suddenly. "I hear ma wifecall me. "

Opening a door behind him Tony stepped into a hallway. 

The short December afternoon was drawing to a close. Standingin the shop Dan saw that the light in the street was growing less. 

"I'll walk a little further down the street, " thought Dan. "ThenI'll turn back, and keep on toward State Circle, and look for Dave. "

As he took the first step away from the store Dalzell noticeda slight feeling of dizziness. 

After a moment this passed off, but soon it came on again, heavierthan before. 

"What ails me?" wondered the astonished midshipman. "It can'tbe that I'm turning sick, for I've been feeling fine all along. "

He tried the effect of will power, holding himself as erect ashe could and trying to walk slowly in a straight line. 

Then, though he did not realize it, three or four passers-by turnedto look at the unsteady young man in a midshipman's uniform. 

Two men passing in an auto runabout glanced quickly at Dan. 

"Look at that fool midshipman, throwing away a great future fora few glasses of strong drink, " he remarked to his companion. Then the auto sped on. 

As for Dan Dalzell, he no longer understood clearly what was happening. 

At this lower end of Main Street, on which he was now moving, there were not many people astir. One there was behind him, however--Tony, the Greek, following stealthily on his trail. 

At last, as Dalzell reached the head of a short, narrow alleywayTony caught up with him in the darkness that had now fallen. 

A quick shove Tony gave the midshipman, and Dan, helpless, staggeredinto the alleyway, tripped and fell. 

Tony passed on as though he had merely accidentally jostled another. 

Then, in an instant he wheeled, went back the head of the alleyand glanced in. 

Dan Dalzell was lying still, in a complete stupor. 

With a chuckle the Greek drew a small bottle from one of his pockets, taking out the stopper and throwing it away. Then he began sprinklingthe contents on Dan's uniform coat with energy. 

At that instant there was a quick step outside. Then Dave Darrin, tall, handsome, and even distinguished-looking in the uniformthat he wore so well, bounded in, gripping the Greek's right armin a tight grasp. 

"You rascal!" vibrated Dave's angry voice. "What are you doinghere?"

It being darker in the alleyway than it was outside, Tony didnot recognize his captor. Dave towered so in his wrath that theGreek took him to be an officer of the Navy. 

"Speak up, before I shake the truth out of you!" warned Darrin. "Do you understand that this is a crime, you knave, and thatI can place you under arrest and have you sent to the penitentiaryfor years?"

Tony was now sure that he was in the clutch of a Naval officer. Moreover, Darrin's grip was one that spoke of more muscular strengthheld in reserve. 

"Let me go, sare!" begged the Greek, squirming. "This ees allone joke. I do ze man no harm. "

For answer, Dave used his left hand to snatch away the bottlethat Tony still held. 

"Alcohol!" detected Dave, and hurled the bottle to the other endof the alleyway. "And you have been sprinkling it on this midshipman'suniform? You are the fellow who runs the temperance drinks place?A nice business for you to be in--drugging midshipmen and tryingto ruin them! To prison you go, unless you limber up your tongue. Who put you up to this miserable business? Talk quickly--oroff to a cell you go!"

This was pure bluff, as Dave, being under twenty-one, had no rightto make an arrest, even as a citizen. But he saw that he hadthe Greek scared, and he resolved to push his advantage to the limit. 

"Talk this instant, or to the police station you go!" warned Dave. "Then it will be years before you are a free man again. "

"Mercy, Captain!" howled the frightened Greek. 

"Then out with the whole truth like lightning!" ordered Dave Darrin. 

He accompanied his order with a shaking that made the Greek'steeth rattle. 

"Stop, sare, stop! I tell you!" whined Tony. 

"Go ahead, then, you brute. "

"You know Midsheepman Brimmer?"

"I know him, " repeated Dave. 

"He tell me, sare, about one joke. He geev me bottle of stuff, and he tell me when this midsheepman, or his friend, come in myplace I am to put half of stuff in the bottle in one glass ofwhat the midsheepman order. Then I am to follow the midsheepmanout, and watch him until he fall. I am also to have bottle ofalcohol with me and sprinkle some on the midsheepman when he falland lie still. Then I am to go away and let the midsheepman befound. It is to be one grand joke on the midsheepman. "

"Give me what is left of the bottle of stuff that Midshipman Brimmergave you to put in the drink, " commanded Dave sternly. 

Tony's first impulse was to deny that he had the vial with him. But Darrin's grip on the fellow's arm tightened so alarminglythat the Greek thrust his left hand down into a trousers pocket, then produced the vial, which Darrin pocketed. 

"So this is Brimmer's work--and Brimmer was at one time Henkel'sroommate and crony!" flashed swiftly through Darrin's mind. "Oh, the scoundrel!"

"Some one ees coming, sare, " warned Tony. "Let me go, sare. "

"Stay where you are, and don't dare make a move to get away, "warned Darrin. "It would do you no good, anyway. I know whereto find you. "

Then Darrin peeped cautiously out at the head of the alley. Someone was coming, and that some one wore the Naval uniform. Dave'sheart began to beat faster. Then the wearer the uniform passedthe light from a store window, and his face was briefly revealed. Darrin's heart, for a few seconds, seemed almost to stop beating. For it was Brimmer himself!

Further up in the town that midshipman had heard a fleeting word, uttered by some one, about a staggering midshipman having beenseen going down Main Street. 

"A dollar to a doughnut it's Darrin himself! flashed exultantlythrough Brimmer's mind. He hurried on, though careful to avoidthe appearance of haste. 

"I wish Henkel were here at this moment!" thought Brimmer. "Oh, it will be great to see that sneak, Darrin--"

Just at that moment Brimmer stopped short, with something likea gasp. 

For he did see Darrin, standing before him, towering in his wrath. 

CHAPTER XVIII

IN THE DAYS OF "OLD TWO-FIVE"

Before Brimmer could utter a word Darrin pounced upon him, seizinghim by the collar and fairly dragging him into the alleyway. 

Then, still gripping his astounded, dismayed foe, Darrin demanded:

"Tony, is this the fellow who paid you to drug my friend?

"The treacherous Greek has betrayed me!" was the thought thatflashed instantly through Brimmer's startled mind. 

"Let go of my collar, Darrin!" he commanded loudly. "If thislying Greek has dared to say that I--"

"Shut up!" ordered Dave tersely. 

Ever since coming to Annapolis he had tried to keep his temperin the background. But now, quivering in his righteous wrath, Darrin was once more the hot-headed, impulsive, generous Daveof old--a doer of deeds, and a thrasher of scoundrels. 

"No, no, no!" protested Tony, shrilly and cunningly. "Mr. Brimmer, he no tell me--he no hire me--"

"Be silent, fellow!" commanded Dave Darrin hotly. "You've toldthe truth once. Don't spoil it with a dozen lies! Brimmer, youdastard, you disgrace to the noble old uniform--"

By a quick, forceful twist Brimmer had freed himself from Dave'sfrantic clutch. 

It availed the plotter but little, however. 

Quick as a flash Dave let drive with his right fist, landing ablow on the chest that sent Mr. Brimmer flat to the pavement ofthe alley. 

"You coward! You--" screamed Brimmer, as he rose. 

But no sooner was he on his feet than Dave planted a terrificblow over his left eye. 

Down went Brimmer again, his eyes closed "until further notice. "

"Don't try to get up!" warned Darrin, crouching over his enemy. "If you make a move upward, until I'm through talking, I'll kickyou clean over the town of Annapolis and far out into ChesapeakeBay. Brimmer, if you send me a challenge when we get back toBancroft Hall, I won't pay any attention to it until after theclass has passed on the merits of the case. If you want to fighthere and now I'll let you up and we'll settle it right off. Butno formal fight, under decent auspices. You hear me? Youunderstand?"

Brimmer made no reply. 

"All right, then, " nodded Dave. "I understand that you don'twant to fight here. Don't try to provoke me into a formal fight, at the Naval Academy, unless you are prepared to defend your sidebefore a class committee. Now get up and take yourself away--youinfamous hound!"

Tony, in the meantime, had swiftly vanished. The Greek's changeof front, in denying his charge against Brimmer, had been promptedby craft. 

"Meester Brimmer, he pay me, now, not twenty dollars, but allthe money he have, and all he can get, " chuckled the rascallyGreek. "Otherwise, he be afraid I tell too much, and he get thedouble-queeck out of the Naval Acadeemy!"

Brimmer, boiling with helpless rage, got up and made off as quicklyas he could. He would have fought, on the spot, but knew thatwith one eye closed, and giving him great pain, he would be buta football for the strenuous Darrin. 

And now Dave bent over his chum, who, still unconscious, was breathingheavily. 

"He's in no immediate danger, " breathed Darrin, in great relief. Then, hearing wheels, he stepped to the end of the alleyway. As if in answer to his prayer the vehicle turned ont to be acab, and without a fare. 

"Driver, I need you here!" called Dave, and the cab rolled inat the curb. 

"Follow me, " directed Darrin, leading the way up the alley

Catching sight of the prostrate midshipman the driver grinned. 

"No, he's not intoxicated!" flashed out Darrin half angrily. "This is all a trick. Help me lift him into your cab. Then driveus to the best physician in the town. "

Dan was propped in place on the back seat, Darrin beside him. 

"Give me the card of your stable, driver, " Dave requested. "Ihaven't money enough to pay you, but I'll write and have my fathersend you the amount of your bill. "

"That'll be all right, sir, " nodded the driver who knew the waysof midshipmen, and who also knew that such a "risk" was a safe one. 

A few minutes later the cab stopped before the residence of Dr. Stewart. 

"See if the doctor is in, " directed Darrin. 

The physician was at home, and not engaged. So Dave and the drivercarried Dan into the medical man's office. 

"Too bad!" murmured the physician. "Intoxicated, eh?

"No, sir, " responded Dave quietly, "and that's one of the thingsI wish you to note positively, so that you can be prepared tocertify if necessary. This is the stuff, I believe, with whichmy friend was drugged. "

Dave passed over the vial Tony had handed him. Dr. Stewart smelledthe contents, then touched the bottle lightly to his tongue. Next he stepped over to a cabinet, poured a small quantity ofthe liquid into a test tube and did some hurried experimenting. 

"The regulation knockout drops, " he smiled grimly. "Now, helpme to take off your friend's overcoat. Whew! There is the smellof alcohol here!

"Only on the overcoat, I guess, doctor, " suggested Dave. "Youdon't notice any on my friend's breath, do you?

"No, " replied the doctor. 

"There has been a plot on foot to make it appear that my friendhad been indulging in liquor. Doctor, I hope you can prove positivelythat such was not the case. "

"I shall have to pump the young man's stomach out. That is thefirst step in getting him back to consciousness. That will alsoshow convincingly whether he has been using alcoholic drinks. "

Within three minutes Dr. Stewart was positive that Dan had notbeen using strong drink. 

Soon after Dan regained consciousness. Dr. Stewart quickly gavehim something to restore his faculties. 

Catching sight of the office clock Dave broke in:

"Doctor, if it is barely possible, we must be back for supperformation. Can you fix it?"

"I think so, " nodded the physician. "You can help. Turn on thatelectric fan and place your friend's uniform overcoat where thefan will play upon it. That will drive away most of the smellof alcohol. "

"Alcohol?" mumbled Dan wonderingly. 

"Don't try to think, now, Mr. Dalzell, " ordered the physician. "Mr. Darrin will explain to you later. "

Dan lay on the lounge, the physician keeping a finger on his pulse. Presently the man of medicine gave Dan another drink of restorative. "Now, get up and walk to the back of the room with me, " commandedthe physician. "Here, I'll throw this window up. Now, take in asdeep breaths as you can. "

Dave, in the meantime, was standing near fan attending to drivingthe fumes from his friend's coat. 

A few minutes later Dr. Stewart gave Dalzell a third draught. Dan was now recovering steadily from his mental numbness. 

"You can take your friend away safely, now, " declared Dr. Stewart, at last. "He can thank a strong constitution for recovering soquickly under treatment. "

"Shall I take him near the gate in a cab, or walk him there?"asked Darrin. 

"It will bring about his recovery more completely if he walks. "

"Pardon me for a moment, then, and I'll go outside and releasethe driver. "

Then, returning, Darrin added:

"Doctor, if you'll hand me your bill, Mr. Dalzell will see thathis father remits to you. "

Dr. Stewart nodded, wrote the bill, and passed it over. It wasnot by any means the first time that the physician had done businesson that basis. 

"A fairly brisk walk, gentlemen, will be best, " said the doctor, at the street door. "Good evening--and good luck. "

"Another Naval mystery, I suppose, " smiled the physician, as heturned back to his office. "But I shall never hear from it again, except when the remittance arrives from the young man's father. "

Arriving at the Maryland Avenue gate of the Academy grounds Daveturned in report for both of them. Then the chums continued acrossto Bancroft Hall. 

Midshipman Brimmer was reported absent, but accounted for, atthat supper formation. At that moment Brimmer was undergoinga Naval surgeon's treatment for his eye. Brimmer's brief explanationto the surgeon was that he had run his face against something hardin a dark alleyway while in town. The surgeon noted down theexplanation, smiling grimly. 

That being Saturday evening, with release from studies, Dave slippeddown to the door of Farley and Page, and invited them to his quarters. There sat Dan. 

Both Farley and Page listened almost in stupefaction. They hadalways rather liked Brimmer. Yet they were convinced that Darrinspoke the truth. 

"Now, help me with your advice, " begged Dave. "Should I makean official report of this whole matter?

"Not until you have stronger evidence against Brimmer, " suggestedFarley. 

"Would it do any good to ask for a class committee, and to bringBrimmer before it?"

"Not until you have a better case to offer, " replied Page. 

"Then what should I do?"

"Cut Brimmer, of course, " said Farley thoughtfully. "And don'tlet him guess that you're going to let up at any point of theinvestigation into the matter. "

"We won't let up, either, " blazed Dave, "if we can think of anyway to probe the facts. 

"I don't believe it will do much good to fool with Tony, the Greek, "suggested Midshipman Page. "Brimmer has more money than any of us, and he'll pay blackmail to keep Tony's tongue quiet. "

It was Tuesday when Midshipman Brimmer returned to formations. Immediately after breakfast Dave Darrin went up to him. 

"Mr. Brimmer, I want a word with you. "

"I don't want any words with you, at any time, Mr. Darrin, " Brimmerretorted bitterly. 

"You won't have any that are not necessary, " retorted Dave. "Yet Ithink it will be to your advantage to step aside and hear what Ihave to say now. "

"Make it very short, then. "

"Mr. Brimmer, " continued Darrin, when they were by themselves, "all I have to say is to confirm the language that I used to youthe other evening. Further, I will say that you are quite atliberty to report me for having assaulted you. Or, you may askfor a class committee to investigate this affair between us. The last that I have to say is that I have the vial of knockoutstuff that you gave Tony to serve to Dalzell and myself, and Ihave also expert testimony as to the nature of the stuff. Nordo I mind admitting to you that Dalzell and I are going to goas far as we can in getting the evidence that; will warrant ourmaking an official report your scoundrelly conduct. If possiblewe shall bring about your dismissal from the Naval Academy. "

Brimmer's eyes flashed. Yet in the next minute the yellow streakin him showed. His lip quivered, and he begged, brokenly:

"Darrin, show a little mercy. Would you care to be kicked outof the Academy?"

"Not any more than Dalzell would have liked it, " replied Davedryly. 

"Then you must realize that it would spoil my life, too. "

"Mr. Brimmer, " retorted Darrin sternly, "it is no longer a questionof what your feelings in the matter may be. The plain fact isthat you are not a gentlemen--not honorable. You are not fitto be the comrade of gentlemen. You are a profanation of theuniform of the United States. It is for the good of the service, far more than for any personal enmity, that several of us haveresolved to keep on the hunt for evidence until we get a completeenough lot to drive you away from Annapolis. "

Finding that coaxing was of no avail Brimmer became surly. 

At the first opportunity for liberty to go into town Dave, Danand Farley went abruptly to Tony, the Greek, questioning himinsistently. Tony, however, would not say a word beyond stolidlydenying that he had had any part in the plot, and that he hadever said so. 

Tony had abundant reasons for his silence. He had promptly demandedtwo hundred dollars from Brimmer, and the latter had sent posthaste to his father for the money, explaining only that he neededit to "buy his way out of a scrape. "

The money now rested in Tony's pocket. 

Dave, Dan, Farley and Page tried hard, however, in other directions, to secure the need evidence. There was no druggists' label onthe vial, so these four midshipmen visited all the druggists inAnnapolis, seeking light on the matter. The druggists, however, denied any knowledge of the vial or of its contents. 

Now, the friends appeared to be up against a dead wall of difficulty. They did not cease their efforts, however, and held many conferencesbehind closed doors. 

Brimmer kept track of their activities as best he could. He becamemoody, and slackened in his studies. 

After that the semi-annual examinations came on. Dave passedbetter than he had hoped, making two-nine as his standing. 

Dalzell was forced to be content with two-seven, but as two-fivewas a high enough mark for passing Dan was delighted. Farley andPage got through safely, and that was all. 

Fifty-nine of the men of the fourth class were dropped for failingto keep up to the two-five standard. 

And one of these was Midshipman Brimmer. He and the other unluckyones left for their homes as soon as the results had been announced. 

Brimmer would have passed, in all probability, had he not beenunstrung by the knowledge that four of his comrades were workingto secure the evidence which should warrant his expulsion fromthe Naval Academy. Oppressed by dread, this young scoundrel wasnot capable of doing his best work at the semi-annuals. 

So Brimmer left as Henkel had done. The only difference was thatBrimmer did not have to slink away to the tune of "The Rogue'sMarch. "

"You're past the worst of it, now, mister, " murmured YoungsterTrotter, in passing Dave. "You'll win through hereafter. "

But Dave Darrin could hardly help feeling that his greatestthankfulness was over the fact that the poisonous pair, Henkel andBrimmer, were both out of the Navy for good and all. 

CHAPTER XIX

The Collision on the Chesapeake

The weeks slipped by quickly now. 

Athletics cannot occupy as prominent a place at Annapolis as atthe universities and colleges, for the midshipmen must, aboveall, be sure that they stand high enough in their academic work. Dave and Dan were both invited out for baseball try-out, but both asked to be excused. 

Dan, by himself, would have gone in for the Navy nine, anddoubtless would have made it. 

It was Darrin, the cautious, who dissuaded Dalzell. 

"Better shy away from athletics, Danny boy, until you've made youracademic footing secure, " was Dave's advice. 

"You didn't talk that way in the High School, " argued Dan. 

"No; there the athletics were more necessary, if we were to keepin condition. Here athletics may be regarded as the luxury, whichwe are not yet entitled. Here, with the gym work, the fencing, the drills under arms and the boat drills, we're kept in the pinkof physical condition without need for special training. "

"Next year, when we feel absolutely solid in our marks, we cango in for athletics, if we wish, Dan. "

So Dalzell gave in. He was beginning to realize that his chumhad a "long" head and that his advice was always good. 

With the coming of spring the boat drills were resumed in earnest. 

Dave, standing well in "grease, " now, became captain of one ofthe boat crews, for he had developed unusual skill in boat handling. 

One bright afternoon in the latter part of April, while half ofthe brigade marched off to instruction on shore, the other halfmarched down to the docks beyond the seamanship building. 

Here the members of the third class embarked in the steam launcheseach craft representing a war vessel--for fleet drill. 

The fourth class men embarked, by crews, in the sailboats. 

As each captain gave the order to shove clear of the dock themainsail was hoisted. Then each crew captain kept one eye onthe watch for the signals of the instructor, who was aboard aboat designated as the flagship. 

The sail was downstream. Beyond Annapolis some pretty manoeuveringwork was done. While this drill was proceeding, however, thewind died out considerably. Then, light as the breeze was, theyouthful crew captains were forced to beat back against almosta head wind. 

There being no signs of squalls or puffs, the crew captains did notseem to need to exercise much caution. The members of the crewsstood indolently at their stations. 

Yet Dave was as alert as ever. He stood close to the midshipmantillerman, looking constantly for signals from the flagship, andat the same time watchful for any wind signs. 

An hour or more they had proceeded thus. Some of Dave's boatcrew, who had been making a lark of their nearly becalmed conditionnow began to demur over the prospect of getting back late forsupper. 

"The steam-launch fleet might show up and give us a tow, " grumbledFarley. 

Dave smiled and said nothing. He was as eager as any midshipmanin the boat to have his supper on time, but he felt that the crewcaptain must appear above any sign of complaint untoward fate. 

For a moment or so Darrin turned to look aft at the weather. 

"Motor boat 'John Duncan' on the port bow, two points off andbearing this way, sir, " reported the bow watch. 

Darrin turned quickly, bending to glance under the boom, for themainsail was in his way. 

What he saw made him dart quickly forward, to take up his standby the mast. 

"Pass me the megaphone, Mr. Dalzell, " he requested. 

With this mouth-piece in hand, Dave watched the nearing craft. 

The "Duncan" was a semi-speed boat, some forty-five feet overall, without cabin, and carrying only a sprayhood forward to protectits engine. 

Two men appeared in the boat--Mr Salisbury, the owner, and hisengineer. The latter was steering at this time. 

Chug-chug-chug! came the fast craft. 

Dave waited, well knowing that his hail could not carry to eitherengineer or owner over the noise that the "Duncan's" engine wasmaking. 

Farley stood close to Dave watching. The tillerman also had hiseye on the approaching craft. The other midshipmen, telling storiesor staring out over the water, paid little heed. There couldbe no danger from the motor boat. Both the owner and engineerwere well known, in these waters, as capable boat handlers andas men of judgment. 

Darrin, himself, did not believe that there was any danger. 

"Throw her head a point and a half off to the starboard, " calledDave Darrin evenly. 

"Aye, aye, sir, " responded the midshipman tillerman, and the sailboatresponded slowly under the slight headway. 

"Great Scott, don't those fellows know that a sailboat has theright of way over a power craft?" demanded Darrin suddenly. 

"Perhaps they're going to see how close they can come to us withouthitting us, " remarked Farley. 

Dave raised the megaphone to his lips, waiting until he judged thatthere was a chance of his hail being heard. 

"Duncan, 'ahoy!" bellowed Darrin. "Go to port of us!"

Still the motor boat came onward, at a speed something better thanfourteen miles. 

"Hard-a-starboard!" Darrin roared back to his own tillerman. 

Then he repeated his hail. He was almost frenzied now; for themotor boat had not yet changed its course. 

Suddenly, when the two craft were almost together, the engineer, after throwing over his wheel, held up one hand. 

Before Dave could guess what the gesture meant, the "Duncan" loomedup on the sail-boat's port bow, coming on at unabated speed. 

There was an instant scampering of midshipmen for safety. Thenbump! the motor boat's bow crashed into the sailboat, cuttinga great gap in her. 

The force of the shock threw most of the midshipmen into the water. The rest jumped. 

Now, the "Duncan" responded to her engine by backing off. Butthe motor boat, too, had received her deathblow. Ere she hadbacked off a hundred and fifty feet she began to fill rapidly. Owner and engineer had only time to adjust life-preserversand leap overboard. Then the "Duncan" went down. 

At the moment of collision there was a crash of spars and a snappingof cordage. The sailing craft's mast had gone by the board, thoughnot much before the sailboat itself had filled. 

Dave himself was pitched headlong. He sank below the water, buthad no fear for himself, for he was wholly at home in the water. 

Yet, as he found the water closing over him, Dave Darrin felta great thrill of terror for others run through him. 

"My boat crew is the poorest in the class in swimming!" he gasped, with a throb of agony. "Not more than half of them know howto take care of themselves! And I, as captain, am responsiblefor their safety!"

CHAPTER XX

IN THE LINE OF DUTY

As his head shot above the water a Dave barely paused to expel thewater from his mouth. 

"Boat's crew close together, to stand by the poor swimmers!" heyelled hoarsely. 

The water being barely ruffled, Darrin was able to count eight headsbesides his own. 

That meant that five men had still failed to come up. 

Midshipman Driscoll, an instant later, shot up beside Dave. 

"Help!" sputtered Driscoll. 

"Float on my arm, sir, " ordered Dave, swimming with lusty strokesuntil he had thrust his left arm under Driscoll's chest. 

Then the young crew captain shouted:

"Who can get here first to support Mr. Driscoll. "

"Here!" called another midshipman, overtaking the pair with lustystrokes. 

"Keep Mr. Driscoll up, " called Dave, as he swam away. "I've gotto count heads fast. "

Another midshipman came above water, and Dan Dalzell was at him, like a flash, supporting the new arrival, who was one of the poorswimmers. 

That left three men to be accounted for. 

Further down the stream still another head appeared. Only fora moment or two, this midshipman succeeded in keeping his headabove water. 

"I'll get that man, " cried Farley, as he and another midshipmanstarted with powerful strokes after the man who was going downfor the second time. 

"There's a seat floating!" shouted Dalzell. 

Darrin plunged forward for it, until he saw one of his crew nearingit ahead of him. 

"Hold that as a life-buoy!" called Dave. 

Hardly had he given this order when another midshipman made himselfheard, as he trod water. 

The board was pushed toward him, while Dave made a rapid count. 

"All up but Mr. Page;" muttered Dave, but even that thought madehim sick at heart. 

Only a few moments had passed, but that was time enough for anyman to come to the surface if his buoyancy remained. 

Darrin had paid no heed to Mr. Salisbury or the latter's engineer, for he had seen them jumping for their life-preservers. 

In the meantime the other boats of the sailing fleet were makingfor the scene of the disaster. Yet, with the light breeze, thatwas no easy thing to do. It would take some time yet to bringthe nearest of the sailing fleet to the scene. 

Signals had been sprung to the steam-launch fleet, but the launcheswere far down the bay, and many minutes must pass before reliefcould be looked for from that quarter. Two or three of thesailboats would, in fact, be at hand first. 

Though there were some excellent swimmer among the wreckedmidshipmen, the best of these were already standing by midshipmenwho did not swim well. Dave Darrin was the only one free to go toPage's assistance should he show up. 

"Every man keep his eyes peeled for Mr. Page!" shouted Dave. "Wesimply can't stand the loss of any member of the crew!"

"There's a hat!" cried Dan, a few moments later. "Can you makeit out, sir. "

Dalzell was pointing further down the bay. 

"A cap, yes, " called Dave, striking out lustily for the spot. "But I don't see any head there. Watch, all of you, and giveme a hail if you see Mr. Page's head show up anywhere. "

Midshipman Farley was in agony over the thought of the loss ofhis roommate. Yet Farley was at this time engaged in standingby a less-skilled swimmer. 

"That looks like a face, fifteen yards west from the cap!" shoutedone of the crew. 

Dave Darrin made the greatest spring, he could up out of the water. It gave him a chance for a better view. 

"I see the face!" he roared back. "Look after yourselves. I'llget in close to Mr. Page. "

Dave swam as he had never done before, taking swift yet long, powerful strokes. He reached the spot, only to see what he hadtaken for a face sink slowly below the surface. 

"That must be the second time going down!" throbbed Darrin, witha feeling of horror. 

More powerfully than ever he surged forward. He was too late tocatch another glimpse of the white face. But he had noted thepoint at which it had sunk. 

Taking a breath, Darrin took a dive downward, duck fashion. Holdinghis breath, he went below, his eyes wide open, seeking as besthe could. 

Down where the light of day reached him poorly Darrin caught sightof something floating slowly past. It might have been a fish, for all the sense of shape that reached Dave. 

With an inward prayer the young crew captain surged downward andforward. He grappled with--something--then fought his way thesurface, holding that something tightly. 

As they shot above the water Darrin's blood danced for joy. 

It was Page--"good old Page!"--whom he had brought to the top. 

"Got him safe?" bellowed Farley, over the water. 

Dave was too winded to answer. He thrust one hand above his head, waving it joyfully. Then he let the hand fall that he might betterattend to his work. 

For a few moments they floated there. The nearest of the sailingcutters was now nearing the victims of the wreck. 

The boat, however, would reach Darrin last of all. 

While Darrin watched Farley and three others clambering aboardthe rescuing boat, the young crew captain trod water, supportingPage at the same time. 

Then Page opened his eyes, as though returning from a faint, ratherthan reviving from a partial drowning. 

"Hold me tight!" gasped Page, almost in a whisper. "I'm a fearfullypoor swimmer. "

"I know, " nodded Dave, "but I've got you, and I never let go of agood thing. "

Darrin's heart throbbed gratefully. All of the boat crew wereaccounted for; not a man of his command lost. 

Further off he could see Mr. Salisbury and the engineer of thefoundered power boat, each held up by a life-preserve. 

But, though all of the wrecked middies were afloat, they wereas yet by no means safe. Some were so helpless that every manwho could keep himself afloat and help another was thus engaged. 

Dave, after his strong exertions, found himself rapidly "playingout. " If help did not soon reach him he felt that he would beexhausted. 

"Can't you help yourself a little more, Mr. Page?" he asked. 

Unnoticed by Darrin, Midshipman Page had been slowly relapsinginto unconsciousness. In the collision Page had been hit glancinglyon the head by the gaff of the falling mainsail. 

Page heard Dave's query with a muddled mind. All he grasped wasthat Darrin was doubtful of his ability to keep them both up. 

In an agony of unreasoning, stupefied dread, Midshipman Page swiftlywound both arms around Dave Darrin. 

"Here!" commanded the young captain the crew. "Don't do that!"

But Page either did not hear or did not heed. His arms clungmore desperately around Dave, binding one of the latter's armsto his body. 

"He'll drown both of us!" was the thought that flashed instantlythrough Midshipman Darrin's mind. 

There was no time to think of more. Before he realized that thething was happening Darrin felt the waters close over his head. 

Both midshipmen were going down. While Darrin's mind was fullyalive to the situation Page, a gallant fellow at heart, and thoroughlybrave, was now unwittingly carrying his comrade down with him todeath. 

Nor, in the first moments, did any of the other midshipmen notethe tragic happening. 

It was not long, however, before Dan Dalzell's agonized queryshot over the waters:

"Where's grand old Darrin?"

Dan groaned with his helplessness. For Dan was, at that instant, holding up one of the poor swimmers, to leave whom would be toabandon him to death. 

CHAPTER XXI

OFFICIAL AND OTHER REPORT

When under the water, and in imminent danger of drowning, secondscount as hours. 

If they perished, now, Page would be spared the deep horror of itall, for his mind was already clouded again through his recentinjuries. 

He retained only consciousness enough to fight like a dying wildbeast. 

With one of Darrin's arms pinioned Page seemed fighting to get theother in an equal state of helplessness. 

Dave fought to free himself. Yet he did not struggle too hard. 

"If I free myself abruptly, I may lose Page!" was the thoughtthat rushed through his brain. 

To free himself of his comrade in order to get to the surfacealone and safe was furthest from the young midshipman's mind. 

"It's a tough fix, but I'm going to get Page to the surface, orstay down here with him!" throbbed Dave. 

They were near enough to the surface to enable Darrin to see hiscomrade, though not with much clearness. 

Down under the water all forms looked indistinct. 

While Darrin struggled cautiously his mind worked fast. 

It would have been easy enough to choke Page into insensibility, but that would cause the unreasoning midshipman to open his mouth, insuring his drowning. 

Suddenly Dave saw his chance! He made up his mind at once. 

Swiftly moving his free hand back, he struck Page on the foreheadwith his clenched fist. 

At that moment, Page began to fight harder to keep them both down. But Darrin struck him again on the head with his fist. 

The injured midshipman now collapsed, senseless. 

Cautiously though swiftly Dave freed himself, got a left handgrip on the collar of Page's blouse, and with his right hand struckout for the surface. 

His feet aided. With joy Dave saw the water overhead growinglighter and lighter. Then his face shot up into the life-giving air. 

Darrin took in a great gulp of it, then turned to make sure thatthe unconscious Page's mouth was above water. 

Close at hand one of the sailboats of the fleet was bearing downupon them. 

"There are Mr. Darrin and Mr. Page!" shouted a voice. 

Splash! splash! Two classmates were over in the water, swimmingsuperbly toward the exhausted Dave. 

"Keep up a moment or two longer, Mr. Darrin!" hailed the voiceof Midshipman Hallam encouragingly. 

All these young midshipmen were on duty. Therefore, throughoutthe mishap and its attendant circumstances the ceremonious useof "Mr. " had been followed. 

"Won't I keep up, though!" thrilled Dave, as he heard the cheeringhail. 

All but forgetting himself, Dave turned to make sure that Page'smouth was kept above water. 

"Let me have Mr. Page!" called out Midshipman Botkin, rangingup alongside and taking charge of Darrin's burden. 

"How are you, Mr. Darrin? Enjoy a little help?" queried MidshipmanHallam, throwing out a supporting arm to his classmate. 

"I'm nearly all in, " confessed Dave, with a ghastly smile. 

"But not all in? Good enough! Get hold of my arm, and don'ttry to do much more than float. They're gathering the men infast, now. "

Two sailboats were now engaged in the work of rescue, and a thirdwas heading for Mr. Salisbury and his engineer. 

In almost no time, it seemed, Dave and Page, and their supporters, were hauled into one of the boats. 

"Give Mr. Page first aid for the injured--quick!" urged Dave, almost in a whisper. "He has gone close to being drowned. "

Hardly had he spoken the words when Darrin's own eyes closed. The strain had been too much for him. 

When the steam launches came up, Dave and Page, as well as theother drenched fourth class men, were transferred, and fast timewas made back to the dock. 

Mr. Salisbury and his engineer were also taken back by steam power. The owner of the launch had a most satisfactory explanation tooffer. 

He and his engineer had both believed that they had abundant roomin which to clear the sailboat. When, at last, they had triedtheir helm, it was found that the steering gear had broken. Therewas no way in which to change the course of the motor boat intime. The reversing gear was promptly used, but it was impossibleto stop headway and dart back before the collision came. 

It was accident, and that was all there was to it. Yet, had itnot been for Darrin's prompt judgment, and the cool conduct of someof the members of his crew, there might easily have been somefatalities to report among the midshipmen. 

As it was, nothing but Darrin's splendid conduct had saved MidshipmanPage from speedy death by drowning. 

Dave opened his eyes on his way back to Annapolis. Page, howeverthough he was "pumped dry" of the water that he had involuntarilyswallowed, remained in a stupefied condition all the way back. 

An ambulance had been signaled for, and was waiting at the dock. 

"I don't want to go to hospital, sir, " Dave objected weakly. 

"You'll come with me, Mr. Darrin, " responded the Naval surgeon, without argument. "Of course we can discharge you at any timewe find you strong enough for duty. "

So Dave was taken to hospital, stripped, rubbed down, put to bedand dosed with hot drinks. 

Midshipman Page was put on the cot next to Dave's. Now the surgeonsdiscovered the injury that had been done Page's head by the fallinggaff. 

Some four hours later Commander Jephson, commandant of midshipmen, came through the hospital, accompanied by Lieutenant Edgecombe, who had been the sailing instructor of the afternoon. 

"Good evening, Mr. Darrin, " was the commandant's very cordialgreeting. 

"Good evening, sir. "

"Good evening, Mr. Darrin, " came from Lieutenant Edgecombe, whichgreeting Dave also acknowledged. 

"The surgeon says, Mr. Darrin, that you a fit to do some talking, "continued the commandant. 

"I am certain of that, sir, " smiled Darrin. "In fact, my onlytrouble is that the surgeon insists on my staying here tonight. "

"Then it is an official order, and can't be dodged, " laughed thecommandant pleasantly. "But, Mr. Darrin, you were crew captainthis afternoon. Lieutenant Edgecombe wishes to secure your officialreport of the accident. He will reduce it to writing, read itover to you, a then you will sign it. "

"Very good, sir, " responded Dave briefly. 

The Navy lieutenant's questions drew out only the simplest accountof the affair. Of all the heavy, swift work he had done for thesafety of his crew after the foundering Dave gave only the barestsketch. Lieutenant Edgecombe then wrote down a brief, dry recitalof fact, read it over, and Darrin signed it. 

During this time the commandant of midshipmen had sat by, a quietlistener. 

"Mr. Darrin, " said Commander Jephson, at last, "I am obliged tosay that, in some respects, your report does not agree with thatof members of your crew. "

"I have made a truthful statement, sir, just as I recall the incidentsof the affair, " replied Dave, flushing to the temples. 

"Don't jump too speedily at false conclusions, Mr. Darrin, " cautionedthe commandant. "My remark is founded on the statement, madeby other midshipmen of your crew, that you displayed the utmostjudgment and coolness, with great bravery added. That you clungto Mr. Page to the last, and even went below with him at the almostcertain risk of being drowned yourself. "

"You didn't expect me, sir, to include any praise of myself, inmy official report?" questioned Darrin. 

"You have me there, Mr. Darrin, " laughed the commandant, whilethe lieutenant turned to hide a smile. "I am quite satisfiedwith your official report, but I wish to ask you some questions, on my own account, about your own experience in rescuing Mr. Page. "

This it took some minutes to draw out. Darrin did not balk, nortry to conceal anything, but he had a natural aversion to singinghis own praises, and answered questions only sparingly at first. Yet, at last, the commandant succeeded in drawing out a story, bit by bit, that made the old seadog's eyes glisten with pride. 

"Mr. Darrin, " announced the commandant, "from experience andobservation, through a rather long life in the Navy, I am ableto state that the kind of courage which enables a man go down indrowning with a comrade, sooner than leave the comrade to his fate, is the highest type of courage known among brave men!"

"You must have been aware, Mr. Darrin, " added Lieutenant Edgecombe, "that you were taking at least ninety-nine chances in a hundredof offering up your life. "

"Gentlemen, " replied Dave, rather restless under so much praise, "I have signed under the Flag, to give my life up for it at anytime in the line of duty. Does it make very much difference inwhich year I turn that life over to the Flag?"

"Edgecombe, " said the commandant, rather huskily, as the twoofficers left the hospital, "I am glad--mighty glad--that wedidn't lose Darrin today. We are going to need him in the Navyof tomorrow!"

CHAPTER XXII

THE "BAZOO" MAKES TROUBLE

"Sir, the brigade is formed, " reported the brigade adjutant, thenext day, as the midshipmen stood in ranks, ready to march intothe mess hall. 

"Publish the orders, " directed the cadet commander. 

Then the brigade adjutant rattled off the orders, reading themin a quick monotonous voice. 

"For coolness, judgment and remarkable bravery displayed in anaccident encounter in the sinking and foundering of a sailboatunder his command, which accident was not any way due to his ownnegligence or incapacity--"

Dave started, then crimsoned, as the brigade adjutant continuedreading:

"Midshipman David Darrin, fourth class, is hereby specially commended, and his conduct is offered as an example to all his comrades inthe brigade of midshipmen. "

A moment later the crisp marching orders rang out, and the brigadewas marching in by classes. 

Dave's face was still flushed, his blood tingling somewhat. Itwas pleasing, doubtless, to be thus reviewed in orders, but Davewas not unduly elated. 

In the Navy, though courage may sometimes be mentioned in orders, not much fuss is made over it. All officers and men in the Navyare expected to be brave, as a matter of course and of training. 

Dan, in fact, was more pleased over that one paragraph in ordersthan was his chum. 

"Of course everyone in the Navy must brave, " thought Dalzell, to himself. "But old Dave will always be one of the leaders inthat line. "

In accordance with custom a copy of the order giving Darrin specialcommendation was mailed to his father, as one who had a rightto know and to be proud of his son's record at the Naval Academy. 

Not a doubt was there that the senior Darrin was proud! So manyof the elder Darrin's friends were favored with a glimpse of theofficial communication received from Annapolis that the editorof the Gridley "Blade, " heard of it. Mr. Pollock asked the privilegeof making a copy of the official communication, which containeda copy of the paragraph in orders. 

Mr. Pollock, however, was not contented with publishing merelya copy of the official communication from the Naval Academy authorities. The editor printed a column and a half, in all reminding hisreaders that Midshipman Darrin was one of a recently famous sextetteof Gridley High School athletes who had been famous as Dick &Co. Not only did Dave receive a flattering amount of praise inprint. Dan came in for a lot of pleasant notice also. 

Dave received a marked copy of that issue of the "Blade. " Hefairly shivered as he read through that column and a half. 

"Danny boy, " shuddered Darrin, passing the "Blade" over to hisroommate, "read this awful stuff. Then help me to destroy thispaper!"

Dan Dalzell read the column and a half, and reddened, grinningin a sickly sort of way. 

"Just awful, isn't it?" demanded Midshipman Dalzell. 

"Awful?" muttered Darrin uneasily. "Why that doesn't begin todescribe it. If any upper class man should see that paper--"

"He won't see this copy, " proclaimed Dan, beginning to tear theoffending issue of the "Blade" into small bits. 

In the parlance of Annapolis the newspaper from a midshipman'shome town is known as the "Bazoo. " Now, the "Bazoo" has an averageinclination to print very flattering remarks about the localrepresentative at Annapolis. While the home editor always means thisas pleasant service, the detection of flattering articles by anyupper class man at Annapolis always means unpleasant times for thepoor plebe who has been thus honored in the columns of the "Bazoo. "

The torn bits of the Gridley "Blade" were carefully disposed of, but Dave still shivered. Through a clipping agency, or in someother mysterious way, upper class men frequently get hold of the"Bazoo. "

Four days passed, and nothing happened out of the usual. 

On the evening of the fifth day, just after the release bell hadrung, there was a brief knock at the door. Then that barrierflew open. 

Midshipmen Jones, Hulburt and Heath of the second class filedgravely into the room, followed by Midshipmen Healy, Brooks, Denton, Trotter and Paulson of the third class. 

Dave and Dan quickly rose to their feet, standing at attentionfacing their visitors. 

With a tragic air, as if he were an executioner present in hisofficial capacity, Youngster Paulson held out a folded newspaper. 

"Mister, " he ordered Darrin, "receive this foul sheet. Unfoldit, mister. Now, mister, what depraved sheet do you hold in yourhands?"

"The Gridley 'Blade', sir, " replied Darrin, his face crimsoning. 

"The--_what_, mister?"

"Pardon me, sir--the Gridley 'Bazoo. '"

"Have you seen another copy of the 'Bazoo' lately, mister?"

"Yes, sir, " admitted Dave, his face growing still redder. 

"Ah! He saw it--and still he did not die of shame!" murmuredSecond Class Man Jones. 

"Shocking depravity!" groaned Midshipman Hurlburt. 

"Since you have already scanned the 'Bazoo, '" resumed MidshipmanPaulson, "you will have no difficulty in finding the page, mister, on which the editor of the 'Bazoo' sings his silly praise of you. Turn to that page, mister. "

Dave further unfolded the paper, coming to the page on which thefearful article was printed. As he glanced at it Dave saw thatthe article had been marked in blue pencil, and many of the paragraphsnumbered. 

"Since you admit having read the 'Bazoo's' infamous article, mister, "continued Midshipman Paulson, "tell us whether any of the scurrilouscharges therein are true?"

"The quotation from the official report, sir, being correct asa copy, is bound to be true--"

"Official reports at the Naval Academy are always true, " retortedPaulson severely. "Proceed, sir, to the comments which the ink-slingerof the 'Bazoo' has made concerning you. Mister, read the paragraphnumbered 'one. '"

In a voice that shook a trifle Dave read:

_"Dave Darrin is, beyond any question or cavil, one of thebrightest, smartest, bravest and most popular boys who ever wentforth into the world as a true son of old Gridley. "_

"Mister, " declared Paulson, "you may gloss over some of the slanderin those words by singing them to the tune of 'Yankee Doodle. '"

Dave flushed. There was a momentary flash in his eyes. Dan, watching his chum covertly, was briefly certain that Darrin wasgoing to balk. Perhaps he would even fight. 

True hazing, however, does not aim at cruelty, but at teaching anew man to obey, no matter how absurd the order. 

In another moment the grim lines around the corners of Dave's mouthsoftened to a grin. 

"Wipe off that ha-ha look, mister!" warned Youngster Paulson. 

"I'll sing, gentlemen, if you think you can stand it, " Dave promised. 

"You'll sing, mister, because you've been ordered to do so, " reportedPaulson as master of ceremonies. "Now, then, let us have thatparagraph to the air of 'Yankee Doodle. '"

Dave obeyed. To do him justice, he sang the best that he knew how, but that wasn't saying much for quality. Dave had a good voice fora leader of men, but a poor one for a singer. 

Somehow, he got through the ordeal. 

"Now, cast your eye on the paragraph marked as number two, " directedMr. Paulson. "Mister, the 'Bazoo' in your left hand. Thrustyour right hand in under the front of your blouse and strike theattitude popularly ascribed to Daniel Webster. No comedy, either, mister; give us a serious impersonation, sir!"

This was surely rubbing it in, but Dave gave his best in attitudeand pose. 

"Effective!" murmured Midshipman Jones. "Very!

"Superb!" voiced Mr. Hurlburt. 

"Now, for the declamation, mister, of paragraph number two, " commandedYoungster Paulson. 

In a deep voice, and with a ring that was meant to be convincing, Dave read the paragraph:

_"Since a school consists of pupils as well as of instructors, the brightest student minds may be said to make the life and historyof a famous school. It has been so with our justly famous GridleyHigh School. Mr. Darrin, in the past, has aided in establishingmany of the traditions of the famous school that claims him asher own son. The young man's heroism at Annapolis, under themost exacting conditions, will surprise no one who knows eitherMr. Darrin or the splendid traditions that he helped establishamong the youth of his home town. In the years to come we maylook confidently forward to hearing the name of Darrin as oneof the most famous among the newer generation of the United StatesNavy. David Darrin will always be a hero--because he cannothelp it. "_

As Dave, his face flushing more hotly than ever, read through theselines he was conscious of the jeering gaze of the upper class men. He was interrupted, at times, by cries of fervid but mock admiration. 

"I feel, " announced Mr. Hurlburt, wiping his eyes with his handkerchief, "that I am indeed honored in being one of the humbler studentsat this great school on which our beloved comrade has shed theluster of his presence. "

"It seems almost profane to look at such a young man, except throughsmoked glasses, " protested Midshipman Heath. 

"What's your name, mister?" demanded Midshipman Brooks. 

"Darrin, sir, " Dave answered, with the becoming meekness of afourth class man. 

"Any relative of the Darrin mentioned in the elegy you have justbeen reading?"

"I hope not, sir, " replied Dave, fighting to stifle a grin, thoughit was a sheepish one. 

"Mister, " stormed Midshipman Denton, "you are attempting to deceiveus!"

Dave gazed meekly but inquiringly at the last speaker. 

"You are trying to evade the fact that you are the real Darrin, the identical hero whom the 'Bazoo' so lovingly, so reverentlydescribes. Deceit fills your system, mister! You will standon your head long enough to let it run out of you. "

Midshipman Paulson, though an inveterate "runner" of fourth classmen, had some regard for the dangers of overstaying the visit, andkept his left eye on the time. 

Darrin, standing on his head, became redder of face than ever, for all the blood in his body seemed to be running downward. At last he became so unsteady that twice his feet slipped alongthe wall, and he had to return to his attitude of standing onhis head. 

"Better let up on the beast, Paulson, " murmured Midshipman Brooks. 

"Yes, " agreed Paulson. "The warning bell will go in a minutemore. Mister, on your feet!"

Dave promptly returned to normal attitude, standing respectfullyat attention. 

"Mister, " continued Paulson, "you will be allowed to retain thismarked copy of the 'Bazoo. ' You are warned to keep it out of sight, ordinarily, that none of the discipline officers may find it. But you will continue to refer to it several times daily, untilyou are sure that you have committed all of the marked paragraphsto heart, so that you can reel them off in song or in declamation. And you will be prepared, at all times, to favor any of the upperclass men with these selections, whenever called for. Good night, mister!

"Good night, sir. "

Dave returned the salutations of each of the departing visitors. Just as Brooks, the last of the lot, was passing through thedoorway, the warning bell before taps sounded. 

For a moment Dave Darrin, his face still red, stood behind theclosed door, shaking his fist after the departing visitors. 

"Why didn't you shake your fist while they were in the room?" askedDalzell bluntly. 

"That would have started a fight, as the least consequence, " repliedDave, more soberly. 

"A fight, eh?" chuckled Dan. "Dave, I don't know what has comeover you lately. There was a time when you didn't mind fights. "

"I have fought three times since coming here, " Darrin repliedsoberly. 

"And I have fought seven times, " retorted Dan. 

"Puzzle: Guess which one of us was found the fresher, " laughedDarrin. 

"I never thought you'd stand anything such as you've endured atAnnapolis, without pounding your way through thick ranks of fighters, "mused Dalzell aloud. "Dave, I can't fathom your meekness. "

"Perhaps it isn't meekness, " returned Darrin, wheeling and lookingat his chum. 

"If it isn't meekness, then what is it? And, Dave, you used tobe the hothead, the living firebrand of Dick & Co. !"

"Danny boy, if hazing has lived nearly seventy years at Annapolis, then it's because hazing is a good thing for the seedling Navalofficer. I believe in hazing. I believe in being forced to respectand obey my elders. I believe in a fellow having every grainof conceit driven out of him by heroic measures. And that'shazing--long may the practice live and flourish!"

"Why, what good is hazing doing you?" insisted Dalzell. 

"It's teaching me how to submit and to obey, and how to forgetmy own vanity, before I am put in command of other men later on. Danny boy, do you suppose it has cost me no effort to keep myhands at my trousers-seams when I wanted to throw my fists outin front of me? Do you imagine I have just tamely submitted toa lot of abuse because my spirit was broken? Danny, I'm tryingto train my spirit, instead of letting it boss me! Many and manya time, when the youngsters have started to guy me unmercifullyI've fairly ached to jump in and thrash 'em all. But, instead, I've tried to conquer myself!"

"I reckon you're the same old Dave--improved, " murmured MidshipmanDalzell, holding out his hand. 

CHAPTER XXIII

THE SPECTRE AT THE FIGHT PARTY

"On your head, mister. Now, let us have paragraph number four, with tragic, blank-verse effect. "

That was Jennison's command

Brooks manifested a fondness for paragraph number one, to theair of "Yankee Doodle. "

Others dropped in on Dave, after release at 9. 30, evenings, andcalled for other paragraph rendered in various ways. He was alsooverhauled, out of doors, in the brief recreation period afterdinner, and made to do various stunts with the unfortunate paragraphsfrom the "Bazoo. "

By the time the first week of this was over Dave Darrin wishedmost heartily that Mr. Pollock had never founded the Gridley "Blade. "

It is rare that second class men take any part in hazing; it isalmost unheard of for a first class man to take any really activepart in running a plebe. 

Midshipman Henley, first class, proved an exception to this rule. Regularly, once a day, he met Darrin and ordered him to singparagraph number one to the tune of "Yankee Doodle. "

If Dave resented any part of the torment, he was especially annoyedby Henley's unusual conduct. 

Naval needs brought a strange revenge. 

Reports had reached the Navy Department from commanders of warshipsin commission that many of the graduates of the Naval Academyserving with the fleets did not possess sufficient knowledge ofthe command of boat crews. 

In the past first class men had not been bothered with rowingdrills, which they were supposed to have thoroughly mastered earlierin their course. 

Acting on word from the Navy Department the superintendent ofthe Naval Academy had the first class men ordered out for rowingdrills. All who showed sufficient skill were released from suchdrills. The others were sent to drill with the fourth class men. 

Four of Dave's boat crew of fourth class men were transferred toanother crew, their places being taken by four first class men whohad been found sadly deficient in rowing drill. 

"Will one of the first class men serve as crew captain, sir?"asked Darrin. 

"Certainly not, " replied Lieutenant Edgecombe. "You will stillkeep command of your crew, Mr. Darrin. And you will be expectedto see that these first class men are most thoroughly groundedin the boat drill. Do no spare any of them in the least becausethey are upper class men. "

"Very good, sir, " Darrin answered, saluting. 

Midshipman Henley was one of the four assigned to Dave's crew. 

There was a deep scowl on Henley's face when he reported for thefirst boat drill under a plebe crew captain. 

As the boat was pushed off, after the crew had embarked, Darrinwas alert only to his duty as the man in charge of the boat. 

Before the boat had gone a hundred yard Dave called crisply:

"Number four, handle your oar with more energy and precision!

"Don't get too stiff, mister, " growled Midshipman Henley. 

Darrin returned the black look coolly. 

"Number four, when addressing the crew captain, you will employthe word, 'sir. ' And you will pay strict attention to criticismsof your work. "

"Beats all how these plebes think they're men!" growled Mr. Henleydisgustedly, without looking at Dave. 

"No talking in the crew, " called Dave

Henley subsided, for he had been trained to habits of obedience. Had the man in command been a member of his own class there wouldhave been no trouble whatever, but Henley resented being at theorders of a fourth class man. 

"Number four, you are lounging, " rebuked Darrin quietly, but firmly. "Correct your deportment, sir. "

Dave gazed so steadily at Midshipman Henley that the latter, thoughhe colored, took a more seamanlike attitude for a while. Bitterthoughts, however, were seething in the mind of this first classman. After a few minutes Henley again struck his improper attitude. 

"Mr. Henley, upon your return put yourself on the report for takingan unseamanlike attitude after having been once corrected, " directedDave, in a businesslike tone. 

The hot blood leaped to Henley's face and temples. He openedhis mouth, intent upon making a stinging retort. 

But Dave was glancing at him so coolly, compellingly, that theolder midshipman now realized that he had gone as far as was safe. 

During the rest of the drill Mr. Henley performed his work wellenough to escape further rebuke. 

When the crew was dismissed, however, Henley wore a blacker lookthan ever as he stalked along to the office of the officer incharge. 

Here Henley picked up one of the report blanks, filled it outas briefly as possible, an signed his name, next turning in thereport. 

Immediately after supper that night, and before the signal sentthe midshipmen to their studies, Henley stepped up to Dave. 

"Mister, I want a word in private with you. "

"Certainly, sir, " replied Dave. He was no longer crew captainon duty, but a fourth class man answering a first class man. 

Henley conducted Dave out of earshot of any one else before heturned to say, hissingly:

"Mister, you used an upstart's privilege of abusing your authoritythis afternoon. "

"I think not, sir, " replied Dave quietly. 

"You put me on report for no other reason than that I had made yousing extracts from the 'Bazoo, '" charged the first class man. 

"That reason or thought never entered my head, sir. "

"I say it did!"

"Then I am very sorry to have to reply that you are entirely inerror. "

"You tell me that I am making a false statement?" demanded MidshipmanHenley, more angrily. 

"If you choose to consider it in that light, sir. "

"Mister, you are touge, ratey, impudent and worthless!" declaredHenley hotly. 

"Then I infer, sir, that you do not wish to waste any more timeupon me?"

"Oh, you will not get off as easily as that, " sneered MidshipmanHenley. "You are a good-sized fellow, and you have some fourthclass reputation as a fighter. We shall not be so badly or unevenlymatched, mister, I shall send a friend to inform you that I havecalled you out. "

"Then, sir, your friend will save time by seeking Mr. Dalzell, ofthe fourth class, who will be informed that he is to represent me. "

"Very good, mister. "

"That is all you wish to say to me, sir?"

"You may go, mister. "

Dave Darrin walked away, his mind full of mighty serious thoughts. 

In the first place, for a midshipman to call out another, forreporting him for breach of discipline, is about as serious anoffense as a midshipman can ordinarily commit. It insures, ifdetected, the instant dismissal of the challenger. And the challengedmidshipman, if he accepts, held to be equally guilty. So arethe seconds. 

In accepting this challenge, which he had done instantly, DaveDarrin well knew that he placed his chances of remaining at theNaval Academy in great peril. He was also aware that he ran Dan'shead into equal danger. 

Yet tradition and custom would not allow Darrin to dodge the fightthus thrust upon him. It was equally true, that, if he failedto ask Dan to act as his second, he would put a serious slighton his chum. 

Dave hurried to Dalzell, who listened with more glee than mighthave been expected. 

"Good enough, David, little giant!" approved Dalzell. "When youmeet Henley on the field just close in and pound off the wholeof his superstructure!

"Dan, I'm afraid I'm letting you in for a tough risk. "

"You wouldn't be my friend if you kept me out of it, " retortedDalzell significantly. 

Rollins proved only too glad to have the privilege of being theother second. He, too, ran a risk of being dismissed, if caughtat this fight; but in adventurous youth the love of risk is strong. 

The time was set for Saturday evening at 8. 30; the place as usual. 

Darrin, as usual, was the first principal to show up. He alwaysliked to have plenty of time for stripping, and he also foundit to his advantage to look the ground over. 

Mr. Bailey, of the second class, was to serve as referee, andMr. Clafflin, of the second class as time-keeper. It was againstcustom to have any of the officials from the first class sincemember of that class was to be one of the principals. 

"I wonder what sort of fellow Henley is with his fists, " musedRollins, after they had reached the ground. 

"Darrin will find out for you, " replied Dan. 

"I'm not as afraid of seeing my principal thrashed as I might havebeen earlier in the year, " went on Rollins. 

"Hm! Any fellow that thrashes Dave is almost certain to carryaway a few mementos himself!"

As soon as Henley and his seconds were seen to be approaching, Dave slipped off his blouse. 

Within five minutes after that both men were ready and faced eachother. The word was given. 

"Now, Mr. Touge, " warned Henley, "guard that striking face ofyours!"

"Oh, I don't do any striking with my face, " retorted Dave dryly. "I do all my killing with my hands. "

"Stop that one, " urged Henley, feinting cleverly with his left, then following it up with a right hand crusher. 

Dave stopped both blows neatly enough, then sidestepped and passedover a fist that grazed Mr. Henley's face. 

"I just wanted to find out where your face is, " mocked Darrin. 

"Talk less and fight more, Mr. Touge!" warned the referee. 

"Very good, sir, " Dave retorted. "But it's going to be hard onMr. Henley. "

"Bah!" sneered Henley. "Woof!"

The latter exclamation followed when Dave's fist cut Henley'slip a bit. But that indignity stirred the first class man toswifter, keener efforts. He failed to score heavily on the fourthclass man, however; but, just before the call time for the firstround Henley's nose stopped a blow from Darrin's fist, and firstclass blood began to flow. 

"Mr. Touge is a hard fighter, " muttered the time-keeper to thereferee, while the seconds attended their men. 

"We've plenty of fellows at Annapolis who can punish Darrin, "replied Midshipman Bailey. 

Time was called for the start-off of the second round. The twoprincipals were intent on their footwork around each other, whenthere came hail that froze their blood. 

"Halt! Remain as you are for inspection!"

It was the voice of Lieutenant Hall, one of the discipline officers, and the fighters and their friends had been caught!

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

Blank dismay fell over the whole of the fight party. 

Three first class men, two second class men and three membersof the fourth class stood on the brink of almost instant dismissal. 

It was bitter for all of them, but it seemed especially hard tothe first class men, who had survived the four years of hard grillingand were on the eve of graduation. 

However, there was no thought of running. Though it was too darkfor the discipline officer to have recognized any of them at thedistance from which he had hailed them, yet, in a flight, it wouldbe easy enough for Lieutenant Hall, who was an athlete, to catchone or two of them and then the names of all present could beobtained. 

It was an instant of utter terror. 

Then another voice broke in on the stillness. 

"All hands to the fire apparatus! Fire in Bancroft Hall!"

The fight party felt another thrill. If the big Academy buildingwas in danger they must rush to do their share. 

The officer's running footsteps were already heard. He had turnedand was speeding away. 

"Get on your clothes, quickly, you two fellows!" ordered MidshipmanBailey crisply "We've got to turn in with the rest for fast work!"

Just then another figure darted up to them. It turned out to beMidshipman Farley. 

"Yes; get on your clothes with some classy speed, " chuckled Farley. "Lieutenant Hall will be back here with a bunch of watchmen, the marine guard, or any other old crowd, when he finds that hehas been lured on the reefs by false signals!

"Mister, did you give that call of fire?" demanded MidshipmanBailey sternly. 

"Yes, sir. "

"And there's no fire?"

"None that I know of, sir. "

"Mister, what's your name?"

"Farley, sir. "

"Then, Farley, sir, come and get hugged. "

In truth a lot of fuss was made over that young midshipman withina few seconds. 

"It can't do much harm to use you something like a human beingand a comrade, anyway, " declared Time-keeper Clafflin, as he wrungboth of Farley's hands. "Within a few days you'll be a youngsternow. "

Farley explained that an itching interest in the fight had temptedhim to be close at hand, and this had given him his chance to savethe fight party. 

Darrin and Henley were dressing like lightning, and the otherswould not flee until the principals were ready to take part inthe flight. 

"Henley, " broke in Midshipman Bailey decisively, "you can't riskyour graduation again by resuming this fight at some other time. Asfar as the mill had gone Mr. Darrin had the best of it. I awardthe fight to him. "

"I'm glad you do, Bailey, " replied Henley heartily. "And, assoon as I'm dressed, and my cap is set on square, I'm going toapologize and ask Mr. Darrin to shake hands with me. "

"Will you do me a favor, sir?" inquired Dave. 

"A dozen, " agreed Henley instantly. 

"Then, sir, cut the apology and confine it to the hand-shake. "

In another moment they were ready for hasty departure. But Davehad to wait for a quick, hearty handclasp from each of the upperclass men. Then all divided into three groups, by classes, andthirty seconds later found these midshipmen too far from the sceneto be identified with any fight party. 

"It was a remarkably good and cheeky piece of work, sir, " LieutenantHall reported, twenty minutes later, to Commander Jephson, commandantof midshipmen. "I had a fight party right under my hands whenthat call of fire sounded. It was so natural that I bolted awayand lost my party before I discovered that it was a hoax. "

"Did you recognize any of the fight party, Mr. Hall?

"No, sir; I was not close enough, and the night is dark. "

"Did you recognize the voice of the man who gave the fire-call?"

"No, sir; at any rate, I believe that the voice was disguised. "

"The young men have discovered a new one, and have tried it onyou, Mr. Hall. "

"I realize that, sir, " replied the lieutenant, in a voice of chagrin. 

It was now the time of annual examinations, of daily dress paradeand the incoming of the first of the hosts of visitors who wouldbe on hand during graduation week. 

Of the annual examinations the poor fourth class men thought theyhad more than their share. Of the dress parades they had theirfull share. In the graduating exercises they took no part; theywere not even present. 

"What does a mere fourth class man know about the Navy, anyway?"was the way Midshipman Trotter asked the question. 

Twenty-two of the fourth class men stumbled in their annual examinations. These went home promptly. They would not return again, unlesstheir Congressmen reappointed them for another try. In case thathappened to any of the young men they would return to take uplife with the new fourth class, and would henceforth be known as"bilgers. "

A man who has been dropped is a "bilger, " whether he comes backor not. A "bilger" is further described as "one who used to bein the game, and is now only on the outside looking in. "

Dave Darrin's standing for the year was two-eighty-seven. Dan'swas two-eighty-two. Farley and Page came close to that figure. 

None of these young men were in the "savvy" section, but all hadpassed with sufficient credit for the first year. 

While the graduating exercises were going on the fourth classmen were divided between drills on land and on water. 

Dave and Dan were in a squad that marched up from the steam buildingjust in time to catch a distant glimpse of the crowds surgingout from the graduating exercises. 

Both young men, and probably a lot of others in the same squadthrobbed with a swift flash of thought. 

As soon as the ranks were broken Dalzell seized his chum's hand, and began wringing it strenuously. 

"David, little giant, " murmured Dan ecstatically, "we are no longerfourth class men. From the instant that the tail-ender of theold first class received his diploma we became transformed intothird class men. "

"Yes, " smiled Dave. "We're youngsters. That's going some. "

"Poor fourth class men!" sighed Dan. "I'm alluding to those whowill have to look up to and reverence me as a youngster!"

As soon as the chums had made a shift from their working clothesto the uniform of the day, and had stepped outside, they saw Mr. Henley coming their way, looking wholly proud and happy. 

Then, of a sudden, Mr. Henley bent a keen look upon the new youngsters. 

Just in the nick of time Dave Darrin recalled one of the regulationsto which he had hitherto paid little heed for lack of use. 

Graduate midshipmen are entitled to be saluted by mere midshipmenas though they were already officer. 

Swiftly Darrin brought his heels together with a click, bringinghis hand smartly up to the visor of his uniform cap. 

Henley gravely returned the salute with a new sense of existence. 

Dan Dalzell caught the drift of the thing just in time, and salutedalso. 

"May we congratulate you, Mr. Henley?" asked Dave. 

"I was hoping that you both would, " replied the graduate. "And, one of these days, I may have the pleasure of congratulating you, as an officer, when you first come up over the side to start in withyour real sea life. "

"I'm thinking, now, of our first taste of sea life, " murmuredDarrin, a dreamy light coming into his eyes. 

"Yes; just as soon as we graduates are gotten out of the way younew youngsters will join the two upper classes on the big battleshipsand start on your first summer practice cruise. "

"I feel as if I couldn't wait, " muttered Dan, as Henley movedaway. 

"You'll have to, however, " laughed Dave. "Don't be impatient. Think what a very small insect on shipboard a youngster midshipman is!"

The chums were through with their first year at Annapolis. But, all in a moment, they had entered the next year. Many thingsbefell them on that summer practice cruise, and many more thingsin the new academic year that followed. But these will be appropriatelyreserved for the next volume, which will be entitled: "_Dave Darrin'sSecond Year at Annapolis; Or, Two Midshipmen as Naval Academy'Youngsters. '_"

Having left the fourth class behind Dave and Dan at last enteredfully into the life of the midshipmen. They "counted" now; theywere "somebodies, " and a host of new and exciting experienceswere ahead of them.