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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:40:41 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:40:41 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/12775-0.txt b/12775-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d9b18d --- /dev/null +++ b/12775-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7246 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12775 *** + +DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS + +Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise + +H. IRVING HANCOCK + + + + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTERS + I. Wanted---A Doughface! + II. Some One Pushes the Tungsten + III. Bad News from West Point + IV. Dave's Work Goes Stale + V. Dan Hands Himself Bad Money + VI. The "Forgot" Path to Trouble + VII. Dan's Eyes Jolt His Wits + VIII. The Prize Trip on the "Dodger" + IX. The Treachery of Morton + X. "We Belong to the Navy, Too!" + XI. A Quarter's Worth of Hope + XII. Ready to Trim West Point + XIII. When "Brace Up, Army!" was the Word + XIV. The Navy Goat Grins + XV. Dan Feels as "Sold" as He Looks + XVI. The Day of Many Doubts + XVII. Mr. Clairy Deals in Outrages +XVIII. The Whole Class Takes a Hand + XIX. Midshipman Darrin Has the Floor + XX. Dan Steers on the Rocks Again + XXI. In the Thick of Disaster + XXII. The Search at the Bottom of the Bay +XXIII. Graduation Day---At Last + XXIV. Conclusion + + + + +CHAPTER I + +WANTED---A DOUGHFACE! + + +"Now, then, Danny boy, we-----" + +First Classman Dave Darrin, midshipman at the United States Naval +Academy, did not finish what he was about to say. + +While speaking he had closed the door behind him and had stepped +into the quarters occupied jointly by himself and by Midshipman +Daniel Dalzell, also of the first or upper class. + +"Danny boy isn't here. Visiting, probably," mused Dave Darrin, +after having glanced into the alcove bedroom at his right hand. + +It was a Saturday night, early in October. The new academic year +at the Naval Academy was but a week old. There being no "hop" +that night the members of the brigade had their time to spend +as they pleased. Some of the young men would need the time sadly +to put in at their new studies. Dave, fortunately, did not feel +under any necessity to spend his leisure in grinding over text-books. + +Dave glanced at his study desk, though he barely saw the pile of +text-books neatly piled up there. + +"No letters to write tonight," he thought "I was going to loan +Danny boy one of my two new novels. No matter; if he'd rather visit +let him do so." + +In the short interval of recreation that had followed the evening +meal Dave had missed his home chum and roommate, but had thought +nothing of it. Nor was Dave now really disappointed over the +present prospect of having an hour or two by himself. He went +to a one-shelf book rack high overhead and pulled down one of +his two recent novels. + +"If I want Danny boy at any time I fancy I have only to step as +far as Page's room," mused Dave, as he seated himself by his desk. + +An hour slipped by without interruption. An occasional burst +of laughter floated down the corridor. At some distance away, +on the same deck of barracks in Bancroft Hall, a midshipman was +industriously twanging away on a banjo. Darrin, however, absorbed +in his novel, paid no heed to any of the signs of Saturday-night +jollity. He was a third of the way through an exciting tale when +there came a knock on the door---a moment later a head was thrust in. + +Midshipman Farley's head was thrust inside. + +"All alone, Darry?" called Mr. Farley. + +"Yes," Dave answered, laying his novel aside after having thrust +an envelope between pages to hold the place. "Come in, Farl." + +"Where's Dalzell?" inquired Farley, after having closed the door +behind him. + +"Until this moment I thought that he was in your room." + +"I haven't seen him all evening," Farley responded. "Page and I +have been yawning ourselves to death." + +"Danny boy is visiting some other crowd, then," guessed Darrin. +"He will probably be along soon. Did you want to see him about +anything in particular?" + +"Oh, no. I came here to escape being bored to death by Page, +and poor old Pagey has just fled to Wilson's room to escape being +bored by me. What are these Saturday evenings for, anyway, when +there's no way of spending them agreeably?" + +"For a good many of the men, who want to get through," smiled +Dave, "Saturday evening is a heaven-sent chance to do a little +more studying against a blue next week. As for Danny boy, I imagine +he must have carried his grin up to Wilson's room. Or, maybe, +to Jetson's. Danny has plenty of harbors where he's welcome to +cast his anchor." + +"May I sit down?" queried Mr. Farley. + +"Surely, Furl, and with my heartiest apologies for having been +too dull to push a chair toward you." + +"I can easily help myself," laughed the other midshipman, "since +there's only one other chair in the room." + +"What have you and Page been talking about tonight?" asked Dave. + +"Why do you want to know?" + +"So that I won't run the risk of boring you by talking oh the same +subject." + +"Well," confessed Midshipman Farley, "we've been talking about +this season's football." + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Darrin. "That's the only topic really worth +talking about." + +"Speaking of football," resumed Farley, "don't you believe that +we have a stronger eleven than we had last year!" + +"If we haven't we ought to walk the plank," retorted Dave. "You +remember how the Army walloped us last year?" + +"That was because the Army team had Prescott and Holmes on it," +rejoined Farley quickly. + +"Well, they'll have 'em this year, too, won't they? + +"So Prescott and Holmes are to be out for the Army this year!" + +"I haven't heard anything definite on that head," Dave answered. +"But I take it as a matter of course that Prescott and Holmes +will play once more with the Army. They're West Point men, and +they know their duty." + +"What wonders that pair are!" murmured Farley with reluctant admiration +for the star players of the United States Military Academy. "Yet, +after all, Darry, I can't for the life of me see where Prescott +and Holmes are in any way superior to yourself and Dan Dalzell." + +"Except," smiled Dave, "that Prescott and Holmes, last year, got +by us a good deal oftener than we got by them---and so the Army +lugged off the score from Franklin Field." + +"But you won't let 'em do it this year, Darry!" + +"Dan and I will do all we can to stop our oldtime chums, now of the +Army," agreed Dave. "But they're a hard pair to beat. Any one who +saw Prescott and Holmes play last year will agree that they're a +hard pair of nuts for the Navy to crack." + +"We've got to beat the Army this year," Farley protested plaintively. + +"I certainly hope we shall do so." + +"Darry, what is your candid opinion of Wolgast?" + +"As a man?" + +"You know better!" + +"As a midshipman?" + +"Darry, stop your nonsense! You know well enough that I'm asking +your opinion of Wolgast as captain of the Navy eleven." + +"He seems inclined to be fair and just to every member of the +squad, so what more can you ask of him." + +"But do you think he's any real good, Darry, as captain for the +Navy?" + +"I do." + +"We ought to have had you for captain of the team, Darry," insisted +Farley. + +"So two or three other fellows thought," admitted Dave. "But I +refused to take that post, as you know, and I'm glad I did." + +"Oh, come, now! + +"Yes; I'm glad I refused. A captain should be in mid-field. Now, +if Dalzell and I are any good at all on the gridiron-----" + +"Oh, Mr. Modesty!" + +"If we're of any use at all," pursued Darrin, "it's only on the +flank. Now, where would the Navy be with a captain directing from +the right or left flank." + +"Darry, you funker, you could play center as well as Wolgast does." + +"Farl, you're letting your prejudices spoil your eyesight." + +"Oh, I've no prejudice at all against Wolgast," Farley hastened +to rejoin. "Only I don't consider him our strongest man for captain. +Now, Wolgast-----" + +"Here!" called a laughing voice. The door had opened, after a +knock that Darrin had not noticed. + +"Talking about me?" inquired Midshipman Wolgast pleasantly, as +he stopped in the middle of the room. + +Midshipman Farley was nothing at all on the order of the backbiter. +Service in the Brigade of Midshipmen for three years had taught him +the virtue of direct truth. + +"Yes, Wolly," admitted Farley without embarrassment. "I was +criticizing your selection as captain of the eleven." + +"Nothing worse than that?" laughed First Classman Wolgast. + +"I was saying---no offense, Wolly---that I didn't consider you the +right man to head the Navy eleven." + +Midshipman Wolgast stepped over to Farley, holding out his right +hand. + +"Shake, Farl! I'm glad to find a man of brains on the eleven. +I know well enough that I'm not the right captain. But we couldn't +make Darry accept the post." + +Midshipman Wolgast appeared anything but hurt by the direct candor +with which he had been treated. He now threw one leg over the +corner of the study table, though he inquired: + +"Am I interrupting anything private?" + +"Not in the least," Dave assured him. + +"Am I intruding in any way?" + +"Not a bit of it," Darrin answered heartily "We're glad to have +you here with us." + +"Surely," nodded Farley. + +"Now, then, as to my well known unfitness to command the Navy +football team," continued First Classman Wolgast, "do either of +you see any faults in me that can be remedied?" + +"I can't," Dave answered. "I believe, Wolly, that you can lead +the team as well as any other man in the squad. On the whole, +I believe you can lead a little better than any other man could do." + +"No help from your quarter, then, Darry," sighed Midshipman Wolgast. +"Farl, help me out. Tell me some way in which I can improve +my fitness for the post of honor that has been thrust upon me. +I assure you I didn't seek it." + +"Wolgast, my objection to you has nothing personal in it," Farley +went on. "With me it is a case simply of believing that Darry +could lead us on the gridiron much better than you're likely to." + +"That I know," retorted Wolgast, with emphasis. "But what on +earth are we going to do with a fellow like Darrin? He simply +won't allow himself to be made captain. I'd resign this minute, +if we could have Darry for our captain." + +"You're going to do all right, Wolgast. I know you are," Dave +rejoined. + +"Then what's the trouble? Why don't I suit all hands?" demanded +the Navy's football captain. + +Darrin was silent for a few moments. The midshipmen visitors waited +patiently, knowing that, from this comrade, they could be sure of a +wholly candid reply. + +"Have you found the answer, Darry?" pressed Wolgast at last. + +"Yes," said Dave slowly; "I think I have. The reason, as I see +it, is that there are no decidedly star players on this year's +probable eleven. The men are all pretty nearly equal, which doesn't +give you a chance to tower head and shoulders above the other +players. Usually, in the years that I know anything of, it has +been the other way. There have been only two or three star players +in the squad, and the captain was usually one of the very best. +You're plenty good enough football man, Wolgast, but there are +so many other pretty good ones that you don't outshine the others +as much as captains of poorer teams have done in other years." + +"By Jupiter! Darry has hit it!" cried Farley, leaping from his +seat. "Wolly, you have the luck to command an eleven in which +most of the men are nearly, if not quite, as good as the captain. +You're not head and shoulders over the rest, and you don't +tower---that's all. Wolly, I apologize for my criticisms. Darry has +shown me the truth." + +"Then you look for a big slaughter list for us this year, Darry?" +Wolgast asked. + +"Yes; unless the other elevens that we're to play improve as much +as the Navy is going to do." + +At this moment Page and Jetson rapped and then entered. Ten minutes +later there were fully twenty midshipmen in the room, all talking +animatedly on the one subject at the United States Naval Academy in +October---football. + +So the time sped. Dave lost his chance to read his novel, but +he did not mind the loss. It was Jetson who, at last, discovered +the time. + +"Whew, fellows!" he muttered. "Only ten minutes to taps." + +That sent most of the midshipmen scuttling away. Page and Farley, +however, whose quarters were but a few doors away on the same +deck, remained. + +"Farl," murmured Darrin, "for the first time tonight I'm feeling a +bit worried." + +"Over Danny?" + +"The same." + +"What's up?" Page wanted to know. + +"Why, he hasn't been around all evening. Surely Dalzell would +be coming back by this time, unless-----" + +"Didn't he have leave to visit town?" demanded Midshipman Page. + +"Not that I've heard of," Dave Darrin answered quickly. "Nor +do I see how he could have done so. You see, Wednesday he received +some demerits, and with them went the loss of privileges for October." + +"Whew!" whistled Page. + +"What?" demanded Dave, his alarm increasing. + +"Why, not long after supper I saw Danny heading toward the wall on +the town side." + +"I have been afraid of that for the last two or three minutes," +exclaimed Dave Darrin, his uneasiness now showing very plainly. +"Dan didn't say a word to me about going anywhere, but-----" + +"You think, leave being impossible, Danny has Frenched it over +the wall?" demanded Farley. + +"That's just what I'm afraid of," returned Dave. + +"But why-----" + +"I don't know any reason." + +"Then-----" + +"Farl", broke in Dave hurriedly, almost fiercely, "has anyone a +doughface?" + +"Yes." + +"Who has it?" + +"I don't know." + +"Find it---on the jump!" + +"But-----" + +"There's no time for 'buts,'" retorted Darrin, pushing Farley +toward the door. "Find it!" + +"And I-----" added Page, springing toward the door. + +"You'll stay here," ordered Dave. + +Darrin was already headed toward his friend's alcove, where Dalzell's +cot lay. Page followed. + +"The dummy," explained Darrin briefly. + +Every midshipman at Annapolis, doubtless, is familiar with the +dummy. Not so many, probably, are familiar with the doughface, +which, at the time this is written, was a new importation. + +Swiftly Dave and Page worked. First they turned down the clothing, +after having hurriedly made up the cot. Now, from among the garments +hanging on the wall nearby the two midshipmen took down the garments +that normally lay under others. With these they rigged up a figure +not unlike that of a human being. At least, it looked so after +the bed clothes had been drawn up in place. + +Then, glancing at the time, Dave Darrin waited---breathless. + +Farley hastened into the room without losing time by knocking. +Under one arm he bore, half hidden, some roundish object, wrapped +in a towel. + +Without a word, but with a heart full of gratitude, Dave Darrin +snatched out from its wrapping the effigy of a male human head. +It was done in wax, with human hair on the head. + +Dave Darrin neatly fitted this at the top of the outlines of a figure +under the bed clothing. + +Under the full light the doughface looked ghostly. In a dimmer +light it would do very well. + +"Thank you a thousand times, fellows," trembled Dave Darrin. "Now +hustle to your own quarters before the first stroke of taps sounds." + +The two useful visitors were gone like a flash. Ere they had +quite closed the door, Dave Darrin was removing his own uniform +and hanging up trousers and blouse. Next off came the underclothing +and on went pajamas. + +Just then taps sounded. Out went the electric light, turned off +at the master switch. + +Dave Darrin dived under the bed clothes on his own cot and tried to +still the beating of his own heart. + +Two minutes later a brisk step sounded on the corridor of the "deck." + +Door after door was opened and closed. Then the door to Dave's +room swung open, and a discipline officer and a midshipman looked +into the room. + +"All in?" the midshipman called. + +A light snore from Dave Darrin's throat answered. In his left +hand the discipline officer carried an electric pocket light. +A pressure of a button would supply a beam of electric light +that would explore the bed of either midshipman supposed to be +in this room. + +But the officer saw Midshipman Darrin plainly enough, thanks to +beams of light from the corridor. Over in the opposite alcove +the discipline officer made out, more vaguely, the lay figure +and the doughface intended to represent Midshipman Dan Dalzell. + +"Both in. Darrin and Dalzell never give us any trouble, at any +rate," thought the discipline officer to himself, then closed the +door, and his footsteps sounded further down the corridor. + +"Oh, Danny boy, I wish I had you here right at this minute!" muttered +Dave Darrin vengefully. "Maybe I wouldn't whang your head off +for the fright that you've given me! I'll wager half of my hairs +have turned gray in the last minute!" + +However, Midshipman Dan Dalzell was not there, as Darrin knew +to his own consternation. Dave did not go to sleep. Well enough +he knew that he was on duty indefinitely through the hours until +Dan should return. If Midshipman Darrin fell into a doze this +night he would be as bad as any sentry falling asleep on any other +post. + +So Darrin lay there and fidgeted. Twenty times he tried to solve, +in his own mind, the riddle of why Dalzell should be away, and where +he was. But it was a hopeless puzzle. + +"Of course, Danny didn't hint that he was going to French it tonight," +thought Dave bitterly. "Good reason why, too! He knew that, +if I got wind of his intention, I'd thrash him sooner than let +him take such a chance. Oh, Dan! Dan, you idiot! To take such +a fool chance in your last year here, when detection probably +means your being dropped from brigade, and your career ended!" + +For Dave Darrin knew the way of discipline officers too well to +imagine that that one brief inspection of the room was positively +all the look-in that would be offered that night. Some discipline +officers have a way of looking in often during the night. Being +themselves graduates of the Naval Academy, officers are sure to +know that the inspection immediately after taps does not always +suffice. Midshipmen have been known to be in bed at taps, and +visiting in quarters of other midshipmen ten minutes later. True, +the electric light in rooms is turned off at taps---but midshipmen +have been known to keep candles hidden, and to be experts in clouding +doors and windows so that no ray of light gets through into a +corridor after taps. + +Just how often discipline officers were accustomed to look in +through the night, Dave Darrin did not know from his own knowledge. +Usually, at the times of such extra visits, Darrin was too blissfully +asleep. + +Tonight, however, despite the darkness of the room at present, Dave +lay wide awake. No sleep for him before daylight---perhaps not +then---unless Dan turned up in the meantime. + +After an interval that seemed several nights long, the dull old +bell of the clock over on academic Hall began tolling. Dave listened +and counted. He gave an almost incredulous snort when the total +stopped at eleven. + +Then another long period of waiting. Darrin did not grow drowsy. +On the contrary, he became more wide awake. In fact, he began +to imagine that he was becoming possessed of the vision of the +cat. Dark as it was in the room, Dave began to feel certain that +he could distinguish plainly the ghostly figure of the saving +doughface in the alcove opposite. + +Twelve o'clock struck. Then more waiting. It was not so very +long, this time, however, before there came a faint tapping at the +window. + +Dave Darrin was out of bed as though he had been shot out. Like a +flash he was at the window, peering out. Where, after all, was the +cat's vision of which he had thought himself possessed? Some one +was outside the window. Dave thought he recognized the Naval +uniform, but he could not see a line of the face. + +Tap-tap-tap! sounded softly. Dave threw the window up stealthily. + +"You, Dan?" he whispered. + +"Of course," came the soft answer. "Stand aside. Let me in---on +the double-quick!" + +Dave pushed the window up the balance of the way, then stepped +aside. Dan Dalzell landed on his feet in the room, cat-like, +from the terrace without. Then Dave, without loss of an instant, +closed the window and wheeled about in the darkness. + +"Hustle!" commanded Dave. + +"What about?" + +"Get off your uniform! Get into pajamas. Then I'll-----" + +Dave's jaws snapped together resolutely. He did not finish, just +then, for he knew that Midshipman Dalzell could be very stubborn +at times. + +"I'll have a light in a jiffy," whispered Dan "I brought back +a candle with me." + +"You won't use it---not in here," retorted Dave. "The dark is light +enough for you. Hustle into your pajamas." + +Perhaps Midshipman Dalzell did not make all the speed that his +roommate desired, but at last Dan was safely rid of his uniform, +underclothing and shoes, and stood arrayed in pajamas. + +"Now, I'll hide this doughface over night," whispered Darrin, +going toward Dalzell's bed. "At the same time you get the articles +of your equipment out from under your bed clothes and hang them +up where they belong." + +"I'll have to light the candle for that," muttered Dan. + +"If you do, I'll blow it out. There's a regulation against running +lights in the rooms after taps." + +"Do you worship the little blue-covered volume of regulations, Dave?" +Dan demanded with a laugh. + +"No; but I don't propose to take any chances in my last year here. +I don't intend to lose my commission in the Navy just because I can't +control myself." + +Dan sniffed, but he silently got his parts of uniform out from +between the sheets and hung up the articles where they belonged, +in this going by the sense of feeling. + +Then, all in the dark as they were, Midshipman Dave Darrin seized +his chum and roommate by the shoulders. + +"Danny boy," he commanded firmly, "come over with an account of +yourself! Why this mad prank tonight---and what was it?" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +SOME ONE PUSHES THE TUNGSTEN + + +You don't have to know every blessed thing that I do, do you?" +demanded Dan Dalzell, in an almost offended tone. + +"No; and I have no right to know anything that you don't tell me +willingly. Are you ready to give me any explanation of tonight's +foolishness? + +"Seeing that you kept awake for me, and were on hand to let me in, +I suppose I'll have to," grumbled Dan. + +"Well, then? + +"Dave, for the first time tonight, I struck my flag." + +"Struck to whom?" + +"Oh---a girl, of course," grunted Dan. + +"You? A girl?" repeated Dave in amazement. + +"Yes; is it any crime for me to get acquainted with a girl, and +to call on her at her home?" + +"Certainly not. But, Dan, I didn't believe that you ever felt +a single flutter of the pulse when girls were around. I thought +you were going to grow up into a cheerful, happy old bachelor." + +"So did I," sighed Dan. + +"And now you've gone and met your fate?" + +"I'm not so sure about that," Dalzell retorted moodily. + +"Do you mean that you don't stand any real show in front of the pair +of bright eyes that have made you strike your colors?" + +"I'm afraid I don't." + +"Dan, is the game worth the candle," argued Darrin. + +"You're mightily interested in Belle Meade, aren't you?" + +"Yes; but that's different, Danny boy." + +"How is it different, I'd like to know?" + +"Well, in the first place, there's no guesswork in my case. Belle +and I are engaged, and we feel perfectly sure each of the other. +I'm so sure of Belle that I dream about her only in my leisure +moments. I don't ever let her face come between myself and the +pages of a textbook. I am here at the Naval Academy working for +a future that Belle is to share with me when the time comes, and +so, in justice to her, I don't let the thought of her get between +myself and the duties that will lead to the career she is to share +with me." + +"Humph!" commented Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Above all, Dan, I've never Frenched it over the wall. I don't take +any disciplinary chances that can possibly shut me off from the +career that Belle and I have planned. Belle Meade, Danny boy, would +be the first to scold me if she knew that I had Frenched it over the +wall in order to meet her." + +"Well, Miss Preston doesn't know but what I had regular leave +tonight," Danny replied. + +"Miss Preston?" repeated Dave his interest taking a new tack. +"I don't believe I know her." + +"I guess you don't," Dan replied. "She's new in Annapolis. Visiting +her uncle and aunt, you know. And her mother's with her." + +"Are your intentions serious in this, Danny?" Darrin went on. + +"Blessed if I know," Dalzell answered candidly. "She's a mighty +fine girl, is May Preston. I don't suppose I'll ever be lucky +enough to win the regard of such a really fine girl." + +"Then you aren't engaged?" + +"Hang it, man! This evening is only the second time that I've +met Miss Preston." + +"And you've risked your commission to meet a girl for the second +time?" Dave demanded almost unbelievingly. + +"I haven't risked it much," Dan answered. "I'm in safe, now, and +ready to face any discipline officer." + +"But wouldn't this matter wait until November, when you're pretty +sure to have the privilege of town leave again?" pressed Midshipman +Darrin. + +"By November a girl like Miss Preston might be married to some one +else," retorted Dan Dalzell. + +"It was a fool risk to take, Dan!" + +"If you look at it that way." + +"Will you promise me not to take the risk again, Danny boy?" + +"No." + +"It's a serious affair, then, so far as you are concerned," grinned +Dave, though in the dark Dan could not see his face. "For your sake, +Danny, I hope Miss Preston is as much interested in you as you +certainly are in her." + +"Are you going to lecture me?" + +"Not tonight, Dan." + +"Then I'm going to get in between sheets. It's chilly here in +the room." + +"Duck!" whispered Dave with sudden energy. + +Footsteps could be heard coming down the corridor. It was a noise +like a discipline officer. + +Three doors above that of the room occupied by our midshipman friends +were opened, one after the other. Then a hand rested on the knob of +the door to Dave and Dan's room. The door was opened, and the rays +of a pocket electric light flashed into the room. + +Dan lay on one side, an arm thrown out of bed, his breathing regular +but a trifle loud. Dave Darrin had again found recourse to a snore. + +In an instant the door closed. Any discipline officer ought to +be satisfied with what this one had seen. + +"Safe!" chuckled Dalzell. + +"An awfully close squeak," whispered Dave across the intervening +room. + +"What if he had started his rounds ten minutes earlier?" + +"He didn't, though," replied Dan contentedly. + +Now another set of footsteps passed hurriedly along the "deck" outside. + +"What's that?" questioned a voice sharply. "You say that you saw +some one entering a room from the upper end of the terrace?" + +"Oh, by George," groaned Dan Dalzell, now beginning to shiver +in earnest. "Some meddling marine sentry has gone and whispered +tales." + +"Keep a stiff upper lip," Dave whispered hoarsely, encouragingly. +"If the officer returns don't give yourself away by your shaking." + +"But if he asks me?" + +"If you're asked a direct question," sighed Dave mournfully, "you'll +have to give a truthful answer." + +"And take my medicine!" + +"Of course." + +That annoying discipline officer was now on his way back, opening +doors once more. Moreover, the two very wide-awake midshipmen +could hear him asking questions in the rooms further along the +"deck." + +"He's questioning each man," whispered Dave. + +"Of course," nodded Dan gloomily. + +"It'll be our turn soon." + +"D-D-Dave!" + +"What?" + +"I---I'm feeling ill---or I'm going to." + +"Don't have cold feet, old fellow. Take your dose like a man---if +you have to." + +"D-Dave, I wonder if I couldn't have a real sickness? Couldn't +it be something so you'll have to jump up and help me to hospital? +Couldn't I have---a---a fit?" + +"A midshipman subject to fits would be ordered before a medical +board, and then dropped from the brigade," Dave replied thoughtfully. +"No; that wouldn't do." + +That meddling discipline officer was getting closer and closer. +Dave and Dan could hear him asking questions in each room that +he visited. And there are no "white lies" possible to a midshipman. +When questioned he must answer truthfully. If the officers over +him catch him in a lie they will bring him up before a court-martial, +and his dismissal from the service will follow. If the officers +don't catch him in a lie, but his brother midshipmen do, they +won't report him, but they'll ostracize him and force him to resign. +A youngster with the untruthful habit can find no happiness at the +Naval Academy. + +"He---he's in the next room now," whispered Dan across the few +feet of space. + +"Yes," returned Dave Darrin despairingly, "and I can't think of +a single, blessed way of getting you out of the scrape." + +"Woof!" sputtered Midshipman Dan Dalzell, which was a brief way +of saying, "Here he comes, now, for our door." + +Then a hand rested on the knob and the door swung open. Lieutenant +Adams, U.S.N., entered the room. + +"Mr. Darrin, are you awake?" boomed the discipline officer. + +Dave stirred in bed, rolled over so that he could see the lieutenant, +and then replied: + +"Yes, sir." + +"Rise, Mr. Darrin, and come to attention." + +Dave got out of bed, but purposely stumbled in doing so. This +might give the impression that he had been actually awakened. + +"Mr. Darrin," demanded Lieutenant Adams, "have you been absent from +this room tonight?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"After taps was sounded?" + +"No, sir." + +"You are fully aware of what you have answered?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Very good." + +That was all. A midshipman's word must be taken, for he is a +gentleman---that is to say, a man of honor. + +"Mr. Dalzell!" + +Poor Dan stirred uneasily. + +"Mr. Dalzell!" This time the Naval officer's voice was sharper. + +Dan acted as though he were waking with difficulty. He had no +intention, in the face of a direct question, of denying that he +had been absent without leave. But he moved thus slowly, hoping +desperately that the few seconds of time thus rained would be +sufficient to bring to him some inspiration that might save him. + +"Mr Dalzell, come to attention!" + +Dan stood up, the personification of drowsiness, saluted, then +let his right hand fall at his side and stood blinking, bracing +for them correct military attitude. + +"It's too bad to disturb the boy!" thought Lieutenant Adams. +"Surely, this young man hasn't been anywhere but in bed since taps." + +None the less the Naval officer, as a part of his duty, put the +question: + +"Mr. Dalzell, have you, since taps, been out of this room? Did +you return, let us say, by the route of the open window from the +terrace?" + +Midshipman Dalzell stiffened. He didn't intend to betray his own +honor by denying, yet he hated to let out the admission that would +damage him so much. + +Bang! It was an explosion like a crashing pistol shot, and it +sounded from the corridor outside. + +There could be no such thing as an assault at arms in guarded +Bancroft Hall. The first thought that flashed, excitedly, through +Lieutenant Adams's mind was that perhaps the real delinquent guilty +of the night's escapade had just shot himself. It was a wild +guess, but a pistol shot sometimes starts a wilder guess. + +Out into the corridor darted Lieutenant Adams. He did not immediately +return to the room, so Dave Darrin, with rare and desperate presence +of mind, closed the door. + +"Get back into the meadow grass, Danny boy," Darrin whispered, +giving his friend's arm a hard grip. "If the 'loot'nant' comes +back, get up fearfully drowsy when he orders you. Gape and look +too stupid to apologize!" + +Lieutenant Adams, however, had other matters to occupy his attention. +There was a genuine puzzle for him in the corridor. Just out, +side the door of Midshipmen Farley and Page there lay on the floor +tiny glass fragments of what had been an efficient sixty-candle-power +tungsten electric bulb. It was one of the lights that illuminated +the corridor. + +Now one of these tungsten bulbs, when struck smartly, explodes +with a report like that of a pistol. + +At this hour of the night, however, there were none passing save +Naval officers on duty. None other than the lieutenant himself +had lately passed in the corridor. How, then, had this electric +light bulb been shattered and made to give forth the sound of the +explosion? + +"It wouldn't go up with a noise like that," murmured the lieutenant +to himself. "These tungsten lights don't explode like that, except +when rapped in some way. They don't blow up, when left alone. +At least, that is what I have always understood." + +So the puzzle waxed and grew, and Lieutenant Adams found it too big +to solve alone. + +"At any rate, I've questioned all the young gentlemen about the +window episode, and they all deny knowledge of it," Lieutenant +Adams told himself. "So I'll just report that fact to the O.C., +and at the same time I'll tell him of the blowing up of this tungsten +light." + +Two minutes later Lieutenant Adams stood in the presence of +Lieutenant-Commander Henderson, the officer in charge. + +"So you questioned all of the midshipmen who might, by any chance, +have entered by a window?" asked the O.C. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And they all denied it?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Did you see signs of any sort to lead you to believe that any of +the midshipmen might have answered in other than the strict truth?" +continued the O.C. + +"No, sir," replied Lieutenant Adams, and flushed slightly, as he +went on: "Of course, sir, I believe it quite impossible for a +midshipman to tell an untruth." + +"The sentiment does you credit, Lieutenant," smiled the O.C. +Then he fell to questioning the younger discipline officer as +to the names of the midshipmen whom he had questioned. Finally +the O.C. came to the two names in which the reader is most interested. + +"Darrin denied having been out after taps?" questioned Lieutenant-Commander +Henderson. + +"He did, sir." + +"Did Mr. Dalzell also deny having been out of quarters after taps?" + +"He did, sir." + +Lieutenant Adams answered unhesitatingly and unblushingly. In +fact, Lieutenant Adams would have bitten off the tip of his tongue +sooner than have lied intentionally. So firmly convinced had +Adams been that Dan was about to make a denial that now, with +the incident broken in two by the report of the tungsten bulb, +Lieutenant Adams really believed that had so denied. But Dan +had not, and had Dave Darrin been called as a witness he would +been compelled to testify that Dan did not deny being out. + +The explosion of the tungsten bulb was too great a puzzle for +either officer to solve. A man was sent with a new bulb, and +so that part of the affair became almost at once forgotten. + +Dan finally fell into a genuine sleep, and so did Dave Darrin. +In the morning Dave sought out Midshipman Farley to inquire to whom +the doughface should be returned. + +"Give it over to me and I'll take care of it," Farley replied. +"Say, did you hear a tungsten bulb blow up in the night!" + +"Did It" echoed Darrin devoutly. Then a sudden suspicion crossed +his mind. + +"Say, how did that happen, Farl?" demanded Dave. + +"If anyone should ask you-----" began the other midshipman. + +"Yes-----?" pressed Darrin. + +"Tell 'em---that you don't know," finished Farley tantalizingly, +and vanished. + +It was not until long after that Darrin found out the explanation +of the accident to the tungsten bulb. Farley, during Dan's absence, +had been almost as much disturbed as had Dave. So Mr. Farley +was wide awake. When he heard Lieutenant Adams receive the message +in the corridor Farley began to wonder what he could do. Presently +he was made to rise, with Page, stand at attention, and answer +the questions of the discipline officer. + +Soon after Dave and Dan were called up, Farley, listening with +his door ajar half an inch, slipped out and hit the tungsten +burner a smart rap just in the nick of time to save Dan Dalzell's +Navy uniform to that young man. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +BAD NEWS FROM WEST POINT + + +Bump! The ball, hit squarely by the toe of Wolgast's football +shoe, soared upward from the twenty-five-yard line. It described +an arc, flying neatly over and between the goal-posts at one end +of the athletic field. + +"That's the third one for you, Wolly," murmured Jetson. "You're +going to be a star kicker!" + +"Shall I try out the rest of the squad, sir?" asked Wolgast, turning +to Lieutenant-Commander Parker, this year's new coach. + +"Try out a dozen or so of the men," nodded coach, which meant, +in effect: "Try out men who are most likely to remain on the Navy +team." + +"Jetson!" called Wolgast. + +Jet tried, but it took his third effort to make a successful kick. + +"You see, Wolly, who is not to be trusted to make the kick in a +game," remarked Jetson with a rueful smile. + +"It shows me who may need practice more than some of the others---that's +all," answered Wolgast kindly. + +With that the ball went to Dave. The first kick he missed. + +"I can do better than that, if you'll give me the chance," observed +Darrin quietly. + +At a nod from Coach Parker, Dave was allowed five more trials, in +each one of which he made a fair kick. + +"Mr. Darrin is all right. He won't need to practice that very +often, Mr. Wolgast," called coach. + +Then Dan had his try. He made one out of three. + +"No matter, Danny Grin," cried Page solacingly, "we love you for +other things that you can do better on the field." + +Farley made two out of three. Page, though a rattling good man +over on the right flank, missed all three kicks. + +"I'm a dub at kicking," he growled, retiring in much disgust with +himself. + +Other midshipmen had their try, with varying results. + +"Rustlers, forward!" shouted Lieutenant-Commander Parker. + +Eleven young fellows who had been waiting with more or less patience +now threw aside their blankets or robes and came running across +the field, their eyes dancing with keen delight. + +"Mr. Wolgast, let the Rustlers start the ball---and take it +away from 'em in snappy fashion!" admonished coach. + +The game started. In the second team at Annapolis there were +some unusually good players---half a dozen, at least, who were +destined to win a good deal of praise as subs. that year. + +Tr-r-r-r-ill! sounded the whistle, and the ball was in motion. + +Yet, try as he did, the captain of the Rustlers made a side kick, +driving the ball not far out of Dave Darrin's way. It was coming, +now, in Dan's path, but Dalzell muttered in a barely audible undertone: + +"You, Davy!" + +So Darrin, playing left end on the Navy team, darted in and caught +the ball. He did not even glance sideways to learn where Dan +was. He knew that Dalzell would be either at his back or right +elbow as occasion demanded. + +"Take it away from Darry!" called Pierson, captain of the Rustlers. +"Block him!" + +The scores of spectators lining the sides of the field were watching +with keenest interest. + +It was rumored that Dave and Dan had some new trick play hidden up +their sleeves. + +Yet, with two men squarely in the path of Darrin it seemed incredible +that he could get by, for the Rustlers had bunched their interference +skillfully at this point. + +"Darry will have to stop!" yelled a score of voices at once, as +Dave bounded at his waiting opponents. + +"Yah, yah, yah!" + +"Wow!" + +"Whoop!" + +The spectators had been treated to a sight that they never forgot. + +Just as Dave reached those who blocked him he seemed to falter. +It was Dan Dalzell who bumped in and received the opposition alone. +Dan went down under it, all glory to him! + +But Dave, in drawing back as he had done, had stepped aside like +lightning, and now he had gone so far that he had no opposing end +to dodge. + +Instead, he darted straight ahead, leaving all of the forward +line of the Rustlers behind. + +But there was the back field to meet! + +As Dave shot forward, Jetson, too, smashed over the line, blocking +the halfback who got in his way. + +Straight over the line charged Dave Darrin, and laid the ball down. + +Now the athletic field resounded with excited yells. Annapolis +had seen "a new one," and it caught the popular fancy like lightning. + +Back the pigskin was carried, and placed for the kick. + +"You take it, Darry," called Wolgast. "You've earned it!" + +"Take it yourself, Wolly," replied Dave Darrin. "This is your +strong point." + +So Wolgast kicked and scored. The Rustlers at first looked dismayed +over it all, but in another instant a cheer had broken loose from +them. + +It was the business of the Rustlers to harry the Navy team all they +could---to beat the Navy, if possible, for the Rustlers received +their name from the fact that they were expected to make the team +members rustle to keep their places. + +Just the same the Rustlers were delighted to find themselves beaten +by a trick so simple and splendid that it fairly took their breath +away. For it was the Navy team, not the Rustlers, who met the enemy +from the colleges and from West Point. Rustlers and team men alike +prayed for the triumph of the Navy in every game that was fought out. + +"You never told me that you had that trick, Darry," muttered Wolgast, +in the rest that followed this swift, brilliant play. + +"I wanted to show it to you before telling you about it" laughed +Dave. + +"Why?" + +"Because I didn't know whether it were any good." + +"Any good? Why, Darry, if you can get up one or two more like +that you'll be the greatest gridiron tactician that the Navy has +ever had!" + +"I didn't get up that one," Dave confessed modestly. + +"You didn't, Mr. Darrin?" interposed Coach Parker. "Who did?" + +"Mr. Jetson, sir." + +"I helped a bit," admitted Jetson, turning red as he found himself +the center of admiring gazes. "Dalzell and Darrin helped work it +out, too." + +"Have you any more like that one, Mr. Darrin?" questioned Coach +Parker. + +"I think we have a few, sir," Dave smiled steadily. + +"Are you ready to exhibit them, Mr. Darrin?" + +"We'll show 'em all, if you order it, sir," Darrin answered +respectfully. "But we'll undoubtedly spring two or three of 'em, +anyway, in this afternoon's practice." + +"I'll be patient, then," nodded coach. "But I want a brief talk +with you after practice, Mr. Darrin." + +"Very good, sir." + +"I just want you to sketch out the new plays to me in private, that +I may consider them," explained the lieutenant-commander. + +"Yes, sir. But I am not really the originator of any of the new +plays. Mr. Dalzell and Mr. Jetson have had as much to do with +all of the new ones as I have, sir." + +"And this is Darrin's last year! The Navy will never have his +like again," groaned one fourth classman to another. + +"Ready to resume play!" called coach. "Navy to start the ball." + +The play was on again, in earnest, but this time it fell to the +right flank of, the Navy team to stop the onward rush of the Rustlers +as they charged down with the ball after the Navy's kick-off. + +In fact, not during the team practice did Dave or Dan get a chance +to show another of their new tricks. + +"Just our luck!" grunted many of the spectators. + +Meanwhile Dave, Dan and Jet got out of their togs, and through with +their shower baths as quickly as they could, for Lieutenant-Commander +Parker was on hand, awaiting them impatiently. + +Until close to supper call did the coach hold converse with these +three men of the Navy's left flank. Then the lieutenant-commander +went to Midshipman Wolgast, who was waiting. + +"Mr. Wolgast, I see the Army's banner trailed low in the dust +this year," laughed coach. "These young gentlemen have been explaining +to me some new plays that will cause wailing and gnashing of teeth +at West Point." + +"I'm afraid, sir, that you forget one thing," smiled Darrin. + +"What is that, sir?" demanded coach. + +"Why, sir, the Army has Prescott and Holmes, beyond a doubt, for +they played last year." + +"I saw Prescott and Holmes last year," nodded Mr. Parker. "But +they didn't have a thing to compare with what you've just been +explaining to me." + +"May I remark, sir, that that was last year?" suggested Dave. + +"Then you think that Prescott and Holmes may have developed some +new plays." + +"I'd be amazed, sir, if they hadn't done so. And I've tried to +have the Navy always bear in mind, sir, that Dalzell and myself +learned everything we know of football under Dick Prescott, who, +for his weight, I believe to be the best football player in the +United States!" + +"You're not going to get cold feet, are you, Mr. Darrin?" laughed +Lieutenant-Commander Parker. + +"No, sir; but, on the other hand, I don't want to underestimate +the enemy." + +"You don't seem likely to commit that fault, Mr. Darrin. For +my part," went on coach, "I'm going to feel rather satisfied that +Prescott and Holmes, of the Army, won't be able to get up anything +that will equal or block the new plays you've been describing +to me." + +Dave and Dan were more than usually excited as they lingered in +their room, awaiting the call to supper formation. Farley and +Page, all ready to respond to the call, were also in the room. + +"I hope old Dick and Greg haven't got anything new that will stop +us!" glowed Dan Dalzell. + +"It's just barely possible, of course," assented Darrin, "that +they haven't." + +"If they haven't," chuckled Farley gleefully, "then we scuttle +the Army this year." + +"Wouldn't it be truly great," laughed Page, "to see the great +Prescott go down in the dust of defeat. Ha, ha! I can picture, +right now, the look of amazement on his Army face!" + +"We mustn't laugh too soon," Dave warned his hearers. + +"Don't you want to see the redoubtable Prescott shoved into the +middle of next year?" challenged Midshipman Page. + +"Oh, yes; of course. Yet that's not because he's Prescott, for +good old Dick is one of the most precious friends I have in the +world," Dave answered earnestly. "I want to see Prescott beaten +this year, and I want to have a hand in doing it---simply for +the greater glory of the Navy!" + +"Well," grunted Page, "that's good enough for me." + +"We'll trail Soldier Prescott in the dust!" was a gleeful boast +that circulated much through the Naval Academy during the few +succeeding days. + +Even Dave became infected with it, for he was a loyal Navy man +to the very core. He began to think much of every trick of play +that could possibly help to retire Dick Prescott to the +background---all for the fame of the Navy and not for the hurt of +his friend. + +Dave even dreamed of it at night. + +As for Dalzell, he caught the infection, proclaiming: + +"We're out, this year, just to beat old Prescott and Holmes!" + +Yet readers of the High School Boys' Series, who know the deep +friendship that had existed, and always would, between Prescott +and Holmes on the one side, and Darrin and Dalzell, on the other, +do not need to be told that this frenzied feeling had in it nothing +personal. + +"If you two go on," laughed Midshipman Farley, one evening after +release, "you'll both end up with hating your old-time chums." + +"Don't you believe it!" retorted Dave Darrin almost sharply. +"This is just a matter between the two service academies. What +we want is to show the country that the Navy can put up an eleven +that can walk all around the Army on Franklin Field." + +"A lot the country cares about what we do!" laughed Page. + +"True," admitted Dare. "A good many people do seem to forget +that there are any such American institutions as the Military +and the Naval Academies. Yet there are thousands of Americans +who are patriotic enough to be keenly interested in all that we do." + +"This is going to be a bad year for Army friends," chuckled Farley. + +"And for the feelings of Cadets Prescott and Holmes," added Page +with a grimace. + +As the practice went on the spirits of the Navy folks went up to +fever heat. It was plain that, this year, the Navy eleven was to +make history in the world of sports. + +"Poor old Dick!" sighed Darrin one day, as the members of the +squad were togging to go on to the field. + +"Why?" Dan demanded. + +"Because, in spite of myself, I find that I am making a personal +matter of the whole business. Dan, I'm obliged to be candid with +myself. It has come to the point that it is Prescott and Holmes +that I want to beat!" + +"Same case here," Dan admitted readily. "They gave us a trouncing +last year, and we're bound to pass it back to 'em." + +"I believe I'd really lose all interest in the game, if Dick and +Greg didn't play on the Army this year." + +"I think I'd feel the same way about it," agreed Dan. "But never +fear---they will play." + +Two days later Dan finished his bath and dressing, after football +practice, to find that Dave had already left ahead of him. Dan +followed to their quarters in Bancroft Hall, to find Dave pacing +the floor, the picture of despair. + +"Dan!" cried Darrin sharply. "This letter is from Dick. He doesn't +play this year!" + +"Don't tell me anything funny, like that, when I've got a cracked +lip," remonstrated Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Dick doesn't play, I tell you---which means that Greg won't, +either. A lot of boobs at the Military Academy have sent Dick +to Coventry for something that he didn't do. Dan, I don't care +a hang about playing this year---we can't beat Prescott and Holmes, +for they won't be there!" + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +DAVE'S WORK GOES STALE + + +"Aye, you're not---not joking?" demanded Dan Dalzell half piteously. + +"Do you see any signs of mirth in my face?" demanded Dave Darrin +indignantly. + +Rap-tap! Right after the summons Midshipman Farley and Page entered +the room. + +"Say, who's dead?" blurted out Farley, struck by the looks of +consternation on the faces of their hosts. + +"Tell him, Dave," urged Dan. + +"Prescott and Holmes won't play on this year's Army team," stated +Darrin. + +"Whoop!" yelled Farley gleefully. "And that was what you're looking +so mighty solemn about? Cheer up, boy! It's good news." + +"Great!" seconded Midshipman Page with enthusiasm. + +"I tell you, fellows," spoke Dave solemnly, "it takes all the joy +out of the Army-Navy game." + +"Since when did winning kill joy?" demanded Farley aghast. "Why, +with Prescott and Holmes out of it the Navy will get a fit of +crowing that will last until after Christmas!" + +"It makes the victory too cheap," contended Darrin. + +"A victory is a victory," quoth Midshipman Page, "and the only +fellow who can feel cheap about it is the fellow who doesn't win. +Cheer up, Davy. It's all well enough to wallop a stray college, +here and there, but the one victory that sinks in deep and does +our hearts good is the one we carry away from the Army. Whoop! +I could cry for joy." + +"But why won't Prescott and Holmes play this year?" asked Farley, +his face radiant with the satisfaction that the news had given him. + +"Because the corps has sent Prescott to Coventry for something that +I'm certain the dear old fellow never did," Darrin replied. + +"Lucky accident!" muttered Farley. + +"But the corps will repent, when they find their football hope +gone," predicted Page, his face losing much of its hitherto joyous +expression. + +"No! No such luck," rejoined Midshipman Darrin. "If the brigade, +here, sent a fellow to Coventry for what they considered cause, +do you mean to tell me that they'd take the fellow out of Coventry +just to get a good player on the eleven?" + +"No, of course, not," Page admitted. + +"Then do you imagine that the West Point men are any more lax in +their views of corps honor?" pressed Dave. + +"To be sure they are not---they can't be." + +"Then there's only a chance in a thousand that Dick Prescott will, +by any lucky accident, be restored to favor in the corps---at +least, in time to play on this year's eleven. If he doesn't play, +Holmes simply won't play. So that takes all the interest out of +this year's Army-navy game." + +"Not if the Navy wins," contended Midshipman Page. + +"Bosh, there's neither profit nor honor in the Navy winning, unless +it's against the best men that the Army can put forth," retorted +Dave Darrin stubbornly. "By the great Dewey, I'm afraid nine +tenths of my enthusiasm for the game this year has been killed by +the miserable news that has come in." + +Within less than five minutes after the midshipmen had seated +themselves around the scores of tables in the mess hall, the news +had flown around that Prescott and Holmes were to be counted as +out of the Army eleven for this year. + +Here and there suppressed cheers greeted the announcement The +bulk of the midshipmen, however, were much of Dave Darrin's opinion +that there was little glory in beating less than the best team +that the Army could really put forth. + +"Darry looks as though he had just got back from a funeral," remarked +one member of the third class to another youngster. + +"I don't blame him," replied the one so addressed. + +"But he's all the more sure of winning over the Army this year." + +"I don't believe either of you youngsters know Darrin as well +as I do," broke in a second classman. "What I'm afraid of is, +if Prescott and Holmes don't play with the soldiers, then Darry +will lose interest in the game to such a degree that even Army +dubs will be able to take his shoestrings away from him. Danny +doesn't enjoy fighting fourth-raters. It's the big game that +he enjoys going after. Why, I'm told that he had simply set his +heart on pushing Prescott and Holmes all the way across Franklin +Field this year." + +Readers who are anxious to know why Dick Prescott, one of the +finest of American youths, had been sent to Coventry by his comrades +at the United States Military Academy, will find it all set forth +in the concluding volume of the West Point Series, entitled _"Dick +Prescott's Fourth Year At West Point."_ + +Strangely enough, the first effect of this news from West Point +was to send the Navy eleven somewhat "to the bad." That is to +say, Dave Darrin, despite his best endeavors, seemed to go stale +from the first hour when he knew that he was not to meet Dick +Prescott on the gridiron. + +"Mr. Darrin, what ails you?" demanded coach kindly, at the end +of the second practice game after that. + +"I don't know, sir." + +"You must brace up." + +"Yes, sir." + +"You seem to have lost all ambition. No; I won't just say that. +But you appear, Mr. Darrin, either to have lost some of your snap +or ambition, or else you have gone unaccountably stale." + +"I realize my defects, sir, and I am trying very, very hard to +overcome them." + +"Are you ill at ease over any of your studies?" persisted coach. + +"No, sir; it seems to me that the fourth year studies are the +easiest in the whole course." + +"They are not, Mr. Darrin. But you have had the advantage of three +hard years spent in learning how to study, and so your present +course appears rather easy to you. Are you sleeping well?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Eating well?" + +"Splendid appetite, sir." + +"Hm! I shall soon have a chance to satisfy myself on that point, +Mr. Darrin. The day after to-morrow the team goes to training +table. Have you any idea, Mr. Darrin, what is causing you to +make a poorer showing?" + +"I have had one very great disappointment, sir. But I'd hate to +think that a thing like that could send me stale." + +"Oh, a disappointment?" + +"Yes, sir," Dave went on frankly. "You see, sir, I have been +looking forward, most eagerly, to meeting Prescott and downing +him with the tricks that Jetson, Dalzell and I have been getting +up." + +"Oh! Prescott of the Army team?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I think I heard something about his having been sent to Coventry at +the Military Academy." + +"But, Mr. Darrin, you are not going to fail us just because the +Army loses a worthy player or two?" exclaimed Lieutenant-Commander +Parker in astonishment. + +"Probably that isn't what ails me, sir," Dave answered flushing. +"After all, sir, probably I'm just beginning to go stale. If +I can't shake it off no doubt I had better be retired from the +Navy eleven." + +"Don't you believe it!" almost shouted coach. "Mr. Darrin, you +will simply have to brace! Give us all the best that's in you, +and don't for one instant allow any personal disappointments to +unfit you. You'll do that, won't you?" + +"Yes, sir." + +Darrin certainly tried hard enough. Yet just as certainly the +Navy's boosters shook their heads when they watched Darrin's work +on the field. + +"He has gone stale," they said. "The very worst thing that could +happen to the Navy this year!" + +Then came the first game of the season---with Lehigh. Darrin +roused himself all he could, and his playing was very nearly up +to what might have been expected of him---though not quite. + +The visitors got away with a score of eight to five against the Navy. + +Next week the Lehighs went to West Point and suffered defeat at +the hands of the Army. + +The news sent gloom broadcast through the Naval Academy. + +"We get beaten by one of the smaller colleges, that West Point can +trim," was the mournful comment. + +It did, indeed, look bad for the Navy! + + + + +CHAPTER V + +DAN HANDS HIMSELF BAD MONEY + + +As the season went on it was evident that Dave Darrin was slowly +getting back to form. + +Yet coach was not wholly satisfied, nor was anyone else who had +the triumph of the Navy eleven at heart. + +Three more games had been played, and two of them were won by +the Navy. Next would come Stanford College, a hard lot to beat. +The Navy tried to bolster up its own hopes; a loss to Stanford +would mean the majority of games lost out of the first five. + +True, the news from West Point was not wholly disconcerting to +the Navy. The Army that year had some strong players, it was +true; still, the loss of Prescott and Holmes was sorely felt. +Word came, too, in indirect ways, that there was no likelihood +whatever that the Coventry against Cadet Dick Prescott would be +lifted. It was the evident purpose of the Corps of Cadets, for +fancied wrongs, to ostracize Dick Prescott until he found himself +forced to resign from the United States Military Academy. + +November came in. Stanford came. Coach talked to Dave Darrin +steadily for ten minutes before the Navy eleven trotted out on +to the field. Stanford left Annapolis with small end of the score, +in a six-to-two game, and the Navy was jubilant. + +"Darrin has come back pretty close to his right form," was the +general comment. + +For that Saturday evening Dan Dalzell, being now "on privilege" +again, asked and received leave to visit in town---this the more +readily because his work on the team had prevented his going out +of the Yard that afternoon. + +Dave, too, requested and secured leave to go into town, though +he stated frankly that he had no visit to make, and wanted only +a stroll away from the Academy grounds. + +Darrin went most of the way to the Prestons. + +"Come right along through, and meet Miss Preston," urged Dan. + +"If you ask it as a favor I will, old chap," Dave replied. + +"No; I thought the favor would be to you." + +"So it would, ordinarily," Darrin replied gallantly. "But to-night +I just want to stroll by myself." + +"Ta-ta, then." The grin on Dan Dalzell's face as he turned away +from his chum was broader than usual. Dan was thinking that, +this time, though his call must be a short one, he would be in +no danger on his return. He could report unconcernedly just before +taps. + +"No doughface need apply to-night," chuckled Dan. "But Davy was +surely one awfully good fellow to get me through that other scrape +as he did." + +All thought of football fled from Dan Dalzell's brain as he pulled +the bellknob at the Preston house. + +After all this was to be but the third meeting. Dan fancied, +however, that absence had made his heart fonder. Since the night +when he had Frenched it over the wall Dan had received two notes +from Miss Preston, in answer to his own letters, but the last +note was now ten days' old. + +"May I see Mrs. Preston?" asked Dan, as a colored servant opened +the door and admitted him. + +This was Dan's correct idea of the way to call on a young woman +to whom he was not engaged, but half hoped to be, some day. + +The colored maid soon came back. + +"Mrs. Preston is so very busy, sah, that she asks to be excused, +sah," reported the servant, coming into the parlor where Dan sat +on the edge of a chair. "But Mistah Preston will be down right +away, sah." + +A moment later a heavier step was heard on the stairway. Then +May Preston's uncle came into the parlor. + +"You will pardon Mrs. Preston not coming down stairs to-night, +I know, Mr. Dalzell," said the man of the house, as he and the +midshipman shook hands. "The truth is, we are very much occupied +to-night." + +"I had not dreamed of it, or I would not have called," murmured +Dan reddening. "I trust you will pardon me." + +"There is no need of pardon, for you have not offended," smiled +Mr. Preston. "I shall be very glad to spare you half an hour, +if I can interest, you." + +"You are very kind, sir," murmured Dan. "And Miss Preston----" + +"My niece?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"It is mainly on my niece's account that we are so busy to-night," +smiled the host. + +"She is not ill, sir?" asked Dan in alarm. + +"Ill! Oh, dear me, no!" + +Mr. Preston laughed most heartily. + +"No; she is not in the least ill, Mr. Dalzell, though, on Monday, +she may feel a bit nervous toward noon," + +"Nervous---on Monday?" asked Dan vaguely. It seemed rank nonsense +that her uncle should be able to predict her condition so definitely +on another day. + +"Why, yes; Monday is to be the great day, of course." + +"Great day, sir? And why 'of course'?" inquired Dan, now as much +interested as he was mystified. + +"Why, my niece is to be married Monday at high noon." + +"Married?" gasped Midshipman Dalzell, utterly astounded and discomfited +by such unlooked-for news. + +"Yes; didn't you know Miss Preston was engaged to be married?" + +"I---I certainly did not," Dan stammered. + +"Why, she spoke to you much of 'Oscar'-----" + +"Her brother?" + +"No; the man who will be her husband on Monday," went on Mr. Preston +blandly. Being quite near-sighted the elder man had not discovered +Dan's sudden emotion. "That is what occupies us to-night. We +leave on the first car for Baltimore in the morning. Mrs. Preston +is now engaged over our trunks." + +"I---I am very certain, then, that I have come at an unseasonable +time," Dan answered hastily. "I did not know---which fact, I +trust, will constitute my best apology for having intruded at +such a busy season, Mr. Preston." + +"There has been no intrusion, and therefore no apology is needed, +sir," replied Mr. Preston courteously. + +Dan got out, somehow, without staggering, or without having his +voice quiver. + +Once in the street he started along blindly, his fists clenched. + +"So that's the way she uses me, is it?" he demanded of himself +savagely. "Plays with me, while all the time the day for her +wedding draws near. She must be laughing heartily over---my greenness! +Oh, confound all girls, anyway!" + +It was seldom that Midshipman Dalzell allowed himself to get in +a temper. He had been through many a midshipman fight without +having had his ugliness aroused. But just now Dan felt humiliated, +sore in spirit and angry all over---especially with all members +of the gentler sex. + +He even fancied that Mr. Preston was at that moment engaged in +laughing over the verdant midshipman. As a matter of fact, Mr. +Preston was doing nothing of the sort. Mr. Preston had not supposed +that Dan's former call had been intended as anything more than +a pleasant social diversion. The Prestons supposed that every +one knew that their niece was betrothed to an excellent young +fellow. So, at this particular moment, Mr. Preston was engaged +in sitting on a trunk, while his wife tried to turn the key in +the lock. Neither of them was favoring Midshipman Dalzell with +as much as a thought. + +"Why on earth is it that all girls are so tricky?" Dan asked himself +savagely, taking it for granted that all girls are "tricky" where +admirers are concerned. + +"Oh, my, what a laugh Davy will have over me, when he hears!" was +Dan's next bitter thought, as he strode along. + +Having just wronged all girls in his own estimation of them, Dan +was now proceeding to do his own closest chum an injustice. For +Dave Darrin was too thorough a gentleman to laugh over any unfortunate's +discomfiture. + +"What a lucky escape I had from getting better acquainted with +that girl!" was Dalzell's next thought. "Why, with one as wholly +deceitful as she is there can be no telling where it would all have +ended. She might have drawn me into troubles that would have +resulted in my having to leave the service!" + +Dan had not the least desire to do any one an injustice, but just +now he was so astounded and indignant that his mind worked violently +rather than keenly. + +"Serves me right!" sputtered Dalzell, at last. "A man in the +Navy has no business to think about the other sex. He should +give his whole time and thought to his profession and his country. +That's what I'll surely do after this." + +Having reached this conclusion, the midshipman should have been +more at peace with himself, but he wasn't. He had been sorely, +even if foolishly wounded in his own self esteem, and it was bound +to hurt until the sensation wore off. + +"You'll know more, one of these days, Danny boy," was his next +conclusion. "And what you know will do you a lot more good, too, +if it doesn't include any knowledge whatever of girls---except +the disposition and the ability to keep away from 'em! I suppose +there are a few who wouldn't fool a fellow in this shameless way +but it will be a heap safer not to try to find any of the few!" + +Dan's head was still down, and he was walking as blindly as ever, +when he turned a corner and ran squarely into some one. + +"Why don't you look out where you're going?" demanded that some +one. + +"Why don't you look out yourself?" snapped Midshipman Dalzell, +and the next instant a heavy hand was laid upon him. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE "FORGOT" PATH TO TROUBLE + + +"Here, confound you! I'll teach you to-----" + +"Teach me how to walk the way you were going when I stopped you?" +demanded the same voice, and a harder grip was taken on Dalzell's +shoulder. + +In his misery Dan was not at all averse to fighting, if a good +excuse were offered. So his first move was not to look up, but +to wrest him self out of that grip, haul away and put up his guard. + +"Dave Darrin!" gasped Midshipman Dan, using his eyes at last. + +Dave was laughing quietly. + +"Danny boy, you shouldn't cruise without lights and a bow watch!" +admonished Dave. "What sent your wits wool gathering? You look +terribly upset over something." + +"Do I?" asked Dan, looking guilty. + +"You certainly do. And see here, is this the way to the Preston +house?" + +"No; it's the way away from it." + +"But you had permission to visit at the Prestons." + +"That isn't any news to me," grunted Dalzell. + +"Then---pardon me---but why aren't you there?" + +"Are you the officer of the day?" demanded Dan moodily. + +"No; merely your best friend." + +"I beg your pardon, Dave. I am a grouch tonight." + +"Wasn't Miss Preston at home." + +"I---I don't know." + +"Don't know? Haven't you been there?" + +"Yes; but I didn't ask-----" + +As Dan hesitated Dave rested both hands on his chum's shoulders, +looking sharply into that young man's eyes. + +"Danny, you act as though you were _loco_. (crazy). What on +earth is up? You went to call on Miss Preston. You reached the +house, and evidently you left there again. But you don't know +whether Miss Preston was in; you forgot to ask. Let me look in +at the answer to the riddle." + +"Dave---Miss Preston is going to be married!" + +"Most girls are going to be," Darrin replied quietly. "Do you +mean that Miss Preston is going to marry some one else than yourself?" + +"Yes." + +"Soon?" + +"Monday noon." + +Dave Darrin whistled. + +"So this is the meaning of your desperation? Danny boy, if you're +stung, I'm sincerely sorry for you." + +"I don't quite know whether I want any sympathy," Dan replied, +though he spoke rather gloomily. "Perhaps I'm to be congratulated." + +He laughed mirthlessly, then continued: + +"When a girl will treat a fellow like that, isn't it just as well +to find out her disposition early?" + +"Perhaps," nodded Darrin. "But Danny, do you mean to say that +you attempted to pay your call without an appointment?" + +"What was the need of an appointment?" demanded Dan. "Miss Preston +invited me to call at any time---just drop in. Now, she must +know that Saturday evening is a midshipman's only chance at this +time of the year." + +"Nevertheless, you were wrong at that point, in the game," Dave +went on gravely. "Unless you're on the best of terms with a young +lady, don't attempt to call on her without having learned that +your purpose will be agreeable to her. And so Miss Preston, while +receiving your calls, has been engaged to some one else?" + +Dan nodded, adding, "She might have given me some hint, I should +think." + +"I don't know about that," Darrin answered thoughtfully. "Another +good view of it would be that a young lady's private affairs are +her own property. Didn't she ever mention the lucky fellow to you?" + +"It seems that she did," Dalzell assented. "But I thought, all +the time, that she was talking about her brother." + +"Why should you especially think it was her brother whom she was +mentioning?" + +"Because she seemed so mighty fond of the fellow," Dan grunted. + +Dave choked a strong impulse to laugh. + +"Danny boy," he remarked, "girls, very often, are mighty fond, +also, of the fellow to whom they're engaged." + +"Why did she let me call?" demanded Dan gloomily. + +"How often have you called?" inquired Midshipman Darrin. + +"Once, before to-night." + +"Only once? Then, see here, Danny! Don't be a chump. When you +call on a girl once, and ask if you may call some other time, +how on earth is she to guess that you're an intended rival of +the man she has promised to marry?" + +"But-----" That was as far as Midshipman Dalzell got. He halted, +wondering what he really could say next. + +"Dan, I'm afraid you've got an awful lot to learn about girls, +and also about the social proprieties to be observed in calling +on them. As to Miss Preston receiving a call from you, and permitting +you to call again, that was something that any engaged girl might +do properly enough. Miss Preston came to Annapolis, possibly +to learn something about midshipman life. She met you and allowed +you to call. Very likely she permitted others to call. From +what you've told me I can't see that she treated you unfairly +in any way; I don't believe Miss Preston ever guessed that you +had any other than the merest social reasons for calling." + +"And I'm not sure that I did have," grunted Dalzell. + +Dave shot another swift look into his chum's face before he said: + +"Danny boy, your case is a light one. You'll recover speedily. +Your vanity has been somewhat stung, but your heart won't have +a scar in three days from now." + +"What makes you think you know so much about that?" insisted Dan, +drawing himself up with a dignified air. + +"It isn't hard to judge, when it's another fellow's case," smiled +Darrin. "I believe that, at this minute, I understand your feelings +better than you do yourself." + +"I don't know about my feelings," proclaimed Dan gloomily still, +"but I do know something about my experience and conclusions. +No more girls for me!" + +"Good idea, Danny boy," cried Darrin, slapping his friend on the +back. "That's the best plan for you, too." + +"Why?" + +"Because you haven't head enough to understand girls and their ways." + +"I don't want to." + +"Good! I hope you will keep in that frame of mind. And now, +let's talk of something serious." + +"Of what, then?" inquired Dalzell, as the two started to walk +along together. + +"Football." + +"Is that more serious than girls?" demanded Dan Dalzell, suspicious +that his friend was making fun of him. + +"It's safer, at any rate, for you. Why, if a girl happens to +say, 'Delighted to meet you, Mr. Dalzell,' you expect her to give +up all other thoughts but you, and to be at home every Saturday +evening. No, no, Danny. The company of the fair is not for you. +Keep to things you understand better---such as football." + +Dan Dalzell's eyes shot fire. He was certain, now, that his chum +was poking fun at him, and this, in his present temper, Dan could +not quite endure. + +"So, since we've dropped the subject of girls," Dave continued +placidly, "what do you think are our real chances for the balance +of this season?" + +"They'd be a lot improved," grunted Dan, "if you'd get the grip +on yourself that you had at the beginning of the season." + +"I know I'm not playing in as good form as I had hoped to," Dave +nodded. "The worst of it is, I can't find out the reason." + +"A lot of the fellows think you've lost interest since you found +that you won't have the great Prescott to play against in the +Army-Navy game," Dan hinted. + +"Yes; I know. I've heard that suspicion hinted at." + +"Isn't it true?" challenged Dalzell. + +"To the best of my knowledge and belief, it isn't. Why, Danny, +it would be absurd to think that I couldn't play right now, just +because Dick isn't to be against us on Franklin Field." + +"I know it would sound absurd," Dan replied. "But let us put +it another way, Dave. All along you've been working yourself +up into better form, because you knew that, otherwise, it was +very doubtful whether the Navy could beat the Army on the gridiron. +So you had worked yourself up to where you played a better game +than ever Dick Prescott thought of doing. Then you hear that +poor Dick is in Coventry, and therefore not on the team. You +haven't got the great Army man to beat, and, just for that reason, +you slack up on your efforts." + +"I am not slacking up," retorted Dave with some spirit. "I am doing +the best that is in me, though I admit I appear to have gone stale." + +"And so something will happen," predicted Dan. + +"What will that be?" + +"Between now and the game with the Army, Prescott's comrades will +find what boobs they've been, and they'll lift the Coventry. +Prescott and Holmes will get into the Army team at the last moment, +and the fellows from West Point will ride rough-shod over the +Navy, just as they did last year." + +"Do you really think that will happen?" demanded Darrin eagerly. +"Do you really believe that dear old Dick will get out of that +Coventry and back on the Army eleven?" + +"Well," returned Midshipman Dalzell soberly, "I'll venture a prediction. +If you don't get a brace on your playing soon, then it'll be +regular Navy luck for Prescott to come to Philadelphia and put +on his togs. Then the soldiers will drag us down the field to +the tune of 46 to 2." + +"I'd sooner he killed on the field than see that happen!" cried +Midshipman Dave, his eyes flashing. + +"Then don't let it happen! You're the only star on our team, Dave, +that isn't up to the mark. If we lose to the Army, this year, +Prescott or no Prescott, it will be your fault, Dave Darrin. +You're not one of our weak spots, really but you're not as strong +as you ought to be and can be if you'll only brace." + +"Brace!" quivered Dave. "Won't I, though?" + +"Good! Just stick to that." + +"Dan!" Darrin halted his chum before a store where dry goods and +notions were sold. "Let's go in here-----" + +"What, for?" Midshipman Dalzell asked in astonishment. + +"I want to make a purchase," replied Dave soberly. "Danny boy, +I'm going to buy you a hat pin---one at least ten inches long. +You're to slip it in, somewhere in your togs. When you catch +me lagging---practice or game---just jab that hat pin into me +as far as you can send it." + +"Bosh!" retorted Dan impatiently. "Come along." + +Dave submitted, in patient silence, to being led away from the +store. For some moments the chums strolled along together in +silence. + +"Now, speaking of Miss Preston," began Dan, breaking the silence +at last, "she-----" + +"Drop that! Get back to football, Danny---it's safer," warned +Dave Darrin. + +"But-----" + +"Hold on, I tell you! You had almost recovered, Danny, in the +short space of five minutes. Now, don't bring on a relapse by +opening up the old sore. I shall soon begin to believe it was +your heart that was involved, instead of your vanity." + +"Oh, hang girls, then!" exploded Dan. + +"Couldn't think of it," urged Dave gently. "That wouldn't be +chivalrous, and even a midshipman is required to be a gentleman +at all times. So-----" + +"Good evening, gentlemen," spoke a pleasant voice. The midshipmen +glanced up, then promptly brought up their hands in salute to +an officer whom they would otherwise have passed without seeing. + +That officer was Lieutenant Adams, discipline officer. + +"Are you enjoying your stroll, Mr. Darrin?" asked Mr. Adams. + +"Very much, sir; thank you." + +"And you, Mr. Dalzell. But let me see---wasn't your liberty +for the purpose of paying a visit?" + +"Yes, sir," Dan answered, coloring. + +"And you are strolling, instead?" + +"Yes, sir; the person on whom I went to call was not there." + +"Then, Mr. Darrin, you should have returned to Bancroft Hall, +and reported your return." + +"Yes, sir; I should have done that," Dan confessed in confusion. +"The truth is, sir, it hadn't occurred to me." + +"Return at once, Mr. Dalzell, and place yourself on report for +strolling without permission." + +"Yes, sir." + +Both midshipmen saluted, then turned for the shortest cut to Maryland +Avenue, and thence to the gate at the end of that thoroughfare. + +"Ragged!" muttered Dan. "And without the slightest intention of +doing anything improper." + +"It was improper, though," Dave replied quickly, "and both you +and I should have thought of it in time." + +"I really forgot." + +"Forgot to think, you mean, Dan, and that's no good excuse in +bodies of men where discipline rules. Really, I should have gone +on report, too." + +"But you had liberty to stroll in town." + +"Yes; but I'm guilty in not remembering to remind you of your +plain duty." + +Lieutenant Adams had not in the least enjoyed ordering Dan to +place himself on report. The officer had simply done his duty. +To the average civilian it may seem that Dan Dalzell had done +nothing very wrong in taking a walk when he found the purpose +of his call frustrated; but discipline, when it imposes certain +restrictions on a man, cannot allow the man himself to be the +judge of whether he may break the restrictions. If the man himself +is to be the judge then discipline ceases to exist. + +"So I've got to stick myself on pap, and accept a liberal handful +of demerits, all on account of a girl?" grumbled Dan, as the chums +turned into the road leading to Bancroft Hall." + +"That is largely because you couldn't get the girl out of your +head," Dave rejoined. "Didn't I tell you, Danny, that you hadn't +head enough to give any of your attention to the other sex?" + +"It's tough to get those demerits, though," contended Dan. "I +imagine there'll be a large allowance of them, and in his fourth +year a fellow can't receive many demerits without having to get +out of the Academy. One or two more such scrapes, and I'll soon +be a civilian, instead of an officer in the Navy!" + +"See here, Dan; I'll offer an explanation that you can make truthfully. +Just state, when you're called up, that you and I were absorbed +talking football, and that you really forgot to turn in the right +direction while your mind was so full of Navy football. That may +help some." + +"Yes; it will---not!" + +Dan Dalzell passed into the outer room of the officer in charge, +picked up a blank and filled it out with the report against himself. + +Dave was waiting outside as Dan came out from the disagreeable +duty of reporting himself. + +"Hang the girls!" Dalzell muttered again disgustedly. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +DAN'S EYES JOLT HIS WITS + + +Dan Dalzell, on the point of stepping out of Bancroft Hall, wheeled +like a flash, and bounded back against Farley, Jetson and Page. + +"Don't look!" whispered Dan hoarsely. "Duck!" + +"What on earth is the matter?" demanded Midshipman Darrin, eyeing +his chum sharply. + +"I---I don't know what it is," muttered Dan, after he had backed +his friends some feet from the entrance. + +"What does it look like?" asked Farley. + +"Something like a messenger boy," returned Dan. + +"Surely, you're not afraid of a messenger boy with a telegram," +laughed Darrin. "Little chance that the message is for you, at +any rate." + +"But---it's got a Naval uniform on, I tell you," warned Dan. + +"No; you hadn't told us. What is it---another midshipman?" + +"Not by a jugful!" Dan sputtered. "It's wearing an officer's +uniform." + +"Then undoubtedly you chanced to glance at an officer of the +Navy," Darrin replied, sarcastically soothing. "Brace up, Dan." + +"But he's only a kid!" remonstrated Dan. "And he wear a lieutenant's +insignia!" + +"Bosh! Some officers are quite boyish-looking," remarked Farley. +"Come on out, fellows; I haven't forgotten how to salute an officer +when I see one." + +The others, except Dan, started briskly for the entrance. As for +Dalzell, he brought up the rear, grumbling: + +"All right; you fellows go on out and see whether you see him. +If you don't, then I'm going to report myself at hospital without +delay. Really, I can't swear that I saw---it." + +But at that moment the object of Dan's alarm reached one of the +doors of the entrance of Bancroft Hall and stepped briskly inside. + +This new-comer's glance fell upon the knot of midshipmen, and +he glanced at them inquiringly, as though to see whether these +young men intended to salute him. + +Surely enough, the newcomer was decidedly boyish-looking, yet +he wore the fatigue uniform and insignia of a lieutenant of the +United States Navy. If he were masquerading, here was a dangerous +place into which to carry his antics. + +The five midshipmen brought their right hands hesitatingly to +the visors of their uniform caps. The very youthful lieutenant +smartly returned their salutes, half smiled, then turned, in search +of the officer in charge. + +"Scoot! Skip! Let's escape!" whispered Dan hoarsely, and all +five midshipmen were speedily out in the open. + +"Now, did you fellows really see---it---or did I have a delusion +that I saw you all salute when I did?" + +"I saw it," rejoined Farley, "and I claim it, if no one else +wants it." + +"The service is going to the dogs," growled Page, "when they give +away a lieutenant's uniform with a pound of tea!" + +"What ails you fellows?" rebuked Dave Darrin. "The man who passed +us was a sure-enough lieutenant in the Navy." + +"Him?" demanded Midshipman Dalzell, startled out of his grip on +English grammar. "A lieutenant? That---that---kid?" + +"He's a lieutenant of the Navy, all right," Dave insisted. + +"You're wrong," challenged Page. "Don't you know, Dave, that +a man must be at least twenty-one years old in order to hold an +officer's commission in the Navy?" + +"That man who received our salutes is a Naval, officer," Dave +retorted. "I don't know anything about his age." + +"Why, that little boy can't be a day over seventeen," gasped Dan +Dalzell. "Anyway, fellows, I'm overjoyed that you all saw him! +That takes a load off my mind as to my mental condition." + +"Whoever he is, he's a Navy officer, and he has trod the bridge +in many a gale," contended Dave. "Small and young as he looks, +that man had otherwise every bit of the proper appearance of a +Navy officer." + +"What a joke it will be on you," grinned Page, "when you find +the watchman dragging the little fellow away to turn over to the +doctors from the asylum!" + +The midshipmen were on their way to report for afternoon football +work. As they had started a few minutes early, and had time to +spare, they had now halted on the way, and were standing on the +sidewalk in front of the big and handsome barracks building. + +"Can you fellows still use your eyes?" Dave wanted to know. "If +you can, look toward the steps of Bancroft." + +The officer in charge was coming out. At his side was the very +youthful looking one in the lieutenant's uniform. + +"The O.C. is decoying the stranger away to turn him over to the +watchmen without violence," guessed Midshipman Farley. + +Three officers were approaching. These the five midshipmen turned +and saluted. In another moment all of the five save Dave Darrin +received a sharp jolt. For the O.C. had halted and was introducing +the three Navy officers to the youthful one. + +"This is Lieutenant Benson, the submarine expert of whom you have +heard so much," said the O.C., loudly enough for the amazed middies +to hear. + +"Sub---sub----say, did you fellows hear that?" begged Dan hoarsely. + +"Yes," assented Dave calmly. "And say, you fellows are a fine +lot to be serving here. You all remember Mr. Benson. He was +here last year---he and his two submarine friends. We didn't +see them, because our class didn't go out on the Pollard submarine +boat that was here last year. But you remember them, just the +same. You remember, too, that Mr. Benson and his friends were +hazed by some of the men in last year's youngster class. You +heard about that? A lot of the fellows came near getting ragged, +but Benson didn't take offense, and his quick wit pulled that +lot of last year's youngsters out of a bad fix." + +"Then Benson and his mates are real people?" demanded Dan, still +doubtful, if his voice were an indication. + +"Yes; and Benson is a real submarine expert, too, even if he is +a boy," Dave went on. + +"Then he is only a boy?" + +"He's seventeen or eighteen." + +"Then how can he be a lieutenant?" demanded Dalzell, looking more +bewildered. + +"He isn't," Dave answered simply. + +"But the O.C. introduced him that way." + +"And quite properly," answered Darrin, whereat his companions +stared at him harder than ever. + +"Let's walk along," proposed Dave, "and I'll tell you the little +that I know, or think I know, about the matter. Of course, you +fellows all know about the Pollard submarine boats? The government +owns a few of them now, and is going to buy a lot more of the +Pollard craft." + +"But that kid officer?" insisted Dan. + +"If you'll wait I'll come to that. Benson, his name is; Jack +Benson he's commonly called. He and two boy friends got in on +the ground floor at the Farnum shipyard. They were boys of +considerable mechanical skill, and they found their forte in the +handling of submarine boats. They've done some clever, really +wonderful feats with submarines. Farnum, the owner of the yard, +trusted these boys, after a while, to show off the fine points of +the craft to our Navy officers and others." + +"But what has that to do with giving Benson a commission in the +Navy?" demanded Farley. + +"I'm coming to that," Dave replied. "As I've heard the yarn, +Benson and his two boy friends attracted attention even from the +European governments. The Germans and some other powers even +made them good offers to desert this country and go abroad as +submarine experts. Our Navy folks thought enough of Benson and +his chums to want to save them for this country. So the Secretary +of the Navy offered all three the rank and command of officers +without the actual commissions. As soon as these young men, the +Submarine Boys as they are called, are twenty-one, the Navy Department +will bestir itself to give them actual commissions and make them +real staff or line officers." + +"So that those kids will rank us in the service?" grumbled Dan. + +"Well, up to date," replied Dave quietly, "the Submarine Boys +have done more for their country than we have. Of course, in +the end, we may be admirals in the Navy, even before they're captains. +Who can tell?" + +"I wonder what Benson is doing here?" murmured Farley. + +"Lieutenant Benson," Dave corrected him, "is probably here on +official business. If you want exact details, suppose we stop +at the superintendent's house and ask him." + +"Quit your kidding," grinned Farley. + +"So I've got to say 'sir,' if that boy speaks to me?" asked Dan. + +"I think it would be better," smiled Darrin, "if you're anxious +to escape another handful of demerits." + +By the time that the football squad began to assemble on the football +field, Dan and his friends found that some of the midshipmen were +full of information about the famous Submarine Boys. Readers +who may not be familiar with the careers of Lieutenant Jack Benson, +Ensign Hal Hastings, and Ensign Eph Somers are referred to the +volumes of the _Submarine Boys' Series_. In _"The Submarine Boys +and the Middies"_ will be found the account of the hazing that Jack, +Hal and Eph had received at the hands of midshipmen. + +Benson and his two friends, with a crew of four men, were now at +the Naval Academy, having arrived at two o'clock that afternoon, +for the purpose of giving the first classmen instruction aboard +the latest Pollard submarine, the "Dodger." + +But play was called, and that stopped, for the time being, all talk +about the Submarine Boys. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE PRIZE TRIP ON THE "DODGER" + + +The following afternoon, at the hour for instruction in the machine +shops, the entire first class was marched down to the basin, where +the "Dodger" lay. Squad by squad the midshipmen were taken on +board the odd-looking little craft that was more at home beneath +the waves than on them. + +While the exact place and scale of importance of submarine war +craft has not been determined as yet, boats of the Pollard type +are certainly destined to play a tremendously important part in +the Naval wars of the future. Hence all of the midshipmen were +deeply interested in what they saw and were told. + +Some of these first classmen were twenty-four years of age, others +from twenty to twenty-two. Hence, with many of them, there was +some slight undercurrent of feeling over the necessity for taking +instruction from such very youthful instructors as Jack Benson, +Hal Hastings and Eph Somers. + +Had any of this latter trio been inclined to put on airs there +might have been some disagreeable feeling engendered in the breasts +of some of the middies. But Jack and his associates were wholly +modest, pleasant and helpful. + +Beginning on the following day, it was announced, the "Dodger" +would take a squad of six midshipmen down Chesapeake Bay for practical +instruction in submarine work, both above and below the surface +of the water. This instruction would continue daily, with squads +of six midshipmen on board, until all members of the first class +had received thorough drilling. + +"That's going to be a mighty pleasant change from the usual routine +here," whispered Farley in Dave's ear. + +"It surely will," Darrin nodded. "It will be even better fun than +football." + +"With no chance for the Army to beat us out on this game," Farley +replied slyly. + +At last it came the turn of Dave, Dan, Farley, Page, Jetson and +Wolgast to go aboard the "Dodger." + +"Gentlemen," announced Lieutenant Jack Benson, "Ensign Somers +will show you all that is possible about the deck handling and +the steering below the surface, and then Ensign Hastings will +explain the mechanical points of this craft. When both are through, +if you have any questions. I will endeavor to answer them." + +In a few minutes the "showing" had been accomplished. + +"Any questions, gentlemen?" inquired Lieutenant Benson. + +Dave was ready with three; Farley had four and Jetson two. Lieutenant +Benson looked particularly pleased as he answered. Then, at last, +he inquired: + +"What's your name?" + +"Darrin, sir," Dave replied. + +The other midshipmen present were asked their names, and gave them. + +"Gentlemen," continued youthful Lieutenant Benson, "this present +squad impresses me as being more eager and interested in submarines +than any of the squads that have come aboard." + +"Thank you, sir," Dave replied for himself and the others. + +"Are you really exceptionally interested?" inquired Benson. + +"I think we are, sir," Dave responded. + +"On Saturday of each week, as long as the 'Dodger' is at Annapolis," +went on Benson, "we intend to take out one of the best squads. +We shall drop down the Bay, not returning, probably before Sunday +noon. Would you gentlemen like to be the first squad to go on the +longer cruise---next Saturday?" + +The faces of all six midshipmen shone with delight for an instant, +until Dave Darrin answered mournfully: + +"It would give us great delight, sir, but for one thing. We play +Creighton University next Saturday, and we are all members of +the Navy team." + +"None of you look forward to having to go to hospital during the +progress of the game, do you?" inquired Lieutenant Benson with +a slight smile. + +"Hardly, sir." + +"Then the 'Dodger' can sail an hour after the finish of the game, +and perhaps stay out a little later on Sunday. Will that solve +the problem?" + +"Splendidly, sir!" + +"Then I will use such persuasion as I can with the superintendent +to have you six men detailed for the Saturday-Sunday detail this +week," promised Lieutenant Benson. "And now I will write your +names down, in order that there may be no mistake about the squad +that reports to me late next Saturday afternoon. Dismissed!" + +As Dave and his friends stepped ashore even Dan Dalzell had a more +gracious estimate of "that kid, Benson." + +That night, and for several nights afterwards, the "Dodger" and +her officers furnished a fruitful theme for discussion among the +midshipmen. As the "Dodger" was believed to be the very finest +submarine craft anywhere among the navies of the world, the interest +grew rather than waned. + +Dave and Dan, as well as their four friends, began to look forward +with interest to the coming cruise down the bay. + +"Fellows," warned Wolgast, "you'll have to look out not to get your +heads so full of submarines that you lose to Creighton on Saturday." + +"On the contrary," retorted Dave, "you can look for us to push +Creighton all over the field. We'll do it just as a sheer vent +to our new animal spirits." + +That was a decidedly boastful speech for Dave Darrin, yet on Saturday +he made good, or helped tremendously, for Creighton retired from the +field with the small end of an eight-to-two score. + +"Now, hustle on the dressing," roared Wolgast, as they started +to un-tog and get under the showers, after the football victory. + +"What's the need of rush?" demanded Peckham one of the subs. + +"It doesn't apply to you," Wolgast shot back over his shoulder, +as he started on a run to the nearest shower. "I'm talking only +to to-night's submarine squad." + +The six midshipmen found many an envious look shot in their direction. + +"Those extremely youthful officers seem to have a bad case of spoons +on you six," remarked Peckham almost sourly. + +"Show some nearly human intelligence, and maybe you'll get a chance +at one of the Saturday cruises, Peckham," called back Farley, as he +began to towel down vigorously. + +Dave and his friends were the first men of the team to be dressed +and ready to leave. + +"Give our best regards to Davy Jones!" shouted one of the football +men. + +"If you go down to the bottom of Chesapeake Bay, and can't get +up again, don't do anything to spoil the fishing," called another +middy. + +By this time Dave Darrin and his mates were outside and on their +way to the basin. + +Lieutenant Jack Benson was the only one of the "Dodger's" officers +on view when the midshipmen arrived alongside. They passed aboard, +saluting Benson, who returned their salutes without affectation. + +"All here?" said Benson. "Mr. Somers, tumble the crew on deck!" + +"Shall we go below, sir?" inquired Dave, again saluting. + +"Not until so directed," Benson replied. "I wish you to see every +detail of the boat handling." + +At Lieutenant Jack's command the crew threw the hawsers aboard and +soon had them out of the way. + +Benson gave the starting signal to Eph Somers. + +No sooner had the "Dodger's" hawsers been cast aboard than the +submarine torpedo boat headed out. It was a get-away swift +enough---almost to take the breath of the midshipmen. + +"You see, gentlemen," Lieutenant Benson explained quietly, "we +act on the theory that in submarine work every second has its +value when in action. So we have paid a good deal of attention +to the speedy start. Another thing that you will note is that, +aboard so small a craft, it is important that, as far as is possible, +the crew act without orders for each move. What do you note of the +crew just now?" + +"That they performed their work with lightning speed, sir, and that +they have already gone below, without waiting for orders to that +effect." + +"Right," nodded Jack Benson. "Had the crew been needed on deck +I would have ordered them to remain. As I did not so order they +have gone below, where they are out of the way until wanted. +A craft that fights always on the surface of the water should +have some men of the crew always on deck. But here on a submarine +the men would be in the way, and we want a clear range of view +all over the deck, and seaward, in order that we may see everything +that it is possible to see. Mr. Darrin, Mr. Dalzell and Mr. Farley +will remain on deck with me. The other young gentlemen will go +below to study the workings of the engines under Ensign Hastings." + +Though it was a true pleasure trip for all six of the midshipmen, +it was one of hard, brisk instruction all the time. + +"Here, you see," explained Lieutenant Jack, leading his trio just +forward of the conning tower, "we have a deck wheel for use when +needed. Mr. Somers, give up the wheel." + +"Aye, aye, sir," and Ensign Eph, who had been sitting at the tower +wheel since the start, moved away and came on deck. + +"Mr. Darrin, take the wheel," directed Benson. "Are you familiar +with the Bay?" + +"Not sufficiently, sir, to be a pilot." + +"Then I will give you your directions from time to time. How does +this craft mind her wheel?" + +"With the lightest touch, sir, that I ever saw in a wheel." + +"The builders of the 'Dodger' have been working to make the action +of the steering wheel progressively lighter with each boat that +they have built. Men on a submarine craft must have the steadiest +nerves at all times, and steady nerves do not go hand in hand with +muscle fatigue." + +Lieutenant Jack walked to the entrance to the conning tower. +"Mallock!" he called down to one of the crew. + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +"My compliments to Mr. Hastings, and ask him to crowd the speed +of the boat gradually." + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +The "Dodger" had been moving down the bay at a ten-knot pace. +Suddenly she gave a jump that caused Midshipman Dave Darrin to +wonder. Then the submarine settled down to a rushing sixteen-knot +gait." + +"I didn't know, sir," ventured Farley, "that submarines could +go quite so fast." + +"The old types didn't," Lieutenant Jack answered. "However, on +the surface a capable submarine must be able to show a good deal +of speed." + +"For getting away, sir?" + +"Oh, no. Naturally, when a submarine is pursued she can drop under +the surface and leave no trail. But suppose a single submarine +to be guarding a harbor, unaided by other fighting craft. A twenty-or +twenty-two knot battleship is discovered, trying to make the harbor. +Even if the battleship steams away the submarine should be capable +of following. The engines of the 'Dodger,' in favorable weather, +can drive her at twenty-six knots on the surface." + +"She's as fast as a torpedo-boat destroyer, then, sir," hazarded Dan. + +"Yes; and the submarine needs to be as fast. With the improvement +of submarine boats the old style of torpedo boat will pass out +altogether. Then, if the destroyer is retained the submarine +must be capable of attacking the destroyer on equal terms. Undoubtedly, +after a few years more the river gunboat and the submarine torpedo +boat will be the only small fighting craft left in the navies of +the leading powers of the world." + +Even while this brief conversation was going on the speed of the +"Dodger" had begun to increase again. Ensign Hasting's head showed +through the opening in the conning tower. + +"We're going now at a twenty-knot clip, sir," Hal reported. "Do +you wish any more speed?" + +"Not in Chesapeake Bay; navigating conditions are not favorable." + +"Very good, sir." Hal vanished below. Never very talkative, Hal +was content to stand by his engines in silence when there was no +need of talking. + +From time to time, as the craft sped on down the bay, Lieutenant +Benson glanced at the chronometer beside the deck wheel. + +"You don't have the ship's bell struck on this craft, sir?" inquired +Midshipman Darrin. + +"Only when at anchor or in dock," replied Lieutenant Jack Benson. +"A submarine's natural mission is one of stealth, and it wouldn't +do to go about with a clanging of gongs. Now, let me have the +wheel, Mr. Darrin. You gentlemen go to the conning tower and +stand so that you can hear what goes on below." + +While the three midshipmen stood as directed the speed of the +"Dodger" slackened. + +Then, after a space of a full minute, the submarine returned to her +former twenty-knot speed. + +"Did you hear any clanging or jangling of a signal bell or gong +when the speeds were changed?" questioned Lieutenant Benson. + +"No, sir," Darrin answered. + +"That was because no bells were sounded," explained Benson. "From +deck or conning tower signals can be sent that make no noise. +On a dark night, or in a fog, we could manoeuvre, perhaps, within +a stone's throw of an enemy's battleship, and the only sound that +might betray our presence would be our wash as we moved along. +Take the wheel, Mr. Farley." + +Then, after giving Farley a few directions as to the course to +follow, Lieutenant Benson added: + +"Take command of the deck, Mr. Farley." + +"Humph!" muttered Dan. "The lieutenant doesn't seem to be afraid +that we'll run his craft into any danger." + +"He knows as well as we do what would happen to me, if there were +any disaster, and I had to explain it before a court of inquiry," +laughed Midshipman Farley. "Hello! Who slowed the boat down?" + +Dan had done it, unobserved by his comrades, in an irrepressible +spirit of mischief. He had reached over, touching the indicator, +and thus directing the engine-room man to proceed at less speed. +Dalzell, however, did not answer. + +"I'd like to know if the speed were slackened intentionally," +fussed Farley. "Darry, do you mind going below and inquiring?" + +"Not in the least," smiled Dave, "but is it good Naval etiquette +for one midshipman to use another midshipman as a messenger?" + +"Oh, bother etiquette!" grunted Farley. "What would you really +do if you were in command of the deck---as I am---and you wanted +to ask a question, with the answer down below?" + +"I'll go to the conning tower and summon a man on deck, if you +wish," Dave offered. + +Farley nodded, so Dave stepped over to the conning tower, calling +down: + +"One man of the watch---on deck!" + +Seaman Mallock was on deck in a hurry, saluting Midshipman Farley. + +"Mallock, report to Lieutenant Benson, or the next ranking officer +who may be visible below. Report with my compliments that the +speed of the craft has slackened, and inquire whether that was +intentional." + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +Mallock was soon back, saluting. + +"Engine tender reports, sir, that he slowed down the speed in +obedience to the indicator." + +"But I-----" Farley began. Then he checked himself abruptly, +noting out of the corner of his eye that Dan Dalzell had wandered +over to the rail and stood looking off to seaward. If Dan were +responsible for the slowing down of the speed, and admitted it +under questioning, then Farley, under the regulations, would be +obliged to report Dalzell, and that young man already had some +demerits against his name. + +"Oh, very good, then, Mallock," was Midshipman Farley's rather +quick reply. "Who is the ranking officer visible below at present?" + +"Ensign Somers, sir." + +"Very good. My compliments to Mr. Somers, and ask at what speed +he wishes to run." + +Seaman Mallock soon returned, saluting. + +"Ensign Somers' compliments sir, and the ensign replies that Mr. +Farley is in command of the deck." + +"Very good, then," nodded Midshipman Farley, and set the indicator +at the twenty mark. + +Ten minutes later Lieutenant Benson reappeared on deck. First +of all he noted the "Dodger's" position. Then, as Ensign Eph +and Mallock appeared, Benson announced: + +"Gentlemen, you will come down to Supper now. Mr. Somers, you +will take command of the deck." + +"Very good, sir," Eph responded. "Mallock, take the wheel." + +Lieutenant Benson seated himself at the head of the table, with +Ensign Hastings on his right. The midshipmen filled the remaining +seats. + +"We're necessarily a little crowded on a craft of this size," +explained Benson. "Also the service is not what it would be on +a battleship. We can carry but few men, so the cook must also +act as waiter." + +At once a very good meal was set on the table, and all hands were +busily eating when Eph Somers came down the stairs, saluted and +reported: + +"Sir, we are on the bottom of Chesapeake Bay, with our nose in +the mud!" + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE TREACHERY OF MORTON + + +To the midshipmen that was rather startling news to receive while +in the act of enjoying a very excellent meal. + +Lieutenant Jack Benson, however, appeared to take the news very +coolly. + +"May I ask," he inquired, "whether any of you young gentlemen +noticed anything unusual in our motion during the last two or +three minutes?" + +All six of the midshipmen glanced at him quickly, then at Darrin +the other five looked, as though appointing him their spokesman. + +"No, sir; we didn't note anything," replied Dave. "We were too +busy with our food and with listening to the talk." + +"But now you notice something?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"What?" + +"That the boat appears motionless, as though speed had been stopped." + +"And that is the case," smiled Benson. "Mr. Somers, soon after +the soup was placed on the table, came in from the deck with the +one man of his watch, closed the tower and signaled for changing +to the electric motors. Then he filled the forward tanks and +those amidships, at last filling the tanks astern. We came below +so gently that you very intent young men never noticed the change. +We are now on the bottom---in about how many feet of water, Mr. +Somers?" + +"About forty, sir," replied Eph. + +The six midshipmen stared at one another, then felt a somewhat +uncomfortable feeling creeping over them. + +"Had it been daylight," smiled Benson, "you would have been warned +by the disappearance of natural light and the increased brilliancy +of the electric light here below. However, your experience serves +to show you how easily up-to-date submarines may be handled." + +"What do you think of the way the trick was done?" asked Hal Hastings, +looking up with a quiet smile. + +"It was marvelous," replied Midshipman Farley promptly. + +"I would like to ask a question, sir, if I may," put in Midshipman +Jetson. + +"Go ahead, sir." + +"Were submarines ever handled anywhere near as neatly before you +three gentlemen began your work with the Pollard Company?" + +"We didn't handle them as easily, at all events," replied Jack +with a smile. "It has required a lot of work and practice, night +and day. Steward, a plate for Mr. Somers." + +"This is the way we generally manage at meal times," smiled Ensign +Eph, as he took his place at table. "There's no use in keeping +an officer and a man on deck, or a tender at the engines, unless +we're going somewhere, in a hurry. So, in a case like this, where +the deck officer wants his meal, we just sink into the mud and +rest easy until the meal is over." + +"Are you giving instruction, or merely seeking to amuse your guests, +Mr. Somers?" Lieutenant Jack Benson asked quietly. + +"Oh, I forgot," explained Eph, with another smile; "these young +gentlemen are not yet acquainted with me. When they are they'll +know that no one ever takes me too seriously." + +"A bad habit for a superior officer, isn't it?" inquired Benson, +looking around at his student guests. "But Mr. Somers may be +taken very seriously indeed---when he's on duty. He is unreliable +at table only." + +"Unreliable at table?" echoed Eph, helping himself to a slice +of roast meat. "Why, it seems to me that this is the one place +where I can be depended upon to do all that is expected of me." + +The others now sat back, out of courtesy, looking on and chatting +while Ensign Eph Somers ate his meal. "There may be a few +questions---or many---that you would like to ask," suggested +Lieutenant Jack Benson. "If so, gentlemen, go ahead with your +questions. For that matter, during your stay aboard, ask all the +questions you can think of." + +"Thank you, sir," replied Midshipman Dave Darrin, with a slight +bow. "I have been thinking of one point on which I would be glad +of information." + +"And that is-----" + +"The full complement of this craft appears to consist of three +officers and four enlisted men---that is, of course, outside of +your combined cook and steward." + +"Yes," nodded Benson. + +"One of the officers is commanding officer; another is deck officer +and the third engineer officer." + +"Yes." + +"Then, on a cruise," pursued Dave, "how can you divide watches +and thus keep going night and day?" + +"Why, originally," Jack replied, "we put on long cruises with +only three aboard---the three who are at present officers. With +a boat like the 'Dodger,' which carries so few men, the commanding +officer cannot stand on his dignity and refuse to stand watch. +I frequently take my trick at the wheel. That gives Mr. Somers +his chance to go below and sleep." + +"Yet Mr. Hastings is your only engineer officer." + +"True, but two of our enlisted men are trained as engine-tenders. +Our engines are rather simple, in the main, and an enlisted +engine-tender can run our engine room for hours at a stretch under +ordinary conditions. Of course, if anything out of the usual should +happen while Mr. Hastings were taking his trick in his berth, he +would have to be wakened. But we can often make as long a trip as +from New York to Havana without needing to call Mr. Hastings once +from his berth during his hours of rest." + +"Then you have two enlisted men aboard who thoroughly understand +your engines?" pressed Dave Darrin. + +"Ordinarily," replied Hal Hastings, here breaking in. "But one +of our engine-tenders reached the end of his enlisted period to-day, +and, as he wouldn't re-enlist, we had to let him go. So the new +enlisted man whom we took aboard is just starting in to learn +his duties." + +"Small loss in Morton," laughed Lieutenant Jack Benson. "He was +enough of a natural genius around machinery, but he was a man +of sulky and often violent temper. Really, I am glad that Morton +took his discharge to-day. I never felt wholly safe while we +had him aboard." + +"He was a bad one," Ensign Hal Hastings nodded. "Morton might +have done something to sink us, only that he couldn't do so without +throwing away his own life." + +"I don't know, sir, what I'd do, if I were a commanding officer +and found that I had such a man in the crew," replied Midshipman +Darrin. + +"Why, in a man's first enlistment," replied Lieutenant Jack, "the +commanding officer is empowered to give him a summary dismissal +from the service. Morton was in his second enlistment, or I surely +would have dropped him ahead of his time. I'm glad he's gone." + +Ensign Eph had now finished his meal and was sitting back in his +chair. Lieutenant Jack therefore gave the rising sign. + +"I want to show the midshipmen everything possible on this trip," +said the very young commanding officer. "So we won't lie here +in the mud any more. Mr. Somers, you will return to the tower +steering wheel, and you, Mr. Hastings, will take direct charge +of the engines. I will gather the midshipmen around me here in +the cabin, and show the young gentlemen how easily we control the +rising of a submarine from the bottom." + +Hal and Eph hurried to their stations. The midshipmen followed +Jack Benson over to what looked very much like a switchboard. +The young lieutenant held a wrench in his right hand. + +"I will now turn on the compressed air device," announced Lieutenant +Jack. "First of all I will empty the bow chambers of water by +means of the compressed air; then the middle chambers, and, lastly, +the stern chambers. On a smaller craft than this we would operate +directly with the wrench. On a boat of the 'Dodger's' type we +must employ the wrench first, but the work must be backed up with +the performance of a small electric motor." + +Captain Jack rapidly indicated the points at which the wrench +was to be operated, adding: + +"I want you to note these points as I explain them, for after +I start with the wrench I shall have to work rapidly along from +bow to stern tanks. Otherwise we would shoot up perpendicularly, +instead of going up on a nearly even keel. Mr. Hastings, are +you all ready at your post?" + +"Aye, aye, sir," came back the engineer officer's reply. + +"On post, Mr. Somers?" + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +Lieutenant Jack applied the wrench, calling snappily: + +"Watch me. I've no time to explain anything now." + +With that he applied one of the wrenches and gave it a turn. +Instantly one of the electric motors in the engine-room began +to vibrate. + +Almost imperceptibly the bow of the "Dodger" began to rise. Lieutenant +Jack, intent on preserving an even keel as nearly as possible, +passed on to the middle station with his wrench. + +Just as he applied the tool the electric motor ceased running. + +"What's the matter, Mr. Hastings?" Jack inquired quietly. "Something +blow out of the motor?" + +The submarine remained slightly tilted up at the bow. + +"I don't know, sir, as yet, what has happened," Hal Hastings answered +back. "I'm going over the motor now." + +In a moment more he stepped into the cabin, a much more serious +look than usual on his fine face. + +"This, looks like the man Morton's work," Hal announced holding +a small piece of copper up before the eyes of the midshipmen. +"Gentlemen, do you notice that the under side of this plate has +been filed considerably?" + +"Yes, sir," nodded Dan Dalzell, a queer look crossing his face. +"Won't the motor operate without that plate being sound?" + +"It will not." + +The other midshipmen began to look and to feel strange. + +"Then are we moored for good at the bottom of the bay?" asked +Jetson. + +"No; for we carry plenty of duplicate parts for this plate," replied +Ensign Hal. "Come into the engine room and I will show you how +I fit the duplicate part on." + +Hal led the midshipmen, halting before a small work bench. He +threw open a drawer under the bench. + +"Every duplicate plate has been removed from this drawer," announced +Hastings quietly. "Then, indeed, we are stuck in the mud, with +no chance of rising. Gentlemen, I trust that the Navy will send +divers here to rescue us before our fresh air gives out!" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +"WE BELONG TO THE NAVY, TOO!" + + +"You mean, sir," asked Midshipman Jetson, his voice hoarse in +spite of his efforts to remain calm, "that we are doomed to remain +here at the bottom of the bay unless divers reach us in time?" + +"Yes," nodded Hal Hastings, his voice as quiet and even as ever. +"Unless we can find a duplicate plate---and that appears +impossible---the 'Dodger' is wholly unable to help herself." + +"If the outlook is as black as it appears, gentlemen," spoke Jack +Benson from behind their backs, "I'm extremely sorry that such +a disaster should have happened when we had six such promising +young Naval officers aboard." + +"Oh, hang us and our loss!" exploded Dave Darrin forgetting that +he was addressing an officer. "I guess the country won't miss +us so very much. But it surely will be a blow to the United States +if the Navy's three best submarine experts have to be lost to +the country to satisfy a discharged enlisted man's spite." + +Eph Somers had come down from the tower. He, too, looked extremely +grave, though he showed no demoralizing signs of fear. + +As for the six midshipmen, they were brave. Not a doubt but that +every one of them showed all necessary grit in the face of this +fearful disaster. Yet they could not conceal the pallor in their +faces, nor could they hide the fact that their voices shook a +little when they spoke. + +"Make a thorough search, Mr. Hastings," directed Lieutenant Jack +Benson, in a tone as even as though he were discussing the weather. +"It's barely possible that the duplicate plates have been only +mislaid---that they're in another drawer." + +Hal Hastings turned with one of his quiet smiles. He knew that +the system in his beloved engine room was so exact that nothing +there was ever misplaced. + +"I'm looking, sir," Hastings answered, as he opened other drawers +in turn, and explored them. "But I'm not at all hopeful of finding +the duplicate plates. This damaged one had been filed thinner, +which shows that it was done by design. The man who would do +that trick purposely wouldn't leave any duplicate plates behind." + +The four enlisted men and the cook had gathered behind their officers. + +"Morton---the hound! This is his trick!" growled Seaman Kellogg +hoarsely. "Many a time I've heard him brag that he'd get even +for the punishments that were put upon him. And now he has gone +and done it---the worse than cur!" + +"No; there are no duplicate parts here," announced Ensign Hastings +at last. + +"See if you can't fit on the old, worn one," proposed Lieutenant +Jack. + +"No such luck!" murmured Hal Hastings. "Morton was too good a +mechanic not to know bow to do his trick! He hasn't left us a +single chance for our lives!" + +None the less Hal patiently tried to fit the plate back and make +the motor work, Lieutenant Jack, in the meantime, standing by +the board with the wrench in hand. In the next ten minutes several +efforts were made to start the motor, but all of them failed. + +"And all for want of a bit of copper of a certain size, shape +and thickness," sighed Midshipman Dan Dalzell. + +"It does seem silly, doesn't it," replied Lieutenant Jack with a +wan smile. + +"At least," murmured Midshipman Wolgast, "we shall have a chance +to show that we know how to die like men of the Navy." + +"Never say die," warned Ensign Eph Somers seriously, "until you +know you're really dead!" + +This caused a laugh, and it eased them all. + +"Well," muttered Jetson, "as I know that I can't be of any use +here I'm going back into the cabin and sit down. I can at least +keep quiet and make no fuss about it." + +One after another the other midshipmen silently followed Jetson's +example. They sat three on either side of the cabin, once in +a while looking silently into the face of the others. + +Not until many minutes more had passed did the three officers of the +"Dodger" cease their efforts to find a duplicate plate for the motor. + +Kellogg and another of the seamen, though they met their chance of +death with grit enough, broke loose into mutterings that must have +made the ears of ex-seaman Morton burn, wherever that worthy was. + +"I wish I had that scoundrel here, under my heel," raged Seaman +Kellogg. + +"It will be wiser and braver, my man," broke in Lieutenant Jack +quietly, "not to waste any needless thought on matters of violence. +It will be better for us all if every man here goes to his death +quietly and with a heart and head free from malice." + +"You're right, sir," admitted Kellogg. "And I wish to say, sir, +that I never served under braver officers." + +"There won't be divers sent after us---at least, within the time +that we're going to be alive," spoke Midshipman Farley soberly. +"In the first place, Chesapeake Bay is a big place, and no Naval +officer would know where to locate us." + +"Mr. Benson," broke in Jetson suddenly, "I heard once that you +submarine experts had invented a way of leaving a submarine boat +by means of the torpedo tube. Why can't you do that now?" + +"We could," smiled Lieutenant Jack Benson, "if our compressed +air apparatus were working. We can't do the trick without compressed +air. If we had any of that which we could use, we wouldn't need +to leave the boat and swim to the top. We could take the boat to +the surface instead." + +"Then it's impossible, sir, to leave the boat?" questioned Jetson, +his color again fading. + +"Yes; if we opened the outer end of the torpedo tube, without +being able to throw compressed air in there first, then the water +would rush in and drown us." + +"I'm filled with wonder," Dan Dalzell muttered to himself. "Staring +certain death in the face, I can't understand how it happens that +I'm not going around blubbering and making a frantic jackanapes +of myself. There's not a chance of living more than an hour or +two longer, and yet I'm calm. I wonder how it happens? It isn't +because I don't know what is coming to me. I wonder if the other +fellows feel just as I do?" + +Dan glanced curiously around him at the other midshipmen faces. + +"Do you know," said Darrin quietly, "I've often wondered how other +men have felt in just such a fix as we're in now." + +"Well, how do you feel, Darry?" Farley invited. + +"I'm blessed if I really know. Probably in an instant when I fail +briefly to realize all that this means my feeling is that I wouldn't +have missed such an experience for anything." + +"You could have all my share of it, if I could make an effective +transfer," laughed Wolgast. + +"If we ever do get out of this alive," mused Page aloud, "I don't +doubt we'll look back to this hour with a great throb of interest +and feel glad that we've had one throb that most men don't get in +a lifetime." + +"But we won't get out," advanced Jetson. "We're up hard against +it. It's all over but the slow strangling to death as the air +becomes more rare." + +"I wonder if it will be a strangling and choking," spoke Darrin +again in a strange voice; "or whether it will be more like an +asphyxiation? In the latter case we may drop over, one at a time, +without pain, and all of us be finished within two or three minutes +from the time the first one starts." + +"Pleasant!" uttered Wolgast grimly. "Let's start something---a +jolly song, for instance." + +"Want to die more quickly?" asked Dalzell. "Singing eats up the +air faster." + +Lieutenant Jack Benson came out of the engine room for a moment. +He took down the wrench and went back to the engine room. But +first he paused, for a brief instant, shooting at the midshipmen +a look that was full of pity for them. For himself, Jack Benson +appeared to have no especial feeling. Then the young commanding +officer went back into the engine room, closing the door after him. + +"What did he shut the door for?" asked Jetson. + +"Probably they're going to do something, in there, that will call +for a good deal of physical exertion." + +"Well, what of that?" demanded Jetson, not seeing the point. + +"Why," Dave explained, "a man at laborious physical work uses up +more air than a man who is keeping quiet. If the three officers +are going to work hard in there then they've closed the door in +order not to deprive us of air." + +"We called them kids, at first," spoke Dan + +Dalzell ruefully, "but they're a mighty fine lot of real men, those +three acting Naval officers." + +Dave Darrin rose and walked over to the engine room, opening the +door and looking in. Hal and Eph were hard at work over the motor, +while Lieutenant Jack Benson, with his hand in his pockets, stood +watching their efforts. + +"I beg your pardon, sir," said Darrin, saluting, "but did you close +this door in order to leave more air to us?" + +"Yes," answered Jack Benson. "Go back and sit down." + +"I hope you won't think us mutinous, sir," Darrin returned steadily, +"but we don't want any more than our share of whatever air is left +on board this craft. We belong to the Navy, too." + +From the after end of the cabin came an approving grunt. It was +here that the cook and the four seamen had gathered. + +With the door open the midshipmen could see what was going on +forward, and they watched with intense fascination. + +Eph Somers had taken 'the too-thin copper' plate to the work-bench, +and had worked hard over it, trying to devise some way of making +it fit so that it would perform its function in the motor. Now, +he and Hal Hastings struggled and contrived with it. Every time +that the pair of submarine boys thought they had the motor possibly +ready to run Hal tried to start the motor. Yet he just as often +failed to get a single movement from the mechanism. + +"I reckon you might about as well give it up," remarked Lieutenant +Jack Benson coolly. + +"What's the use of giving up," Eph demanded, "as long as there's +any life left in us?" + +"I mean," the young lieutenant explained, "that you'd better give +up this particular attempt and make a try at something else." + +"All right, if you see anything else that we can do," proposed +Eph dryly. "Say, here's a quarter to pay for your idea." + +Seemingly as full of mischief as ever, Eph Somers pressed a silver +coin into Jack Benson's hand. + +But Jack, plainly impatient with such trifling, frowned slightly +as he turned and pitched the quarter forward. + +"This isn't a twenty-five-cent proposition," Benson remarked. +"In fact, all the money on earth won't save us this time!" + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A QUARTER'S WORTH OF HOPE + + +"Until some one can think of something else, I'm going to keep +on trying the hopeless thing and endeavoring to make this old, +thin plate work," declared Hal Hastings, who was still bent over +the motor, studying it intently. + +Benson had turned back to examine the work, after tossing the +coin away, but just as suddenly he glanced forward again. + +At the extreme forward end of the engine room of the "Dodger" +was another bench. Here were a vise and other heavier tools. +On the floor under this bench were stowed many mechanical odds +and ends---pieces of wood, coils of rope, even a bundle of tent-pegs, +though nothing was visible of a metallic nature. + +"You fellows keep at work," Jack Benson shot back suddenly over +his shoulder. + +"Where you going?" demanded Eph. + +"Forward." + +That much was evident, but Jack was now down on hands and knees +carefully yet feverishly moving the wooden articles, cordage and +such things from under the forward bench. + +"What are you doing?" called Eph. "Go ahead with your work---there's +no time to be lost," replied Lieutenant Jack. + +"Hold this a moment, Eph," Hal Hastings requested, and Somers's +attention was forced back to the motor. + +Sc-cratch! Flare! Jack Benson was using matches under that work +bench, now that be had made some clear space there. + +"I wonder if Jack has gone clean daffy?" half chuckled Somers under +his breath. + +"What are you talking about?" Hastings demanded. + +"Jack's lighting matches up forward, under the other bench." + +"What if he is?" + +"Maybe he thinks he can explode some gasoline and blow us to the +surface." + +"Quit your nonsense," returned Hal almost angrily, "and help me +with this job." + +"I'm waiting to see if Jack is going to let out a maniac yell," +grimaced Eph Somers. + +"Quit your-----" + +"Wow! Whoop!" uttered young Benson excitedly. "Never tell me +again that it's unlucky to throw money away! Whoop!" + +"What did I tell you?" demanded Eph. "If Jack's making a noise +like that," retorted Hastings, as be straightened up and wheeled +about, "he's got a mighty good reason for it." + +"Of course. Every lunatic has loads of good reasons for anything +he does," muttered Eph. + +"Look here, fellows!" ordered Jack Benson, almost staggering as +he approached them. + +"Great Dewey! Am I going crazy, too?" muttered Eph, staring hard. +"What I think I see in Jack's hands are some of the missing copper +plates." + +"It's exactly what you do see," announced Jack Benson, his face +beaming. + +"But how---" + +"How they came to be there I don't know," Benson replied. "But +when I threw away your quarter, Eph, it rolled under the bench. +There wasn't supposed to be anything metallic under the bench, +but I felt almost, sure that I had heard the silver strike against +something metallic. Even then it seemed like a crazy notion to +me. I didn't really expect to find anything, but some uncontrollable +impulse urged me to go hustling under the bench. And so I found +these duplicate plates, wedged in behind a lot of junk and right +up against the partition." + +Hal Hastings, in the meantime, had taken one of the plates from +Lieutenant Jack's hand, and was now quietly fitting it where it +belonged on the motor. + +The six midshipmen, as soon as they realized what had happened, +had sprung eagerly to the door of the engine room and stood peering +in. Behind them were the cook and crew of the "Dodger." + +Presently Hal straightened up. + +"Sir," he said gravely, "I have hopes that if you test the compressed +air apparatus you will find that this motor will do its share." + +Midshipmen and crew drew back as Jack and Eph came out of the +engine room. Lieutenant Jack had his wrench in hand, and went back +to his former post. + +"Young gentlemen," the commanding officer announced coolly, "we +will take up, at the point where we were interrupted, the work +of expelling the water from the compartments Are you ready, Mr. +Hastings?" + +"Right by my post, sir," came from Hal. + +The six midshipmen gathered about Benson with a stronger sense +of fascination than ever. Eph stepped past them to the stairs +leading---to the little conning tower. + +With steady hand Jack Benson turned the wrench. The motor began +to "mote" and there was a sense of being lifted. + +"Going up!" sang Ensign Eph, with a grin. + +Nor could Dan Dalzell help imitating the grin and calling out +jovially: + +"Let me out at the top floor, please!" + +Having set the compressed air at work on the forward tanks, Jack +Benson quickly shifted the wrench, and without a word, getting +at work on the midship's compartments. Then the stern tanks were +emptied. + +"May I come up, sir?" called Dan, his voice trembling with joy, +at the foot of the stairs. + +"Very good," Eph sang back. "Room for only one, though," + +So Dan Dalzell hastily mounted the iron stairs until he found +himself side by side with Eph Somers. + +For a few seconds all was inky darkness on the other side of the +thick plate glass of the conning tower. Then, all in a flash, +Dalzell caught sight of the twinkling stars as the dripping conning +tower rose above the top of the water. + +"I have the honor to report that all's well again, and that we're +on earth once more," Dan announced, as he came down the steps +into the little cabin. + +"Attention, gentlemen," called Lieutenant Jack Benson, as soon +as the "Dodger" was once more under way, her sea-going gasoline +engines now performing the work lately entrusted to the electric +motors. + +At the word "attention" the six midshipmen became rigidly erect, +their hands dropping at their sides. + +"Gentlemen," continued Benson, "I realize that the late strain +has been a severe one on us all. We of the 'Dodger' have been +through the same sort of thing before. You midshipmen have not. +If you feel, therefore, that you would prefer to have me head +about and return to the Naval Academy I give you my word that +I shall not think you weak-kneed for making the request." + +"Thank you, sir," replied Dave Darrin, "but we belong to the United +States Navy and we have no business to suffer with nerves. If our +wish alone is to be consulted, we prefer to finish the cruise as we +would any other tour of duty." + +Dave's five comrades in the Brigade of Midshipmen loved him for +that answer! + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +READY TO TRIM WEST POINT + + +"Have had an experience, sir, that we shall never forget, and one +that we wouldn't have missed!" + +Thus spoke Dave Darrin the, following afternoon, as he saluted +the young officers of the "Dodger" before going over the side +as the boat lay alongside the wall of the basin. + +To which the other midshipmen agreed. + +"We have enjoyed having you aboard," replied Lieutenant Jack Benson. +"None of us will ever forget this cruise." + +Then the six midshipmen strode briskly along the walks until they +reached Bancroft Hall. + +It wasn't long ere news of the adventure of the night before got +whispered along the decks. Then Dave and Dan, Farley and Page, +Jetson and Wolgast all had so much midshipman company that it +was a relief when the evening study hours came around. + +All six of the midshipmen had to tell the story of their submarine +experience until all of them fairly hated to talk about the matter. +Seaman Morton was never heard from again, and so did not come +in for his share of the excitement. However, it was not destined +to last long, for the football season was at its height and every +blue-clad middy thought, talked and dreamed about the Navy team. + +A good team it was, too, and a good year for the Navy. The young +men of the Naval Academy played one of their most brilliant seasons +of football. + +Dave, by a bigger effort than any one understood, forced back +his interest in the gridiron until he played a brilliant game. + +The Navy won more victories than it had done before in any one +of fifteen seasons of football. + +Yet report said that the Army, too, was playing a superb game, +considering that it had been deprived of its two best players, +Prescott and Holmes. + +Up to the last Dave continued to hope that Cadet Dick Prescott +might be restored to the Army eleven. Dick's letters from West +Point, however, appeared to indicate clearly that he was not to +play. Therefore Greg Holmes wouldn't play. + +At last came the fateful day, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. +Early the Brigade of Midshipmen was marched over to the trolley +line, where a long string of cars waited to receive them. + +"We want an extra car to-night," one first classman called jovially +to the car inspector who was in charge of the transportation. +"We want that extra car to bring back the Army scalp in." + +All the way to Baltimore and thence to Philadelphia, Dave Darrin +was unusually quiet. Dalzell, on the other hand, made noise enough +for both of them. + +"Darry hasn't the sulks over anything, has be?" Wolgast anxiously +asked Dalzell. + +"Don't you believe it," Dan retorted. + +"But he's so abominably quiet." + +"Saving all his breath to use on the field." + +"Are you sure Darry is in form?" persisted Wolgast. + +"Yes. Wait and see." + +"I'll have to," sighed Wolgast, with another sidelong glance at +Darrin's emotionless face. + +The Navy team and subs. arrived at dressing quarters nearly an +hour before it would be necessary to tog. + +As the West Point men were on hand, also, Dave stepped outside. +Almost the first man he met was a tall, slim, soldierly looking +fellow in the cadet gray. + +"Aren't you Fields?" asked Dave, holding out his hand. + +"Yes," replied the cadet, giving his own hand. + +"And you're Darrin---one of the few men we're afraid of." + +"Does Prescott play to-day?" Dave asked eagerly. + +The West Pointer's brow clouded. + +"No," he replied. "Mr. Prescott isn't a subject for conversation +at the Military Academy. Mr. Prescott is in Coventry." + +"Sad mistake," muttered Darrin. + +"Eh?" + +"A sad mistake. You men have made a bad bungle; I know it." + +"It is a matter of internal discipline in the corps," replied +the West Point cadet, speaking much more coldly. + +"Yes, I know it," Dave replied quickly, "and I beg your pardon +for having seemed to criticise the action of the Corps of Cadets. +However, anything that unpleasantly affects Dick Prescott is +a sore subject with me. Prescott is one of the best friends I +have in the world." + +"Why, I've heard something about that," replied Fields in a less +constrained tone. "You and Mr. Prescott are old school cronies." + +"Of the closest kind," Dave nodded. "That's why I feel certain +that Dick Prescott never did, and never could do, anything dishonorable. +You'll surely find it out before long, and then the Corps will make +full amends." + +"I fear not," replied Cadet Fields. "Mr. Prescott had every +opportunity given him to clear himself, and failed to do so to +the satisfaction of the Corps. Therefore he'll never graduate +from the Military Academy. It wouldn't do him any good to try. +He'd only be ostracized in the Army if he had the cheek to stay +in the Corps." + +"Let's not talk about that part of it any more," begged Dave. +"But you'll miss Prescott from your fighting line to-day." + +"That's very likely," assented the West Point man. "I'm glad we +haven't Mr. Prescott here, but we'd be heartily glad if we had +some one else as good on the football field." + +"And you haven't Holmes, either?" sighed Dave. + +"That isn't any one's fault but Holmesy's," frowned Cadet Fields. +"We wanted Holmesy to play, and we gave him every chance, but-----" + +"But he wouldn't," finished Dave. "No more would I play on the +Navy team if the fellows had done anything unjust to Dalzell." + +"Do you feel that you're going to have an easy walk-over with us +to-day?" demanded Cadet Fields cheerily. + +"No; but we're prepared to fight. We'll get the game if it's +in any way possible," Darrin assured his questioner. + +"Are the bonfires back in Annapolis all ready to be lighted to-night?" +inquired Fields smilingly. + +"They must be." + +"What a lot of unnecessary labor," laughed the West Point man. + +"Why?" challenged Dave. + +"Because the Army is going to win again." That "again" caused Dave +Darrin to wince. "We win almost every time, you know," Fields +explained. + +"Almost every time?" challenged Dan Dalzell, joining the pair. +"Are you sure of your statistics?" + +"Oh, I have the statistics, of course," Fields answered. "That's +why I speak so confidently." + +At this point three more West Point men approached. + +"Hey, fellows," called Fields good-humoredly. "Do you know of +an impression that I find to prevail among the middies to-day?" + +"What is that?" inquired one of the gray-clad cadets, as the newcomers +joined the group. + +"Why, the middies seem to think that they're going to take the +Army's scalp to-day." + +"Is that really your idea of the matter?" asked one of the gray-clad +cadets. + +"So Mr. Fields has said," Dave answered. + +"But what do you say?" + +"About the most that I feel like saying," Darrin answered as quietly +as ever, "is that the Navy prefers to do its bragging afterwards." + +"An excellent practice," nodded one of the cadets. "You've acquired +the habit through experience, I presume. It has saved your having +to swallow a lot of your words on many occasions." + +All laughed good-naturedly. Though there was the most intense +rivalry between the two government military schools, yet all were +gentlemen, and the fun-making could not be permitted to go beyond +the limits of ordinary teasing. + +"What's your line-up?" broke in Dan Dalzell. + +"Haven't you fellows gotten hold of the cards yet?" asked one +of the West Point men. "Then take a look over mine." + +Standing together Dave and Dan eagerly glanced down the printed +line-up of the Military Academy. + +"I know a few of these names," ventured Darrin, "and they're the +names of good men. Several of the other names I don't know at +all. And you've left out the names of the two Army men that we're +most afraid of in a game of football." + +"It seems queer to think of an Army line-up without Prescott and +Holmes," Dan declared musingly. + +Over the faces of the cadets there crept a queer look, but none +of them spoke. + +"So you've boycotted Prescott and Holmes?" pursued Dalzell. + +"Yes," replied one of the cadets. "Or, rather, Prescott is in +Coventry, and Holmes prefers to stand by his friend in everything. +Holmes, being Prescott's roommate, doesn't have to keep away from +Mr. Prescott." + +"Humph!" laughed Dan. "I think I can see Greg Holmes turning his +back upon Dick Prescott. Why, Greg wouldn't do that even if he +had to get out of the Army in consequence." + +"We did the only thing we could with the Prescott fellow," spoke +up another cadet. + +Dave Darrin's dark eyes flashed somewhat. + +"Gentlemen," he begged quietly, "will you do me the very great +favor not to refer to Prescott slightingly as a 'fellow.' He's +one of the noblest youngsters I've ever known, and I'm his friend +through thick and thin. Of course, I don't expect you to know +it yet, but I feel positive that you've made a tremendous mistake +in sending to Coventry one of nature's noblemen." + +"Hm!" muttered some of the cadets, and slight frowns were visible. + +"And when you lose the game to-day," continued Dan Dalzell, "it +may be a comfort to you to know that you might possibly have won +it if you had had Prescott and Holmes in your battle front." + +"Prescott isn't the only football player in the Army," returned +Cadet Fields. "Nor are he and Holmes the only pair of 'em." + +"You'll lose without that pair, though," ventured Dave. "And +it must shake the confidence of your men, too, for you've come +here without your two best men." + +"Of course, we have to manage our own affairs," interposed one +of the cadets. + +"Gentlemen," spoke up Dave quickly, "of course, you have to manage +your own problems, and no one else is fitted to do so. If I've +gone too far in what might have seemed like criticism, then I +beg you to forget it. I don't want to be suspected of any disagreeable +intent. If I spoke almost bitterly it was because Prescott is +my very dear friend. I have another, and a real grievance---I +wanted to test myself out today against Dick Prescott, as any +two friends may contest to vanquish one another on the field of +sports." + +"No one had any thought, I am sure, Mr. Darrin, of accusing you +of wishing to be disagreeable," spoke up Cadet Fields. "We believe +you to be a prince of good and true fellows; in fact, we accept +you at the full estimate of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Wade in +and beat us to-day, if you can---but you can't Prescott or no +Prescott." + +"Better run inside and tog!" called Wolgast from a distance. + +"You'll excuse us now, won't you?" asked Dave. "Come along, Danny +boy." + +As the two midshipmen lifted their caps and hastened away, Fields +gazed after them speculatively: + +"There goes the Navy's strength in to-day's game," he announced. + +"I wonder if we have done Prescott any wrong?" said another cadet +slowly. + +"That question has been settled by formal class action," replied +another. "It's a closed matter." + +Then these West Point men strolled over to quarters to get into +togs. As they were to play subs. they did not need to be as +early at togging as the members of the team. + +Out on Franklin Field thousands and thousands of Americans, from +the President of the United States down, waited impatiently for +the excitement of the day to begin. + +On either side of the field some hundreds of seats were still +left vacant. The music of a band now floated out, proclaiming +that one set of seats was soon to be filled. Then in, through +a gate, marched the Military Academy band at the head of the Corps +of Cadets. Frantic cheers broke loose on the air, and there was +a great fluttering of the black and gray banners carried by the +Army's boosters in the audience. Gray and steel-like the superb +corps marched in across the field, and over to the seats assigned +to them. + +Barely had the Army band ceased playing when another struck up in +the distance. It was now the turn of the fine Naval Academy band +to play the Brigade of Midshipmen on to the field. Again the air +vibrated with the intensity of the loyal cheers that greeted the +middies. + +Over in quarters, after the middies of the team had togged, a +few anxious minutes of waiting followed. What was to be the fate +of the day? + +"Darry," spoke Wolgast in a voice full of feeling, "you're not +woozy to-day, are you?" + +"I don't believe I am," smiled Dave. + +"Well, you know, old chap, you've been unaccountably stale---or +something---at times this season. You haven't been the real +Darry---always. You're feeling in really bully form today?" + +"I'm pretty sure that I'm in good winning form," Dave replied. +"Will that be enough?" + +Wolgast looked him over, then rejoined: + +"Somehow, I think you're in pretty good form. I'll feel better, +very likely, after we've played for ten minutes. Darry, old fellow, +just don't forget how much the Navy depends upon you." + +"Are you all right, Davy?" Dan Dalzell demanded in a more than +anxious undertone. + +"I certainly am, Danny boy." + +"But, you know-----" + +"Yes; I know that, for a while, I showed signs of going fuzzy. +But I'm over that." + +"Good!" chuckled Dan, as he caught the resolute flash in Darrin's +eyes. "I was fearfully afraid that you'd go bad simply because +you didn't have Prescott to go up against. For a good many days +that very fact seemed to prey upon your mind and make you indifferent." + +"Danny boy, I am going to play my mightiest, just because Prescott +isn't with the Army!" + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"I mean that I'm going to make the West Point fellows most abominably +sorry that they didn't have Dick Prescott on their eleven. And +you want to stand with me in that, Danny boy. Keep hammering +the Army to-day, and with every blow just think it's another blow +struck for Dick Prescott and Greg Holmes. Oh, we'll trim West +Point in their joint name!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +WHEN "BRACE UP, ARMY!" WAS THE WORD + + +"All out for practice!" called Wolgast. + +Team men and subs. bunched, the Navy players trotted on to the +field, amid a tempest of wild cheering. + +No sooner had Dave Darrin halted for an instant, when he broke +into a whirlwind of sprinting speed. Dan Dalzell tried to keep +up with him, but found it impossible. + +"Good old Darry!" yelled a hoarse voice from one of the grandstands. +"That's the way you'll go around the end to-day!" + +Some of the other Navy players were kicking a ball back and forth. +The Army team was not yet on the field, but it came, a few moments +later, and received a tremendous ovation from its own solid ranks +of rooters. + +This time Darrin barely glanced at any of the Army players. He +knew that Prescott and Holmes were not there. Whoever else might +be, he was not interested. + +Only a very few minutes were allowed for practice. During this +exercise the Army and Navy bands played alternately. + +Then the referee signaled the bands to stop. + +Tril-l-l-l! sounded the whistle, and Army and Navy captains trotted +to the center of the field to watch the toss of the coin. Wolgast +won, and awarded the kick-off to the Army. + +Then the teams jogged quickly to places, and in an instant all +was in readiness. + +Over the spectators' seats a hush had fallen. Even the Army and +Navy cheer leaders looked nearly as solemn as owls. The musicians +of the two bands lounged in their seats and instruments had been +laid aside. There would be no more noise until one team or the +other had started to do real things. + +Quick and sharp came the signal. West Point kicked and the ball +was in play. + +Navy's quarterback, after a short run, placed himself to seize +the arching pigskin out of the air. Then he ran forward, protected +by the Navy interference. + +By a quick pass the ball came into Dave Darrin's hands. Dalzell +braced himself as he hit the strong Army line. + +It was like butting a stone wall, but Darrin got through, with +the aid of effective interference. + +Army men bunched and tackled, but Dave struggled on. He did not +seem to be exerting much strength, but his elusiveness was wonderful, + +Then, after a few yards had been gained, Dave was borne to the +earth, the bottom of a struggling mass until, the referee's whistle +ended the scrimmage. + +Annapolis players could not help shooting keen glances of satisfaction +at each other. The test had been a brief one, but now they saw +that Darrin was in form, and that he could be depended upon to-day, +unless severe accident came to cripple him. + +Again the ball was put in play, this time going over to Farley and +Page on the right end. + +Only a yard did Farley succeed in advancing the ball, but that +was at least a gain. + +Then again came the pigskin to the left flank, and Dave fought +it through the enemy's battle line for a distance of eight feet +ere he was forced to earth with it. + +By this time the West Point captain was beginning to wonder what +ailed his men. The cadet players themselves were worried. If +the Navy could play like this through the game, it looked as though +Annapolis might wipe out, in one grand and big-scored victory, +the memory of many past defeats. + +"Brace up, Army!" was the word passed through West Point's eleven. + +"Good old Darry!" chuckled Wolgast, and, though he did not like +to work Darrin too hard at the outset, yet it was also worth while +to shake the Army nerve as much as possible. So Wolgast signaled +quarterback to send the ball once more by Midshipman Dave. + +Another seven yards was gained by Darrin. The West Point men +were gasping, more from chagrin than from actual physical strain. +Was it going to prove impossible to stop these mad Navy rushes? + +Then Wolgast reluctantly as he saw Dave limp slightly, decided +upon working Page and Farley a little harder just at present. +So back the ball traveled to the right flank was making, however, +the Navy cheermaster started a triumphant yell going, in which +nearly eight hundred midshipmen joined with all their lung power. + +Of course, the Army cheermaster came back with a stirring West +Point yell, but one spectator, behind the side lines, turned and +bawled at the Army cheermaster: + +"That's right, young man! Anything on earth to keep up your crowd's +courage!" + +In the laugh that followed many a gray-clad cadet joined simply +because he could not help himself. + +"If we don't break at some point it's all ours to-day," Wolgast +was informing the players nearest him. "I've never seen Darry +so wildly capable as he is right now. The demon of victory seems +to have seized him." + +Dave's limp had vanished. He was ready for work---aching for +it. Wolgast worked his left flank once more, and the Army was +sorely pressed. + +"Brace up, Army!" was the word passing again among the West Point +men. Douglass, captain of the Army team, was scolding under his +breath. + +But straight on Darrin and Dalzell worked the ball. It was when +Wolgast decided to rest his left that Farley and Page came in +for more work. These two midshipmen were excellent football men, +but the Army's left was well defended. The Navy lost the ball +on downs. But the Army boys were sweating, for the Navy was now +within nine yards of goal line. + +The Army fought it back, gaining just half a yard too little in +three plays, so the ball came back to the blue and gold ranks of +the Navy. + +"Brace, Army!" was the word that Cadet Douglass passed. "And +look out, on the right, for Darrin and Dalzell!" + +There was a feint of sending the ball to Farley, but Darrin had +it instead. The entire Army line, however, was alert for this +very trick. Playing in sheer desperation, the cadets stopped +the midshipmen when but a yard and a half had been gained. With +the next play the gain was but half a yard. The third play was +blocked, and once more the cadets received the pigskin. + +Both Army and Navy cheermasters now refrained from inviting din. +Those of the spectators who boosted for the Army were now silent, +straining their vision and holding their breath. It began to +look, this year, as though the Navy could do with the Army as +it pleased. + +Wolgast lined his men up for a fierce onslaught Darrin and Dalzell, +panting, looked like a pair who would die in their tracks ere +allowing the ball to go by them. + +In a moment more the Army signal was being called out crisply. The +whistle sounded, and both elevens were in instant action. + +But the cadets failed to get through. The middies were driving +them back. In sheer desperation the cadet with the ball turned +and dropped behind the Army goal line---a safety. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE NAVY GOAT GRINS + + +All at once the Navy band chopped out a few swift measures of +triumphant melody. + +The entire Brigade of Midshipmen cheered under its cheermaster. +Thousands of blue and gold Navy banners fluttered through the +stands. + +That safety had counted two on the score for the Navy. + +Given breathing time, the Army now brought the ball out toward +midfield, and once more the savage work began. The Navy had gained +ten yards, when the time-keeper signaled the end of the first +period. + +As the players trotted off the Navy was exultant, the Army depressed. +Captain Douglass was scowling. + +"You fellows will have to brace!" he snapped. "Are you going +to let the little middies run over us?" + +"I shall have no bad feeling, suh, if you think it well to put +a fresh man in my place, suh," replied Cadet Anstey. + +"Hang it, I don't want a man in your place!" retorted Douglass +angrily. "I want you, and every other man, Anstey, to do each +better work than was done in that period. Hang it, fellows, the +middies are making sport of us." + +Among the Navy players there was not so much talk. All were deeply +contented with events so far. + +"I've no remarks to make, fellows," Captain Wolgast remarked. +"You are all playing real football." + +"At any rate Darry and his grinning twin are," chuckled Jetson. +"My, but you can see the hair rise on the Army right flank when +Darry and Danny leap at them!" + +In the second period, which started off amid wild yelling from +the onlookers, the Army fought hard and fiercely, holding back +the Navy somewhat. During the period two of the cadets were so +badly hurt that the surgeons ordered them from the field. Two +fresh subs. came into the eleven, and after that the Army seemed +endowed with a run of better luck. The second period closed with +no change in the score, though at the time of the timekeeper's +interference the Navy had the ball within eleven yards of the +Army goal line. + +"We've got the Navy stopped, now, I think," murmured Douglass +to his West Point men. "All we've got to do now is to keep 'em +stopped." + +"If they don't break our necks, or make us stop from heart failure, +suh," replied Cadet Anstey, with a grimace. + +"We've got the Army tired enough. We must go after them in the +third period," announced Captain Wolgast. + +But this did not happen until the third time that the Navy got +the pigskin. Then Darrin and Dalzell, warned, began to run the +ball down the field. Here a new feint was tried. When the Navy +started in motion every Army man was sure that Wolgast was going +to try to put through a center charge. It was but a ruse, however. +Darrin had the pigskin, and Dalzell was boosting him through. +The entire Navy line charged with the purpose of one man. There +came the impact, and then the Army line went down. Darrin was +charging, Dalzell and Jetson running over all who got in the way. +The halfback on that side of the field was dodged. Dalzell and +Jetson bore down on the victim at the same instant, and Dave, +running to the side like a flash, had the ball over the line. + +Wolgast himself made the kick to follow, and the score was now +eight to nothing. + +The applause that followed was enough to turn wiser heads. When +play was resumed the Army was fighting mad. It was now victory +or death for the soldier boys. The West Point men were guilty +of no fouls. They played squarely and like gentlemen, but they +cared nothing for snapping muscles and sinews. Before the mad +work the Navy was borne back. Just before the close of the third +period, the Navy was forced to make a safety on its own account. + +"But Wolgast was satisfied, and the Navy coaches more than pleased. + +"There's a fourth period coming," Wolgast told himself. "But +for Darry and his splendid interference the Army would get our +scalp yet. Darry looks to be all right, and I believe he is. +He'll hold out for the fourth." + +Eight to two, and the game three quarters finished. The Army +cheermaster did his duty, but did it half dejectedly, the cadets +following with rolling volumes of noise intended to mask sinking +hearts. When it came the Navy's turn to yell, the midshipmen +risked the safety of their windpipes. The Naval Academy Band +was playing with unwonted joy. + +"Fellows, nothing on earth will save us but a touchdown and a +kick," called Douglass desperately, when he got his West Point +men aside. "That will tie the score. It's our best chance to-day." + +"Unless, suh," gravely observed Anstey, "We can follow that by +driving the midshipmen into a safety." + +"And we could do even that, if we had Prescott and Holmesy here," +thought Douglass, with sinking heart to himself. He was careful +not to repeat that sentiment audibly. + +"Holmesy ought to be here to-day, and working," growled one of +the Army subs. "He's a sneak, just to desert on Mr. Prescott's +account." + +"None of that!" called Doug sharply. + +The Army head coach came along, talking quietly but forcefully +to the all but discouraged cadets. Then he addressed himself +to Douglass, explaining what he thought were next to the weakest +points in the Navy line. + +"You ought to be able to save the score yet, Mr. Douglass," wound +up coach. + +"I wish some one else had the job!" sighed Doug to himself. + +"Fellows, the main game that is left," explained Wolgast to the +midshipmen, "is to keep West Point from scoring. As to our own +points, we have enough now---though more will be welcome." + +Play began in the fourth period. At first it was nip and tuck, +neck and neck. But the Army braced and put the pigskin within +sixteen yards of the Navy's goal line. Then the men from Annapolis +seemed suddenly to wake up. Darrin, who had had little to do +in the last few plays, was now sent to the front again. Steadily, +even brilliantly, he, Dalzell and Jetson figured in the limelight +plays. Yard after yard was gained, while the Army eleven shivered. +At last it came to the inevitable. The Army was forced to use +another safety. Stinging under the sense of defeat, the cadet +players put that temporary chance to such good advantage that +they gradually got the pigskin over into Naval territory. But +there the midshipmen held it until the timekeeper interposed. + +The fourth period and the game were over. West Point had gone +down in a memorable, stinging defeat. The Navy had triumphed, +ten to two. + +What a crash came from the Naval Academy Band! Yet the Military +Academy Band, catching the spirit and the tune, joined in, and +both bands blared forth, the musicians making themselves heard +faintly through all the tempest of huzzas. + +Dave Darrin smiled faintly as he hurried away from the field. +All his personal interest in football had vanished. He had played +his last game of football and was glad that the Navy had won; +that was about all. + +Yet he was not listless---far from it. On the contrary Dave fairly +ran to dressing quarters, hustled under a shower and then began +to towel and dress. + +For out in the audience, well he knew, had sat Belle Meade and +her mother. + +"Darry, you're a wonder!" cried Wolgast. "Every time to-day we +called upon you you were ready with the push." + +But Dave, rushing through his dressing, barely heard this and +other praise that was showered on him. + +"I'll get along before assembly time, Davy," whispered Dan Dalzell. + +"Come along now," Dave called back. + +"Oh, no! I know that you and Belle want some time to yourselves," +murmured Dalzell wisely. "I'll get along at the proper time." + +Dave didn't delay to argue. He stepped briskly outside, then +into the field, his eyes roving over the thousands of spectators +who still lingered. At last a waving little white morsel of a +handkerchief rewarded Darrin's search. + +"Oh, you did just splendidly to-day," was Belle's enthusiastic +greeting, as Dave stepped up to the young lady and her mother. +"I've heard lots of men say that it was all Darrin's victory." + +"Yes; you're the hero of Franklin Field, this year," smiled Mrs. +Meade. + +"Laura Bentley and her mother didn't come over?" Dave inquired +presently. + +"No; of course not----after the way that the cadets used Dick +Prescott," returned Belle. "Wasn't it shameful of the cadets +to treat a man like Dick in that fashion?" + +"I have my opinion, of course," Dave replied moodily, "but it's +hardly for a midshipman to criticise the cadets for their own +administration of internal discipline in their own corps. The +absence of Prescott and Holmes probably cost the Army the game +to-day." + +"Not a bit of it!" Belle disputed warmly. "Dave, don't belittle +your own superb work in that fashion! The Army would have lost +to-day if the West Point eleven had been made up exclusively of +Prescotts and Holmeses!" + +As Belle spoke thus warmly her gaze wandered, resting, though +not by intent, on the face of a young Army officer passing at +that moment. + +"If the remark was made to me, miss," smiled the Army officer, +"I wish to say that I wholly agree with you. The Navy's playing +was the most wonderful that I ever saw." + +Dave, in the meantime, had saluted, then stood at attention until +the Army officer had passed. + +"There!" cried Belle triumphantly. "You have it from the other +side, now---from the enemy." + +"Hardly from the enemy," replied Dave, laughing. "Between the +United States Army and the United States Navy there can never +be a matter of enmity. Annually, in football, the Army and Navy +teams are opponents---rivals, perhaps---but never enemies." + +Mrs. Meade had strolled away for a few yards, the better to leave +the young people by themselves. + +"Dave," announced Belle almost sternly, "you've simply got to +say something savage about the action of the West Point men in +sending Dick Prescott to Coventry." + +"The West Point men didn't do it," rejoined Dave. "It was all +done by the members of the first class alone." + +"Well, then, you must say something very disagreeable about the +first class at the Military Academy." + +"But why?" persisted Dave Darrin. He was disgusted enough over +the action of the first class cadets, but, being in the service +himself, he felt it indelicate in him to criticise the action +of the cadets of the United States Military Academy. + +"Why?" repeated Belle. "Why, simply because Laura Bentley will +insist on asking me when I get home what you had to say about +Dick's case. If I can't tell Laura that you said something pretty +nearly awful, then Laura will be terribly hurt." + +"Shall I swear?" asked Dave innocently. + +Belle opened her eyes wide in amazement. + +"No, you won't swear," Belle retorted. "Profanity isn't the +accomplishment of a gentleman. But you must say something about +Dick's case which will show her that all of Dick's friends are +standing by the poor fellow." + +"But, Belle, you know it isn't considered very manly for a fellow +in one branch of the service to say anything against fellows in +the other branch." + +"Not even---for Laura's sake?" + +"Oh, well," proposed Midshipman Darrin, squirming about between +the horns of the dilemma, "you just think of whatever will please +Laura most to hear from me." + +"Yes-----?" pressed Miss Meade. + +"Then tell it to her and say that I said it." + +"But how can I say that you said it if you didn't say it?" demanded +Belle, pouting prettily. + +"Easiest thing in the world, Belle. I authorize you, fully, to +say whatever you like about Dick, as coming from me. If I authorize +you to say it, then you won't be fibbing, will you?" + +Belle had to think that over. It was a bit of a puzzle, as must +be admitted. + +"Now, let's talk about ourselves," Darrin pressed her. "I see +Danny boy coming, with that two-yard grin of his, and we won't +have much further chance to talk about ourselves." + +The two young people, therefore, busied themselves with personal +talk. Dan drifted along, but merely raised his cap to Belle, +then stationed himself by Mrs. Meade's side. + +It was not until Dave signaled quietly that Dalzell came over +to take Belle's proffered hand and chat for a moment. + +The talk was all too short for all concerned. A call of the bugle +signaled the midshipmen to leave friends and hasten back for assembly. + +It was not until the train had started away from Philadelphia +that Dave and Dan were all but mobbed by way of congratulation. +Wolgast, Jetson, Farley, Page and others also came in for their +share of good words. + +"And to think, Darry, that you can never play on the Navy eleven +again!" groaned a second classman. + +"You'll have some one else in my place," laughed Dave. + +"The Navy never before had a football player like you, and we'll +never have one again," insisted the same man. "Dalzell's kind +come once in about every five years, but your kind, Darry, never +come back---in the Navy!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +DAN FEELS AS "SOLD" AS HE LOOKS + + +It was the first hop after the New Year. + +"Tell me one thing Dave," begged Belle Meade, who, with Laura +Bentley, and accompanied by Mrs. Meade, had come down to Annapolis +for this dance. + +"I'll tell you two things, if I know how," Darrin responded promptly. + +"Dan has danced a little with Laura, to be sure, but he introduced +Mr. Farley to her, and has written down Farley's name for a lot of +dances on Laura's card." + +"Farley is a nice fellow," Dave replied. "But why didn't Dan +want more of the dances with Laura, instead of turning them over +to Mr. Farley?" followed up Belle. "And---there he goes now." + +"Farley?" + +"No, stupid! Dan." + +"Well, why shouldn't he move about?" Midshipman Darrin inquired. + +"But with---By the way, who is that girl, anyway?" + +The girl was tall, rather stately and of a pronounced blonde type. +She was a girl who would have been called more than merely pretty +by any one who had seen her going by on Midshipman Dalzell's arm. + +"I don't really know who she is," Dave admitted. + +"Have you seen her here before?" + +"Yes; I think I have seen the young lady half a dozen times before +to-night." + +"Then it's odd that you don't know who she is," pursued Miss Meade. + +"I've never been introduced to her, you see." + +"Oh! I imagined that you midshipmen were always being presented +to girls." + +"That's a fairy tale," said Dave promptly. "The average midshipman +has about all he can do to hold his place here, without losing +any time in running around making the acquaintances of young women +who probably don't care at all about knowing him." + +"What I'm wondering about," Belle went on, "is whether the young +woman we have been discussing is any one in whom Dan Dalzell is +seriously interested." + +"I'll ask Dan." + +"Oh! And I suppose you'll tell him that it's I who really want +to know." + +"I'll tell him that, too, if you wish it." + +"Dave, you won't even mention my name to Dan in connection with +any topic so silly." + +"All right, Belle. All I want is my sailing orders. I know how +to follow them." + +"You're teasing me," Miss Meade went on, pouting. "I don't mean +to be curious, but I noticed that Dan appears to be quite attentive +to the young lady, and I was wondering whether Dan had met his +fate---that's all." + +"I don't know," smiled Midshipman Darrin, "and I doubt if Dan +does, either. He's just the kind of fellow who might ignore girls +for three years, then be ardently attentive to one for three +days---and forget all about her in a week." + +"Is Dan such a flirt as that?" Belle demanded, looking horrified. + +"Dan---a flirt!" chuckled Dave. "I shall have to tell that to +some of the fellows; it will amuse them. No; I wouldn't call +Dan a flirt. He's anything but that. Dan will either remain +a bachelor until he's past forty, or else some day he'll marry +suddenly after having known the girl at least twenty-four hours. +Dan hasn't much judgment where girls are concerned." + +"He appears to be able to tell a pretty girl when he sees one," +argued Belle Meade, turning again to survey Dan's companion. + +Belle, with the sharp eyes and keen intuition of her sex, was +quite justified in believing that Midshipman Dalzell realized +fully the charms of the girl with whom he was talking. + +Miss Catharine Atterly was the only daughter of wealthy parents, +though her father had started life as a poor boy. Daniel Atterly, +however, had been shrewd enough to know the advantages of a better +education than he had been able to absorb in his boyhood. Miss +Catharine, therefore, had been trained in some of the most expensive, +if not the best, schools in the country. She was a buxom, healthy +girl, full of the joy of living, yet able to conceal her enthusiasm +under the polish that she had acquired in the schools she had +attended. Miss Atterly, on coming to Annapolis, had conceived +a considerable liking for the Naval uniform, and had attracted +Dan to her side within the last three days. And Dan had felt +his heart beating faster when nearing this pretty young creature. + +Now, he was endeavoring to display himself to the best advantage +before her eyes. + +"You midshipmen have a very graceful knack of being charmingly +attentive to the ladies," Miss Atterly suggested coyly. + +"We receive a little bit of training in social performance, if +that is what you mean, Miss Atterly," Dan replied. + +"And that enables you to be most delightfully attentive to every +girl that comes along?" + +"I don't know," Midshipman Dalzell replied slowly. "I haven't +had much experience." + +Miss Atterly laughed as though she felt certain that she knew +better. + +"Do you say that to every girl?" she asked. + +"I don't get many chances," Dan insisted. "Miss Atterly, all +the hops that I've attended could be counted on your fingers, +without using the thumbs?" + +"Oh, really?" + +"It is the truth, I assure you. Some of the midshipmen attend +many hops. Most of us are too busy over our studies as a rule." + +"Then you prefer books to the society of girls?" + +"It isn't that," replied Dan, growing somewhat red under Miss +Atterly's amused scrutiny. "The fact is that a fellow comes here +to the Naval Academy for the purpose of becoming an officer in +the Navy." + +"To be sure." + +"And, unless the average fellow hugs his books tightly he doesn't +have any show to get through and become an officer. There are +some fellows, of course, to whom the studies come easily. With +most of us it's a terrible grind. Even with the grind about forty +per cent. of the fellows who enter the Naval Academy are found +deficient and are dropped. If you are interested in knowing, +I had a fearful time in keeping up with the requirements." + +"Oh, you poor boy!" cried Miss Atterly half tenderly. + +"I never felt that I wanted any sympathy," Dan declared stoutly. +"If I couldn't keep up, then the only thing to do was to go back +to civil life and find my own level among my own kind." + +"Now, that was truly brave in you!" declared Miss Atterly, admiration +shining in her eyes. + +"There's the music starting," Dan hastily reminded her. "Our +dance." + +"Would it seem disagreeable in me if I asked you to sit out this +number with me?" inquired the girl. "The truth is, I can dance +any evening, but you and your brave fight here, Mr. Dalzell, interest +me---oh, more than I can tell you!" + +Under this line of conversation Midshipman Dalzell soon began +to feel highly uncomfortable. Miss Atterly, however, in getting +Dan to talk of the midshipman and the Naval life, soon had him +feeling at his ease. Nor could Dalzell escape noticing the fact +that Miss Atterly appeared to enjoy his company hugely. + +Then Dan was led on into talking of the life of the Naval officer +at sea, and he spoke eloquently. + +"A life of bravery and daring," commented Miss Atterly thoughtfully. +"Yet, after all, I would call it rather a lonely life." + +"Perhaps it will prove so," Dalzell assented. "Yet it is all the +life that I look forward to. It's all the life that I care about." + +"Despite the loneliness---or rather, because of it---it will seem +all the finer and more beautiful to come home to wife and children," +said Miss Atterly after a pause. "Nearly all Naval officers marry, +don't they?" + +"I---I believe they do," Dalzell stammered. "I---I never asked +any Naval officers for statistics." + +"Now, you are becoming droll," cried Miss Atterly, her laughter +ringing out. + +"I didn't mean to be," Dan protested. "I beg your pardon." + +Whereat Miss Atterly laughed more than ever. + +"I like you even better when you're droll," Miss Atterly informed +him. + +Something in the way that she said it pleased Midshipman Dalzell +so immensely that he began to notice, more than before, what a +very fine girl Miss Atterly was. Then, to win her applause, Dan +made the mistake of trying to be funny, whereat the girl was extremely +kind. + +"Dave," whispered Belle soon after the music had stopped, "I can't +get away from the belief that Dan's companion is leading him on. +See! Dan now looks at her almost adoringly." + +Laura Bentley, too, had noticed Dan's preoccupation, but she merely +smiled within herself. She did not believe that Dan could really +be serious where girls were concerned. Now, as Laura's midshipman +partner led her to a seat, and soon left her, Dan, tearing himself +away from Miss Atterly, came to remind Laura that his name was +written on her card for the next dance. + +"Very fine girl I've been talking with, Laura," Dan confided in +the straightforward way that he had always used with Miss Bentley, +who was such a very old school friend. + +"She certainly is very pretty," Laura nodded. + +"And---er---distinguished looking, don't you think?" Dan ventured. + +"Yes, indeed." + +"But I was speaking more of her character---at least, her disposition. +Miss Atterly is highly sympathetic. I wish you'd meet her, Laura." + +"I shall be delighted to do so, Dan." + +"After this dance, then? And I want Belle to meet her, too. +Miss Atterly has noticed you both, and was much interested when +she learned that you were old school-day friends of mine." + +So, after the music had ceased, Dan escorted Laura over to where +Dave and Belle were chatting. + +"Belle," asked Dan in his most direct way, "will you come and +be introduced to Miss Atterly?" + +"The young lady you've been dancing with so much?" Miss Meade +inquired. "The tall, stately blonde?" + +"Yes," Dan nodded. + +"I shall be glad to meet Miss Atterly. But how about her? Do +you think she could stand the shock?" + +"Miss Atterly is very anxious to meet you both," Dalzell assured +Belle. + +"Take me over and shock her, then," laughed Belle. + +Dan stood gazing about the scene. "I---I wonder where Miss Atterly +is?" Dan mused aloud. + +"Oh, I can tell you," Belle answered. "A moment ago she went +through the entrance over yonder." + +"Alone?" + +"No; an older woman, probably Miss Atterly's mother, was with +her." + +"Oh! Let's look them up, then, if you don't mind." + +As Belle rose, taking Dave's arm, Dan and Laura took the lead. + +Just beyond the entrance that Belle had indicated no one else +was in sight when the four young friends reached the spot. There +was a clump of potted tropical shrubbery at one side. + +On the other side of this shrubbery sat Mrs. and Miss Atterly, +engaged in conversation. + +"Why do you prefer to sit in this out-of-the-way place, Catharine?" +her mother inquired, just as the young people came up. + +"I want to get away from two rather goodlooking but very ordinary +girls that Mr. Dalzell wants to present to me, mamma," she replied. + +"If they are midshipmen's friends are they too ordinary to know?" +inquired Mrs. Atterly. + +"Mamma, if I am going to interest Mr. Dalzell, I don't want other +girls stepping in at every other moment. I don't want to know +his girl friends." + +"Are you attracted to Mr. Dalzell, Cathy?" asked her mother. + +"Not especially, I assure you, mamma." + +"Oh, then it is not a serious affair." + +"It may be," laughed the girl lightly. "If I can learn to endure +Mr. Dalzell, then I may permit him to marry me when he is two +years older and has his commission." + +"Even if you don't care much for him?" asked Mrs. Atterly, almost +shocked. + +"If I marry," pouted Miss Atterly, "I don't want a husband that +leaves the house every morning, and returns every evening." + +"Cathy!" + +"Well, I don't! In some ways I suppose it's nice to be a married +woman. One has more freedom in going about alone. Now, a Naval +officer, mamma, would make the right sort of husband for me. +He'd be away, much of the time, on long cruises." + +"But I understand, Cathy, that sometimes a Naval officer has a +year or two of shore duty." + +"If that happened," laughed the girl, "I could take a trip to +Europe couldn't I? And the social position of a Naval officer +isn't a bad one. His wife enjoys the same social position, you +know, mamma." + +"Yet why Mr. Dalzell, if you really don't care anything about +him?" + +"Because he's so simple, mamma. He would be dreadfully easy to +manage!" + +The four young people looking for the Atterlys had unavoidably +heard every word. They halted, Dan violently red in the face. +Then Laura, with quick tact, wheeled about and led the way back +to the ball room floor. + +"Better luck next time, Dan," whispered Belle, gripping Dalzell's +arm. + +"Don't you think twice is enough for a simpleton like me?" blurted +Midshipman Dan. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE DAY OF MANY DOUBTS + + +Busy days followed, days which, for some of the first classmen, +were filled with a curious discontent. + +Some, to be sure, among these midshipmen soon to graduate, took +each day as it came, with little or no emotion. To them the Naval +life ahead was coming only as a matter of course. There were +others, however---and Dave Darrin was among them---who looked +upon a commission as an officer of the Navy as a sacred trust +given them by the nation. + +Dave Darrin was one of those who, while standing above the middle +of his class, yet felt that he had not made sufficiently good +use of his time. To his way of thinking there was an appalling +lot in the way of Naval duties that he did not understand. + +"I may get through here, and out of here, and in another couple +of years be a line or engineer officer," Midshipman Darrin confided +to his chum and roommate one day. "But I shall be only a half-baked +sort of officer." + +"Well, are cubs ever anything more?" demanded Dan. + +"Yes; Wolgast, for instance, is going to be something more. So +will Fenton and Day, and several others whom I could name." + +"And so is Darrin," confidently predicted Midshipman Dalzell. + +But Dave shook his head. + +"No, no, Danny boy. The time was when I might have believed extremely +well of myself, but that day has gone by. When I entered the +Naval Academy I probably thought pretty well of myself. I've tried +to keep up with the pace here-----" + +"And you've done it, and are going to do it right along," interjected +Midshipman Dalzell. + +"No; it almost scares me when I look over the subjects that I'm +not really fit in. It's spring, now, and I'm only a few weeks +away from graduation, only something like two years this side +of a commission as ensign, and---and---Dan, I wonder if I'm honestly +fit to command a rowboat." + +"You've got a brief grouch against yourself, Davy," muttered Dan. + +"No; but I think I know what a Naval officer should be, and I +also know how far short I fall of what I should be." + +"If you get your diploma," argued Midshipman Dalzell, "the faculty +of the Naval Academy will testify on the face of it that you're +a competent midshipman and on your way to being fit to hold an +ensign's commission presently." + +"But that's just the point, Danny. I shall know, myself, that +I'm only a poor, dub sort of Naval officer. I tell you, Danny, +I don't know enough to be a good Naval officer." + +"Then that's a reflection on your senior officers who have had +your training on hand," grinned Dalzell. "If you talk in the +same vein after you've gotten your diploma, it will amount to +a criticism of the intelligence of your superior officers. And +that's something that's wisely forbidden by the regulations." + +Dan picked up a text-book and opened it, as though he believed +that he had triumphantly closed the discussion. Midshipman Darrin, +however, was not to be so easily silenced. + +"Then, if you're not fitted to be a Naval officer," blurted Dalzell, +"what on earth can be said of me?" + +"You may not stand quite as high as I do, on mere markings," Dave +assented. "But there are a lot of things, Danny, that you know +much better than I do." + +"Name one of them," challenged Dalzell. + +"Well, steam engineering, for instance. Now, I'm marked higher +in that than you are, Danny. Yet, when the engine on one of the +steamers goes wrong you can hunt around until you get the engine +to running smoothly. You're twice as clever at that as I am." + +"Not all Naval officers are intended to be engineer officers," +grunted Midshipman Dalzell. "If you don't feel clever enough +in that line, just put in your application for watch officer's +work." + +"Take navigation," Dave continued. "I stand just fairly well +in the theory of the thing. But I've no real knack with a sextant." + +"Well, the sextant is only a hog-yoke," growled Dalzell. + +"Yes; but I shiver every time I pick up the hog-yoke under the +watchful gaze of an instructor." + +"Humph! Only yesterday I heard Lieutenant-Commander Richards +compliment you for your work in nav." + +"Yes; but that was the mathematical end. I'm all right on the +paper end and the theoretical work, but it's the practical end +that I'm afraid of." + +"You'll get plenty of the practical work as soon as you graduate +and get to sea," Dan urged. + +"Yes; and very likely make a chump of myself, like Digby, of last +year's class. Did you hear what he did in nav.?" + +"No," replied Dalzell, looking up with real interest this times +"If Digby made a fool of himself I'll be glad to hear about it, +for Dig was always just a little bit too chesty to suit me." + +"Well, Dig wasn't a bit chesty the first day that he was ordered +to shoot the sun," Dave laughed. "Dig took the sextant, and made +a prize shot, or thought he did. After he had got the sun, plumb +at noon, he lowered the instrument and made his reading most carefully. +Then he went into the chart room, and got busy with his calculations. +The longer Dig worked the worse his head ached. He stared at +his figures, tore them up and tried again. Six or eight times +he worked the problem over, but always with the same result. +The navigating officer, who had worked the thing out in two minutes, +sat back in his chair and looked bored. You see, Dig's own eyes +had told him that the ship was working north, and about five miles +off the coast of New Jersey. But his figures told him that the +ship was anchored in the old fourth ward of the city of Newark. +Try as he would, Dig couldn't get the battleship away from that +ward." + +Dan Dalzell leaned back, laughing uproariously at the mental picture +that this story of Midshipman Digby brought up in his mind. + +"It sounds funny, when you hear it," Dave went on. "But I sometimes +shiver over the almost certainty that I'm going to do something +just as bad when I get to sea. If I get sent to the engine room +I'll be likely to fill the furnaces with water and the boilers +with coal." + +"Rot!" objected Dan. "You're not crazy---not even weak-minded." + +"Or else, if I'm put to navigating, I'm fairly likely to bring +the battleship into violent collision with the Chicago Limited, +over in Ohio." + +"Come out of that funk, Davy!" ordered his chum. + +"I'm trying to, Danny boy; but there's many an hour when I feel +that I haven't learned here all that I should have learned, and +that I'll be miles behind the newest ensigns and lieutenants." + +"There's just about one thing for you to do, then," proposed Dan. + +"Resign?" queried Darrin, looking quizzically at his chum. + +"Not by a long sight. Just go in for a commission as second lieutenant +of marines. You can get that and hold it. A marine officer doesn't +have to know anything but the manual of arms and a few other little +simple things." + +"But a marine officer isn't a real sailor, Danny. He lives and +works on a warship, to be sure, but he's more of a soldier. Now, +as it happens, my whole heart and soul are wrapped up in being +a Naval officer---a real Naval officer." + +"With that longing, and an Annapolis diploma," teased Dalzell, +"there is just one thing to do." + +"What?" + +"Beat your way to the realization of your dream. You've got a +thundering good start." + +Midshipman Dave Darrin was not the kind to communicate his occasional +doubts to anyone except his roommate. Had Darrin talked on the +subject with other members of his class he would have found that +many of his classmates were tortured by the same doubts that assailed +him. With midshipmen who were destined to get their diplomas +such doubts were to be charged only to modesty, and were therefore +to their credit. Yet, every spring dozens of Annapolis first +classmen are miserable, instead of feeling the joyous appeal of +the budding season. They are assailed by just such fears as had +reached Dave Darrin. + +Dalzell, on the other hand, was tortured by no such dreads. He +went hammering away with marvelous industry, and felt sure, in +his own mind, that he would be retired, in his sixties, an honored +rear admiral. + +Had there been only book studies some of the first classmen would +have broken down under the nervous strain. However, there was +much to be done in the shops---hard, physical labor, that had +to be performed in dungaree clothing; toil of the kind that plastered +the hard-worked midshipmen with grime and soot. There were drills, +parades, cross-country marches. The day's work at the Naval Academy, +at any season of the year, is arranged so that hard mental work +is always followed by lively physical exertion, much of it in +the open air. + +Dalzell, returning one afternoon from the library encountered +Midshipman Farley, who was looking unaccountably gloomy. + +"What's the trouble, Farl---dyspepsia?" grinned Dan, linking one +arm through his friend's. "Own up!" + +"Danny, I'm in the dumps," confessed Farley. "I hate to acknowledge +it, but I've been fearfully tempted, for the last three days, to send +in my resignation." + +"What's her name?" grinningly demanded Dalzell, who had bravely +recovered from his own two meetings with Venus. + +"It isn't a girl---bosh!" jeered Farley. "There's only one girl +in the world I'm interested in---and she's my kid sister." + +"Then why this talk of resigning." + +"Danny, I'm simply afraid that I'm not made of the stuff to make +a competent Naval officer. My markings are all right, but I know +that I don't know enough to take a sailboat out and bring it back." + +"Oh, is that all?" cried Dalzell laughingly. "Then I know just +what you want." + +"What?" + +"Drop into our room and have a talk with Darry. Dave knows just +how to comfort and cheer a fellow who has that glum bug in his +head of cabbage. Come right along!" + +Dan almost forced Farley to the door of the room, opened it and +shoved the modest midshipman inside. + +"Darry," Dan called joyously, "here's a case for your best talents. +Farley has a pet bee in his bonnet that he isn't fit to be a +Naval officer. He doesn't know enough. So he's going to resign. +I've told him you'll know just how to handle his case. Go after +him, now!" + +Midshipman Dalzell pulled the door shut, chuckling softly to himself, +and marched back to the library. It was just before the call +for supper formation when Dan returned from "boning" in the library. + +"Did you brace Farl up, Davy?" demanded Dan. + +"You grinning idiot!" laughed Darrin. "What on earth made you bring +him to me?" + +"Because I thought you needed each other." + +"Well, perhaps we did," laughed Midshipman Darrin. "At any rate +I've been hammering at Farl all the time that he wasn't hammering +at me. I certainly feel better, and I hope that he does." + +"You both needed the same thing," declared Dan, grinning even +more broadly as he picked up his hair brushes. + +"What did we need?" + +"You've both been studying so hard that your brain cells are clogged." + +"But what did Farley and I both need?" insisted Midshipman Darrin. + +"Mental exercise---brain-sparring," rejoined Dalzell. "You both +needed something that could take you out of the horrible daily +grooves that you've been sailing in lately. You both needed something +to stir you up---and I hope you gave each other all the excitement +you could." + +In the way of a stirring-up something was about to happen that +was going to stir up the whole first class---if not the entire +brigade. + +Nor was Dave Darrin to escape being one of the central figures +in the excitement. + +Here is the way in which the whole big buzzing-match got its start +and went on to a lively finish. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +MR. CLAIRY DEALS IN OUTRAGES + + +"Mr. Darrin!" + +With that hail proceeded sharply from the lips of a first classman, +who on this evening happened to be the midshipman in charge of +the floor. + +Clairy sat at his desk in the corridor, his eyes on a novel until +Dave happened along. As he gave the sharp hail Mr. Clairy thrust +his novel under a little pile of text-books. + +"Well, sir?" inquired Dave, halting. "Mr. Darrin, what do you +mean by coming down the corridor with both shoes unlaced." + +"They are not unlaced," retorted Dave, staring in amazement at +Midshipman Clairy. + +"They are not now---true." + +"And they haven't been unlaced, sir, since I first laced them +on rising this morning." + +"Don't toy with the truth, Mr. Darrin!" rang Clairy's voice sternly. + +"If my shoes had been unlaced, they would still be unlaced, wouldn't +they, sir?" demanded Dave. + +"No; for you have laced them since I spoke to you about it!" + +This was entirely too much for Darrin, who gulped, gasped, and +then stared again at the midshipman in charge of the floor. + +Then, suddenly, a light dawned on Dave. He grinned almost as +broadly as Dan Dalzell could have done. + +"Come, come, now, Clairy!" chided Dave. "What on earth is the +joke---and why?" + +Midshipman Clairy straightened himself, his eyes flashing and +his whole appearance one of intense dignity. + +"Mr. Darrin, there is no joke about it, as you are certainly aware, +sir. And I must call your attention to the fact that it is bad +taste to address a midshipman familiarly when he is on official +duty." + +"Why, hang you---" Dave broke forth utterly aghast. + +"Stop, sir!" commanded Mr. Clairy, rising. "Mr. Darrin, you will +place yourself on report for strolling along the corridor with +both shoes unlaced. You will also place yourself on report for +impertinence in answering the midshipman in charge of the floor." + +"But-----" + +"Go at once, sir, and place yourself on report" + +Dave meditated, for two or three seconds, over the advisability +of knocking Mr. Clairy down. But familiarity with the military +discipline of the Naval Academy immediately showed Darrin that +his only present course was to obey. + +"I wonder who's loony now?" hummed Dave to himself, as he marched +briskly along on his way to the office of the officer in charge. +There be picked up two of the report slips, dipping a pen in ink. + +First, in writing, he reported himself on the charge of having +his shoes unlaced. In the space for remarks Darrin wrote tersely: + +"Untrue." + +Against the charge of unwarranted impertinence to the midshipman +in charge of the floor Dave wrote the words: + +"Impertinence admitted, but in my opinion entirely warranted." + +So utterly astounded was Darrin by this queer turn of affairs, +that he forgot the matter that had taken him from his room. On +his way back he met Midshipman Page. On the latter's face was +a look as black as a thundercloud. + +"What on earth is wrong, Page?" Darrin asked. + +"I've got the material for a first-class fight on my hands," Page +answered, his eyes flashing. + +"What---" + +"Clairy has ordered me to report myself." + +"What does he say you were doing that you weren't doing?" inquired +Midshipman Darrin, a curious look in his eyes. + +"Clairy has the nerve to state that I was coming along the corridor +with my blouse unbuttoned. He ordered me to button it up, which +I couldn't do since it was already buttoned. But he declared +that I buttoned it up while facing him, and so I'm on my way to +place myself on report for an offense that I didn't commit." + +"Clairy just sent me to the O.C. to frap the pap for having my +shoes unlaced," remarked Dave, his face flushing darkly. + +"What on earth is Clairy up to?" cried Page. + +"I don't know. I can't see his game clearly. But he's certainly +hunting trouble." + +"Then-----" + +"See here, Page, we've no business holding indignation meetings +in study hours. But come to my room just as soon as release +sounds---will you?" + +"You can wager that I will," shot back Midshipman Page as he started +along the corridor. + +"Hello," hailed Midshipman Dalzell, looking up as his chum entered. +"Why, Darry, you're angry---really angry. Who has dared throw +spitballs at you?" + +"Quit your joking, Dan!" returned Dave Darrin, his voice quivering. +"Clairy is hunting real trouble, I imagine, and I fancy he'll have +to be obliged." + +Dave thereupon related swiftly what had happened, Dan staring +in sheer amazement. Then Dalzell jumped up. + +"Where are you going?" Darrin answered. + +"To interview Clairy." + +"You'd better not, Dan. The trouble is thick enough already." + +"I'm going to interview Clairy---perhaps," retorted Midshipman +Dalzell. "I've just thought of a perfectly good excuse for being +briefly out of quarters during study hours. I'll be back +soon---perhaps with some news." + +Off Dan posted. In less than ten minutes he returned, looking +even more indignant than had his chum. + +"Davy," broke forth Dalzell hotly, "that idiot is surely hunting +all the trouble there is in Annapolis." + +"He went after you, then?" + +"I was making believe to march straight by the fellow's desk," +resumed Dan, "when Clairy brought me up sharply. Told me to frap +the pap for strolling with my hands in my pockets. I didn't do +anything like that." + +In another hour indignation was running riot in that division. +Midshipman Clairy had ordered no less than eight first classmen +to put themselves on report for offenses that none of them would +admit having committed. + +Oh, but there was wrath boiling in the quarters occupied by those +eight first classmen. + +Immediately after release had sounded, Page and Farley made a +bee-line for Dave's room. + +"Did Clairy wet you, Farley?" demanded Darrin. + +"No; I haven't been out of my room until just now." + +"Page," continued Darrin, "circulate rapidly in first class rooms +on this deck and find out whether Clairy improperly held up any +more of the fellows. Dan was a victim, too." + +Page had five first classmen on the scene in a few minutes. The +meeting seemed doomed to resolve itself into a turmoil of angry +language. + +"Clairy is a hound!" + +"A liar in my case!" + +"He's hunting a fight!" + +"Coventry would do him more good." + +"Yes; we'll have to call the class to deal with this." + +"The scoundrel!" + +"The pup!" + +"He's trying to pile some of us up with so many demerits that we +won't be able to graduate." + +"Oh, well," argued Page, "Fenwick has hit it. We can't fight +such a lying hound. All we can do is to get the class out and +send the fellow to Coventry." + +"What do you imagine it all means, Darry?" questioned Fenwick. + +Dave's wrath had had time to simmer down, and he was cooler now. + +"I wish I knew what to think, fellows," Dave answered slowly. +"Clairy has never shown signs of doing such things before." + +"He has always been a sulk, and never had a real friend in the +class," broke in Farley. + +"He has always been quiet and reticent," Dave admitted. "But +we never before had any real grievance against Mr. Clairy." + +"We have a grievance now, all right!" glowered Page. "Coventry, +swift and tight, is the only answer to the situation." + +"Let's not be in too much haste, fellows," Darrin urged. + +"You---you give such advice as that?" gasped Midshipman Dalzell. +"Why, Davy, the fellow went for you in fearful shape. He insulted +you outrageously." + +"I know he did," Darrin responded. "That's why I believe in going +slowly in the matter." + +"Now, why?" hissed Page. "Why on earth---why?" + +"Clairy must have had some motive behind his attack," Dave urged. + +"It couldn't have been a good motive, anyway," broke in another +midshipman hotly. + +"Never mind that part of it, just now," Dave Darrin retorted. +"Fellows, I, for one, don't like to go after Mr. Clairy too hastily +while we're all in doubt about the cause of it." + +"We don't need to know the cause," stormed indignant Farley. +"We know the results, and that's enough for us. I favor calling +a class meeting to-morrow night." + +"We can do just as much, and act just as intelligently, if we +hold the class-meeting off for two or three nights," Midshipman +Darrin maintained. + +"Now, why on earth should we bold off that long?" insisted Fenwick. +"We know, now, that Mr. Clairy has insulted eight members of +our class. We know that he has lied about them, and that the +case is so bad as to require instant attention. All I'm sorry +for is that it's too late to hold the class meeting within the +next five minutes." + +Dave found even his own roommate opposed to delay in dealing with +the preposterous case of the outrageous Mr. Clairy. + +Yet such was Darrin's ascendency over his classmates in matters +of ethics and policy, that he was able, before taps, to bring +the rest around to his wish for a waiting programme for two or +three days. + +"There'll be some explanation of this," Dave urged, when he had +gotten his comrades into a somewhat more reasonable frame of mind. + +"The explanation will have to be sought with fists," grumbled +Fenwick. "And there are eight of us, while Clairy has only two +eyes that can be blackened." + +The news had spread, of course, and the first class was in a fury +of resentment against one of its own members. + +Meanwhile Midshipman Clairy sat at his desk out in the corridor, +clearly calm and indifferent to all the turmoil that his acts +had stirred up in the brigade. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE WHOLE CLASS TAKES A HAND + + +"Then, Mr. Darrin, you admit the use of impertinent language to +Mr. Clairy, when the midshipman was in charge of the floor?" + +This question was put to Dave, the following morning, by the commandant +of midshipmen. + +"It would have been an impertinence, sir, under ordinary conditions," +Darrin answered. "Under the circumstances I believed, sir, that I +had been provoked into righteous anger." + +"You still assert that Mr. Clairy's charge that your shoes were +unlaced when you approached him was false?" + +"Absolutely false, sir." + +"Do you wish any time to reflect over that answer, Mr. Darrin?" + +"No, sir." + +"You are willing your answer should go on record, then?" + +"My denial of the charge of having my shoes unlaced is the only +answer that I can possibly make, sir." + +The commandant reflected. Then he directed that Midshipman Clairy +be ordered to report to him. Clairy came, almost immediately. +The commandant questioned him closely. Clairy still stuck resolutely +to his story that Dave Darrin had been passing through the corridor +with his shoes unlaced; and, furthermore, that Darrin, when rebuked +and ordered to place himself on report, had used impertinent language. + +During this examination the midshipmen did not glance toward each +other. Both stood at attention, their glances on the commandant's +face. + +"I do not know what to say," the officer admitted at last. "I +will take the matter under advisement. You may both go." + +Outside, well away from the office, Dave Darrin halted, swinging +and confronting Clairy sternly. + +"You lying scoundrel!" vibrated Darrin, his voice shaking with +anger. + +"It constitutes another offense, Mr. Darrin, to use such language +for the purpose of intimidating a midshipman in the performance +of his duty," returned Midshipman Clairy, looking back steadily +into Dave's eyes. + +"An offense? Fighting is another, under a strict interpretation +of the rules," Dave replied coldly. + +"And I do not intend to fight you," replied Clairy, still speaking +smoothly. + +"Perhaps I should know better than to challenge you," replied +Midshipman Darrin. "The spirit of the brigade prohibits my fighting +any one who is not a gentleman." + +"If that is all you have to say, Mr. Darrin, I will leave you. +You cannot provoke me into any breach of the regulations." + +Clairy walked away calmly, leaving Dave Darrin fuming with anger. + +Page was sent for next, then Dalzell. Both denied utterly the +charges on which Clairy had ordered them to report themselves. +Again Mr. Clairy was sent for, and once more he asserted the +complete truthfulness of his charges. + +It was so in the cases of the five remaining midshipmen under +charges, though still Mr. Clairy stuck to the correctness of the +report. + +Action in all of the eight cases was suspended by the commandant, +who went post-haste to the superintendent. That latter official, +experienced as he was in the ways of midshipmen, could offer no +solution of the mystery. + +"You see, my dear Graves," explained the superintendent, "it is +the rule of custom here, and a safe rule at that, to accept the +word of a midshipman as being his best recollection or knowledge +of the truth of any statement that he makes. In that case, we +would seem to be bound to accept the statements of Mr. Clairy." + +On the other hand, we are faced with the fact that we must accept +the statements made by Mr. Darrin, Mr. Page, Mr. Dalzell, Mr. +Fenwick and others. We are on the horns of a dilemma, though +I doubt not that we shall find a way out of it." + +"There appears, sir, to be only the statement of one midshipman +against the word of eight midshipmen," suggested the commandant. + +"Not exactly that," replied the superintendent. "The fact is +that Mr. Clairy's charges do not concern the eight midshipmen +collectively, but individually. Had Mr. Clairy charged all eight +of the midshipmen of an offense committed at the same time and +together, and had the eight midshipmen all denied it, then we +should be reluctantly compelled to admit the probability that +Mr. Clairy had been lying. But his charges relate to eight different +delinquencies, and not one of the eight accused midshipmen is +in a position to act as witness for any of the other accused men." + +"Then what are we going to do, sir?" + +"I will admit that I do not yet know," replied the superintendent. +"Some method of getting at the truth in the matter is likely +to occur to us later on. In the meantime, Graves, you will not +publish any punishments for the reported delinquencies." + +"Very good, sir," nodded the commandant. + +"Keep your wits at work for a solution of the mystery, Graves." + +"I will, sir." + +"And I will give the matter all the attention that I can," was the +superintendent's last word. + +If anger had been at the boiling point before, the situation was +even worse now. + +Page and Fenwick openly challenged Clairy to fight. He replied, +in each case, with a cool, smiling refusal. + +"We've got to hold that class meeting!" growled Farley. + +"Why?" inquired Dave. "The class can't do anything more to Clairy +than has already been done. His refusals to fight will send him +to Coventry as securely as could action by all four of the classes. +No fellow here can refuse to fight, unless he couples with his +refusal an offer to submit the case to his own class for action. +No one, henceforth, will have a word to say to Clairy." + +"Perhaps not; but I still insist that the class meeting ought +to be called." + +This was the general sentiment among the first classmen. Darrin +was the only real dissenter to the plan. + +"Oh, well, go ahead and call the class together, if you like," +agreed Dave. "My main contention is that such a meeting will +be superfluous. The action of the class has really been taken +already." + +"Will you come to the meeting, Darry?" asked Fenwick. + +"Really, I don't know," Dave answered thoughtfully. "My presence +would do neither good nor harm. The action of the class has already +been decided. In fact, it has been put into effect." + +"Then you won't be there?" spoke up Farley. + +"I don't know. I'll come, however, if it will please any of you +especially." + +"Oh, bother you, Darry! We're not going to beg your presence +as a favor." + +At formation for dinner, when the brigade adjutant published the +orders, every midshipman in the long ranks of the twelve companies +waited eagerly to learn what had been done in the cases of the +eight midshipmen. They were doomed to disappointment, however. + +At brigade formation for supper notice of a meeting of the first +class in Recreation Hall was duly published. There was rather +an unwonted hush over the tables that night. + +Immediately afterwards groups of midshipmen were seen strolling +through the broad foyer of Bancroft Hall, and up the low steps +into Recreation Hall. Yet it was some ten minutes before there +was anything like a full gathering of the first class. + +"Order!" rapped the class president Then, after glancing around: + +"Is Mr. Clairy present?" + +He was not. + +"Where's Darry?" buzzed several voices. + +But Dave Darrin was not present either. + +"Where is he?" several demanded of Dan. + +"Blessed if I know," Dan answered. "I wish I did, fellows." + +"Isn't Darry going to attend?" + +"I don't know that, either." + +Midshipman Gosman now claimed the floor. He spoke a good deal +as though he had been retained as advocate for the eight accused +midshipmen. In a fiery speech Mr. Gosman recited that eight different +members of the class had been falsely accused by Mr. Clairy. + +"There are not eight liars in our class," declared Midshipman +Gosman, with very telling effect. + +Then, after more fiery words aimed at Clairy, Mr. Gosman demanded: + +"Why is not Mr. Clairy here to speak for himself? Let him who +can answer this! Further, Mr. Clairy has been challenged to fight +by some of those whom be accused. Now, sir and classmates, a +midshipman may refuse to fight, but if he does he must submit +his case to his class, and then be guided by the class decision +as to whether he must fight or not. Mr. Clairy has not done this." + +"He's a cur!" shouted a voice. + +"I accept the remark," bowed Mr. Gosman, "if I am permitted to +express the class's apology to all dogs for the comparison." + +"Good!" yelled several. + +"Mr. President and classmates," continued the angry orator, "I +believe we are all of one mind, and I believe that I can express +the unanimous sentiment of the first class." + +"You can!" + +"You bet you can!" + +"Go ahead!" + +"Mr. President, I take it upon myself to move that the first class +should, and hereby does, send Mr. Clairy to Coventry for all time +to come!" + +"Second the motion!" cried several voices. + +Then a diversion was created. + +One of the big doors opened and a midshipman stepped into the +room, closing the door. + +That midshipman was Dave Darrin. Every first classman in the +room felt certain that Darrin had entered for the express purpose +of saying something of consequence. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +MIDSHIPMAN DARRIN HAS THE FLOOR + + +But Dave did not speak at first. Advancing only a short distance +into the hall he stood with arms folded, his face well-nigh +expressionless. + +For a moment the class president glanced at Darrin, then at the +assemblage. + +"Gentlemen," announced the class president, "you have heard the +motion, that Mr. Clairy be sent to Coventry for all time to come. +The motion has been duly seconded. Remarks are in order." + +"Mr. President!" + +It was Dave who had spoken. All eyes were turned in his direction +at once. + +"Mr. Darrin," announced the chair. "Mr. President, and classmates, +I, for one, shall vote against the motion." + +An angry clamor rose, followed by calls of, "Question! Put the +motion!" + +"Do any of you know," Darrin continued, "why Mr. Clairy is not +here this evening?" + +"He's afraid to come!" + +"Did any of you note that Mr. Clairy was not at supper?" + +"The hound hadn't any appetite," jeered Fenwick angrily. + +"You have observed, of course, that Mr. Clairy was not here at +the meeting?" + +"He didn't dare come!" cried several voices. + +"If you have any explanation to make, Mr. Darrin, let us have +it," urged the chair. + +"Mr. President and classmates," Midshipman Darrin continued, "all +along I have felt that there must be some explanation to match +Mr. Clairy's most extraordinary conduct. I now offer you the +explanation. The officer in charge sent for me, to impart some +information that I am requested to repeat before this meeting." + +"Go on!" cried several curious voices when Dave paused for a moment. + +"Fellows, I hate to tell you the news, and you will all be extremely +sorry to hear it. You will be glad, however, that you did not +pass the motion now before the class. Mr. President, I have to +report, at the request of the officer in charge, the facts in +Mr. Clairy's case. + +"From the peculiar nature of the case both the superintendent and +the commandant of midshipmen were convinced that there was +something radically wrong with Mr. Clairy." + +"Humph! I should say so!" uttered Penwick, with emphasis. + +"Mr. Clairy was not at our mess at supper," resumed Dave Darrin, +"for the very simple reason that he had been taken to hospital. +There he was examined by three surgeons, assisted by an outside +specialist. Mr. President and classmates, I know you will all +feel heartily sorry for Clairy when I inform you that he has been +pronounced insane." + +Dave ceased speaking, and an awed silence prevailed. It was the +chair who first recovered his poise. + +"Clairy insane!" cried the class president. "Gentlemen, now we +comprehend what, before, it was impossible to understand." + +In the face of this sudden blow to a classmate all the midshipmen +sat for a few minutes more as if stunned. Then they began to +glance about at each other. + +"I think this event must convince us, sir," Darrin's voice broke +in, "that we young men don't know everything, and that we should +learn to wait for facts before we judge swiftly." + +"Mr. President!" + +It was Gosman, on his feet. In a husky voice that midshipman +begged the consent of his seconders for his withdrawing the motion +he had offered sending Midshipman Clairy to Coventry. In a twinkling +that motion had been withdrawn. + +"Will Mr. Darrin, state, if able, how serious Clairy's insanity +is believed to be?" inquired the chair. + +"It is serious enough to ruin all his chances in the Navy," Dave +answered, "though the surgeons believe that, after Clairy has +been taken by his friends to some asylum, his cure can eventually +be brought about." + +The feeling in the room was too heavy for more discussion. A +motion to adjourn was offered and carried, after which the first +classmen hurried from the room. + +Of course no demerits were imposed as a result of the crazy reports +ordered by Midshipman Clairy on that memorable night. Three days +later the unfortunate young man's father arrived and had his son +conveyed from Annapolis. It may interest the reader to know that, +two years later, the ex-midshipman fully recovered his reason, and +is now successfully engaged in business. + +Spring now rapidly turned into early summer. The baseball squad +had been at work for some time. Both Darrin and Dalzell had been +urged to join. + +"Let's go into the nine, if we can make it---and we ought to," +urged Dan. + +"You go ahead, Danny boy, if you're so inclined," replied Dave. + +"Aren't you going in?" + +"I have decided not to." + +"You're a great patriot for the Naval Academy, Davy." + +"I'm looking out for myself, I'll admit. I want to graduate as +high in my class as I can, Danny. Yet I'd sacrifice my own desires +if the Naval Academy needed me on the nine. However, I'm not +needed. There are several men on the nine who play ball better +than I but don't let me keep you off the nine, Dan." + +"If you stay off I guess I will," replied Dalzell. "If the nine +doesn't need you then it doesn't need me." + +"But I thought you wanted to play." + +"Not unless you and I could be the battery, David, little giant. +I'd like to catch your pitching, but I don't want to stop any +other fellow's pitching." + +So far the nine had gone on without them. Realizing how much +Dan wanted to play with the Navy team in this, their last year, +Dave changed his mind, and both joined. A very creditable showing +was made after their entrance into the nine. That year the Navy +captured more than half the games played, though the Navy was +fated to lose to the Army by a score of four to three. This game +is described in detail in "_Dick Prescott's Fourth Year At West +Point_." + +With the approach of graduation time Dave's heart was gladdened +by the arrival in Annapolis of Belle Meade and her mother, who +stopped at the Maryland House. Dave saw them on the only days +when it was possible---that is to say, on Saturdays and Sundays. +He had many glimpses of his sweetheart, however, at other times, +for Belle, filled with the fascination of Naval life, came often +with her mother to watch the outdoor drills. + +When Dave saw her at such times, however, he was obliged to act as +though he did not. Not by look or sign could he convey any +intimation that he was doing anything but pay the strictest heed +to duty. + +Then came the Saturday before examination. Dave Darrin, released +after dinner, would gladly have hurried away from the Academy +grounds to visit his sweetheart in town, but Belle willed it otherwise. + +"These are your last days here, Dave," whispered Belle, as she +and her handsome midshipman strolled about. "If I'm to share +your life with you, I may as well begin by sharing the Naval Academy +with you to-day." + +"Shall we go over to the field and watch the ball game when it +starts?" Darrin asked. + +"Not unless you very especially wish to," Miss Meade replied. +"I'd rather have you to myself than to share your attention with +a ball game." + +So, though Midshipman Dave was interested in the outcome of the +game, he decided to wait for the score when it had been made. + +"Where's Dan to-day?" Belle inquired. + +"Over at the ball game." + +"Alone?" + +"No; the brigade is with him, or he's with the brigade," laughed +Darrin. + +"Then he's not there with a girl?" + +"Oh, no; I think Danny's second experience has made him a bit +skeptical about girls." + +"And how are you, on that point, Mr. Darrin?" teased Belle, gazing +up at him mirthfully. + +"You know my sentiments, as to myself, Belle. As for Dan---well, +I think it beyond doubt that he will do well to wait for several +years before he allows himself to be interested in any girls." + +"Why?" + +"Well, because Danny's judgment is bad in that direction. And +he's pretty sure to be beaten out by any determined rival. You +see, when Danny gets interested in a girl, he doesn't really know +whether he wants her. From a girl's point of view what do you +think of that failing, Belle?" + +"I am afraid the girl is not likely to feel complimented." + +"So," pursued Dave, "while Danny is really interested in a girl, +but is uneasily unable to make up his mind, the girl is pretty +sure to grow tired of him and take up with the more positive rival." + +"Poor Dan is not likely to have a bride early in life," sighed +Belle. + +"Oh, yes; one very excellent bride for a Naval officer to have." + +"What is that?" + +"His commission. Dan, if he keeps away from too interesting girls, +will have some years in which to fit himself splendidly in his +profession. By that time he'll be all the better equipped for +taking care of a wife." + +"I wonder," pondered Belle, "what kind of wife Dan will finally +choose." + +"He won't have anything to do with the choosing," laughed Darrin. +"One of these days some woman will choose him, and then Dan will +be anchored for life. It is even very likely that he'll imagine +that he selected his wife from among womankind, but he won't have +much to say about it." + +"You seem to think Dan is only half witted," Belle remarked. + +"Only where women are concerned, Belle. In everything else he's +a most capable young American. He's going to be a fine Naval +officer." + +In another hour Belle had changed her mind. She had seen all +of the Academy grounds that she cared about for a while, and now +proposed that they slip out through the Maryland Avenue gate for +a walk through the shaded, sweet scented streets of Annapolis. +As Darrin had town liberty the plan pleased him. + +Strolling slowly the young people at last neared State Circle. + +"I thought midshipmen didn't tell fibs," suddenly remarked Belle. + +"They're not supposed to," Dave replied. + +"But you said Dan was at the ball game." + +"Isn't he?" + +"Look there!" Belle exclaimed dramatically. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +DAN STEERS ON THE ROCKS AGAIN + + +Just entering Wiegard's were Midshipman Dalzell and a very pretty +young woman. + +Dan had not caught sight of his approaching friends. + +"Why, that fellow told me he was going to see if he couldn't be +the mascot for a winning score to-day," Dave exclaimed. + +"But he didn't say that the score was to be won in a ball game, +did he?" Belle queried demurely. + +"Now I think of it, he didn't mention ball," Darrin admitted. +"But I thought it was the game down on the Academy athletic field." + +"No; it was very different kind of game," Belle smiled. "Dave, +you'll find that Dan is incurable. He's going to keep on trying +with women until-----" + +"Until he lands one?" questioned Dave. + +"No; until one lands him. Dave, I wonder if it would be too terribly +prying if we were to turn into Wiegard's too?" + +"I don't see any reason why it should be," Darrin answered. "Mr. +Wiegard conducts a public confectioner's place. It's the approved +place for any midshipman to take a young lady for ice cream. +Do you feel that you'd like some ice cream?" + +"No," Belle replied honestly. "But I'd like to get a closer look +at Dan's latest." + +So Dave led his sweetheart into Wiegard's. In order to get a +seat at a table it was necessary to pass the table at which Dan +and his handsome friend were seated. As Dalzell's back was toward +the door he did not espy his friends until they were about to pass. + +"Why, hello, Darry!" cried Dan, rising eagerly, though his cheeks +flushed a bit. "How do you do, Miss Meade? Miss Henshaw, may +I present my friends? Miss Meade and Mr. Darrin." + +The introduction was pleasantly acknowledged all around. Miss +Henshaw proved wholly well-bred and at ease. + +"Won't you join us here?" asked Dalzell, trying hard to conceal +the fact that he didn't want any third and fourth parties. + +"I know you'll excuse us," answered Dave, bowing, "and I feel +certain that I am running counter to Miss Meade's wishes. But +I have so little opportunity to talk to her that I'm going to +beg you to excuse us. I'm going to be selfish and entice Miss +Meade away to the furthest corner." + +That other table was so far away that Dave and Belle could converse +in low tones without the least danger of being overheard. There +were, at that time, no other patrons in the place. + +"Well, Belle, what do you think of the lady, now that you've seen +her?" + +"You've named her," replied Belle quietly. "Dan's new friend +is beyond any doubt a lady." + +"Then Dan is safe, at last." + +"I'm not so sure of that," Belle answered. + +"But, if she's really a lady, she must be safe company for Dan." + +Belle smiled queerly before she responded: + +"I'm afraid Dan is in for a tremendous disappointment." + +"In the lady's character?" pressed Darrin. + +"Oh, indeed, no." + +"Wait and see." + +"But I'd rather know now." + +"I'll tell you what I mean before you say good-bye this afternoon," +Belle promised. + +"By Jove, but I am afraid that is going to be too late," murmured +Midshipman Darrin. "Unless I'm greatly misled as to the meaning +of the light that has suddenly come into Danny's eyes, he's proposing +to her now!" + +"Oh!" gasped Belle, and the small spoonful of cream that was passing +down her throat threatened to strangle her. + +"Dave, how old do you think Miss Henshaw is?" asked Miss Meade, +as soon as she could trust herself to speak. + +"Twenty, I suppose." + +"You don't know much about women's ages, then, do you?" smiled +Belle. + +"I don't suppose I've any business to know." + +"Miss Henshaw is a good many years older than Dan." + +"She doesn't look it," urged Dave. + +"But she is. Trust another woman to know!" + +"There, by Jove!" whispered Dave. "It has started. Danny is +running under the wire! I can tell by his face that he has just +started to propose." + +"Poor boy! He'll have an awful fall!" muttered Belle. + +"Why do you say that? But, say! You're right, Belle. Dan's +face has turned positively ghastly. He looks worse than he could +if he'd just failed to graduate." + +"Naturally," murmured Belle. "Poor boy, I'm sorry for him." + +"But what's the matter?" + +"Did you notice Miss Henshaw's jewelry?" + +"Not particularly. I can see, from here, that she's wearing a +small diamond in each ear." + +"Dave, didn't you see the flat gold band that she wears on the +third finger of her left hand?" Belle demanded in a whisper. + +"No," confessed Midshipman Darrin innocently. "But what has that +to do with---" + +"Her wedding ring," Belle broke in. "Dan has gotten her title +twisted. She's Mrs. Henshaw." + +"Whew! But what, in that case, is she doing strolling around +with a midshipman? That's no proper business for a married woman," +protested Dave Darrin. + +"Haven't you called on or escorted any married women since you've +been at Annapolis?" demanded Belle bluntly. + +"Yes; certainly," nodded Dave. "But, in every instance they were +wives of Naval officers, and such women looked upon midshipmen +as mere little boys." + +"Isn't there an Admiral Henshaw in the Navy?" inquired Belle. + +"Certainly." + +"That's Mrs. Henshaw," Belle continued. + +"How do you know?" + +"I don't, but I'm certain, just the same. Now, Dan has met Mrs. +Henshaw somewhere down at the Naval Academy. He heard her name +and got it twisted into Miss Henshaw. It's his own blundering +fault, no doubt. But Admiral Henshaw's young and pretty wife +is not to be blamed for allowing a boyish midshipman to stroll +with her as her escort." + +"Whew!" whistled Dave Darrin under his breath. "So Dan has been +running it blind again? Oh, Belle, it's a shame! I'm heartily +sorry that we've been here to witness the poor old chap's Waterloo." + +"So am I," admitted Belle. "But the harm that has been done is +due to Dan's own blindness. He should learn to read ordinary +signs as he runs." + +No wonder Dan Dalzell's face had gone gray and ashy. For the +time being he was feeling keenly. He had been so sure of "Miss" +Henshaw's being a splendid woman---as, indeed, she was---that +he decided on this, their third meeting, to try his luck with +a sailor's impetuous wooing. In other words, he had plumply asked +the admiral's wife to marry him; + +"Why, you silly boy!" remonstrated Mrs. Henshaw, glancing up at +him with a dismayed look. "I don't know your exact age, Mr. Dalzell, +but I think it probable that I am at least ten years older than---" + +"I don't care," Dan maintained bravely. + +"Besides, what would the admiral say?" + +"Is he your father or your brother?" Dan inquired. + +"My husband!" + +Then it was that Midshipman Dalzell's face had gone so suddenly +gray. He fairly gasped and felt as though he were choking. + +"Mr. Dalzell," spoke Mrs. Henshaw, earnestly, "let us both forget +that you ever spoke such unfortunate words. Let us forget it +all, and let it pass as though nothing had happened at all. I +will confess that, two or three times, I thought you addressed +me as 'miss.' I believed it to be only a slip of the tongue. +I didn't dream that you didn't know. Even if I were a single +woman I wouldn't think of encouraging you for a moment, for I +am much---much---too old for you. And now, let us immediately +forget it all, Mr. Dalzell. Shall we continue our stroll?" + +Somehow the dazed midshipman managed to reply gracefully, and +to follow his fair companion from Wiegard's. + +"Poor Dan!" sighed Dave. "I'll wager that's the worst crusher +that Dalzell ever had. But how do you read so much at a glance, +Belle?" + +"By keeping my eyes moderately well opened," that young woman +answered simply. + +"I wonder where poor Dan's adventures in search of a wife are +going to end up?" mused Darrin. + +"He'd better accept the course that you outlined for him a little +while ago," half smiled Belle. "Dan's very best course will be +to devote his thoughts wholly to his profession for a few years, +and wait until the right woman comes along and chooses him for +herself. You may tell Dan, from me, some time, if it won't hurt +his feelings, that I think his only safe course is to shut his +eyes and let the woman do the choosing." + +"I must be a most remarkably fine fellow myself," remarked Midshipman +Darrin modestly. + +"Why do you think that?" + +"Why, a girl with eyes as sharp as yours, Belle, would never have +accepted me if there had been a visible flaw on me anywhere." + +"There are no very pronounced flaws except those that I can remedy +when I take charge of you, Dave," replied Belle with what might +have been disconcerting candor. + +"Then I'm lucky in at least one thing," laughed Darrin good-humoredly. +"When my turn comes I shall be made over by a most capable young +woman. Then I shall be all but flawless." + +"Or else I shall take a bride's privilege," smiled Belle demurely, +"and go back to mother." + +"You'll have plenty of time for that," teased Dave. "A Naval +officer's time is spent largely at sea, and he can't take his +wife with him." + +"Don't remind me of that too often," begged Belle, a plaintive +note in her voice. "Your being at sea so much is the only flaw +that I see in the future. And, as neither of us will be rich, +I can't follow you around the world much of the time." + +When Midshipman Dave Darrin reentered his quarters late that afternoon +be found Dan Dalzell sitting back in a chair, his hands thrust +deep into his pockets. His whole attitude was one of most unmilitary +dejection. + +"Dave, I've run the ship aground again," Dan confessed ruefully. + +"I know you have, Danny," Darrin replied sympathetically. + +Dan Dalzell bounded to his feet. + +"What?" he gasped. "Is the story going the rounds?" + +"It can't be." + +"Then did you hear what we were saying this afternoon in Wiegard's?" + +"No; we were too far away for that. But I judged that you had +succeeded in making Mrs. Henshaw feel very uncomfortable for a +few moments." + +"Then you knew she was a married woman, Dave?" + +"No; but Belle did." + +"How, I---wonder?" + +"She saw the wedding ring on Mrs. Henshaw's left hand." + +Dan Dalzell looked the picture of amazement. Then he whistled +in consternation. + +"By the great Dewey!" he groaned hoarsely. "I never thought of +that!" + +"No; but you should have done so." + +"Dave, I'm the biggest chump in the world. Will you do me a supreme +favor---kick me?" + +"That would be too rough, Dan. But, if you can stand it, Belle +offered me some good advice for you in your affairs with women." + +"Thank her for me, when you get a chance, but I don't need it," +replied Dan bitterly. "I'm through with trying to find a sweetheart, +or any candidate to become Mrs. Dalzell." + +"But you'd better listen to the advice," Dave insisted, and repeated +what Belle had said. + +"By Jove, Dave, but you're lucky to be engaged to a sensible girl +like Belle! I wish there was another like her in the world." + +"Why?" + +"If there were another like Belle I'd be sorely tempted to try my \ +luck for the fourth time." + +"Dan Dalzell!" cried Dave sternly. "You're not safe without a +guardian! You'll do it again, between now and graduation." + +"You can watch me, if you want, then; but I'll fool you," smiled +Dan. "But say, Dave!" + +"Well?" + +"You don't suppose Belle will say anything about this back in +Gridley, do you? By Jove, if she does I'd feel----- + +"You'll feel something else," warned Dave snappily, "if you don't +at once assure me that you know Belle too well to think that she'd +make light of your misfortunes." + +"But sometimes girls tell one another some things-----" + +"Belle Meade doesn't," interrupted Dave so briskly that Dalzell, +after a glance, agreed: + +"You're right there, David, little giant. I've known Belle ever +since we were kids at the Central Grammar School. If Belle ever +got into any trouble through too free use of her tongue, then I +never heard anything about it." + +"Dan, do you want a fine suggestion about the employment of the +rest of your liberty time while we're at Annapolis?" + +"Yes." + +"You remember Barnes's General History, that we used to have in +Grammar school?" + +"Yes." + +"Devote your liberty time to reading the book through again." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +IN THE THICK OF DISASTER + + +Examination week---torture of the "wooden" and seventh heaven of +the "savvy!" + +For the wooden man, he who knows little, this week of final +examinations is a period of unalloyed torture. He must go before +an array of professors who are there to expose his ignorance. + +No "wooden" man can expect to get by. The gates of hope are closed +before his face. He marches to the ordeal, full of a dull misery. +Whether he is fourth classman or first, he knows that hope has +fled; that he will go below the saving 2.5 mark and be dropped +from the rolls. + +But your "savvy" midshipman---he who knows much, and who is sure +and confident with his knowledge, finds this week of final examinations +a period of bliss and pride. He is going to "pass"; he knows that, +and nothing else matters. + +Eight o'clock every morning, during this week, finds the midshipman +in one recitation room or another, undergoing his final. As it +is not the purpose of the examiners to wear any man out, the afternoon +is given over to pleasures. There are no afternoon examinations, +and no work of any sort that can be avoided. Indeed, the "savvy" +man has a week of most delightful afternoons, with teas, lawn +parties, strolls both within and without the walls of the Academy +grounds, and many boating parties. It is in examination week +that the young ladies flock to Annapolis in greater numbers than +ever. + +Sometimes the "wooden" midshipman, knowing there is no further hope +for him, rushes madly into the pleasures of this week, determined to +carry back into civil life with him the memories of as many +Annapolis pleasures as possible. + +A strong smattering there is of midshipmen who, by no means "savvy," +are yet not so "wooden" but that they hope, by hard study at the +last to pull through on a saving margin in marks. + +These desperate ones do not take part in the afternoon pleasures, +for these midshipmen, with furrowed brows, straining eyes, feverish +skin and dogged determination, spend their afternoons and evenings +in one final assault on their text-books in the hope of pulling +through. + +Dave Darrin was not one of the honor men of his class, but he +was "savvy" just the same. Dan Dalzell was a few notches lower +in the class standing, but Dan was as sure of graduation as was +his chum. + +"One thing goes for me, this week," announced Dan, just before +the chums hustled out to dinner formation on Monday. + +"What's that?" Dave wanted to know. "No girls; no tender promenades!" +grumbled Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Poor old chap," muttered Dave sympathetically. + +"Oh, that's all right for you," grunted Dan. "You have one of +the 'only' girls, and so you're safe." + +"There are more 'only' girls than you've any idea of, Dan Dalzell," +Dave retorted with spirit. "The average American girl is a mighty +fine, sweet, wholesome proposition." + +"I'll grant that," nodded Dan, with a knowing air. "But I've +made an important discovery concerning the really fine girls." + +"Produce the discovery," begged Darrin. "The really fine girl," +announced Dan, in a hollow voice, "prefers some other fellow to me." + +"Well, I guess that'll be a fine idea for you to nurse---until +after graduation," reflected Darrin aloud. "I'm not going to +seek to undeceive you, Danny boy." + +So Dave went off to meet Belle and her mother, while Dan Dalzell +hunted up another first classman who also believed that the girls +didn't particularly esteem him. That other fellow was Midshipman +Jetson. + +"Mrs. Davis is giving a lawn party this afternoon," announced +Dave, after he had lifted his cap in greeting of Mrs. Meade and +her daughter. "I have an invitation from Mrs. Davis to escort +you both over to her house. Of course, if you find the tea and +chatter a bit dull over there, we can go somewhere else presently." + +"I never find anything dull that is a part of the life here," +returned Belle, little enthusiast for the Navy. "It will suit +you, mother?" + +"Anything at all will suit me," declared Mrs. Meade amiably. +"David, just find me some place where I can drop into an armchair +and have some other middle-aged woman like myself to talk with. +Then you young people need pay no further heed to me. Examination +week doesn't last forever." + +"It doesn't," laughed Darrin, "and many of our fellows are very +thankful for that." + +"How are you going to come through?" Belle asked, with a quick +little thrill of anxiety. + +"Nothing to worry about on that score," Dave assured her. "I'm +sufficiently 'savvy' to pull sat. all right." + +"Isn't that fine? And Dan?" + +"Oh, he'll finish sat., too, if he doesn't sight another craft +flying pink hair ribbons." + +"Any danger of that?" asked Belle anxiously, for Dan was a townsman +of hers. + +"Not judging by the company that Dan is keeping to-day," smiled +Darrin. + +"Who is his companion to-day, then?" + +"Jetson, a woman hater." + +"Really a woman hater?" asked Belle. + +"Oh, no; Jet wouldn't poison all girls, or do anything like that. +He isn't violent against girls. In fact, he's merely shy when +they're around. But in the service any fellow who isn't always +dancing attendance on the fair is doomed to be dubbed a woman +hater. In other words, a woman hater is just a fellow who doesn't +pester girls all the time." + +"Are you a woman hater?" Belle asked. + +"Except when you are at Annapolis," was Dave's ready explanation. + +That afternoon's lawn party proved a much more enjoyable affair +than the young people had expected. Belle met there, for the +first time, five or six girls with whom she was to be thrown often +later on. + +When it was over, Dave, having town liberty as well, proudly escorted +his sweetheart and her mother back to the hotel. + +There were more days like it. Dave, by Thursday, realizing that +he was coming through his morning trials with flying colors, had +arranged permission to take out a party in one of the steamers. + +As the steamer could be used only for a party Darrin invited Farley +and Wolgast to bring their sweethearts along. Mrs. Meade at first +demurred about going. + +"You and Belle have had very little time together," declared that +good lady, "and I'm not so old but that I remember my youth. +With so large a party there's no need of a chaperon." + +"But we'd immensely like to have you come," urged Dave; "that +is, unless you'd be uncomfortable on the water." + +"Oh, I'm never uncomfortable on the water," Belle's mother replied. + +"Then you'll come, won't you?" pleaded Dave. Belle's mother made +one of the jolly party. + +"You'd better come, too, Danny boy," urged Dave at the last moment. +"There'll be no unattached girl with the party, so you'll be +vastly safer with us than you would away from my watchful eye." + +"Huh! A fine lot your watchful eye has been on me this week," +retorted Midshipman Dalzell. "Jetson has been my grandmother +this week." + +It was a jolly party that steamed down Chesapeake Bay in the launch +that afternoon. There was an enlisted man of the engineer department +at the engine, while a seaman acted as helmsman. + +"Straight down the bay, helmsman," Dave directed, as the launch +headed out. + +"Aye, aye, sir," replied the man, touching his cap. + +After that the young people---Mrs. Meade was included under that +heading---gave themselves over to enjoyment. Belle, with a quiet +twinkle in her eyes that was born of the love of teasing, tried +very hard to draw Mr. Jetson out, thereby causing that young man +to flush many times. + +Dan, from the outset, played devoted squire to Mrs. Meade. That +was safe ground for him. + +"What's that party in the sailboat yonder?" inquired Mrs. Meade, +when the steamer had been nearly an hour out. "Are the young +men midshipman or officers?" + +Dave raised to his eyes the glasses with which the steamer was +equipped. + +"They're midshipmen," he announced. "Gray and Lambert, of our +class, and Haynes and Whipple of the second class." + +"They've young ladies with them." + +"Certainly." + +"Isn't it rather risky for midshipmen to have control of the boat, +then, with no older man along?" asked Mrs. Meade. + +"It ought not to be," Dave replied. "Midshipmen of the upper +classes are expected to be familiar with the handling of sailboats." + +"Those fellows are getting careless, at any rate," muttered Dan +Dalzell. "Look at the way that sail is behaving. Those fellows +are paying too much attention to the girls and too little heed +to the handling of the craft!" + +Even as Dalzell spoke the helm was jammed over and the boat started +to come about. + +"Confound Lambert! He ought to ease off his sheet a good bit," +snapped Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Helmsman, point our boat so as to pass under the other craft's +stern," spoke Darrin so quietly that only Dan and Belle overheard +him. + +"Aye, aye, sir," murmured the helmsman, in a very low voice. +Dave signaled the engineman silently to increase the speed. + +"There the boat goes, the sail caught by a cross current of air!" +called Midshipman Dalzell almost furiously. + +The girls aboard the sailboat now cried out in alarm as they felt +the extreme list of the boat under them. All too late Midshipman +Gray Sprang for the sheet to ease it off. + +Too late! In another moment the sailboat had capsized, the mast +nearly snapping in the blow over. + +"Make haste---do!" cried Mrs. Meade, rising in the steamer. + +But the steamer was already under increased headway, and the helmsman +had to make but a slight turn to bear down directly to the scene +of the disaster. + +Three midshipmen could be seen floundering in the water, each +steadily supporting the head of a girl. But the fourth, midshipman +was floundering about wildly. Then he disappeared beneath the +water. + +"That young man has given up and gone down!" cried Mrs. Meade, +whom Dave had just persuaded to resume her seat. + +"No," Dave assured her. "Gray isn't drowning. But his girl companion +is missing, and he has dived to find her." + +"Then the girl is lost!" quivered Mrs. Meade. + +"No; I think not. Gray is a fine swimmer, and will find Miss +Butler before she has been under too long a time." + +Then Dave rose, for he was commander here. "Danny boy, throw +off your shoes and blouse and cap. The rest stand by the boat +to give such aid as you can. Ladies, you'll excuse us." + +Thereupon Dave Darrin doffed his own cap, blouse and shoes. He +and Dalzell were the two best swimmers in the party, and it looked +as though there would be work ahead for them to do. + +In another moment the steamer was on the scene, and speed was +shut off. Lambert, Haynes and Whipple, with their girl companions, +were speedily reached and hauled aboard. + +Then Gray came up, but alone. + +"Hasn't Pauline come up?" he gasped in terror. + +"No," Darrin replied shortly, but in a voice laden with sympathy. + +"Then I've got to down again," replied Gray despairingly. "I'd +better stay down, too." + +He sank instantly, a row of bubbles coming up at the spot where +he had vanished. + +"The poor, unfortunate fellow! He won't really attempt to drown +himself, will he, if he doesn't find his young woman friend?" +inquired Mrs. Meade. + +"No," Dave answered without turning. "And we wouldn't allow him +to do so, either." + +Dave waited but a brief interval, this time. Then, as Midshipman +Gray did not reappear, he called: + +"Danby!" + +"Yes, sir," replied the enlisted man by the engine. + +"Hustle forward and rig a rope loop to the anchor cable. How +long is the anchor?" + +"About three feet, sir." + +"Then rig the loop two feet above the mudhook." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Hustle!" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Is Gray trying to stay under? Trying to drown himself as a sign +of his repentance?" whispered Wolgast in Dave's ear. But Darrin +shook his head. An instant later Gray shot up to the surface---alone! + +"Come aboard," ordered Dave Darrin, but he did not rely entirely +on coaxing. Snatching up a boat-hook he fastened it in Gray's +collar and drew that midshipman alongside, where many ready hands +stretched out and hauled him aboard. + +Two of the rescued young women were now sobbing almost hysterically. + +"If you won't let me stay in the water, won't some of the rest of +you do something?" demanded Midshipman Gray hoarsely. + +"We're going to," nodded Dave. "Danby!" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Let go the anchor." + +"Very good, sir." + +"Follow me, Dan," directed Dave. The anchor went overboard while +the two midshipmen were hustling forward. + +"I'm going down first, Danny," explained Dave. "Follow whenever +you may think you need to, but don't be in too big a hurry. Use +good judgment." + +"Trust me," nodded Dan hoarsely. + +With that Dave seized the visible part of the anchor cable and +went down, forcing himself toward the bottom by holding to the +cable. It was a difficult undertaking, as, after he had gone +part of the way, the buoyancy of the water fought against his +efforts to go lower. But Midshipman Darrin still gripped hard +at the cable, fighting foot by foot. His eyes open, at last he +sighted the loop near the anchor. With a powerful effort he reached +that loop, thrusting his left arm through it. The strain almost +threatened to break that arm, but Dave held grimly, desperately on. + +Now he looked about him. Fortunately there was no growth of seaweed +at this point, and he could see clearly for a distance of quite +a few yards around him. + +"Queer what can have become of the body!" thought Darrin. "But +then, the boat has drifted along slightly, and Miss Butler may +have sunk straight down. She may be lying or floating here just +out of my range of vision. I wish I could let go and strike out, +but I'd only shoot up to the surface after a little." + +Many a shadow in the deep water caused Darrin to start and peer +the harder, only to find that he had been deceived. + +At that depth the weight of the water pressed dangerously upon +his head and in his ears. Dave felt his senses leaving him. + +"I'd sooner die than give up easily!" groaned the young midshipman, +and he seemed about to have his wish. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE SEARCH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BAY + + +By the strongest effort of the will that he could make, Darrin +steadied himself and forced his eyes once more open. + +Drifting toward him, two feet above his head, was what looked like +another shadow. It came closer. + +At the first thought Darrin was inclined not to believe his senses. + +"I'll have to go up, after all, and let Dan have his chance. I'm +seeing things," Dave decided. + +For, though the object floating toward him had some of the semblance +of a skirt-clad figure, yet it looked all out of proportion---perhaps +twice the size of Pauline Butler. + +That was a trick of the scanty light coming through the water +at an angle---this coupled with Darrin's own fatigue of the eyes. + +Closer it came, and looked a bit smaller. + +"It is a girl---a woman---some human being!" throbbed Dave internally. + +Now, though his head seeming bursting, Dave hung on more tightly +than ever. The drift of the water was bringing the body slowly +nearer to him. He must hold on until he could let himself strike +upward, seizing that body in his progress. + +At last the moment arrived. Dave felt a hard tug at the cable, +but he did not at that instant realize that Dan Dalzell had just +started down from the steamer. + +Dave judged that the right instant had come. He let go of the +loop, and was shot upward. But, as he moved, his spread arms +caught hold of the floating figure. + +Up to within a few feet of the surface Darrin and his burden moved +easily. Then he found it necessary to kick out hard with his +feet. Thus he carried the burden clear, to the open air above, +though at a distance of some forty feet from the steamer. + +"There they are!" Farley's voice was heard calling, and there +was a splash. + +"Bully for you, old fellow! Hold her up, and I'm with you!" hailed +Midshipman Farley. + +In another moment Dave Darrin had been eased of his human burden, +and Farley was swimming to the steamer with the senseless form +of Pauline Butler. + +Darrin tried to swim, and was astounded at finding himself so +weak in the water. He floated, propelling himself feebly with +his hands, completely exhausted. + +Just at that moment nearly every eye was fixed on Farley and his +motionless burden, and many pairs of hands stretched out to receive +them. + +Yet the gaze of one alert pair of eyes was fixed on Darrin, out +there beyond. + +"Now, you'd better look after Dave," broke in the quiet, clear +voice of Belle Meade. "I think he needs help." + +Wolgast went over the side in an instant, grappling with Midshipman +Darrin and towing him to the side of the boat. + +"All in!" cried Midshipman Gray jubilantly. + +"Except Dan. Where's he?" muttered Dave weakly, as he sat on +one of the side seats. + +"I'll signal him," muttered Wolgast, and hastened forward to the +anchor cable. This he seized and shook clumsily several times. +The vibrated motion must have been imparted downward, for soon +Dan Dalzell's head came above water. + +"Everyone all right?" called Dan, as soon as he had gulped in +a mouthful of air. + +"O.K." nodded Wolgast. "Come alongside and let me haul you in." + +"You let me alone," muttered Dalzell, coming alongside and grasping +the rail. "Do you think a short cold bath makes me too weak to +attend to myself?" + +With that Dan drew himself aboard. Back in the cockpit Mrs. Meade +and some of the girls were in frenzied way doing their best to +revive Pauline Butler, who, at the present moment, showed no signs +of life. + +"Let me take charge of this reviving job. I've taken several +tin medals in first aid to the injured," proclaimed Farley modestly. + +In truth the midshipman had a decided knack for this sort of work. +He assailed it with vigor, making a heap of life preservers, +and over these placing Miss Butler, head downward. Then Farley +took vigorous charge of the work of "rolling" out the water that +Miss Butler must have taken into her system. + +"Get anchor up and start the steamer back to Annapolis at the +best speed possible," ordered Dave, long before he could talk +in a natural voice. + +Wolgast and Dan aided Danny in hoisting the anchor. Steam was +crowded on and the little craft cut a swift, straight path for +Annapolis. + +"Pauline is opening her eyes!" cried Farley, after twenty minutes +more of vigorous work in trying to restore the girl. + +The girl's eyes merely fluttered, though, as a slight sigh escaped +her. The eyelids fell again, and there was but a trace of motion +at the pulse. + +"We mustn't lose the poor child, now that we've succeeded in proving +a little life there," cried Mrs. Meade anxiously. + +"Now, that's what I call a reflection on the skill of Dr. Farley," +protested that midshipman in mock indignation. It was necessary, +at any amount of trouble, to keep these women folks on fair spirits +until Annapolis was reached. Then, perhaps, many of them would +faint. + +All of the dry jackets of midshipmen aboard had been thrown +protectingly around the girls who had been in the water. + +"Torpedo boat ahead, sir," reported the helmsman. + +"Give her the distress signal to lie to," directed Dave. + +The engine's whistle sent out the shrieking appeal over the waters. +The destroyer was seen to heave about and come slowly to meet +the steamer. + +Long before the two craft had come together Dave Darrin was standing, +holding to one of the awning stanchions, for he was not yet any too +strong. + +"Destroyer, ahoy!" he shouted as loudly as he could between his +hands. "Have you a surgeon aboard?" + +"Yes," came back the answer. + +"Let us board you, sir!" + +"What's-----" + +But Dave had turned to the helmsman with: + +"Steam up alongside. Lose no time." + +In a very short space of time the destroyer was reached and the +steamer ran alongside. The unconscious form of Miss Butler was +passed up over the side, followed by the other members of the +sailboat party. Mrs. Meade followed, in case she could be of +any assistance. + +"You may chaperon your party of young ladies in the steamer, Belle," +smiled Mrs. Meade from the deck of the destroyer. "I give you +express authority over them." + +Farley's and Wolgast's sweethearts laughed merrily at this. All +hands had again reached the point where laughter came again to +their lips without strong effort. Pauline Butler was safe under +the surgeon's hands, if anywhere. + +Then the destroyers pulled out again, hitting a fast clip for +Annapolis. + +"That's the original express boat; this is only a cattle-carrier," +muttered Dave, gazing after the fast destroyer. + +"Calling us cattle, are you?" demanded Belle. "As official chaperon +I must protest on behalf of the young ladies aboard." + +"A cattle boat often carries human passengers," Dave returned. +"I call this a cattle boat only because of our speed." + +"We don't need speed now," Belle answered. "Those who do are +on board the destroyer." + +By the time that the steamer reached her berth at the Academy +wall, and the young people had hastened ashore, they learned that +Pauline Butler had been removed to a hospital in Annapolis; that +she was very much alive, though still weak, and that in a day +or two she would again be all right. + +With a boatswain's mate in charge, another steamer was despatched +down the bay to recover and tow home the capsized sailboat. + +Examination week went through to its finish. By Saturday night +the first classmen knew who had passed. But two of the members +of the class had "bilged." Dave, Dan and all their close friends +in the class had passed and had no ordeal left at Annapolis save +to go through the display work of Graduation Week. + +"You still have your two years at sea, though, before you're sure +of your commission," sighed Belle, as they rested between dances +that Saturday night. + +"Any fellow who can live through four years at Annapolis can get +through the two years at sea and get his commission at last," +laughed Dave Darrin happily. "Have no fears, Belle, about my +being an ensign, if I have the good fortune to live two years +more." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +GRADUATION DAY---AT LAST + + +Graduation Week! + +Now came the time when the Naval Academy was given over to the +annual display of what could be accomplished in the training of +midshipmen. + +There were drills and parades galore, with sham battles in which +the sharp crack of rifle fire was punctured by the louder, steadier +booms of field artillery. There were gun-pointing contests aboard +the monitors and other practice craft. + +There were exhibitions of expert boat-handling, and less picturesque +performances at the machine shops and in the engine and dynamo +rooms. There were other drills and exhibitions---enough of them +to weary the reader, as they doubtless did weary the venerable +members of a Board of Visitors appointed by the President. + +On Wednesday night came the class german. Now our young first +classmen were in for another thrill---the pleasure of wearing +officers' uniforms for the first time. + +On graduation the midshipman is an officer of the Navy, though +a very humble one. The graduated midshipman's uniform is a more +imposing affair than the uniform of a midshipman who is still +merely a member of the brigade at the Naval Academy. + +On this Wednesday evening the new uniforms were of white, the +summer and tropical uniform of the Navy. These were donned by +first classmen only in honor of the class german, which the members +of the three lower classes do not attend. + +All the young Women attending were also attired wholly in white, +save for simple jewelry or coquettish ribbons. + +Dave Darrin, of course, escorted Belle Meade with all the pride +in the world. Most of the other midshipmen "dragged" young women +on this great evening. + +Dan Dalzell did not. He attended merely for the purpose of looking +on, save when he danced with Belle Meade. + +On the following evening, after another tiresome day spent in +boring the Board of Visitors, came the evening promenade, a solemnly +joyous and very dressy affair. + +Then came that memorable graduation morning, when so many dozens +of young midshipmen, since famous in the Navy, received their +diplomas. + +Early the young men turned out. + +"It seems queer to be turning out without arms, doesn't it?" grumbled +Dan Dalzell. + +But it is the rule for the graduating class to turn out without +arms on this one very grand morning. The band formed on the right +of line. Next to them marched to place the graduating class, +minus arms. Then the balance of the brigade under arms. + +When the word was given a drum or two sounded the step, and off +the brigade marched, slowly and solemnly. A cornet signal, followed +by a drum roll, and then the Naval Academy Band crashed into the +joyous march, consecrated to this occasion, "Ain't I glad I'm +out of the wilderness!" + +"Amen! Indeed I'm glad," Dave Darrin murmured devoutly under +his breath. "There has been many a time in the last four years +when I didn't expect to graduate. But now it's over. Nothing +can stop Dan or myself!" + +Crowds surrounded the entrance to the handsome, classic chapel, +though the more favored crowds had already passed inside and filled +the seats that are set apart for spectators. + +Inside filed the midshipmen, going to their seats in front. The +chaplain, in the hush that followed the seating, rose, came forward +and in a voice husky with emotion urged: + +"Friends, let us pray for the honor, success, glory and steadfast +manhood through life of the young men who are about to go forth +with their diplomas." + +Every head was bowed while the chaplain's petition ascended. + +When the prayer was over the superintendent, in full dress uniform, +stepped to the front of the rostrum and made a brief address. +Sailors are seldom long-winded talkers. The superintendent's +address, on this very formal occasion, lasted barely four minutes. +But what he said was full of earnest manhood and honest patriotism. + +Then the superintendent dropped to his chair. There were not +so very many dry eyes when the choir beautifully intoned: + +"God be with you till we meet again!" + +But now another figure appeared on the rostrum. Though few of +the young men had ever seen this new-comer, they knew him by instinct. +At a signal from an officer standing at the side of the chapel, +the members of the brigade broke forth into thunderous hurrahs. +For this man, now about to address them, was their direct chief. + +"Gentlemen and friends," announced the superintendent, "I take +the greatest pleasure that may come to any of us in introducing +our chief---the Secretary of the Navy." + +And now other officers appeared on the rostrum, bearing diplomas +and arranging them in order. + +The name of the man to graduate first in his class was called. +He went forward and received his diploma from the Secretary, +who said: + +"Mr. Ennerly, it is, indeed, a high honor to take first place +in such a class as yours!" + +Ennerly, flushed and proud, returned to his seat amid applause +from his comrades. + +And so there was a pleasant word for each midshipman as he went +forward. + +When the Secretary picked up the seventeenth diploma he called: + +"David Darrin!" + +Who was the most popular man in the brigade of midshipmen? The +midshipmen themselves now endeavored to answer the question by +the tremendous explosions of applause with which they embarrassed +Dave as he went forward. + +"Mr. Darrin," smiled the Secretary, "there are no words of mine +that can surpass the testimonial which you have just received +from your comrades. But I will add that we expect tremendous +things from you, sir, within the next few years. You have many +fine deeds and achievements to your credit here, sir. Within +the week you led in a truly gallant rescue human life down the +bay. Mr. Darrin, in handing you your well-earned diploma, I take +upon myself the liberty of congratulating your parents on their +son!" + +As Dave returned to his seat with his precious sheepskin the elder +Darrin, who was in the audience, took advantage of the renewed +noises of applause to clear his throat huskily several times. +Dave's mother honestly used her handkerchief to dry the tears of +pride that were in her eyes. + +Another especial burst of applause started when Daniel Dalzell, +twenty-first in his class, was called upon to go forward. + +"I didn't believe Danny Grin would ever get through," one first +classman confided behind his hand to another. "I expected that +the upper classmen would kill Danny Grin before he ever got over +being a fourth classman." + +But here was Dan coming back amid more applause, his graduation +number high enough to make it practically certain that he would +be a rear admiral one of these days when he had passed the middle +stage of life in the service. + +One by one the other diplomas were given out, each accompanied +by some kindly message from the Secretary of the Navy, which, +if remembered and observed, would be of great value to the graduate +at some time in the future. + +The graduating exercises did not last long. To devote too much +time to them would be to increase the tension. + +Later in the day the graduated midshipmen again appeared. They +were wearing their new coats now, several inches longer in the +tail, and denoting them as real officers in the Navy. A non-graduate +midshipman must salute one of these graduates whenever they meet. + +In their room, to be occupied but one night more, Dave and Dan +finished dressing in their new uniforms at the same moment. + +"Shake, Danny boy!" cried Dave Darrin, holding out his hand. +"How does it seem, at last, to know that you're really an officer +in the Navy?" + +"Great!" gulped Dalzell. "And I don't mind admitting that, during +the last four years, I've had my doubts many a time that this great +day would ever come for we. But get your cap's and let's hustle +outside." + +"Why this unseemly rush, Danny?" + +"I want to round up a lot of under classmen and make them tire +their arms out saluting me." + +"Your own arm will ache, too, then, Danny. You are obliged, as +of course you know, to return every salute." + +"Hang it, yes! There's a pebble in every pickle dish, isn't there?" + +"You're going to the graduation ball tonight, of course?" + +"Oh, surely," nodded Dalzell. "After working as I've worked for +four years for the privilege, I'd be a fool to miss it. But I'll +sneak away early, after I've done a friend's duty by you and Belle. +No girls for me until I'm a captain in the Navy!" + +The ball room was a scene of glory that night. Bright eyes shone +unwontedly, and many a heart fluttered. For Belle Meade was not +the only girl there who was betrothed to a midshipman. Any graduate +who chose might marry as soon as he pleased, but nearly all the +men of the class preferred to wait until they had put in their +two years at sea and had won their commissions as ensigns. + +"This must be a night of unalloyed pleasure to you," murmured +Belle, as she and her young officer sweetheart sat out one dance. +"You can look back over a grand four years of life here." + +"I don't know that I'd have the nerve to go through it all again," +Darrin answered her honestly. + +"You don't have to," Belle laughed happily. "You put in your +later boyhood here, and now your whole life of manhood is open +before you." + +"I'll make the best use of that manhood that is possible for me," +Dave replied solemnly. + +"You must have formed some wonderful friendships here." + +"I have." + +"And, I suppose," hesitated Belle, "a few unavoidable enmities." + +"I don't know about that," Dave replied promptly and with energy. +"I can't think of a fellow here that I wouldn't be ready and +glad to shake hands with. I hope---I trust---that all of the +fellows in the brigade feel the same way about me." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +There was one more formation yet---one more meal to be eaten under +good old Bancroft Hall. + +But right after breakfast the graduates, each one now in brand-new +cit. attire, began to depart in droves. + +Some went to the earliest train; others stopped at the hotels +and boarding houses in town to pick up relatives and friends with +whom the gladsome home journey was to be made. + +"I don't like you as well in cits.," declared Belle, surveying +Dave critically in the hotel parlor. + +"In the years to come," smiled Dave, "you'll see quite enough +of me in uniform." + +"I don't know about that," Belle declared, her honest soul shining +in her eyes. "Do you feel that you'll ever see enough of me?" + +"I know that I won't," Dave rejoined. "You have one great relief +in prospect," smiled Belle. "Whenever you do grow tired of me +you can seek orders to some ship on the other side of the world." + +"The fact that I can't be at home regularly," answered Midshipman +Darrin, "is going to be the one cloud on our happiness. Never +fear my seeking orders that take me from home---unless in war +time. Then, of course, every Naval officer must burn the wires +with messages begging for a fighting appointment." + +"I'm not afraid of your fighting record, if the need ever comes," +replied Belle proudly. "And, Dave, though my heart breaks, I'll +never show you a tear in my eyes if you're starting on a fighting +cruise." + +Mrs. Meade and Dave's parents now entered the room, and soon after +Danny Grin, who had gone in search of his own father and mother, +returned with them. + +"What are we going to do now?" asked Mr. Darrin. "I understand +that we have hours to wait for the next train." + +"We can't do much, sir," replied Dave. "Within another hour this +will be the deadest town in the United States." + +"I should think you young men would want to spend most of the +intervening time down at the Naval Academy, looking over the familiar +spots once more," suggested Mrs. Dalzell. + +"Then I'm afraid, mother, that you don't realize much of the way +that a midshipman feels. The Naval Academy is our alma mater, +and a beloved spot. Yet, after what I've been through there during +the last few years I don't want to see the Naval Academy again. +At least, not until I've won a solid step or two in the way of +promotion." + +"That's the feeling of all the graduates, I reckon," nodded Dave +Darrin. "For one, I know I don't want to go back there to-day." + +"Some day you will go back there, though," observed Danny Grin. + +"Why are you so sure?" Dave asked. + +"Well, you were always such a stickler for observing the rules +that the Navy Department will have to send you there for some +post or other. Probably you'll go back as a discipline officer." + +"I would have one advantage over you, then, wouldn't I?" laughed +Darrin. "If I had to rebuke a midshipman I could do it with a +more serious face than you could." + +"I can't help my face," sighed Danny Grin. + +"You see, Dave," Mr. Dalzell observed, with a smile, "Dan inherited +his face." + +"From his father's side of the family," promptly interposed Mrs. +Dalzell. + +Here Mr. Farley, also in cits., entered the parlor in his dignified +fashion. + +"Darry, and you, too, Danny Grin, some of the fellows are waiting +outside to see you. Will you step out a moment?" + +"Where are the fellows?" asked Dave unsuspectingly. + +"You'll find them on the steps outside the entrance." + +Dave started for the door. + +"You're wanted, too, Danny Grin, as I told you," Farley reminded +him. + +"I'll be the Navy goat, then. What's the answer?" inquired Midshipman +Dalzell. + +"Run along, like a good little boy, and your curiosity will soon +be gratified." + +Danny Grin looked as though he expected some joke, but he went +none the less. + +Dave, first to reach the entrance, stepped through into the open. +As he did so he saw at least seventy-five of his recent classmates +grouped outside. + +The instant they perceived their popular comrade the crowd of +graduates bellowed forth: + +"N N N N, +A A A A, +V V V V, +Y Y Y Y, +NAVY! +Darrin! +Darrin! +Darrin!" + +In another moment Danny Grin showed himself. Back in his face +was hurled the volley: + +"N N N N, +A A A A, +V V V V, +Y Y Y Y, +NAVY! +Grin! +Grin! +Grin!" + +"Eh?" muttered Danny, when the last line reached him. They were +unexpected. Then, as be faced the laughing eyes down in the street, +Dalzell justified his nickname by one of those broad smiles that +had made him famous at the Naval Academy. + +Dave Darrin waved his hand in thanks for the "Four-N" yell, the +surest sign of popularity, and vanished inside. When he returned +to the parlor be found that Farley had conducted his parents and +friends to one of the parlor windows, from which, behind drawn +blinds, they had watched the scene and heard the uproar without +making themselves visible. + +At noon the hotel dining room was overrun with midshipmen and +their friends, all awaiting the afternoon train. + +But at last the time came to leave Annapolis behind in earnest. +Extra cars had been put on to handle the throng, for the "train," +for the first few miles of the way, usually consists of but one +combination trolley car. + +"You're leaving the good old place behind," murmured Belle, as +the car started. + +"Never a graduate yet but was glad to leave Annapolis behind," +replied Dave. + +"It seems to me that you ought not to speak of the Naval Academy +in that tone." + +"You'd understand, Belle, if you had been through every bit of +the four-year grind, always with the uncertainty ahead of you +of being able to get through and grad." + +"Perhaps the strict discipline irked you, too," Miss Meade hinted. + +"The strict discipline will be part of the whole professional +life ahead of me," Darrin responded. "As to discipline, it's +even harder on some ships, where the old man is a stickler for +having things done just so." + +"The old man?" questioned Belle. + +"The 'old man' is the captain of a warship." + +"It doesn't sound respectful." + +"Yet it has always been the name given to the ship's captain, +and I don't suppose it will be changed in another hundred years. +How does it feel, Danny boy, going away for good?" + +"Am I really going away for good?" grinned Dalzell. "I thought +it was only a dream." + +"Well, here's Odenton. You'll be in Baltimore after another little +while, and then it will all seem more real." + +"Nothing but Gridley will look real to me on this trip," muttered +Dan. "Really, I'm growing sick for a good look at the old home +town." + +"I wish you could put in the whole summer at home, Dan," sighed +his mother. "But, of course, I know that you can't." + +"No, mother; I'll have time to walk up and down the home streets +two or three times, and then orders will come from the Navy Department +to report aboard the ship to which I'm to be assigned. Mother, +if you want to keep a boy at home you shouldn't allow him to go +to a place where he's taught that nothing on earth matters but +the Navy!" + +Later in the afternoon the train pulled in at Baltimore. It was +nearing dusk when the train pulled out of Philadelphia on its +way further north. + +Yet the passage of time and the speeding of country past the ear +windows was barely noticed by the Gridley delegation. There was +too much to talk about---too many plans to form for the next two +or three weeks of blissful leave before duty must commence again. + +Here we will take leave of our young midshipmen for the present, +though we shall encounter them again as they toil on upward through +their careers. + +We have watched Dave and Dan from their early teens. We met them +first in the pages of the _"Grammar School Boys' Series."_ We know +what we know of them back in the days when they attended the Central +Grammar School and studied under that veteran of teachers, "Old +Dut," as he was affectionately known. + +We saw them with the same chums, of Dick & Co., when that famous +sextette of schoolboys entered High School. We are wholly familiar +with their spirited course in the High School. We know how all +six of the youngsters of Dick & Co. made the name of Gridley famous +for clean and manly sports in general. + +Our readers will yet hear from Dave and Dan occasionally. They +appear in the pages of the _"Young Engineers' Series,"_ and also +in the volumes of the _"Boys of the Army Series."_ + +In this latter series our young friends will learn just how the +romance of Dave Darrin and Belle Meade developed; and they will +also come across the similar affair of Dick Prescott and Laura +Bentley. + +Dave and Dan had, as they had expected, but a brief stay in the +home town. + +Bright and early one morning a postman handed to each a long, +official envelope from the Navy Department. In each instance +the envelope contained their orders to report aboard one of the +Navy's biggest battleships. + +Our two midshipmen were fortunate in one respect. Both were ordered +to the same craft, their to finish their early Naval educations +in two years of practical work as officers at sea ere they could +reach the grade of ensign and step into the ward-room. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12775 *** diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..422f4fd --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #12775 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12775) diff --git a/old/12775.txt b/old/12775.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a5070b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12775.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7638 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis, by H. +Irving Hancock + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis + +Author: H. Irving Hancock + +Release Date: June 29, 2004 [eBook #12775] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT +ANNAPOLIS*** + + +E-text prepared by Jim Ludwig + + + +DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS + +Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise + +H. IRVING HANCOCK + + + + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTERS + I. Wanted---A Doughface! + II. Some One Pushes the Tungsten + III. Bad News from West Point + IV. Dave's Work Goes Stale + V. Dan Hands Himself Bad Money + VI. The "Forgot" Path to Trouble + VII. Dan's Eyes Jolt His Wits + VIII. The Prize Trip on the "Dodger" + IX. The Treachery of Morton + X. "We Belong to the Navy, Too!" + XI. A Quarter's Worth of Hope + XII. Ready to Trim West Point + XIII. When "Brace Up, Army!" was the Word + XIV. The Navy Goat Grins + XV. Dan Feels as "Sold" as He Looks + XVI. The Day of Many Doubts + XVII. Mr. Clairy Deals in Outrages +XVIII. The Whole Class Takes a Hand + XIX. Midshipman Darrin Has the Floor + XX. Dan Steers on the Rocks Again + XXI. In the Thick of Disaster + XXII. The Search at the Bottom of the Bay +XXIII. Graduation Day---At Last + XXIV. Conclusion + + + + +CHAPTER I + +WANTED---A DOUGHFACE! + + +"Now, then, Danny boy, we-----" + +First Classman Dave Darrin, midshipman at the United States Naval +Academy, did not finish what he was about to say. + +While speaking he had closed the door behind him and had stepped +into the quarters occupied jointly by himself and by Midshipman +Daniel Dalzell, also of the first or upper class. + +"Danny boy isn't here. Visiting, probably," mused Dave Darrin, +after having glanced into the alcove bedroom at his right hand. + +It was a Saturday night, early in October. The new academic year +at the Naval Academy was but a week old. There being no "hop" +that night the members of the brigade had their time to spend +as they pleased. Some of the young men would need the time sadly +to put in at their new studies. Dave, fortunately, did not feel +under any necessity to spend his leisure in grinding over text-books. + +Dave glanced at his study desk, though he barely saw the pile of +text-books neatly piled up there. + +"No letters to write tonight," he thought "I was going to loan +Danny boy one of my two new novels. No matter; if he'd rather visit +let him do so." + +In the short interval of recreation that had followed the evening +meal Dave had missed his home chum and roommate, but had thought +nothing of it. Nor was Dave now really disappointed over the +present prospect of having an hour or two by himself. He went +to a one-shelf book rack high overhead and pulled down one of +his two recent novels. + +"If I want Danny boy at any time I fancy I have only to step as +far as Page's room," mused Dave, as he seated himself by his desk. + +An hour slipped by without interruption. An occasional burst +of laughter floated down the corridor. At some distance away, +on the same deck of barracks in Bancroft Hall, a midshipman was +industriously twanging away on a banjo. Darrin, however, absorbed +in his novel, paid no heed to any of the signs of Saturday-night +jollity. He was a third of the way through an exciting tale when +there came a knock on the door---a moment later a head was thrust in. + +Midshipman Farley's head was thrust inside. + +"All alone, Darry?" called Mr. Farley. + +"Yes," Dave answered, laying his novel aside after having thrust +an envelope between pages to hold the place. "Come in, Farl." + +"Where's Dalzell?" inquired Farley, after having closed the door +behind him. + +"Until this moment I thought that he was in your room." + +"I haven't seen him all evening," Farley responded. "Page and I +have been yawning ourselves to death." + +"Danny boy is visiting some other crowd, then," guessed Darrin. +"He will probably be along soon. Did you want to see him about +anything in particular?" + +"Oh, no. I came here to escape being bored to death by Page, +and poor old Pagey has just fled to Wilson's room to escape being +bored by me. What are these Saturday evenings for, anyway, when +there's no way of spending them agreeably?" + +"For a good many of the men, who want to get through," smiled +Dave, "Saturday evening is a heaven-sent chance to do a little +more studying against a blue next week. As for Danny boy, I imagine +he must have carried his grin up to Wilson's room. Or, maybe, +to Jetson's. Danny has plenty of harbors where he's welcome to +cast his anchor." + +"May I sit down?" queried Mr. Farley. + +"Surely, Furl, and with my heartiest apologies for having been +too dull to push a chair toward you." + +"I can easily help myself," laughed the other midshipman, "since +there's only one other chair in the room." + +"What have you and Page been talking about tonight?" asked Dave. + +"Why do you want to know?" + +"So that I won't run the risk of boring you by talking oh the same +subject." + +"Well," confessed Midshipman Farley, "we've been talking about +this season's football." + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Darrin. "That's the only topic really worth +talking about." + +"Speaking of football," resumed Farley, "don't you believe that +we have a stronger eleven than we had last year!" + +"If we haven't we ought to walk the plank," retorted Dave. "You +remember how the Army walloped us last year?" + +"That was because the Army team had Prescott and Holmes on it," +rejoined Farley quickly. + +"Well, they'll have 'em this year, too, won't they? + +"So Prescott and Holmes are to be out for the Army this year!" + +"I haven't heard anything definite on that head," Dave answered. +"But I take it as a matter of course that Prescott and Holmes +will play once more with the Army. They're West Point men, and +they know their duty." + +"What wonders that pair are!" murmured Farley with reluctant admiration +for the star players of the United States Military Academy. "Yet, +after all, Darry, I can't for the life of me see where Prescott +and Holmes are in any way superior to yourself and Dan Dalzell." + +"Except," smiled Dave, "that Prescott and Holmes, last year, got +by us a good deal oftener than we got by them---and so the Army +lugged off the score from Franklin Field." + +"But you won't let 'em do it this year, Darry!" + +"Dan and I will do all we can to stop our oldtime chums, now of the +Army," agreed Dave. "But they're a hard pair to beat. Any one who +saw Prescott and Holmes play last year will agree that they're a +hard pair of nuts for the Navy to crack." + +"We've got to beat the Army this year," Farley protested plaintively. + +"I certainly hope we shall do so." + +"Darry, what is your candid opinion of Wolgast?" + +"As a man?" + +"You know better!" + +"As a midshipman?" + +"Darry, stop your nonsense! You know well enough that I'm asking +your opinion of Wolgast as captain of the Navy eleven." + +"He seems inclined to be fair and just to every member of the +squad, so what more can you ask of him." + +"But do you think he's any real good, Darry, as captain for the +Navy?" + +"I do." + +"We ought to have had you for captain of the team, Darry," insisted +Farley. + +"So two or three other fellows thought," admitted Dave. "But I +refused to take that post, as you know, and I'm glad I did." + +"Oh, come, now! + +"Yes; I'm glad I refused. A captain should be in mid-field. Now, +if Dalzell and I are any good at all on the gridiron-----" + +"Oh, Mr. Modesty!" + +"If we're of any use at all," pursued Darrin, "it's only on the +flank. Now, where would the Navy be with a captain directing from +the right or left flank." + +"Darry, you funker, you could play center as well as Wolgast does." + +"Farl, you're letting your prejudices spoil your eyesight." + +"Oh, I've no prejudice at all against Wolgast," Farley hastened +to rejoin. "Only I don't consider him our strongest man for captain. +Now, Wolgast-----" + +"Here!" called a laughing voice. The door had opened, after a +knock that Darrin had not noticed. + +"Talking about me?" inquired Midshipman Wolgast pleasantly, as +he stopped in the middle of the room. + +Midshipman Farley was nothing at all on the order of the backbiter. +Service in the Brigade of Midshipmen for three years had taught him +the virtue of direct truth. + +"Yes, Wolly," admitted Farley without embarrassment. "I was +criticizing your selection as captain of the eleven." + +"Nothing worse than that?" laughed First Classman Wolgast. + +"I was saying---no offense, Wolly---that I didn't consider you the +right man to head the Navy eleven." + +Midshipman Wolgast stepped over to Farley, holding out his right +hand. + +"Shake, Farl! I'm glad to find a man of brains on the eleven. +I know well enough that I'm not the right captain. But we couldn't +make Darry accept the post." + +Midshipman Wolgast appeared anything but hurt by the direct candor +with which he had been treated. He now threw one leg over the +corner of the study table, though he inquired: + +"Am I interrupting anything private?" + +"Not in the least," Dave assured him. + +"Am I intruding in any way?" + +"Not a bit of it," Darrin answered heartily "We're glad to have +you here with us." + +"Surely," nodded Farley. + +"Now, then, as to my well known unfitness to command the Navy +football team," continued First Classman Wolgast, "do either of +you see any faults in me that can be remedied?" + +"I can't," Dave answered. "I believe, Wolly, that you can lead +the team as well as any other man in the squad. On the whole, +I believe you can lead a little better than any other man could do." + +"No help from your quarter, then, Darry," sighed Midshipman Wolgast. +"Farl, help me out. Tell me some way in which I can improve +my fitness for the post of honor that has been thrust upon me. +I assure you I didn't seek it." + +"Wolgast, my objection to you has nothing personal in it," Farley +went on. "With me it is a case simply of believing that Darry +could lead us on the gridiron much better than you're likely to." + +"That I know," retorted Wolgast, with emphasis. "But what on +earth are we going to do with a fellow like Darrin? He simply +won't allow himself to be made captain. I'd resign this minute, +if we could have Darry for our captain." + +"You're going to do all right, Wolgast. I know you are," Dave +rejoined. + +"Then what's the trouble? Why don't I suit all hands?" demanded +the Navy's football captain. + +Darrin was silent for a few moments. The midshipmen visitors waited +patiently, knowing that, from this comrade, they could be sure of a +wholly candid reply. + +"Have you found the answer, Darry?" pressed Wolgast at last. + +"Yes," said Dave slowly; "I think I have. The reason, as I see +it, is that there are no decidedly star players on this year's +probable eleven. The men are all pretty nearly equal, which doesn't +give you a chance to tower head and shoulders above the other +players. Usually, in the years that I know anything of, it has +been the other way. There have been only two or three star players +in the squad, and the captain was usually one of the very best. +You're plenty good enough football man, Wolgast, but there are +so many other pretty good ones that you don't outshine the others +as much as captains of poorer teams have done in other years." + +"By Jupiter! Darry has hit it!" cried Farley, leaping from his +seat. "Wolly, you have the luck to command an eleven in which +most of the men are nearly, if not quite, as good as the captain. +You're not head and shoulders over the rest, and you don't +tower---that's all. Wolly, I apologize for my criticisms. Darry has +shown me the truth." + +"Then you look for a big slaughter list for us this year, Darry?" +Wolgast asked. + +"Yes; unless the other elevens that we're to play improve as much +as the Navy is going to do." + +At this moment Page and Jetson rapped and then entered. Ten minutes +later there were fully twenty midshipmen in the room, all talking +animatedly on the one subject at the United States Naval Academy in +October---football. + +So the time sped. Dave lost his chance to read his novel, but +he did not mind the loss. It was Jetson who, at last, discovered +the time. + +"Whew, fellows!" he muttered. "Only ten minutes to taps." + +That sent most of the midshipmen scuttling away. Page and Farley, +however, whose quarters were but a few doors away on the same +deck, remained. + +"Farl," murmured Darrin, "for the first time tonight I'm feeling a +bit worried." + +"Over Danny?" + +"The same." + +"What's up?" Page wanted to know. + +"Why, he hasn't been around all evening. Surely Dalzell would +be coming back by this time, unless-----" + +"Didn't he have leave to visit town?" demanded Midshipman Page. + +"Not that I've heard of," Dave Darrin answered quickly. "Nor +do I see how he could have done so. You see, Wednesday he received +some demerits, and with them went the loss of privileges for October." + +"Whew!" whistled Page. + +"What?" demanded Dave, his alarm increasing. + +"Why, not long after supper I saw Danny heading toward the wall on +the town side." + +"I have been afraid of that for the last two or three minutes," +exclaimed Dave Darrin, his uneasiness now showing very plainly. +"Dan didn't say a word to me about going anywhere, but-----" + +"You think, leave being impossible, Danny has Frenched it over +the wall?" demanded Farley. + +"That's just what I'm afraid of," returned Dave. + +"But why-----" + +"I don't know any reason." + +"Then-----" + +"Farl", broke in Dave hurriedly, almost fiercely, "has anyone a +doughface?" + +"Yes." + +"Who has it?" + +"I don't know." + +"Find it---on the jump!" + +"But-----" + +"There's no time for 'buts,'" retorted Darrin, pushing Farley +toward the door. "Find it!" + +"And I-----" added Page, springing toward the door. + +"You'll stay here," ordered Dave. + +Darrin was already headed toward his friend's alcove, where Dalzell's +cot lay. Page followed. + +"The dummy," explained Darrin briefly. + +Every midshipman at Annapolis, doubtless, is familiar with the +dummy. Not so many, probably, are familiar with the doughface, +which, at the time this is written, was a new importation. + +Swiftly Dave and Page worked. First they turned down the clothing, +after having hurriedly made up the cot. Now, from among the garments +hanging on the wall nearby the two midshipmen took down the garments +that normally lay under others. With these they rigged up a figure +not unlike that of a human being. At least, it looked so after +the bed clothes had been drawn up in place. + +Then, glancing at the time, Dave Darrin waited---breathless. + +Farley hastened into the room without losing time by knocking. +Under one arm he bore, half hidden, some roundish object, wrapped +in a towel. + +Without a word, but with a heart full of gratitude, Dave Darrin +snatched out from its wrapping the effigy of a male human head. +It was done in wax, with human hair on the head. + +Dave Darrin neatly fitted this at the top of the outlines of a figure +under the bed clothing. + +Under the full light the doughface looked ghostly. In a dimmer +light it would do very well. + +"Thank you a thousand times, fellows," trembled Dave Darrin. "Now +hustle to your own quarters before the first stroke of taps sounds." + +The two useful visitors were gone like a flash. Ere they had +quite closed the door, Dave Darrin was removing his own uniform +and hanging up trousers and blouse. Next off came the underclothing +and on went pajamas. + +Just then taps sounded. Out went the electric light, turned off +at the master switch. + +Dave Darrin dived under the bed clothes on his own cot and tried to +still the beating of his own heart. + +Two minutes later a brisk step sounded on the corridor of the "deck." + +Door after door was opened and closed. Then the door to Dave's +room swung open, and a discipline officer and a midshipman looked +into the room. + +"All in?" the midshipman called. + +A light snore from Dave Darrin's throat answered. In his left +hand the discipline officer carried an electric pocket light. +A pressure of a button would supply a beam of electric light +that would explore the bed of either midshipman supposed to be +in this room. + +But the officer saw Midshipman Darrin plainly enough, thanks to +beams of light from the corridor. Over in the opposite alcove +the discipline officer made out, more vaguely, the lay figure +and the doughface intended to represent Midshipman Dan Dalzell. + +"Both in. Darrin and Dalzell never give us any trouble, at any +rate," thought the discipline officer to himself, then closed the +door, and his footsteps sounded further down the corridor. + +"Oh, Danny boy, I wish I had you here right at this minute!" muttered +Dave Darrin vengefully. "Maybe I wouldn't whang your head off +for the fright that you've given me! I'll wager half of my hairs +have turned gray in the last minute!" + +However, Midshipman Dan Dalzell was not there, as Darrin knew +to his own consternation. Dave did not go to sleep. Well enough +he knew that he was on duty indefinitely through the hours until +Dan should return. If Midshipman Darrin fell into a doze this +night he would be as bad as any sentry falling asleep on any other +post. + +So Darrin lay there and fidgeted. Twenty times he tried to solve, +in his own mind, the riddle of why Dalzell should be away, and where +he was. But it was a hopeless puzzle. + +"Of course, Danny didn't hint that he was going to French it tonight," +thought Dave bitterly. "Good reason why, too! He knew that, +if I got wind of his intention, I'd thrash him sooner than let +him take such a chance. Oh, Dan! Dan, you idiot! To take such +a fool chance in your last year here, when detection probably +means your being dropped from brigade, and your career ended!" + +For Dave Darrin knew the way of discipline officers too well to +imagine that that one brief inspection of the room was positively +all the look-in that would be offered that night. Some discipline +officers have a way of looking in often during the night. Being +themselves graduates of the Naval Academy, officers are sure to +know that the inspection immediately after taps does not always +suffice. Midshipmen have been known to be in bed at taps, and +visiting in quarters of other midshipmen ten minutes later. True, +the electric light in rooms is turned off at taps---but midshipmen +have been known to keep candles hidden, and to be experts in clouding +doors and windows so that no ray of light gets through into a +corridor after taps. + +Just how often discipline officers were accustomed to look in +through the night, Dave Darrin did not know from his own knowledge. +Usually, at the times of such extra visits, Darrin was too blissfully +asleep. + +Tonight, however, despite the darkness of the room at present, Dave +lay wide awake. No sleep for him before daylight---perhaps not +then---unless Dan turned up in the meantime. + +After an interval that seemed several nights long, the dull old +bell of the clock over on academic Hall began tolling. Dave listened +and counted. He gave an almost incredulous snort when the total +stopped at eleven. + +Then another long period of waiting. Darrin did not grow drowsy. +On the contrary, he became more wide awake. In fact, he began +to imagine that he was becoming possessed of the vision of the +cat. Dark as it was in the room, Dave began to feel certain that +he could distinguish plainly the ghostly figure of the saving +doughface in the alcove opposite. + +Twelve o'clock struck. Then more waiting. It was not so very +long, this time, however, before there came a faint tapping at the +window. + +Dave Darrin was out of bed as though he had been shot out. Like a +flash he was at the window, peering out. Where, after all, was the +cat's vision of which he had thought himself possessed? Some one +was outside the window. Dave thought he recognized the Naval +uniform, but he could not see a line of the face. + +Tap-tap-tap! sounded softly. Dave threw the window up stealthily. + +"You, Dan?" he whispered. + +"Of course," came the soft answer. "Stand aside. Let me in---on +the double-quick!" + +Dave pushed the window up the balance of the way, then stepped +aside. Dan Dalzell landed on his feet in the room, cat-like, +from the terrace without. Then Dave, without loss of an instant, +closed the window and wheeled about in the darkness. + +"Hustle!" commanded Dave. + +"What about?" + +"Get off your uniform! Get into pajamas. Then I'll-----" + +Dave's jaws snapped together resolutely. He did not finish, just +then, for he knew that Midshipman Dalzell could be very stubborn +at times. + +"I'll have a light in a jiffy," whispered Dan "I brought back +a candle with me." + +"You won't use it---not in here," retorted Dave. "The dark is light +enough for you. Hustle into your pajamas." + +Perhaps Midshipman Dalzell did not make all the speed that his +roommate desired, but at last Dan was safely rid of his uniform, +underclothing and shoes, and stood arrayed in pajamas. + +"Now, I'll hide this doughface over night," whispered Darrin, +going toward Dalzell's bed. "At the same time you get the articles +of your equipment out from under your bed clothes and hang them +up where they belong." + +"I'll have to light the candle for that," muttered Dan. + +"If you do, I'll blow it out. There's a regulation against running +lights in the rooms after taps." + +"Do you worship the little blue-covered volume of regulations, Dave?" +Dan demanded with a laugh. + +"No; but I don't propose to take any chances in my last year here. +I don't intend to lose my commission in the Navy just because I can't +control myself." + +Dan sniffed, but he silently got his parts of uniform out from +between the sheets and hung up the articles where they belonged, +in this going by the sense of feeling. + +Then, all in the dark as they were, Midshipman Dave Darrin seized +his chum and roommate by the shoulders. + +"Danny boy," he commanded firmly, "come over with an account of +yourself! Why this mad prank tonight---and what was it?" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +SOME ONE PUSHES THE TUNGSTEN + + +You don't have to know every blessed thing that I do, do you?" +demanded Dan Dalzell, in an almost offended tone. + +"No; and I have no right to know anything that you don't tell me +willingly. Are you ready to give me any explanation of tonight's +foolishness? + +"Seeing that you kept awake for me, and were on hand to let me in, +I suppose I'll have to," grumbled Dan. + +"Well, then? + +"Dave, for the first time tonight, I struck my flag." + +"Struck to whom?" + +"Oh---a girl, of course," grunted Dan. + +"You? A girl?" repeated Dave in amazement. + +"Yes; is it any crime for me to get acquainted with a girl, and +to call on her at her home?" + +"Certainly not. But, Dan, I didn't believe that you ever felt +a single flutter of the pulse when girls were around. I thought +you were going to grow up into a cheerful, happy old bachelor." + +"So did I," sighed Dan. + +"And now you've gone and met your fate?" + +"I'm not so sure about that," Dalzell retorted moodily. + +"Do you mean that you don't stand any real show in front of the pair +of bright eyes that have made you strike your colors?" + +"I'm afraid I don't." + +"Dan, is the game worth the candle," argued Darrin. + +"You're mightily interested in Belle Meade, aren't you?" + +"Yes; but that's different, Danny boy." + +"How is it different, I'd like to know?" + +"Well, in the first place, there's no guesswork in my case. Belle +and I are engaged, and we feel perfectly sure each of the other. +I'm so sure of Belle that I dream about her only in my leisure +moments. I don't ever let her face come between myself and the +pages of a textbook. I am here at the Naval Academy working for +a future that Belle is to share with me when the time comes, and +so, in justice to her, I don't let the thought of her get between +myself and the duties that will lead to the career she is to share +with me." + +"Humph!" commented Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Above all, Dan, I've never Frenched it over the wall. I don't take +any disciplinary chances that can possibly shut me off from the +career that Belle and I have planned. Belle Meade, Danny boy, would +be the first to scold me if she knew that I had Frenched it over the +wall in order to meet her." + +"Well, Miss Preston doesn't know but what I had regular leave +tonight," Danny replied. + +"Miss Preston?" repeated Dave his interest taking a new tack. +"I don't believe I know her." + +"I guess you don't," Dan replied. "She's new in Annapolis. Visiting +her uncle and aunt, you know. And her mother's with her." + +"Are your intentions serious in this, Danny?" Darrin went on. + +"Blessed if I know," Dalzell answered candidly. "She's a mighty +fine girl, is May Preston. I don't suppose I'll ever be lucky +enough to win the regard of such a really fine girl." + +"Then you aren't engaged?" + +"Hang it, man! This evening is only the second time that I've +met Miss Preston." + +"And you've risked your commission to meet a girl for the second +time?" Dave demanded almost unbelievingly. + +"I haven't risked it much," Dan answered. "I'm in safe, now, and +ready to face any discipline officer." + +"But wouldn't this matter wait until November, when you're pretty +sure to have the privilege of town leave again?" pressed Midshipman +Darrin. + +"By November a girl like Miss Preston might be married to some one +else," retorted Dan Dalzell. + +"It was a fool risk to take, Dan!" + +"If you look at it that way." + +"Will you promise me not to take the risk again, Danny boy?" + +"No." + +"It's a serious affair, then, so far as you are concerned," grinned +Dave, though in the dark Dan could not see his face. "For your sake, +Danny, I hope Miss Preston is as much interested in you as you +certainly are in her." + +"Are you going to lecture me?" + +"Not tonight, Dan." + +"Then I'm going to get in between sheets. It's chilly here in +the room." + +"Duck!" whispered Dave with sudden energy. + +Footsteps could be heard coming down the corridor. It was a noise +like a discipline officer. + +Three doors above that of the room occupied by our midshipman friends +were opened, one after the other. Then a hand rested on the knob of +the door to Dave and Dan's room. The door was opened, and the rays +of a pocket electric light flashed into the room. + +Dan lay on one side, an arm thrown out of bed, his breathing regular +but a trifle loud. Dave Darrin had again found recourse to a snore. + +In an instant the door closed. Any discipline officer ought to +be satisfied with what this one had seen. + +"Safe!" chuckled Dalzell. + +"An awfully close squeak," whispered Dave across the intervening +room. + +"What if he had started his rounds ten minutes earlier?" + +"He didn't, though," replied Dan contentedly. + +Now another set of footsteps passed hurriedly along the "deck" outside. + +"What's that?" questioned a voice sharply. "You say that you saw +some one entering a room from the upper end of the terrace?" + +"Oh, by George," groaned Dan Dalzell, now beginning to shiver +in earnest. "Some meddling marine sentry has gone and whispered +tales." + +"Keep a stiff upper lip," Dave whispered hoarsely, encouragingly. +"If the officer returns don't give yourself away by your shaking." + +"But if he asks me?" + +"If you're asked a direct question," sighed Dave mournfully, "you'll +have to give a truthful answer." + +"And take my medicine!" + +"Of course." + +That annoying discipline officer was now on his way back, opening +doors once more. Moreover, the two very wide-awake midshipmen +could hear him asking questions in the rooms further along the +"deck." + +"He's questioning each man," whispered Dave. + +"Of course," nodded Dan gloomily. + +"It'll be our turn soon." + +"D-D-Dave!" + +"What?" + +"I---I'm feeling ill---or I'm going to." + +"Don't have cold feet, old fellow. Take your dose like a man---if +you have to." + +"D-Dave, I wonder if I couldn't have a real sickness? Couldn't +it be something so you'll have to jump up and help me to hospital? +Couldn't I have---a---a fit?" + +"A midshipman subject to fits would be ordered before a medical +board, and then dropped from the brigade," Dave replied thoughtfully. +"No; that wouldn't do." + +That meddling discipline officer was getting closer and closer. +Dave and Dan could hear him asking questions in each room that +he visited. And there are no "white lies" possible to a midshipman. +When questioned he must answer truthfully. If the officers over +him catch him in a lie they will bring him up before a court-martial, +and his dismissal from the service will follow. If the officers +don't catch him in a lie, but his brother midshipmen do, they +won't report him, but they'll ostracize him and force him to resign. +A youngster with the untruthful habit can find no happiness at the +Naval Academy. + +"He---he's in the next room now," whispered Dan across the few +feet of space. + +"Yes," returned Dave Darrin despairingly, "and I can't think of +a single, blessed way of getting you out of the scrape." + +"Woof!" sputtered Midshipman Dan Dalzell, which was a brief way +of saying, "Here he comes, now, for our door." + +Then a hand rested on the knob and the door swung open. Lieutenant +Adams, U.S.N., entered the room. + +"Mr. Darrin, are you awake?" boomed the discipline officer. + +Dave stirred in bed, rolled over so that he could see the lieutenant, +and then replied: + +"Yes, sir." + +"Rise, Mr. Darrin, and come to attention." + +Dave got out of bed, but purposely stumbled in doing so. This +might give the impression that he had been actually awakened. + +"Mr. Darrin," demanded Lieutenant Adams, "have you been absent from +this room tonight?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"After taps was sounded?" + +"No, sir." + +"You are fully aware of what you have answered?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Very good." + +That was all. A midshipman's word must be taken, for he is a +gentleman---that is to say, a man of honor. + +"Mr. Dalzell!" + +Poor Dan stirred uneasily. + +"Mr. Dalzell!" This time the Naval officer's voice was sharper. + +Dan acted as though he were waking with difficulty. He had no +intention, in the face of a direct question, of denying that he +had been absent without leave. But he moved thus slowly, hoping +desperately that the few seconds of time thus rained would be +sufficient to bring to him some inspiration that might save him. + +"Mr Dalzell, come to attention!" + +Dan stood up, the personification of drowsiness, saluted, then +let his right hand fall at his side and stood blinking, bracing +for them correct military attitude. + +"It's too bad to disturb the boy!" thought Lieutenant Adams. +"Surely, this young man hasn't been anywhere but in bed since taps." + +None the less the Naval officer, as a part of his duty, put the +question: + +"Mr. Dalzell, have you, since taps, been out of this room? Did +you return, let us say, by the route of the open window from the +terrace?" + +Midshipman Dalzell stiffened. He didn't intend to betray his own +honor by denying, yet he hated to let out the admission that would +damage him so much. + +Bang! It was an explosion like a crashing pistol shot, and it +sounded from the corridor outside. + +There could be no such thing as an assault at arms in guarded +Bancroft Hall. The first thought that flashed, excitedly, through +Lieutenant Adams's mind was that perhaps the real delinquent guilty +of the night's escapade had just shot himself. It was a wild +guess, but a pistol shot sometimes starts a wilder guess. + +Out into the corridor darted Lieutenant Adams. He did not immediately +return to the room, so Dave Darrin, with rare and desperate presence +of mind, closed the door. + +"Get back into the meadow grass, Danny boy," Darrin whispered, +giving his friend's arm a hard grip. "If the 'loot'nant' comes +back, get up fearfully drowsy when he orders you. Gape and look +too stupid to apologize!" + +Lieutenant Adams, however, had other matters to occupy his attention. +There was a genuine puzzle for him in the corridor. Just out, +side the door of Midshipmen Farley and Page there lay on the floor +tiny glass fragments of what had been an efficient sixty-candle-power +tungsten electric bulb. It was one of the lights that illuminated +the corridor. + +Now one of these tungsten bulbs, when struck smartly, explodes +with a report like that of a pistol. + +At this hour of the night, however, there were none passing save +Naval officers on duty. None other than the lieutenant himself +had lately passed in the corridor. How, then, had this electric +light bulb been shattered and made to give forth the sound of the +explosion? + +"It wouldn't go up with a noise like that," murmured the lieutenant +to himself. "These tungsten lights don't explode like that, except +when rapped in some way. They don't blow up, when left alone. +At least, that is what I have always understood." + +So the puzzle waxed and grew, and Lieutenant Adams found it too big +to solve alone. + +"At any rate, I've questioned all the young gentlemen about the +window episode, and they all deny knowledge of it," Lieutenant +Adams told himself. "So I'll just report that fact to the O.C., +and at the same time I'll tell him of the blowing up of this tungsten +light." + +Two minutes later Lieutenant Adams stood in the presence of +Lieutenant-Commander Henderson, the officer in charge. + +"So you questioned all of the midshipmen who might, by any chance, +have entered by a window?" asked the O.C. + +"Yes, sir." + +"And they all denied it?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Did you see signs of any sort to lead you to believe that any of +the midshipmen might have answered in other than the strict truth?" +continued the O.C. + +"No, sir," replied Lieutenant Adams, and flushed slightly, as he +went on: "Of course, sir, I believe it quite impossible for a +midshipman to tell an untruth." + +"The sentiment does you credit, Lieutenant," smiled the O.C. +Then he fell to questioning the younger discipline officer as +to the names of the midshipmen whom he had questioned. Finally +the O.C. came to the two names in which the reader is most interested. + +"Darrin denied having been out after taps?" questioned Lieutenant-Commander +Henderson. + +"He did, sir." + +"Did Mr. Dalzell also deny having been out of quarters after taps?" + +"He did, sir." + +Lieutenant Adams answered unhesitatingly and unblushingly. In +fact, Lieutenant Adams would have bitten off the tip of his tongue +sooner than have lied intentionally. So firmly convinced had +Adams been that Dan was about to make a denial that now, with +the incident broken in two by the report of the tungsten bulb, +Lieutenant Adams really believed that had so denied. But Dan +had not, and had Dave Darrin been called as a witness he would +been compelled to testify that Dan did not deny being out. + +The explosion of the tungsten bulb was too great a puzzle for +either officer to solve. A man was sent with a new bulb, and +so that part of the affair became almost at once forgotten. + +Dan finally fell into a genuine sleep, and so did Dave Darrin. +In the morning Dave sought out Midshipman Farley to inquire to whom +the doughface should be returned. + +"Give it over to me and I'll take care of it," Farley replied. +"Say, did you hear a tungsten bulb blow up in the night!" + +"Did It" echoed Darrin devoutly. Then a sudden suspicion crossed +his mind. + +"Say, how did that happen, Farl?" demanded Dave. + +"If anyone should ask you-----" began the other midshipman. + +"Yes-----?" pressed Darrin. + +"Tell 'em---that you don't know," finished Farley tantalizingly, +and vanished. + +It was not until long after that Darrin found out the explanation +of the accident to the tungsten bulb. Farley, during Dan's absence, +had been almost as much disturbed as had Dave. So Mr. Farley +was wide awake. When he heard Lieutenant Adams receive the message +in the corridor Farley began to wonder what he could do. Presently +he was made to rise, with Page, stand at attention, and answer +the questions of the discipline officer. + +Soon after Dave and Dan were called up, Farley, listening with +his door ajar half an inch, slipped out and hit the tungsten +burner a smart rap just in the nick of time to save Dan Dalzell's +Navy uniform to that young man. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +BAD NEWS FROM WEST POINT + + +Bump! The ball, hit squarely by the toe of Wolgast's football +shoe, soared upward from the twenty-five-yard line. It described +an arc, flying neatly over and between the goal-posts at one end +of the athletic field. + +"That's the third one for you, Wolly," murmured Jetson. "You're +going to be a star kicker!" + +"Shall I try out the rest of the squad, sir?" asked Wolgast, turning +to Lieutenant-Commander Parker, this year's new coach. + +"Try out a dozen or so of the men," nodded coach, which meant, +in effect: "Try out men who are most likely to remain on the Navy +team." + +"Jetson!" called Wolgast. + +Jet tried, but it took his third effort to make a successful kick. + +"You see, Wolly, who is not to be trusted to make the kick in a +game," remarked Jetson with a rueful smile. + +"It shows me who may need practice more than some of the others---that's +all," answered Wolgast kindly. + +With that the ball went to Dave. The first kick he missed. + +"I can do better than that, if you'll give me the chance," observed +Darrin quietly. + +At a nod from Coach Parker, Dave was allowed five more trials, in +each one of which he made a fair kick. + +"Mr. Darrin is all right. He won't need to practice that very +often, Mr. Wolgast," called coach. + +Then Dan had his try. He made one out of three. + +"No matter, Danny Grin," cried Page solacingly, "we love you for +other things that you can do better on the field." + +Farley made two out of three. Page, though a rattling good man +over on the right flank, missed all three kicks. + +"I'm a dub at kicking," he growled, retiring in much disgust with +himself. + +Other midshipmen had their try, with varying results. + +"Rustlers, forward!" shouted Lieutenant-Commander Parker. + +Eleven young fellows who had been waiting with more or less patience +now threw aside their blankets or robes and came running across +the field, their eyes dancing with keen delight. + +"Mr. Wolgast, let the Rustlers start the ball---and take it +away from 'em in snappy fashion!" admonished coach. + +The game started. In the second team at Annapolis there were +some unusually good players---half a dozen, at least, who were +destined to win a good deal of praise as subs. that year. + +Tr-r-r-r-ill! sounded the whistle, and the ball was in motion. + +Yet, try as he did, the captain of the Rustlers made a side kick, +driving the ball not far out of Dave Darrin's way. It was coming, +now, in Dan's path, but Dalzell muttered in a barely audible undertone: + +"You, Davy!" + +So Darrin, playing left end on the Navy team, darted in and caught +the ball. He did not even glance sideways to learn where Dan +was. He knew that Dalzell would be either at his back or right +elbow as occasion demanded. + +"Take it away from Darry!" called Pierson, captain of the Rustlers. +"Block him!" + +The scores of spectators lining the sides of the field were watching +with keenest interest. + +It was rumored that Dave and Dan had some new trick play hidden up +their sleeves. + +Yet, with two men squarely in the path of Darrin it seemed incredible +that he could get by, for the Rustlers had bunched their interference +skillfully at this point. + +"Darry will have to stop!" yelled a score of voices at once, as +Dave bounded at his waiting opponents. + +"Yah, yah, yah!" + +"Wow!" + +"Whoop!" + +The spectators had been treated to a sight that they never forgot. + +Just as Dave reached those who blocked him he seemed to falter. +It was Dan Dalzell who bumped in and received the opposition alone. +Dan went down under it, all glory to him! + +But Dave, in drawing back as he had done, had stepped aside like +lightning, and now he had gone so far that he had no opposing end +to dodge. + +Instead, he darted straight ahead, leaving all of the forward +line of the Rustlers behind. + +But there was the back field to meet! + +As Dave shot forward, Jetson, too, smashed over the line, blocking +the halfback who got in his way. + +Straight over the line charged Dave Darrin, and laid the ball down. + +Now the athletic field resounded with excited yells. Annapolis +had seen "a new one," and it caught the popular fancy like lightning. + +Back the pigskin was carried, and placed for the kick. + +"You take it, Darry," called Wolgast. "You've earned it!" + +"Take it yourself, Wolly," replied Dave Darrin. "This is your +strong point." + +So Wolgast kicked and scored. The Rustlers at first looked dismayed +over it all, but in another instant a cheer had broken loose from +them. + +It was the business of the Rustlers to harry the Navy team all they +could---to beat the Navy, if possible, for the Rustlers received +their name from the fact that they were expected to make the team +members rustle to keep their places. + +Just the same the Rustlers were delighted to find themselves beaten +by a trick so simple and splendid that it fairly took their breath +away. For it was the Navy team, not the Rustlers, who met the enemy +from the colleges and from West Point. Rustlers and team men alike +prayed for the triumph of the Navy in every game that was fought out. + +"You never told me that you had that trick, Darry," muttered Wolgast, +in the rest that followed this swift, brilliant play. + +"I wanted to show it to you before telling you about it" laughed +Dave. + +"Why?" + +"Because I didn't know whether it were any good." + +"Any good? Why, Darry, if you can get up one or two more like +that you'll be the greatest gridiron tactician that the Navy has +ever had!" + +"I didn't get up that one," Dave confessed modestly. + +"You didn't, Mr. Darrin?" interposed Coach Parker. "Who did?" + +"Mr. Jetson, sir." + +"I helped a bit," admitted Jetson, turning red as he found himself +the center of admiring gazes. "Dalzell and Darrin helped work it +out, too." + +"Have you any more like that one, Mr. Darrin?" questioned Coach +Parker. + +"I think we have a few, sir," Dave smiled steadily. + +"Are you ready to exhibit them, Mr. Darrin?" + +"We'll show 'em all, if you order it, sir," Darrin answered +respectfully. "But we'll undoubtedly spring two or three of 'em, +anyway, in this afternoon's practice." + +"I'll be patient, then," nodded coach. "But I want a brief talk +with you after practice, Mr. Darrin." + +"Very good, sir." + +"I just want you to sketch out the new plays to me in private, that +I may consider them," explained the lieutenant-commander. + +"Yes, sir. But I am not really the originator of any of the new +plays. Mr. Dalzell and Mr. Jetson have had as much to do with +all of the new ones as I have, sir." + +"And this is Darrin's last year! The Navy will never have his +like again," groaned one fourth classman to another. + +"Ready to resume play!" called coach. "Navy to start the ball." + +The play was on again, in earnest, but this time it fell to the +right flank of, the Navy team to stop the onward rush of the Rustlers +as they charged down with the ball after the Navy's kick-off. + +In fact, not during the team practice did Dave or Dan get a chance +to show another of their new tricks. + +"Just our luck!" grunted many of the spectators. + +Meanwhile Dave, Dan and Jet got out of their togs, and through with +their shower baths as quickly as they could, for Lieutenant-Commander +Parker was on hand, awaiting them impatiently. + +Until close to supper call did the coach hold converse with these +three men of the Navy's left flank. Then the lieutenant-commander +went to Midshipman Wolgast, who was waiting. + +"Mr. Wolgast, I see the Army's banner trailed low in the dust +this year," laughed coach. "These young gentlemen have been explaining +to me some new plays that will cause wailing and gnashing of teeth +at West Point." + +"I'm afraid, sir, that you forget one thing," smiled Darrin. + +"What is that, sir?" demanded coach. + +"Why, sir, the Army has Prescott and Holmes, beyond a doubt, for +they played last year." + +"I saw Prescott and Holmes last year," nodded Mr. Parker. "But +they didn't have a thing to compare with what you've just been +explaining to me." + +"May I remark, sir, that that was last year?" suggested Dave. + +"Then you think that Prescott and Holmes may have developed some +new plays." + +"I'd be amazed, sir, if they hadn't done so. And I've tried to +have the Navy always bear in mind, sir, that Dalzell and myself +learned everything we know of football under Dick Prescott, who, +for his weight, I believe to be the best football player in the +United States!" + +"You're not going to get cold feet, are you, Mr. Darrin?" laughed +Lieutenant-Commander Parker. + +"No, sir; but, on the other hand, I don't want to underestimate +the enemy." + +"You don't seem likely to commit that fault, Mr. Darrin. For +my part," went on coach, "I'm going to feel rather satisfied that +Prescott and Holmes, of the Army, won't be able to get up anything +that will equal or block the new plays you've been describing +to me." + +Dave and Dan were more than usually excited as they lingered in +their room, awaiting the call to supper formation. Farley and +Page, all ready to respond to the call, were also in the room. + +"I hope old Dick and Greg haven't got anything new that will stop +us!" glowed Dan Dalzell. + +"It's just barely possible, of course," assented Darrin, "that +they haven't." + +"If they haven't," chuckled Farley gleefully, "then we scuttle +the Army this year." + +"Wouldn't it be truly great," laughed Page, "to see the great +Prescott go down in the dust of defeat. Ha, ha! I can picture, +right now, the look of amazement on his Army face!" + +"We mustn't laugh too soon," Dave warned his hearers. + +"Don't you want to see the redoubtable Prescott shoved into the +middle of next year?" challenged Midshipman Page. + +"Oh, yes; of course. Yet that's not because he's Prescott, for +good old Dick is one of the most precious friends I have in the +world," Dave answered earnestly. "I want to see Prescott beaten +this year, and I want to have a hand in doing it---simply for +the greater glory of the Navy!" + +"Well," grunted Page, "that's good enough for me." + +"We'll trail Soldier Prescott in the dust!" was a gleeful boast +that circulated much through the Naval Academy during the few +succeeding days. + +Even Dave became infected with it, for he was a loyal Navy man +to the very core. He began to think much of every trick of play +that could possibly help to retire Dick Prescott to the +background---all for the fame of the Navy and not for the hurt of +his friend. + +Dave even dreamed of it at night. + +As for Dalzell, he caught the infection, proclaiming: + +"We're out, this year, just to beat old Prescott and Holmes!" + +Yet readers of the High School Boys' Series, who know the deep +friendship that had existed, and always would, between Prescott +and Holmes on the one side, and Darrin and Dalzell, on the other, +do not need to be told that this frenzied feeling had in it nothing +personal. + +"If you two go on," laughed Midshipman Farley, one evening after +release, "you'll both end up with hating your old-time chums." + +"Don't you believe it!" retorted Dave Darrin almost sharply. +"This is just a matter between the two service academies. What +we want is to show the country that the Navy can put up an eleven +that can walk all around the Army on Franklin Field." + +"A lot the country cares about what we do!" laughed Page. + +"True," admitted Dare. "A good many people do seem to forget +that there are any such American institutions as the Military +and the Naval Academies. Yet there are thousands of Americans +who are patriotic enough to be keenly interested in all that we do." + +"This is going to be a bad year for Army friends," chuckled Farley. + +"And for the feelings of Cadets Prescott and Holmes," added Page +with a grimace. + +As the practice went on the spirits of the Navy folks went up to +fever heat. It was plain that, this year, the Navy eleven was to +make history in the world of sports. + +"Poor old Dick!" sighed Darrin one day, as the members of the +squad were togging to go on to the field. + +"Why?" Dan demanded. + +"Because, in spite of myself, I find that I am making a personal +matter of the whole business. Dan, I'm obliged to be candid with +myself. It has come to the point that it is Prescott and Holmes +that I want to beat!" + +"Same case here," Dan admitted readily. "They gave us a trouncing +last year, and we're bound to pass it back to 'em." + +"I believe I'd really lose all interest in the game, if Dick and +Greg didn't play on the Army this year." + +"I think I'd feel the same way about it," agreed Dan. "But never +fear---they will play." + +Two days later Dan finished his bath and dressing, after football +practice, to find that Dave had already left ahead of him. Dan +followed to their quarters in Bancroft Hall, to find Dave pacing +the floor, the picture of despair. + +"Dan!" cried Darrin sharply. "This letter is from Dick. He doesn't +play this year!" + +"Don't tell me anything funny, like that, when I've got a cracked +lip," remonstrated Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Dick doesn't play, I tell you---which means that Greg won't, +either. A lot of boobs at the Military Academy have sent Dick +to Coventry for something that he didn't do. Dan, I don't care +a hang about playing this year---we can't beat Prescott and Holmes, +for they won't be there!" + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +DAVE'S WORK GOES STALE + + +"Aye, you're not---not joking?" demanded Dan Dalzell half piteously. + +"Do you see any signs of mirth in my face?" demanded Dave Darrin +indignantly. + +Rap-tap! Right after the summons Midshipman Farley and Page entered +the room. + +"Say, who's dead?" blurted out Farley, struck by the looks of +consternation on the faces of their hosts. + +"Tell him, Dave," urged Dan. + +"Prescott and Holmes won't play on this year's Army team," stated +Darrin. + +"Whoop!" yelled Farley gleefully. "And that was what you're looking +so mighty solemn about? Cheer up, boy! It's good news." + +"Great!" seconded Midshipman Page with enthusiasm. + +"I tell you, fellows," spoke Dave solemnly, "it takes all the joy +out of the Army-Navy game." + +"Since when did winning kill joy?" demanded Farley aghast. "Why, +with Prescott and Holmes out of it the Navy will get a fit of +crowing that will last until after Christmas!" + +"It makes the victory too cheap," contended Darrin. + +"A victory is a victory," quoth Midshipman Page, "and the only +fellow who can feel cheap about it is the fellow who doesn't win. +Cheer up, Davy. It's all well enough to wallop a stray college, +here and there, but the one victory that sinks in deep and does +our hearts good is the one we carry away from the Army. Whoop! +I could cry for joy." + +"But why won't Prescott and Holmes play this year?" asked Farley, +his face radiant with the satisfaction that the news had given him. + +"Because the corps has sent Prescott to Coventry for something that +I'm certain the dear old fellow never did," Darrin replied. + +"Lucky accident!" muttered Farley. + +"But the corps will repent, when they find their football hope +gone," predicted Page, his face losing much of its hitherto joyous +expression. + +"No! No such luck," rejoined Midshipman Darrin. "If the brigade, +here, sent a fellow to Coventry for what they considered cause, +do you mean to tell me that they'd take the fellow out of Coventry +just to get a good player on the eleven?" + +"No, of course, not," Page admitted. + +"Then do you imagine that the West Point men are any more lax in +their views of corps honor?" pressed Dave. + +"To be sure they are not---they can't be." + +"Then there's only a chance in a thousand that Dick Prescott will, +by any lucky accident, be restored to favor in the corps---at +least, in time to play on this year's eleven. If he doesn't play, +Holmes simply won't play. So that takes all the interest out of +this year's Army-navy game." + +"Not if the Navy wins," contended Midshipman Page. + +"Bosh, there's neither profit nor honor in the Navy winning, unless +it's against the best men that the Army can put forth," retorted +Dave Darrin stubbornly. "By the great Dewey, I'm afraid nine +tenths of my enthusiasm for the game this year has been killed by +the miserable news that has come in." + +Within less than five minutes after the midshipmen had seated +themselves around the scores of tables in the mess hall, the news +had flown around that Prescott and Holmes were to be counted as +out of the Army eleven for this year. + +Here and there suppressed cheers greeted the announcement The +bulk of the midshipmen, however, were much of Dave Darrin's opinion +that there was little glory in beating less than the best team +that the Army could really put forth. + +"Darry looks as though he had just got back from a funeral," remarked +one member of the third class to another youngster. + +"I don't blame him," replied the one so addressed. + +"But he's all the more sure of winning over the Army this year." + +"I don't believe either of you youngsters know Darrin as well +as I do," broke in a second classman. "What I'm afraid of is, +if Prescott and Holmes don't play with the soldiers, then Darry +will lose interest in the game to such a degree that even Army +dubs will be able to take his shoestrings away from him. Danny +doesn't enjoy fighting fourth-raters. It's the big game that +he enjoys going after. Why, I'm told that he had simply set his +heart on pushing Prescott and Holmes all the way across Franklin +Field this year." + +Readers who are anxious to know why Dick Prescott, one of the +finest of American youths, had been sent to Coventry by his comrades +at the United States Military Academy, will find it all set forth +in the concluding volume of the West Point Series, entitled _"Dick +Prescott's Fourth Year At West Point."_ + +Strangely enough, the first effect of this news from West Point +was to send the Navy eleven somewhat "to the bad." That is to +say, Dave Darrin, despite his best endeavors, seemed to go stale +from the first hour when he knew that he was not to meet Dick +Prescott on the gridiron. + +"Mr. Darrin, what ails you?" demanded coach kindly, at the end +of the second practice game after that. + +"I don't know, sir." + +"You must brace up." + +"Yes, sir." + +"You seem to have lost all ambition. No; I won't just say that. +But you appear, Mr. Darrin, either to have lost some of your snap +or ambition, or else you have gone unaccountably stale." + +"I realize my defects, sir, and I am trying very, very hard to +overcome them." + +"Are you ill at ease over any of your studies?" persisted coach. + +"No, sir; it seems to me that the fourth year studies are the +easiest in the whole course." + +"They are not, Mr. Darrin. But you have had the advantage of three +hard years spent in learning how to study, and so your present +course appears rather easy to you. Are you sleeping well?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Eating well?" + +"Splendid appetite, sir." + +"Hm! I shall soon have a chance to satisfy myself on that point, +Mr. Darrin. The day after to-morrow the team goes to training +table. Have you any idea, Mr. Darrin, what is causing you to +make a poorer showing?" + +"I have had one very great disappointment, sir. But I'd hate to +think that a thing like that could send me stale." + +"Oh, a disappointment?" + +"Yes, sir," Dave went on frankly. "You see, sir, I have been +looking forward, most eagerly, to meeting Prescott and downing +him with the tricks that Jetson, Dalzell and I have been getting +up." + +"Oh! Prescott of the Army team?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I think I heard something about his having been sent to Coventry at +the Military Academy." + +"But, Mr. Darrin, you are not going to fail us just because the +Army loses a worthy player or two?" exclaimed Lieutenant-Commander +Parker in astonishment. + +"Probably that isn't what ails me, sir," Dave answered flushing. +"After all, sir, probably I'm just beginning to go stale. If +I can't shake it off no doubt I had better be retired from the +Navy eleven." + +"Don't you believe it!" almost shouted coach. "Mr. Darrin, you +will simply have to brace! Give us all the best that's in you, +and don't for one instant allow any personal disappointments to +unfit you. You'll do that, won't you?" + +"Yes, sir." + +Darrin certainly tried hard enough. Yet just as certainly the +Navy's boosters shook their heads when they watched Darrin's work +on the field. + +"He has gone stale," they said. "The very worst thing that could +happen to the Navy this year!" + +Then came the first game of the season---with Lehigh. Darrin +roused himself all he could, and his playing was very nearly up +to what might have been expected of him---though not quite. + +The visitors got away with a score of eight to five against the Navy. + +Next week the Lehighs went to West Point and suffered defeat at +the hands of the Army. + +The news sent gloom broadcast through the Naval Academy. + +"We get beaten by one of the smaller colleges, that West Point can +trim," was the mournful comment. + +It did, indeed, look bad for the Navy! + + + + +CHAPTER V + +DAN HANDS HIMSELF BAD MONEY + + +As the season went on it was evident that Dave Darrin was slowly +getting back to form. + +Yet coach was not wholly satisfied, nor was anyone else who had +the triumph of the Navy eleven at heart. + +Three more games had been played, and two of them were won by +the Navy. Next would come Stanford College, a hard lot to beat. +The Navy tried to bolster up its own hopes; a loss to Stanford +would mean the majority of games lost out of the first five. + +True, the news from West Point was not wholly disconcerting to +the Navy. The Army that year had some strong players, it was +true; still, the loss of Prescott and Holmes was sorely felt. +Word came, too, in indirect ways, that there was no likelihood +whatever that the Coventry against Cadet Dick Prescott would be +lifted. It was the evident purpose of the Corps of Cadets, for +fancied wrongs, to ostracize Dick Prescott until he found himself +forced to resign from the United States Military Academy. + +November came in. Stanford came. Coach talked to Dave Darrin +steadily for ten minutes before the Navy eleven trotted out on +to the field. Stanford left Annapolis with small end of the score, +in a six-to-two game, and the Navy was jubilant. + +"Darrin has come back pretty close to his right form," was the +general comment. + +For that Saturday evening Dan Dalzell, being now "on privilege" +again, asked and received leave to visit in town---this the more +readily because his work on the team had prevented his going out +of the Yard that afternoon. + +Dave, too, requested and secured leave to go into town, though +he stated frankly that he had no visit to make, and wanted only +a stroll away from the Academy grounds. + +Darrin went most of the way to the Prestons. + +"Come right along through, and meet Miss Preston," urged Dan. + +"If you ask it as a favor I will, old chap," Dave replied. + +"No; I thought the favor would be to you." + +"So it would, ordinarily," Darrin replied gallantly. "But to-night +I just want to stroll by myself." + +"Ta-ta, then." The grin on Dan Dalzell's face as he turned away +from his chum was broader than usual. Dan was thinking that, +this time, though his call must be a short one, he would be in +no danger on his return. He could report unconcernedly just before +taps. + +"No doughface need apply to-night," chuckled Dan. "But Davy was +surely one awfully good fellow to get me through that other scrape +as he did." + +All thought of football fled from Dan Dalzell's brain as he pulled +the bellknob at the Preston house. + +After all this was to be but the third meeting. Dan fancied, +however, that absence had made his heart fonder. Since the night +when he had Frenched it over the wall Dan had received two notes +from Miss Preston, in answer to his own letters, but the last +note was now ten days' old. + +"May I see Mrs. Preston?" asked Dan, as a colored servant opened +the door and admitted him. + +This was Dan's correct idea of the way to call on a young woman +to whom he was not engaged, but half hoped to be, some day. + +The colored maid soon came back. + +"Mrs. Preston is so very busy, sah, that she asks to be excused, +sah," reported the servant, coming into the parlor where Dan sat +on the edge of a chair. "But Mistah Preston will be down right +away, sah." + +A moment later a heavier step was heard on the stairway. Then +May Preston's uncle came into the parlor. + +"You will pardon Mrs. Preston not coming down stairs to-night, +I know, Mr. Dalzell," said the man of the house, as he and the +midshipman shook hands. "The truth is, we are very much occupied +to-night." + +"I had not dreamed of it, or I would not have called," murmured +Dan reddening. "I trust you will pardon me." + +"There is no need of pardon, for you have not offended," smiled +Mr. Preston. "I shall be very glad to spare you half an hour, +if I can interest, you." + +"You are very kind, sir," murmured Dan. "And Miss Preston----" + +"My niece?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"It is mainly on my niece's account that we are so busy to-night," +smiled the host. + +"She is not ill, sir?" asked Dan in alarm. + +"Ill! Oh, dear me, no!" + +Mr. Preston laughed most heartily. + +"No; she is not in the least ill, Mr. Dalzell, though, on Monday, +she may feel a bit nervous toward noon," + +"Nervous---on Monday?" asked Dan vaguely. It seemed rank nonsense +that her uncle should be able to predict her condition so definitely +on another day. + +"Why, yes; Monday is to be the great day, of course." + +"Great day, sir? And why 'of course'?" inquired Dan, now as much +interested as he was mystified. + +"Why, my niece is to be married Monday at high noon." + +"Married?" gasped Midshipman Dalzell, utterly astounded and discomfited +by such unlooked-for news. + +"Yes; didn't you know Miss Preston was engaged to be married?" + +"I---I certainly did not," Dan stammered. + +"Why, she spoke to you much of 'Oscar'-----" + +"Her brother?" + +"No; the man who will be her husband on Monday," went on Mr. Preston +blandly. Being quite near-sighted the elder man had not discovered +Dan's sudden emotion. "That is what occupies us to-night. We +leave on the first car for Baltimore in the morning. Mrs. Preston +is now engaged over our trunks." + +"I---I am very certain, then, that I have come at an unseasonable +time," Dan answered hastily. "I did not know---which fact, I +trust, will constitute my best apology for having intruded at +such a busy season, Mr. Preston." + +"There has been no intrusion, and therefore no apology is needed, +sir," replied Mr. Preston courteously. + +Dan got out, somehow, without staggering, or without having his +voice quiver. + +Once in the street he started along blindly, his fists clenched. + +"So that's the way she uses me, is it?" he demanded of himself +savagely. "Plays with me, while all the time the day for her +wedding draws near. She must be laughing heartily over---my greenness! +Oh, confound all girls, anyway!" + +It was seldom that Midshipman Dalzell allowed himself to get in +a temper. He had been through many a midshipman fight without +having had his ugliness aroused. But just now Dan felt humiliated, +sore in spirit and angry all over---especially with all members +of the gentler sex. + +He even fancied that Mr. Preston was at that moment engaged in +laughing over the verdant midshipman. As a matter of fact, Mr. +Preston was doing nothing of the sort. Mr. Preston had not supposed +that Dan's former call had been intended as anything more than +a pleasant social diversion. The Prestons supposed that every +one knew that their niece was betrothed to an excellent young +fellow. So, at this particular moment, Mr. Preston was engaged +in sitting on a trunk, while his wife tried to turn the key in +the lock. Neither of them was favoring Midshipman Dalzell with +as much as a thought. + +"Why on earth is it that all girls are so tricky?" Dan asked himself +savagely, taking it for granted that all girls are "tricky" where +admirers are concerned. + +"Oh, my, what a laugh Davy will have over me, when he hears!" was +Dan's next bitter thought, as he strode along. + +Having just wronged all girls in his own estimation of them, Dan +was now proceeding to do his own closest chum an injustice. For +Dave Darrin was too thorough a gentleman to laugh over any unfortunate's +discomfiture. + +"What a lucky escape I had from getting better acquainted with +that girl!" was Dalzell's next thought. "Why, with one as wholly +deceitful as she is there can be no telling where it would all have +ended. She might have drawn me into troubles that would have +resulted in my having to leave the service!" + +Dan had not the least desire to do any one an injustice, but just +now he was so astounded and indignant that his mind worked violently +rather than keenly. + +"Serves me right!" sputtered Dalzell, at last. "A man in the +Navy has no business to think about the other sex. He should +give his whole time and thought to his profession and his country. +That's what I'll surely do after this." + +Having reached this conclusion, the midshipman should have been +more at peace with himself, but he wasn't. He had been sorely, +even if foolishly wounded in his own self esteem, and it was bound +to hurt until the sensation wore off. + +"You'll know more, one of these days, Danny boy," was his next +conclusion. "And what you know will do you a lot more good, too, +if it doesn't include any knowledge whatever of girls---except +the disposition and the ability to keep away from 'em! I suppose +there are a few who wouldn't fool a fellow in this shameless way +but it will be a heap safer not to try to find any of the few!" + +Dan's head was still down, and he was walking as blindly as ever, +when he turned a corner and ran squarely into some one. + +"Why don't you look out where you're going?" demanded that some +one. + +"Why don't you look out yourself?" snapped Midshipman Dalzell, +and the next instant a heavy hand was laid upon him. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE "FORGOT" PATH TO TROUBLE + + +"Here, confound you! I'll teach you to-----" + +"Teach me how to walk the way you were going when I stopped you?" +demanded the same voice, and a harder grip was taken on Dalzell's +shoulder. + +In his misery Dan was not at all averse to fighting, if a good +excuse were offered. So his first move was not to look up, but +to wrest him self out of that grip, haul away and put up his guard. + +"Dave Darrin!" gasped Midshipman Dan, using his eyes at last. + +Dave was laughing quietly. + +"Danny boy, you shouldn't cruise without lights and a bow watch!" +admonished Dave. "What sent your wits wool gathering? You look +terribly upset over something." + +"Do I?" asked Dan, looking guilty. + +"You certainly do. And see here, is this the way to the Preston +house?" + +"No; it's the way away from it." + +"But you had permission to visit at the Prestons." + +"That isn't any news to me," grunted Dalzell. + +"Then---pardon me---but why aren't you there?" + +"Are you the officer of the day?" demanded Dan moodily. + +"No; merely your best friend." + +"I beg your pardon, Dave. I am a grouch tonight." + +"Wasn't Miss Preston at home." + +"I---I don't know." + +"Don't know? Haven't you been there?" + +"Yes; but I didn't ask-----" + +As Dan hesitated Dave rested both hands on his chum's shoulders, +looking sharply into that young man's eyes. + +"Danny, you act as though you were _loco_. (crazy). What on +earth is up? You went to call on Miss Preston. You reached the +house, and evidently you left there again. But you don't know +whether Miss Preston was in; you forgot to ask. Let me look in +at the answer to the riddle." + +"Dave---Miss Preston is going to be married!" + +"Most girls are going to be," Darrin replied quietly. "Do you +mean that Miss Preston is going to marry some one else than yourself?" + +"Yes." + +"Soon?" + +"Monday noon." + +Dave Darrin whistled. + +"So this is the meaning of your desperation? Danny boy, if you're +stung, I'm sincerely sorry for you." + +"I don't quite know whether I want any sympathy," Dan replied, +though he spoke rather gloomily. "Perhaps I'm to be congratulated." + +He laughed mirthlessly, then continued: + +"When a girl will treat a fellow like that, isn't it just as well +to find out her disposition early?" + +"Perhaps," nodded Darrin. "But Danny, do you mean to say that +you attempted to pay your call without an appointment?" + +"What was the need of an appointment?" demanded Dan. "Miss Preston +invited me to call at any time---just drop in. Now, she must +know that Saturday evening is a midshipman's only chance at this +time of the year." + +"Nevertheless, you were wrong at that point, in the game," Dave +went on gravely. "Unless you're on the best of terms with a young +lady, don't attempt to call on her without having learned that +your purpose will be agreeable to her. And so Miss Preston, while +receiving your calls, has been engaged to some one else?" + +Dan nodded, adding, "She might have given me some hint, I should +think." + +"I don't know about that," Darrin answered thoughtfully. "Another +good view of it would be that a young lady's private affairs are +her own property. Didn't she ever mention the lucky fellow to you?" + +"It seems that she did," Dalzell assented. "But I thought, all +the time, that she was talking about her brother." + +"Why should you especially think it was her brother whom she was +mentioning?" + +"Because she seemed so mighty fond of the fellow," Dan grunted. + +Dave choked a strong impulse to laugh. + +"Danny boy," he remarked, "girls, very often, are mighty fond, +also, of the fellow to whom they're engaged." + +"Why did she let me call?" demanded Dan gloomily. + +"How often have you called?" inquired Midshipman Darrin. + +"Once, before to-night." + +"Only once? Then, see here, Danny! Don't be a chump. When you +call on a girl once, and ask if you may call some other time, +how on earth is she to guess that you're an intended rival of +the man she has promised to marry?" + +"But-----" That was as far as Midshipman Dalzell got. He halted, +wondering what he really could say next. + +"Dan, I'm afraid you've got an awful lot to learn about girls, +and also about the social proprieties to be observed in calling +on them. As to Miss Preston receiving a call from you, and permitting +you to call again, that was something that any engaged girl might +do properly enough. Miss Preston came to Annapolis, possibly +to learn something about midshipman life. She met you and allowed +you to call. Very likely she permitted others to call. From +what you've told me I can't see that she treated you unfairly +in any way; I don't believe Miss Preston ever guessed that you +had any other than the merest social reasons for calling." + +"And I'm not sure that I did have," grunted Dalzell. + +Dave shot another swift look into his chum's face before he said: + +"Danny boy, your case is a light one. You'll recover speedily. +Your vanity has been somewhat stung, but your heart won't have +a scar in three days from now." + +"What makes you think you know so much about that?" insisted Dan, +drawing himself up with a dignified air. + +"It isn't hard to judge, when it's another fellow's case," smiled +Darrin. "I believe that, at this minute, I understand your feelings +better than you do yourself." + +"I don't know about my feelings," proclaimed Dan gloomily still, +"but I do know something about my experience and conclusions. +No more girls for me!" + +"Good idea, Danny boy," cried Darrin, slapping his friend on the +back. "That's the best plan for you, too." + +"Why?" + +"Because you haven't head enough to understand girls and their ways." + +"I don't want to." + +"Good! I hope you will keep in that frame of mind. And now, +let's talk of something serious." + +"Of what, then?" inquired Dalzell, as the two started to walk +along together. + +"Football." + +"Is that more serious than girls?" demanded Dan Dalzell, suspicious +that his friend was making fun of him. + +"It's safer, at any rate, for you. Why, if a girl happens to +say, 'Delighted to meet you, Mr. Dalzell,' you expect her to give +up all other thoughts but you, and to be at home every Saturday +evening. No, no, Danny. The company of the fair is not for you. +Keep to things you understand better---such as football." + +Dan Dalzell's eyes shot fire. He was certain, now, that his chum +was poking fun at him, and this, in his present temper, Dan could +not quite endure. + +"So, since we've dropped the subject of girls," Dave continued +placidly, "what do you think are our real chances for the balance +of this season?" + +"They'd be a lot improved," grunted Dan, "if you'd get the grip +on yourself that you had at the beginning of the season." + +"I know I'm not playing in as good form as I had hoped to," Dave +nodded. "The worst of it is, I can't find out the reason." + +"A lot of the fellows think you've lost interest since you found +that you won't have the great Prescott to play against in the +Army-Navy game," Dan hinted. + +"Yes; I know. I've heard that suspicion hinted at." + +"Isn't it true?" challenged Dalzell. + +"To the best of my knowledge and belief, it isn't. Why, Danny, +it would be absurd to think that I couldn't play right now, just +because Dick isn't to be against us on Franklin Field." + +"I know it would sound absurd," Dan replied. "But let us put +it another way, Dave. All along you've been working yourself +up into better form, because you knew that, otherwise, it was +very doubtful whether the Navy could beat the Army on the gridiron. +So you had worked yourself up to where you played a better game +than ever Dick Prescott thought of doing. Then you hear that +poor Dick is in Coventry, and therefore not on the team. You +haven't got the great Army man to beat, and, just for that reason, +you slack up on your efforts." + +"I am not slacking up," retorted Dave with some spirit. "I am doing +the best that is in me, though I admit I appear to have gone stale." + +"And so something will happen," predicted Dan. + +"What will that be?" + +"Between now and the game with the Army, Prescott's comrades will +find what boobs they've been, and they'll lift the Coventry. +Prescott and Holmes will get into the Army team at the last moment, +and the fellows from West Point will ride rough-shod over the +Navy, just as they did last year." + +"Do you really think that will happen?" demanded Darrin eagerly. +"Do you really believe that dear old Dick will get out of that +Coventry and back on the Army eleven?" + +"Well," returned Midshipman Dalzell soberly, "I'll venture a prediction. +If you don't get a brace on your playing soon, then it'll be +regular Navy luck for Prescott to come to Philadelphia and put +on his togs. Then the soldiers will drag us down the field to +the tune of 46 to 2." + +"I'd sooner he killed on the field than see that happen!" cried +Midshipman Dave, his eyes flashing. + +"Then don't let it happen! You're the only star on our team, Dave, +that isn't up to the mark. If we lose to the Army, this year, +Prescott or no Prescott, it will be your fault, Dave Darrin. +You're not one of our weak spots, really but you're not as strong +as you ought to be and can be if you'll only brace." + +"Brace!" quivered Dave. "Won't I, though?" + +"Good! Just stick to that." + +"Dan!" Darrin halted his chum before a store where dry goods and +notions were sold. "Let's go in here-----" + +"What, for?" Midshipman Dalzell asked in astonishment. + +"I want to make a purchase," replied Dave soberly. "Danny boy, +I'm going to buy you a hat pin---one at least ten inches long. +You're to slip it in, somewhere in your togs. When you catch +me lagging---practice or game---just jab that hat pin into me +as far as you can send it." + +"Bosh!" retorted Dan impatiently. "Come along." + +Dave submitted, in patient silence, to being led away from the +store. For some moments the chums strolled along together in +silence. + +"Now, speaking of Miss Preston," began Dan, breaking the silence +at last, "she-----" + +"Drop that! Get back to football, Danny---it's safer," warned +Dave Darrin. + +"But-----" + +"Hold on, I tell you! You had almost recovered, Danny, in the +short space of five minutes. Now, don't bring on a relapse by +opening up the old sore. I shall soon begin to believe it was +your heart that was involved, instead of your vanity." + +"Oh, hang girls, then!" exploded Dan. + +"Couldn't think of it," urged Dave gently. "That wouldn't be +chivalrous, and even a midshipman is required to be a gentleman +at all times. So-----" + +"Good evening, gentlemen," spoke a pleasant voice. The midshipmen +glanced up, then promptly brought up their hands in salute to +an officer whom they would otherwise have passed without seeing. + +That officer was Lieutenant Adams, discipline officer. + +"Are you enjoying your stroll, Mr. Darrin?" asked Mr. Adams. + +"Very much, sir; thank you." + +"And you, Mr. Dalzell. But let me see---wasn't your liberty +for the purpose of paying a visit?" + +"Yes, sir," Dan answered, coloring. + +"And you are strolling, instead?" + +"Yes, sir; the person on whom I went to call was not there." + +"Then, Mr. Darrin, you should have returned to Bancroft Hall, +and reported your return." + +"Yes, sir; I should have done that," Dan confessed in confusion. +"The truth is, sir, it hadn't occurred to me." + +"Return at once, Mr. Dalzell, and place yourself on report for +strolling without permission." + +"Yes, sir." + +Both midshipmen saluted, then turned for the shortest cut to Maryland +Avenue, and thence to the gate at the end of that thoroughfare. + +"Ragged!" muttered Dan. "And without the slightest intention of +doing anything improper." + +"It was improper, though," Dave replied quickly, "and both you +and I should have thought of it in time." + +"I really forgot." + +"Forgot to think, you mean, Dan, and that's no good excuse in +bodies of men where discipline rules. Really, I should have gone +on report, too." + +"But you had liberty to stroll in town." + +"Yes; but I'm guilty in not remembering to remind you of your +plain duty." + +Lieutenant Adams had not in the least enjoyed ordering Dan to +place himself on report. The officer had simply done his duty. +To the average civilian it may seem that Dan Dalzell had done +nothing very wrong in taking a walk when he found the purpose +of his call frustrated; but discipline, when it imposes certain +restrictions on a man, cannot allow the man himself to be the +judge of whether he may break the restrictions. If the man himself +is to be the judge then discipline ceases to exist. + +"So I've got to stick myself on pap, and accept a liberal handful +of demerits, all on account of a girl?" grumbled Dan, as the chums +turned into the road leading to Bancroft Hall." + +"That is largely because you couldn't get the girl out of your +head," Dave rejoined. "Didn't I tell you, Danny, that you hadn't +head enough to give any of your attention to the other sex?" + +"It's tough to get those demerits, though," contended Dan. "I +imagine there'll be a large allowance of them, and in his fourth +year a fellow can't receive many demerits without having to get +out of the Academy. One or two more such scrapes, and I'll soon +be a civilian, instead of an officer in the Navy!" + +"See here, Dan; I'll offer an explanation that you can make truthfully. +Just state, when you're called up, that you and I were absorbed +talking football, and that you really forgot to turn in the right +direction while your mind was so full of Navy football. That may +help some." + +"Yes; it will---not!" + +Dan Dalzell passed into the outer room of the officer in charge, +picked up a blank and filled it out with the report against himself. + +Dave was waiting outside as Dan came out from the disagreeable +duty of reporting himself. + +"Hang the girls!" Dalzell muttered again disgustedly. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +DAN'S EYES JOLT HIS WITS + + +Dan Dalzell, on the point of stepping out of Bancroft Hall, wheeled +like a flash, and bounded back against Farley, Jetson and Page. + +"Don't look!" whispered Dan hoarsely. "Duck!" + +"What on earth is the matter?" demanded Midshipman Darrin, eyeing +his chum sharply. + +"I---I don't know what it is," muttered Dan, after he had backed +his friends some feet from the entrance. + +"What does it look like?" asked Farley. + +"Something like a messenger boy," returned Dan. + +"Surely, you're not afraid of a messenger boy with a telegram," +laughed Darrin. "Little chance that the message is for you, at +any rate." + +"But---it's got a Naval uniform on, I tell you," warned Dan. + +"No; you hadn't told us. What is it---another midshipman?" + +"Not by a jugful!" Dan sputtered. "It's wearing an officer's +uniform." + +"Then undoubtedly you chanced to glance at an officer of the +Navy," Darrin replied, sarcastically soothing. "Brace up, Dan." + +"But he's only a kid!" remonstrated Dan. "And he wear a lieutenant's +insignia!" + +"Bosh! Some officers are quite boyish-looking," remarked Farley. +"Come on out, fellows; I haven't forgotten how to salute an officer +when I see one." + +The others, except Dan, started briskly for the entrance. As for +Dalzell, he brought up the rear, grumbling: + +"All right; you fellows go on out and see whether you see him. +If you don't, then I'm going to report myself at hospital without +delay. Really, I can't swear that I saw---it." + +But at that moment the object of Dan's alarm reached one of the +doors of the entrance of Bancroft Hall and stepped briskly inside. + +This new-comer's glance fell upon the knot of midshipmen, and +he glanced at them inquiringly, as though to see whether these +young men intended to salute him. + +Surely enough, the newcomer was decidedly boyish-looking, yet +he wore the fatigue uniform and insignia of a lieutenant of the +United States Navy. If he were masquerading, here was a dangerous +place into which to carry his antics. + +The five midshipmen brought their right hands hesitatingly to +the visors of their uniform caps. The very youthful lieutenant +smartly returned their salutes, half smiled, then turned, in search +of the officer in charge. + +"Scoot! Skip! Let's escape!" whispered Dan hoarsely, and all +five midshipmen were speedily out in the open. + +"Now, did you fellows really see---it---or did I have a delusion +that I saw you all salute when I did?" + +"I saw it," rejoined Farley, "and I claim it, if no one else +wants it." + +"The service is going to the dogs," growled Page, "when they give +away a lieutenant's uniform with a pound of tea!" + +"What ails you fellows?" rebuked Dave Darrin. "The man who passed +us was a sure-enough lieutenant in the Navy." + +"Him?" demanded Midshipman Dalzell, startled out of his grip on +English grammar. "A lieutenant? That---that---kid?" + +"He's a lieutenant of the Navy, all right," Dave insisted. + +"You're wrong," challenged Page. "Don't you know, Dave, that +a man must be at least twenty-one years old in order to hold an +officer's commission in the Navy?" + +"That man who received our salutes is a Naval, officer," Dave +retorted. "I don't know anything about his age." + +"Why, that little boy can't be a day over seventeen," gasped Dan +Dalzell. "Anyway, fellows, I'm overjoyed that you all saw him! +That takes a load off my mind as to my mental condition." + +"Whoever he is, he's a Navy officer, and he has trod the bridge +in many a gale," contended Dave. "Small and young as he looks, +that man had otherwise every bit of the proper appearance of a +Navy officer." + +"What a joke it will be on you," grinned Page, "when you find +the watchman dragging the little fellow away to turn over to the +doctors from the asylum!" + +The midshipmen were on their way to report for afternoon football +work. As they had started a few minutes early, and had time to +spare, they had now halted on the way, and were standing on the +sidewalk in front of the big and handsome barracks building. + +"Can you fellows still use your eyes?" Dave wanted to know. "If +you can, look toward the steps of Bancroft." + +The officer in charge was coming out. At his side was the very +youthful looking one in the lieutenant's uniform. + +"The O.C. is decoying the stranger away to turn him over to the +watchmen without violence," guessed Midshipman Farley. + +Three officers were approaching. These the five midshipmen turned +and saluted. In another moment all of the five save Dave Darrin +received a sharp jolt. For the O.C. had halted and was introducing +the three Navy officers to the youthful one. + +"This is Lieutenant Benson, the submarine expert of whom you have +heard so much," said the O.C., loudly enough for the amazed middies +to hear. + +"Sub---sub----say, did you fellows hear that?" begged Dan hoarsely. + +"Yes," assented Dave calmly. "And say, you fellows are a fine +lot to be serving here. You all remember Mr. Benson. He was +here last year---he and his two submarine friends. We didn't +see them, because our class didn't go out on the Pollard submarine +boat that was here last year. But you remember them, just the +same. You remember, too, that Mr. Benson and his friends were +hazed by some of the men in last year's youngster class. You +heard about that? A lot of the fellows came near getting ragged, +but Benson didn't take offense, and his quick wit pulled that +lot of last year's youngsters out of a bad fix." + +"Then Benson and his mates are real people?" demanded Dan, still +doubtful, if his voice were an indication. + +"Yes; and Benson is a real submarine expert, too, even if he is +a boy," Dave went on. + +"Then he is only a boy?" + +"He's seventeen or eighteen." + +"Then how can he be a lieutenant?" demanded Dalzell, looking more +bewildered. + +"He isn't," Dave answered simply. + +"But the O.C. introduced him that way." + +"And quite properly," answered Darrin, whereat his companions +stared at him harder than ever. + +"Let's walk along," proposed Dave, "and I'll tell you the little +that I know, or think I know, about the matter. Of course, you +fellows all know about the Pollard submarine boats? The government +owns a few of them now, and is going to buy a lot more of the +Pollard craft." + +"But that kid officer?" insisted Dan. + +"If you'll wait I'll come to that. Benson, his name is; Jack +Benson he's commonly called. He and two boy friends got in on +the ground floor at the Farnum shipyard. They were boys of +considerable mechanical skill, and they found their forte in the +handling of submarine boats. They've done some clever, really +wonderful feats with submarines. Farnum, the owner of the yard, +trusted these boys, after a while, to show off the fine points of +the craft to our Navy officers and others." + +"But what has that to do with giving Benson a commission in the +Navy?" demanded Farley. + +"I'm coming to that," Dave replied. "As I've heard the yarn, +Benson and his two boy friends attracted attention even from the +European governments. The Germans and some other powers even +made them good offers to desert this country and go abroad as +submarine experts. Our Navy folks thought enough of Benson and +his chums to want to save them for this country. So the Secretary +of the Navy offered all three the rank and command of officers +without the actual commissions. As soon as these young men, the +Submarine Boys as they are called, are twenty-one, the Navy Department +will bestir itself to give them actual commissions and make them +real staff or line officers." + +"So that those kids will rank us in the service?" grumbled Dan. + +"Well, up to date," replied Dave quietly, "the Submarine Boys +have done more for their country than we have. Of course, in +the end, we may be admirals in the Navy, even before they're captains. +Who can tell?" + +"I wonder what Benson is doing here?" murmured Farley. + +"Lieutenant Benson," Dave corrected him, "is probably here on +official business. If you want exact details, suppose we stop +at the superintendent's house and ask him." + +"Quit your kidding," grinned Farley. + +"So I've got to say 'sir,' if that boy speaks to me?" asked Dan. + +"I think it would be better," smiled Darrin, "if you're anxious +to escape another handful of demerits." + +By the time that the football squad began to assemble on the football +field, Dan and his friends found that some of the midshipmen were +full of information about the famous Submarine Boys. Readers +who may not be familiar with the careers of Lieutenant Jack Benson, +Ensign Hal Hastings, and Ensign Eph Somers are referred to the +volumes of the _Submarine Boys' Series_. In _"The Submarine Boys +and the Middies"_ will be found the account of the hazing that Jack, +Hal and Eph had received at the hands of midshipmen. + +Benson and his two friends, with a crew of four men, were now at +the Naval Academy, having arrived at two o'clock that afternoon, +for the purpose of giving the first classmen instruction aboard +the latest Pollard submarine, the "Dodger." + +But play was called, and that stopped, for the time being, all talk +about the Submarine Boys. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE PRIZE TRIP ON THE "DODGER" + + +The following afternoon, at the hour for instruction in the machine +shops, the entire first class was marched down to the basin, where +the "Dodger" lay. Squad by squad the midshipmen were taken on +board the odd-looking little craft that was more at home beneath +the waves than on them. + +While the exact place and scale of importance of submarine war +craft has not been determined as yet, boats of the Pollard type +are certainly destined to play a tremendously important part in +the Naval wars of the future. Hence all of the midshipmen were +deeply interested in what they saw and were told. + +Some of these first classmen were twenty-four years of age, others +from twenty to twenty-two. Hence, with many of them, there was +some slight undercurrent of feeling over the necessity for taking +instruction from such very youthful instructors as Jack Benson, +Hal Hastings and Eph Somers. + +Had any of this latter trio been inclined to put on airs there +might have been some disagreeable feeling engendered in the breasts +of some of the middies. But Jack and his associates were wholly +modest, pleasant and helpful. + +Beginning on the following day, it was announced, the "Dodger" +would take a squad of six midshipmen down Chesapeake Bay for practical +instruction in submarine work, both above and below the surface +of the water. This instruction would continue daily, with squads +of six midshipmen on board, until all members of the first class +had received thorough drilling. + +"That's going to be a mighty pleasant change from the usual routine +here," whispered Farley in Dave's ear. + +"It surely will," Darrin nodded. "It will be even better fun than +football." + +"With no chance for the Army to beat us out on this game," Farley +replied slyly. + +At last it came the turn of Dave, Dan, Farley, Page, Jetson and +Wolgast to go aboard the "Dodger." + +"Gentlemen," announced Lieutenant Jack Benson, "Ensign Somers +will show you all that is possible about the deck handling and +the steering below the surface, and then Ensign Hastings will +explain the mechanical points of this craft. When both are through, +if you have any questions. I will endeavor to answer them." + +In a few minutes the "showing" had been accomplished. + +"Any questions, gentlemen?" inquired Lieutenant Benson. + +Dave was ready with three; Farley had four and Jetson two. Lieutenant +Benson looked particularly pleased as he answered. Then, at last, +he inquired: + +"What's your name?" + +"Darrin, sir," Dave replied. + +The other midshipmen present were asked their names, and gave them. + +"Gentlemen," continued youthful Lieutenant Benson, "this present +squad impresses me as being more eager and interested in submarines +than any of the squads that have come aboard." + +"Thank you, sir," Dave replied for himself and the others. + +"Are you really exceptionally interested?" inquired Benson. + +"I think we are, sir," Dave responded. + +"On Saturday of each week, as long as the 'Dodger' is at Annapolis," +went on Benson, "we intend to take out one of the best squads. +We shall drop down the Bay, not returning, probably before Sunday +noon. Would you gentlemen like to be the first squad to go on the +longer cruise---next Saturday?" + +The faces of all six midshipmen shone with delight for an instant, +until Dave Darrin answered mournfully: + +"It would give us great delight, sir, but for one thing. We play +Creighton University next Saturday, and we are all members of +the Navy team." + +"None of you look forward to having to go to hospital during the +progress of the game, do you?" inquired Lieutenant Benson with +a slight smile. + +"Hardly, sir." + +"Then the 'Dodger' can sail an hour after the finish of the game, +and perhaps stay out a little later on Sunday. Will that solve +the problem?" + +"Splendidly, sir!" + +"Then I will use such persuasion as I can with the superintendent +to have you six men detailed for the Saturday-Sunday detail this +week," promised Lieutenant Benson. "And now I will write your +names down, in order that there may be no mistake about the squad +that reports to me late next Saturday afternoon. Dismissed!" + +As Dave and his friends stepped ashore even Dan Dalzell had a more +gracious estimate of "that kid, Benson." + +That night, and for several nights afterwards, the "Dodger" and +her officers furnished a fruitful theme for discussion among the +midshipmen. As the "Dodger" was believed to be the very finest +submarine craft anywhere among the navies of the world, the interest +grew rather than waned. + +Dave and Dan, as well as their four friends, began to look forward +with interest to the coming cruise down the bay. + +"Fellows," warned Wolgast, "you'll have to look out not to get your +heads so full of submarines that you lose to Creighton on Saturday." + +"On the contrary," retorted Dave, "you can look for us to push +Creighton all over the field. We'll do it just as a sheer vent +to our new animal spirits." + +That was a decidedly boastful speech for Dave Darrin, yet on Saturday +he made good, or helped tremendously, for Creighton retired from the +field with the small end of an eight-to-two score. + +"Now, hustle on the dressing," roared Wolgast, as they started +to un-tog and get under the showers, after the football victory. + +"What's the need of rush?" demanded Peckham one of the subs. + +"It doesn't apply to you," Wolgast shot back over his shoulder, +as he started on a run to the nearest shower. "I'm talking only +to to-night's submarine squad." + +The six midshipmen found many an envious look shot in their direction. + +"Those extremely youthful officers seem to have a bad case of spoons +on you six," remarked Peckham almost sourly. + +"Show some nearly human intelligence, and maybe you'll get a chance +at one of the Saturday cruises, Peckham," called back Farley, as he +began to towel down vigorously. + +Dave and his friends were the first men of the team to be dressed +and ready to leave. + +"Give our best regards to Davy Jones!" shouted one of the football +men. + +"If you go down to the bottom of Chesapeake Bay, and can't get +up again, don't do anything to spoil the fishing," called another +middy. + +By this time Dave Darrin and his mates were outside and on their +way to the basin. + +Lieutenant Jack Benson was the only one of the "Dodger's" officers +on view when the midshipmen arrived alongside. They passed aboard, +saluting Benson, who returned their salutes without affectation. + +"All here?" said Benson. "Mr. Somers, tumble the crew on deck!" + +"Shall we go below, sir?" inquired Dave, again saluting. + +"Not until so directed," Benson replied. "I wish you to see every +detail of the boat handling." + +At Lieutenant Jack's command the crew threw the hawsers aboard and +soon had them out of the way. + +Benson gave the starting signal to Eph Somers. + +No sooner had the "Dodger's" hawsers been cast aboard than the +submarine torpedo boat headed out. It was a get-away swift +enough---almost to take the breath of the midshipmen. + +"You see, gentlemen," Lieutenant Benson explained quietly, "we +act on the theory that in submarine work every second has its +value when in action. So we have paid a good deal of attention +to the speedy start. Another thing that you will note is that, +aboard so small a craft, it is important that, as far as is possible, +the crew act without orders for each move. What do you note of the +crew just now?" + +"That they performed their work with lightning speed, sir, and that +they have already gone below, without waiting for orders to that +effect." + +"Right," nodded Jack Benson. "Had the crew been needed on deck +I would have ordered them to remain. As I did not so order they +have gone below, where they are out of the way until wanted. +A craft that fights always on the surface of the water should +have some men of the crew always on deck. But here on a submarine +the men would be in the way, and we want a clear range of view +all over the deck, and seaward, in order that we may see everything +that it is possible to see. Mr. Darrin, Mr. Dalzell and Mr. Farley +will remain on deck with me. The other young gentlemen will go +below to study the workings of the engines under Ensign Hastings." + +Though it was a true pleasure trip for all six of the midshipmen, +it was one of hard, brisk instruction all the time. + +"Here, you see," explained Lieutenant Jack, leading his trio just +forward of the conning tower, "we have a deck wheel for use when +needed. Mr. Somers, give up the wheel." + +"Aye, aye, sir," and Ensign Eph, who had been sitting at the tower +wheel since the start, moved away and came on deck. + +"Mr. Darrin, take the wheel," directed Benson. "Are you familiar +with the Bay?" + +"Not sufficiently, sir, to be a pilot." + +"Then I will give you your directions from time to time. How does +this craft mind her wheel?" + +"With the lightest touch, sir, that I ever saw in a wheel." + +"The builders of the 'Dodger' have been working to make the action +of the steering wheel progressively lighter with each boat that +they have built. Men on a submarine craft must have the steadiest +nerves at all times, and steady nerves do not go hand in hand with +muscle fatigue." + +Lieutenant Jack walked to the entrance to the conning tower. +"Mallock!" he called down to one of the crew. + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +"My compliments to Mr. Hastings, and ask him to crowd the speed +of the boat gradually." + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +The "Dodger" had been moving down the bay at a ten-knot pace. +Suddenly she gave a jump that caused Midshipman Dave Darrin to +wonder. Then the submarine settled down to a rushing sixteen-knot +gait." + +"I didn't know, sir," ventured Farley, "that submarines could +go quite so fast." + +"The old types didn't," Lieutenant Jack answered. "However, on +the surface a capable submarine must be able to show a good deal +of speed." + +"For getting away, sir?" + +"Oh, no. Naturally, when a submarine is pursued she can drop under +the surface and leave no trail. But suppose a single submarine +to be guarding a harbor, unaided by other fighting craft. A twenty-or +twenty-two knot battleship is discovered, trying to make the harbor. +Even if the battleship steams away the submarine should be capable +of following. The engines of the 'Dodger,' in favorable weather, +can drive her at twenty-six knots on the surface." + +"She's as fast as a torpedo-boat destroyer, then, sir," hazarded Dan. + +"Yes; and the submarine needs to be as fast. With the improvement +of submarine boats the old style of torpedo boat will pass out +altogether. Then, if the destroyer is retained the submarine +must be capable of attacking the destroyer on equal terms. Undoubtedly, +after a few years more the river gunboat and the submarine torpedo +boat will be the only small fighting craft left in the navies of +the leading powers of the world." + +Even while this brief conversation was going on the speed of the +"Dodger" had begun to increase again. Ensign Hasting's head showed +through the opening in the conning tower. + +"We're going now at a twenty-knot clip, sir," Hal reported. "Do +you wish any more speed?" + +"Not in Chesapeake Bay; navigating conditions are not favorable." + +"Very good, sir." Hal vanished below. Never very talkative, Hal +was content to stand by his engines in silence when there was no +need of talking. + +From time to time, as the craft sped on down the bay, Lieutenant +Benson glanced at the chronometer beside the deck wheel. + +"You don't have the ship's bell struck on this craft, sir?" inquired +Midshipman Darrin. + +"Only when at anchor or in dock," replied Lieutenant Jack Benson. +"A submarine's natural mission is one of stealth, and it wouldn't +do to go about with a clanging of gongs. Now, let me have the +wheel, Mr. Darrin. You gentlemen go to the conning tower and +stand so that you can hear what goes on below." + +While the three midshipmen stood as directed the speed of the +"Dodger" slackened. + +Then, after a space of a full minute, the submarine returned to her +former twenty-knot speed. + +"Did you hear any clanging or jangling of a signal bell or gong +when the speeds were changed?" questioned Lieutenant Benson. + +"No, sir," Darrin answered. + +"That was because no bells were sounded," explained Benson. "From +deck or conning tower signals can be sent that make no noise. +On a dark night, or in a fog, we could manoeuvre, perhaps, within +a stone's throw of an enemy's battleship, and the only sound that +might betray our presence would be our wash as we moved along. +Take the wheel, Mr. Farley." + +Then, after giving Farley a few directions as to the course to +follow, Lieutenant Benson added: + +"Take command of the deck, Mr. Farley." + +"Humph!" muttered Dan. "The lieutenant doesn't seem to be afraid +that we'll run his craft into any danger." + +"He knows as well as we do what would happen to me, if there were +any disaster, and I had to explain it before a court of inquiry," +laughed Midshipman Farley. "Hello! Who slowed the boat down?" + +Dan had done it, unobserved by his comrades, in an irrepressible +spirit of mischief. He had reached over, touching the indicator, +and thus directing the engine-room man to proceed at less speed. +Dalzell, however, did not answer. + +"I'd like to know if the speed were slackened intentionally," +fussed Farley. "Darry, do you mind going below and inquiring?" + +"Not in the least," smiled Dave, "but is it good Naval etiquette +for one midshipman to use another midshipman as a messenger?" + +"Oh, bother etiquette!" grunted Farley. "What would you really +do if you were in command of the deck---as I am---and you wanted +to ask a question, with the answer down below?" + +"I'll go to the conning tower and summon a man on deck, if you +wish," Dave offered. + +Farley nodded, so Dave stepped over to the conning tower, calling +down: + +"One man of the watch---on deck!" + +Seaman Mallock was on deck in a hurry, saluting Midshipman Farley. + +"Mallock, report to Lieutenant Benson, or the next ranking officer +who may be visible below. Report with my compliments that the +speed of the craft has slackened, and inquire whether that was +intentional." + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +Mallock was soon back, saluting. + +"Engine tender reports, sir, that he slowed down the speed in +obedience to the indicator." + +"But I-----" Farley began. Then he checked himself abruptly, +noting out of the corner of his eye that Dan Dalzell had wandered +over to the rail and stood looking off to seaward. If Dan were +responsible for the slowing down of the speed, and admitted it +under questioning, then Farley, under the regulations, would be +obliged to report Dalzell, and that young man already had some +demerits against his name. + +"Oh, very good, then, Mallock," was Midshipman Farley's rather +quick reply. "Who is the ranking officer visible below at present?" + +"Ensign Somers, sir." + +"Very good. My compliments to Mr. Somers, and ask at what speed +he wishes to run." + +Seaman Mallock soon returned, saluting. + +"Ensign Somers' compliments sir, and the ensign replies that Mr. +Farley is in command of the deck." + +"Very good, then," nodded Midshipman Farley, and set the indicator +at the twenty mark. + +Ten minutes later Lieutenant Benson reappeared on deck. First +of all he noted the "Dodger's" position. Then, as Ensign Eph +and Mallock appeared, Benson announced: + +"Gentlemen, you will come down to Supper now. Mr. Somers, you +will take command of the deck." + +"Very good, sir," Eph responded. "Mallock, take the wheel." + +Lieutenant Benson seated himself at the head of the table, with +Ensign Hastings on his right. The midshipmen filled the remaining +seats. + +"We're necessarily a little crowded on a craft of this size," +explained Benson. "Also the service is not what it would be on +a battleship. We can carry but few men, so the cook must also +act as waiter." + +At once a very good meal was set on the table, and all hands were +busily eating when Eph Somers came down the stairs, saluted and +reported: + +"Sir, we are on the bottom of Chesapeake Bay, with our nose in +the mud!" + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE TREACHERY OF MORTON + + +To the midshipmen that was rather startling news to receive while +in the act of enjoying a very excellent meal. + +Lieutenant Jack Benson, however, appeared to take the news very +coolly. + +"May I ask," he inquired, "whether any of you young gentlemen +noticed anything unusual in our motion during the last two or +three minutes?" + +All six of the midshipmen glanced at him quickly, then at Darrin +the other five looked, as though appointing him their spokesman. + +"No, sir; we didn't note anything," replied Dave. "We were too +busy with our food and with listening to the talk." + +"But now you notice something?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"What?" + +"That the boat appears motionless, as though speed had been stopped." + +"And that is the case," smiled Benson. "Mr. Somers, soon after +the soup was placed on the table, came in from the deck with the +one man of his watch, closed the tower and signaled for changing +to the electric motors. Then he filled the forward tanks and +those amidships, at last filling the tanks astern. We came below +so gently that you very intent young men never noticed the change. +We are now on the bottom---in about how many feet of water, Mr. +Somers?" + +"About forty, sir," replied Eph. + +The six midshipmen stared at one another, then felt a somewhat +uncomfortable feeling creeping over them. + +"Had it been daylight," smiled Benson, "you would have been warned +by the disappearance of natural light and the increased brilliancy +of the electric light here below. However, your experience serves +to show you how easily up-to-date submarines may be handled." + +"What do you think of the way the trick was done?" asked Hal Hastings, +looking up with a quiet smile. + +"It was marvelous," replied Midshipman Farley promptly. + +"I would like to ask a question, sir, if I may," put in Midshipman +Jetson. + +"Go ahead, sir." + +"Were submarines ever handled anywhere near as neatly before you +three gentlemen began your work with the Pollard Company?" + +"We didn't handle them as easily, at all events," replied Jack +with a smile. "It has required a lot of work and practice, night +and day. Steward, a plate for Mr. Somers." + +"This is the way we generally manage at meal times," smiled Ensign +Eph, as he took his place at table. "There's no use in keeping +an officer and a man on deck, or a tender at the engines, unless +we're going somewhere, in a hurry. So, in a case like this, where +the deck officer wants his meal, we just sink into the mud and +rest easy until the meal is over." + +"Are you giving instruction, or merely seeking to amuse your guests, +Mr. Somers?" Lieutenant Jack Benson asked quietly. + +"Oh, I forgot," explained Eph, with another smile; "these young +gentlemen are not yet acquainted with me. When they are they'll +know that no one ever takes me too seriously." + +"A bad habit for a superior officer, isn't it?" inquired Benson, +looking around at his student guests. "But Mr. Somers may be +taken very seriously indeed---when he's on duty. He is unreliable +at table only." + +"Unreliable at table?" echoed Eph, helping himself to a slice +of roast meat. "Why, it seems to me that this is the one place +where I can be depended upon to do all that is expected of me." + +The others now sat back, out of courtesy, looking on and chatting +while Ensign Eph Somers ate his meal. "There may be a few +questions---or many---that you would like to ask," suggested +Lieutenant Jack Benson. "If so, gentlemen, go ahead with your +questions. For that matter, during your stay aboard, ask all the +questions you can think of." + +"Thank you, sir," replied Midshipman Dave Darrin, with a slight +bow. "I have been thinking of one point on which I would be glad +of information." + +"And that is-----" + +"The full complement of this craft appears to consist of three +officers and four enlisted men---that is, of course, outside of +your combined cook and steward." + +"Yes," nodded Benson. + +"One of the officers is commanding officer; another is deck officer +and the third engineer officer." + +"Yes." + +"Then, on a cruise," pursued Dave, "how can you divide watches +and thus keep going night and day?" + +"Why, originally," Jack replied, "we put on long cruises with +only three aboard---the three who are at present officers. With +a boat like the 'Dodger,' which carries so few men, the commanding +officer cannot stand on his dignity and refuse to stand watch. +I frequently take my trick at the wheel. That gives Mr. Somers +his chance to go below and sleep." + +"Yet Mr. Hastings is your only engineer officer." + +"True, but two of our enlisted men are trained as engine-tenders. +Our engines are rather simple, in the main, and an enlisted +engine-tender can run our engine room for hours at a stretch under +ordinary conditions. Of course, if anything out of the usual should +happen while Mr. Hastings were taking his trick in his berth, he +would have to be wakened. But we can often make as long a trip as +from New York to Havana without needing to call Mr. Hastings once +from his berth during his hours of rest." + +"Then you have two enlisted men aboard who thoroughly understand +your engines?" pressed Dave Darrin. + +"Ordinarily," replied Hal Hastings, here breaking in. "But one +of our engine-tenders reached the end of his enlisted period to-day, +and, as he wouldn't re-enlist, we had to let him go. So the new +enlisted man whom we took aboard is just starting in to learn +his duties." + +"Small loss in Morton," laughed Lieutenant Jack Benson. "He was +enough of a natural genius around machinery, but he was a man +of sulky and often violent temper. Really, I am glad that Morton +took his discharge to-day. I never felt wholly safe while we +had him aboard." + +"He was a bad one," Ensign Hal Hastings nodded. "Morton might +have done something to sink us, only that he couldn't do so without +throwing away his own life." + +"I don't know, sir, what I'd do, if I were a commanding officer +and found that I had such a man in the crew," replied Midshipman +Darrin. + +"Why, in a man's first enlistment," replied Lieutenant Jack, "the +commanding officer is empowered to give him a summary dismissal +from the service. Morton was in his second enlistment, or I surely +would have dropped him ahead of his time. I'm glad he's gone." + +Ensign Eph had now finished his meal and was sitting back in his +chair. Lieutenant Jack therefore gave the rising sign. + +"I want to show the midshipmen everything possible on this trip," +said the very young commanding officer. "So we won't lie here +in the mud any more. Mr. Somers, you will return to the tower +steering wheel, and you, Mr. Hastings, will take direct charge +of the engines. I will gather the midshipmen around me here in +the cabin, and show the young gentlemen how easily we control the +rising of a submarine from the bottom." + +Hal and Eph hurried to their stations. The midshipmen followed +Jack Benson over to what looked very much like a switchboard. +The young lieutenant held a wrench in his right hand. + +"I will now turn on the compressed air device," announced Lieutenant +Jack. "First of all I will empty the bow chambers of water by +means of the compressed air; then the middle chambers, and, lastly, +the stern chambers. On a smaller craft than this we would operate +directly with the wrench. On a boat of the 'Dodger's' type we +must employ the wrench first, but the work must be backed up with +the performance of a small electric motor." + +Captain Jack rapidly indicated the points at which the wrench +was to be operated, adding: + +"I want you to note these points as I explain them, for after +I start with the wrench I shall have to work rapidly along from +bow to stern tanks. Otherwise we would shoot up perpendicularly, +instead of going up on a nearly even keel. Mr. Hastings, are +you all ready at your post?" + +"Aye, aye, sir," came back the engineer officer's reply. + +"On post, Mr. Somers?" + +"Aye, aye, sir." + +Lieutenant Jack applied the wrench, calling snappily: + +"Watch me. I've no time to explain anything now." + +With that he applied one of the wrenches and gave it a turn. +Instantly one of the electric motors in the engine-room began +to vibrate. + +Almost imperceptibly the bow of the "Dodger" began to rise. Lieutenant +Jack, intent on preserving an even keel as nearly as possible, +passed on to the middle station with his wrench. + +Just as he applied the tool the electric motor ceased running. + +"What's the matter, Mr. Hastings?" Jack inquired quietly. "Something +blow out of the motor?" + +The submarine remained slightly tilted up at the bow. + +"I don't know, sir, as yet, what has happened," Hal Hastings answered +back. "I'm going over the motor now." + +In a moment more he stepped into the cabin, a much more serious +look than usual on his fine face. + +"This, looks like the man Morton's work," Hal announced holding +a small piece of copper up before the eyes of the midshipmen. +"Gentlemen, do you notice that the under side of this plate has +been filed considerably?" + +"Yes, sir," nodded Dan Dalzell, a queer look crossing his face. +"Won't the motor operate without that plate being sound?" + +"It will not." + +The other midshipmen began to look and to feel strange. + +"Then are we moored for good at the bottom of the bay?" asked +Jetson. + +"No; for we carry plenty of duplicate parts for this plate," replied +Ensign Hal. "Come into the engine room and I will show you how +I fit the duplicate part on." + +Hal led the midshipmen, halting before a small work bench. He +threw open a drawer under the bench. + +"Every duplicate plate has been removed from this drawer," announced +Hastings quietly. "Then, indeed, we are stuck in the mud, with +no chance of rising. Gentlemen, I trust that the Navy will send +divers here to rescue us before our fresh air gives out!" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +"WE BELONG TO THE NAVY, TOO!" + + +"You mean, sir," asked Midshipman Jetson, his voice hoarse in +spite of his efforts to remain calm, "that we are doomed to remain +here at the bottom of the bay unless divers reach us in time?" + +"Yes," nodded Hal Hastings, his voice as quiet and even as ever. +"Unless we can find a duplicate plate---and that appears +impossible---the 'Dodger' is wholly unable to help herself." + +"If the outlook is as black as it appears, gentlemen," spoke Jack +Benson from behind their backs, "I'm extremely sorry that such +a disaster should have happened when we had six such promising +young Naval officers aboard." + +"Oh, hang us and our loss!" exploded Dave Darrin forgetting that +he was addressing an officer. "I guess the country won't miss +us so very much. But it surely will be a blow to the United States +if the Navy's three best submarine experts have to be lost to +the country to satisfy a discharged enlisted man's spite." + +Eph Somers had come down from the tower. He, too, looked extremely +grave, though he showed no demoralizing signs of fear. + +As for the six midshipmen, they were brave. Not a doubt but that +every one of them showed all necessary grit in the face of this +fearful disaster. Yet they could not conceal the pallor in their +faces, nor could they hide the fact that their voices shook a +little when they spoke. + +"Make a thorough search, Mr. Hastings," directed Lieutenant Jack +Benson, in a tone as even as though he were discussing the weather. +"It's barely possible that the duplicate plates have been only +mislaid---that they're in another drawer." + +Hal Hastings turned with one of his quiet smiles. He knew that +the system in his beloved engine room was so exact that nothing +there was ever misplaced. + +"I'm looking, sir," Hastings answered, as he opened other drawers +in turn, and explored them. "But I'm not at all hopeful of finding +the duplicate plates. This damaged one had been filed thinner, +which shows that it was done by design. The man who would do +that trick purposely wouldn't leave any duplicate plates behind." + +The four enlisted men and the cook had gathered behind their officers. + +"Morton---the hound! This is his trick!" growled Seaman Kellogg +hoarsely. "Many a time I've heard him brag that he'd get even +for the punishments that were put upon him. And now he has gone +and done it---the worse than cur!" + +"No; there are no duplicate parts here," announced Ensign Hastings +at last. + +"See if you can't fit on the old, worn one," proposed Lieutenant +Jack. + +"No such luck!" murmured Hal Hastings. "Morton was too good a +mechanic not to know bow to do his trick! He hasn't left us a +single chance for our lives!" + +None the less Hal patiently tried to fit the plate back and make +the motor work, Lieutenant Jack, in the meantime, standing by +the board with the wrench in hand. In the next ten minutes several +efforts were made to start the motor, but all of them failed. + +"And all for want of a bit of copper of a certain size, shape +and thickness," sighed Midshipman Dan Dalzell. + +"It does seem silly, doesn't it," replied Lieutenant Jack with a +wan smile. + +"At least," murmured Midshipman Wolgast, "we shall have a chance +to show that we know how to die like men of the Navy." + +"Never say die," warned Ensign Eph Somers seriously, "until you +know you're really dead!" + +This caused a laugh, and it eased them all. + +"Well," muttered Jetson, "as I know that I can't be of any use +here I'm going back into the cabin and sit down. I can at least +keep quiet and make no fuss about it." + +One after another the other midshipmen silently followed Jetson's +example. They sat three on either side of the cabin, once in +a while looking silently into the face of the others. + +Not until many minutes more had passed did the three officers of the +"Dodger" cease their efforts to find a duplicate plate for the motor. + +Kellogg and another of the seamen, though they met their chance of +death with grit enough, broke loose into mutterings that must have +made the ears of ex-seaman Morton burn, wherever that worthy was. + +"I wish I had that scoundrel here, under my heel," raged Seaman +Kellogg. + +"It will be wiser and braver, my man," broke in Lieutenant Jack +quietly, "not to waste any needless thought on matters of violence. +It will be better for us all if every man here goes to his death +quietly and with a heart and head free from malice." + +"You're right, sir," admitted Kellogg. "And I wish to say, sir, +that I never served under braver officers." + +"There won't be divers sent after us---at least, within the time +that we're going to be alive," spoke Midshipman Farley soberly. +"In the first place, Chesapeake Bay is a big place, and no Naval +officer would know where to locate us." + +"Mr. Benson," broke in Jetson suddenly, "I heard once that you +submarine experts had invented a way of leaving a submarine boat +by means of the torpedo tube. Why can't you do that now?" + +"We could," smiled Lieutenant Jack Benson, "if our compressed +air apparatus were working. We can't do the trick without compressed +air. If we had any of that which we could use, we wouldn't need +to leave the boat and swim to the top. We could take the boat to +the surface instead." + +"Then it's impossible, sir, to leave the boat?" questioned Jetson, +his color again fading. + +"Yes; if we opened the outer end of the torpedo tube, without +being able to throw compressed air in there first, then the water +would rush in and drown us." + +"I'm filled with wonder," Dan Dalzell muttered to himself. "Staring +certain death in the face, I can't understand how it happens that +I'm not going around blubbering and making a frantic jackanapes +of myself. There's not a chance of living more than an hour or +two longer, and yet I'm calm. I wonder how it happens? It isn't +because I don't know what is coming to me. I wonder if the other +fellows feel just as I do?" + +Dan glanced curiously around him at the other midshipmen faces. + +"Do you know," said Darrin quietly, "I've often wondered how other +men have felt in just such a fix as we're in now." + +"Well, how do you feel, Darry?" Farley invited. + +"I'm blessed if I really know. Probably in an instant when I fail +briefly to realize all that this means my feeling is that I wouldn't +have missed such an experience for anything." + +"You could have all my share of it, if I could make an effective +transfer," laughed Wolgast. + +"If we ever do get out of this alive," mused Page aloud, "I don't +doubt we'll look back to this hour with a great throb of interest +and feel glad that we've had one throb that most men don't get in +a lifetime." + +"But we won't get out," advanced Jetson. "We're up hard against +it. It's all over but the slow strangling to death as the air +becomes more rare." + +"I wonder if it will be a strangling and choking," spoke Darrin +again in a strange voice; "or whether it will be more like an +asphyxiation? In the latter case we may drop over, one at a time, +without pain, and all of us be finished within two or three minutes +from the time the first one starts." + +"Pleasant!" uttered Wolgast grimly. "Let's start something---a +jolly song, for instance." + +"Want to die more quickly?" asked Dalzell. "Singing eats up the +air faster." + +Lieutenant Jack Benson came out of the engine room for a moment. +He took down the wrench and went back to the engine room. But +first he paused, for a brief instant, shooting at the midshipmen +a look that was full of pity for them. For himself, Jack Benson +appeared to have no especial feeling. Then the young commanding +officer went back into the engine room, closing the door after him. + +"What did he shut the door for?" asked Jetson. + +"Probably they're going to do something, in there, that will call +for a good deal of physical exertion." + +"Well, what of that?" demanded Jetson, not seeing the point. + +"Why," Dave explained, "a man at laborious physical work uses up +more air than a man who is keeping quiet. If the three officers +are going to work hard in there then they've closed the door in +order not to deprive us of air." + +"We called them kids, at first," spoke Dan + +Dalzell ruefully, "but they're a mighty fine lot of real men, those +three acting Naval officers." + +Dave Darrin rose and walked over to the engine room, opening the +door and looking in. Hal and Eph were hard at work over the motor, +while Lieutenant Jack Benson, with his hand in his pockets, stood +watching their efforts. + +"I beg your pardon, sir," said Darrin, saluting, "but did you close +this door in order to leave more air to us?" + +"Yes," answered Jack Benson. "Go back and sit down." + +"I hope you won't think us mutinous, sir," Darrin returned steadily, +"but we don't want any more than our share of whatever air is left +on board this craft. We belong to the Navy, too." + +From the after end of the cabin came an approving grunt. It was +here that the cook and the four seamen had gathered. + +With the door open the midshipmen could see what was going on +forward, and they watched with intense fascination. + +Eph Somers had taken 'the too-thin copper' plate to the work-bench, +and had worked hard over it, trying to devise some way of making +it fit so that it would perform its function in the motor. Now, +he and Hal Hastings struggled and contrived with it. Every time +that the pair of submarine boys thought they had the motor possibly +ready to run Hal tried to start the motor. Yet he just as often +failed to get a single movement from the mechanism. + +"I reckon you might about as well give it up," remarked Lieutenant +Jack Benson coolly. + +"What's the use of giving up," Eph demanded, "as long as there's +any life left in us?" + +"I mean," the young lieutenant explained, "that you'd better give +up this particular attempt and make a try at something else." + +"All right, if you see anything else that we can do," proposed +Eph dryly. "Say, here's a quarter to pay for your idea." + +Seemingly as full of mischief as ever, Eph Somers pressed a silver +coin into Jack Benson's hand. + +But Jack, plainly impatient with such trifling, frowned slightly +as he turned and pitched the quarter forward. + +"This isn't a twenty-five-cent proposition," Benson remarked. +"In fact, all the money on earth won't save us this time!" + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A QUARTER'S WORTH OF HOPE + + +"Until some one can think of something else, I'm going to keep +on trying the hopeless thing and endeavoring to make this old, +thin plate work," declared Hal Hastings, who was still bent over +the motor, studying it intently. + +Benson had turned back to examine the work, after tossing the +coin away, but just as suddenly he glanced forward again. + +At the extreme forward end of the engine room of the "Dodger" +was another bench. Here were a vise and other heavier tools. +On the floor under this bench were stowed many mechanical odds +and ends---pieces of wood, coils of rope, even a bundle of tent-pegs, +though nothing was visible of a metallic nature. + +"You fellows keep at work," Jack Benson shot back suddenly over +his shoulder. + +"Where you going?" demanded Eph. + +"Forward." + +That much was evident, but Jack was now down on hands and knees +carefully yet feverishly moving the wooden articles, cordage and +such things from under the forward bench. + +"What are you doing?" called Eph. "Go ahead with your work---there's +no time to be lost," replied Lieutenant Jack. + +"Hold this a moment, Eph," Hal Hastings requested, and Somers's +attention was forced back to the motor. + +Sc-cratch! Flare! Jack Benson was using matches under that work +bench, now that be had made some clear space there. + +"I wonder if Jack has gone clean daffy?" half chuckled Somers under +his breath. + +"What are you talking about?" Hastings demanded. + +"Jack's lighting matches up forward, under the other bench." + +"What if he is?" + +"Maybe he thinks he can explode some gasoline and blow us to the +surface." + +"Quit your nonsense," returned Hal almost angrily, "and help me +with this job." + +"I'm waiting to see if Jack is going to let out a maniac yell," +grimaced Eph Somers. + +"Quit your-----" + +"Wow! Whoop!" uttered young Benson excitedly. "Never tell me +again that it's unlucky to throw money away! Whoop!" + +"What did I tell you?" demanded Eph. "If Jack's making a noise +like that," retorted Hastings, as be straightened up and wheeled +about, "he's got a mighty good reason for it." + +"Of course. Every lunatic has loads of good reasons for anything +he does," muttered Eph. + +"Look here, fellows!" ordered Jack Benson, almost staggering as +he approached them. + +"Great Dewey! Am I going crazy, too?" muttered Eph, staring hard. +"What I think I see in Jack's hands are some of the missing copper +plates." + +"It's exactly what you do see," announced Jack Benson, his face +beaming. + +"But how---" + +"How they came to be there I don't know," Benson replied. "But +when I threw away your quarter, Eph, it rolled under the bench. +There wasn't supposed to be anything metallic under the bench, +but I felt almost, sure that I had heard the silver strike against +something metallic. Even then it seemed like a crazy notion to +me. I didn't really expect to find anything, but some uncontrollable +impulse urged me to go hustling under the bench. And so I found +these duplicate plates, wedged in behind a lot of junk and right +up against the partition." + +Hal Hastings, in the meantime, had taken one of the plates from +Lieutenant Jack's hand, and was now quietly fitting it where it +belonged on the motor. + +The six midshipmen, as soon as they realized what had happened, +had sprung eagerly to the door of the engine room and stood peering +in. Behind them were the cook and crew of the "Dodger." + +Presently Hal straightened up. + +"Sir," he said gravely, "I have hopes that if you test the compressed +air apparatus you will find that this motor will do its share." + +Midshipmen and crew drew back as Jack and Eph came out of the +engine room. Lieutenant Jack had his wrench in hand, and went back +to his former post. + +"Young gentlemen," the commanding officer announced coolly, "we +will take up, at the point where we were interrupted, the work +of expelling the water from the compartments Are you ready, Mr. +Hastings?" + +"Right by my post, sir," came from Hal. + +The six midshipmen gathered about Benson with a stronger sense +of fascination than ever. Eph stepped past them to the stairs +leading---to the little conning tower. + +With steady hand Jack Benson turned the wrench. The motor began +to "mote" and there was a sense of being lifted. + +"Going up!" sang Ensign Eph, with a grin. + +Nor could Dan Dalzell help imitating the grin and calling out +jovially: + +"Let me out at the top floor, please!" + +Having set the compressed air at work on the forward tanks, Jack +Benson quickly shifted the wrench, and without a word, getting +at work on the midship's compartments. Then the stern tanks were +emptied. + +"May I come up, sir?" called Dan, his voice trembling with joy, +at the foot of the stairs. + +"Very good," Eph sang back. "Room for only one, though," + +So Dan Dalzell hastily mounted the iron stairs until he found +himself side by side with Eph Somers. + +For a few seconds all was inky darkness on the other side of the +thick plate glass of the conning tower. Then, all in a flash, +Dalzell caught sight of the twinkling stars as the dripping conning +tower rose above the top of the water. + +"I have the honor to report that all's well again, and that we're +on earth once more," Dan announced, as he came down the steps +into the little cabin. + +"Attention, gentlemen," called Lieutenant Jack Benson, as soon +as the "Dodger" was once more under way, her sea-going gasoline +engines now performing the work lately entrusted to the electric +motors. + +At the word "attention" the six midshipmen became rigidly erect, +their hands dropping at their sides. + +"Gentlemen," continued Benson, "I realize that the late strain +has been a severe one on us all. We of the 'Dodger' have been +through the same sort of thing before. You midshipmen have not. +If you feel, therefore, that you would prefer to have me head +about and return to the Naval Academy I give you my word that +I shall not think you weak-kneed for making the request." + +"Thank you, sir," replied Dave Darrin, "but we belong to the United +States Navy and we have no business to suffer with nerves. If our +wish alone is to be consulted, we prefer to finish the cruise as we +would any other tour of duty." + +Dave's five comrades in the Brigade of Midshipmen loved him for +that answer! + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +READY TO TRIM WEST POINT + + +"Have had an experience, sir, that we shall never forget, and one +that we wouldn't have missed!" + +Thus spoke Dave Darrin the, following afternoon, as he saluted +the young officers of the "Dodger" before going over the side +as the boat lay alongside the wall of the basin. + +To which the other midshipmen agreed. + +"We have enjoyed having you aboard," replied Lieutenant Jack Benson. +"None of us will ever forget this cruise." + +Then the six midshipmen strode briskly along the walks until they +reached Bancroft Hall. + +It wasn't long ere news of the adventure of the night before got +whispered along the decks. Then Dave and Dan, Farley and Page, +Jetson and Wolgast all had so much midshipman company that it +was a relief when the evening study hours came around. + +All six of the midshipmen had to tell the story of their submarine +experience until all of them fairly hated to talk about the matter. +Seaman Morton was never heard from again, and so did not come +in for his share of the excitement. However, it was not destined +to last long, for the football season was at its height and every +blue-clad middy thought, talked and dreamed about the Navy team. + +A good team it was, too, and a good year for the Navy. The young +men of the Naval Academy played one of their most brilliant seasons +of football. + +Dave, by a bigger effort than any one understood, forced back +his interest in the gridiron until he played a brilliant game. + +The Navy won more victories than it had done before in any one +of fifteen seasons of football. + +Yet report said that the Army, too, was playing a superb game, +considering that it had been deprived of its two best players, +Prescott and Holmes. + +Up to the last Dave continued to hope that Cadet Dick Prescott +might be restored to the Army eleven. Dick's letters from West +Point, however, appeared to indicate clearly that he was not to +play. Therefore Greg Holmes wouldn't play. + +At last came the fateful day, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. +Early the Brigade of Midshipmen was marched over to the trolley +line, where a long string of cars waited to receive them. + +"We want an extra car to-night," one first classman called jovially +to the car inspector who was in charge of the transportation. +"We want that extra car to bring back the Army scalp in." + +All the way to Baltimore and thence to Philadelphia, Dave Darrin +was unusually quiet. Dalzell, on the other hand, made noise enough +for both of them. + +"Darry hasn't the sulks over anything, has be?" Wolgast anxiously +asked Dalzell. + +"Don't you believe it," Dan retorted. + +"But he's so abominably quiet." + +"Saving all his breath to use on the field." + +"Are you sure Darry is in form?" persisted Wolgast. + +"Yes. Wait and see." + +"I'll have to," sighed Wolgast, with another sidelong glance at +Darrin's emotionless face. + +The Navy team and subs. arrived at dressing quarters nearly an +hour before it would be necessary to tog. + +As the West Point men were on hand, also, Dave stepped outside. +Almost the first man he met was a tall, slim, soldierly looking +fellow in the cadet gray. + +"Aren't you Fields?" asked Dave, holding out his hand. + +"Yes," replied the cadet, giving his own hand. + +"And you're Darrin---one of the few men we're afraid of." + +"Does Prescott play to-day?" Dave asked eagerly. + +The West Pointer's brow clouded. + +"No," he replied. "Mr. Prescott isn't a subject for conversation +at the Military Academy. Mr. Prescott is in Coventry." + +"Sad mistake," muttered Darrin. + +"Eh?" + +"A sad mistake. You men have made a bad bungle; I know it." + +"It is a matter of internal discipline in the corps," replied +the West Point cadet, speaking much more coldly. + +"Yes, I know it," Dave replied quickly, "and I beg your pardon +for having seemed to criticise the action of the Corps of Cadets. +However, anything that unpleasantly affects Dick Prescott is +a sore subject with me. Prescott is one of the best friends I +have in the world." + +"Why, I've heard something about that," replied Fields in a less +constrained tone. "You and Mr. Prescott are old school cronies." + +"Of the closest kind," Dave nodded. "That's why I feel certain +that Dick Prescott never did, and never could do, anything dishonorable. +You'll surely find it out before long, and then the Corps will make +full amends." + +"I fear not," replied Cadet Fields. "Mr. Prescott had every +opportunity given him to clear himself, and failed to do so to +the satisfaction of the Corps. Therefore he'll never graduate +from the Military Academy. It wouldn't do him any good to try. +He'd only be ostracized in the Army if he had the cheek to stay +in the Corps." + +"Let's not talk about that part of it any more," begged Dave. +"But you'll miss Prescott from your fighting line to-day." + +"That's very likely," assented the West Point man. "I'm glad we +haven't Mr. Prescott here, but we'd be heartily glad if we had +some one else as good on the football field." + +"And you haven't Holmes, either?" sighed Dave. + +"That isn't any one's fault but Holmesy's," frowned Cadet Fields. +"We wanted Holmesy to play, and we gave him every chance, but-----" + +"But he wouldn't," finished Dave. "No more would I play on the +Navy team if the fellows had done anything unjust to Dalzell." + +"Do you feel that you're going to have an easy walk-over with us +to-day?" demanded Cadet Fields cheerily. + +"No; but we're prepared to fight. We'll get the game if it's +in any way possible," Darrin assured his questioner. + +"Are the bonfires back in Annapolis all ready to be lighted to-night?" +inquired Fields smilingly. + +"They must be." + +"What a lot of unnecessary labor," laughed the West Point man. + +"Why?" challenged Dave. + +"Because the Army is going to win again." That "again" caused Dave +Darrin to wince. "We win almost every time, you know," Fields +explained. + +"Almost every time?" challenged Dan Dalzell, joining the pair. +"Are you sure of your statistics?" + +"Oh, I have the statistics, of course," Fields answered. "That's +why I speak so confidently." + +At this point three more West Point men approached. + +"Hey, fellows," called Fields good-humoredly. "Do you know of +an impression that I find to prevail among the middies to-day?" + +"What is that?" inquired one of the gray-clad cadets, as the newcomers +joined the group. + +"Why, the middies seem to think that they're going to take the +Army's scalp to-day." + +"Is that really your idea of the matter?" asked one of the gray-clad +cadets. + +"So Mr. Fields has said," Dave answered. + +"But what do you say?" + +"About the most that I feel like saying," Darrin answered as quietly +as ever, "is that the Navy prefers to do its bragging afterwards." + +"An excellent practice," nodded one of the cadets. "You've acquired +the habit through experience, I presume. It has saved your having +to swallow a lot of your words on many occasions." + +All laughed good-naturedly. Though there was the most intense +rivalry between the two government military schools, yet all were +gentlemen, and the fun-making could not be permitted to go beyond +the limits of ordinary teasing. + +"What's your line-up?" broke in Dan Dalzell. + +"Haven't you fellows gotten hold of the cards yet?" asked one +of the West Point men. "Then take a look over mine." + +Standing together Dave and Dan eagerly glanced down the printed +line-up of the Military Academy. + +"I know a few of these names," ventured Darrin, "and they're the +names of good men. Several of the other names I don't know at +all. And you've left out the names of the two Army men that we're +most afraid of in a game of football." + +"It seems queer to think of an Army line-up without Prescott and +Holmes," Dan declared musingly. + +Over the faces of the cadets there crept a queer look, but none +of them spoke. + +"So you've boycotted Prescott and Holmes?" pursued Dalzell. + +"Yes," replied one of the cadets. "Or, rather, Prescott is in +Coventry, and Holmes prefers to stand by his friend in everything. +Holmes, being Prescott's roommate, doesn't have to keep away from +Mr. Prescott." + +"Humph!" laughed Dan. "I think I can see Greg Holmes turning his +back upon Dick Prescott. Why, Greg wouldn't do that even if he +had to get out of the Army in consequence." + +"We did the only thing we could with the Prescott fellow," spoke +up another cadet. + +Dave Darrin's dark eyes flashed somewhat. + +"Gentlemen," he begged quietly, "will you do me the very great +favor not to refer to Prescott slightingly as a 'fellow.' He's +one of the noblest youngsters I've ever known, and I'm his friend +through thick and thin. Of course, I don't expect you to know +it yet, but I feel positive that you've made a tremendous mistake +in sending to Coventry one of nature's noblemen." + +"Hm!" muttered some of the cadets, and slight frowns were visible. + +"And when you lose the game to-day," continued Dan Dalzell, "it +may be a comfort to you to know that you might possibly have won +it if you had had Prescott and Holmes in your battle front." + +"Prescott isn't the only football player in the Army," returned +Cadet Fields. "Nor are he and Holmes the only pair of 'em." + +"You'll lose without that pair, though," ventured Dave. "And +it must shake the confidence of your men, too, for you've come +here without your two best men." + +"Of course, we have to manage our own affairs," interposed one +of the cadets. + +"Gentlemen," spoke up Dave quickly, "of course, you have to manage +your own problems, and no one else is fitted to do so. If I've +gone too far in what might have seemed like criticism, then I +beg you to forget it. I don't want to be suspected of any disagreeable +intent. If I spoke almost bitterly it was because Prescott is +my very dear friend. I have another, and a real grievance---I +wanted to test myself out today against Dick Prescott, as any +two friends may contest to vanquish one another on the field of +sports." + +"No one had any thought, I am sure, Mr. Darrin, of accusing you +of wishing to be disagreeable," spoke up Cadet Fields. "We believe +you to be a prince of good and true fellows; in fact, we accept +you at the full estimate of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Wade in +and beat us to-day, if you can---but you can't Prescott or no +Prescott." + +"Better run inside and tog!" called Wolgast from a distance. + +"You'll excuse us now, won't you?" asked Dave. "Come along, Danny +boy." + +As the two midshipmen lifted their caps and hastened away, Fields +gazed after them speculatively: + +"There goes the Navy's strength in to-day's game," he announced. + +"I wonder if we have done Prescott any wrong?" said another cadet +slowly. + +"That question has been settled by formal class action," replied +another. "It's a closed matter." + +Then these West Point men strolled over to quarters to get into +togs. As they were to play subs. they did not need to be as +early at togging as the members of the team. + +Out on Franklin Field thousands and thousands of Americans, from +the President of the United States down, waited impatiently for +the excitement of the day to begin. + +On either side of the field some hundreds of seats were still +left vacant. The music of a band now floated out, proclaiming +that one set of seats was soon to be filled. Then in, through +a gate, marched the Military Academy band at the head of the Corps +of Cadets. Frantic cheers broke loose on the air, and there was +a great fluttering of the black and gray banners carried by the +Army's boosters in the audience. Gray and steel-like the superb +corps marched in across the field, and over to the seats assigned +to them. + +Barely had the Army band ceased playing when another struck up in +the distance. It was now the turn of the fine Naval Academy band +to play the Brigade of Midshipmen on to the field. Again the air +vibrated with the intensity of the loyal cheers that greeted the +middies. + +Over in quarters, after the middies of the team had togged, a +few anxious minutes of waiting followed. What was to be the fate +of the day? + +"Darry," spoke Wolgast in a voice full of feeling, "you're not +woozy to-day, are you?" + +"I don't believe I am," smiled Dave. + +"Well, you know, old chap, you've been unaccountably stale---or +something---at times this season. You haven't been the real +Darry---always. You're feeling in really bully form today?" + +"I'm pretty sure that I'm in good winning form," Dave replied. +"Will that be enough?" + +Wolgast looked him over, then rejoined: + +"Somehow, I think you're in pretty good form. I'll feel better, +very likely, after we've played for ten minutes. Darry, old fellow, +just don't forget how much the Navy depends upon you." + +"Are you all right, Davy?" Dan Dalzell demanded in a more than +anxious undertone. + +"I certainly am, Danny boy." + +"But, you know-----" + +"Yes; I know that, for a while, I showed signs of going fuzzy. +But I'm over that." + +"Good!" chuckled Dan, as he caught the resolute flash in Darrin's +eyes. "I was fearfully afraid that you'd go bad simply because +you didn't have Prescott to go up against. For a good many days +that very fact seemed to prey upon your mind and make you indifferent." + +"Danny boy, I am going to play my mightiest, just because Prescott +isn't with the Army!" + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"I mean that I'm going to make the West Point fellows most abominably +sorry that they didn't have Dick Prescott on their eleven. And +you want to stand with me in that, Danny boy. Keep hammering +the Army to-day, and with every blow just think it's another blow +struck for Dick Prescott and Greg Holmes. Oh, we'll trim West +Point in their joint name!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +WHEN "BRACE UP, ARMY!" WAS THE WORD + + +"All out for practice!" called Wolgast. + +Team men and subs. bunched, the Navy players trotted on to the +field, amid a tempest of wild cheering. + +No sooner had Dave Darrin halted for an instant, when he broke +into a whirlwind of sprinting speed. Dan Dalzell tried to keep +up with him, but found it impossible. + +"Good old Darry!" yelled a hoarse voice from one of the grandstands. +"That's the way you'll go around the end to-day!" + +Some of the other Navy players were kicking a ball back and forth. +The Army team was not yet on the field, but it came, a few moments +later, and received a tremendous ovation from its own solid ranks +of rooters. + +This time Darrin barely glanced at any of the Army players. He +knew that Prescott and Holmes were not there. Whoever else might +be, he was not interested. + +Only a very few minutes were allowed for practice. During this +exercise the Army and Navy bands played alternately. + +Then the referee signaled the bands to stop. + +Tril-l-l-l! sounded the whistle, and Army and Navy captains trotted +to the center of the field to watch the toss of the coin. Wolgast +won, and awarded the kick-off to the Army. + +Then the teams jogged quickly to places, and in an instant all +was in readiness. + +Over the spectators' seats a hush had fallen. Even the Army and +Navy cheer leaders looked nearly as solemn as owls. The musicians +of the two bands lounged in their seats and instruments had been +laid aside. There would be no more noise until one team or the +other had started to do real things. + +Quick and sharp came the signal. West Point kicked and the ball +was in play. + +Navy's quarterback, after a short run, placed himself to seize +the arching pigskin out of the air. Then he ran forward, protected +by the Navy interference. + +By a quick pass the ball came into Dave Darrin's hands. Dalzell +braced himself as he hit the strong Army line. + +It was like butting a stone wall, but Darrin got through, with +the aid of effective interference. + +Army men bunched and tackled, but Dave struggled on. He did not +seem to be exerting much strength, but his elusiveness was wonderful, + +Then, after a few yards had been gained, Dave was borne to the +earth, the bottom of a struggling mass until, the referee's whistle +ended the scrimmage. + +Annapolis players could not help shooting keen glances of satisfaction +at each other. The test had been a brief one, but now they saw +that Darrin was in form, and that he could be depended upon to-day, +unless severe accident came to cripple him. + +Again the ball was put in play, this time going over to Farley and +Page on the right end. + +Only a yard did Farley succeed in advancing the ball, but that +was at least a gain. + +Then again came the pigskin to the left flank, and Dave fought +it through the enemy's battle line for a distance of eight feet +ere he was forced to earth with it. + +By this time the West Point captain was beginning to wonder what +ailed his men. The cadet players themselves were worried. If +the Navy could play like this through the game, it looked as though +Annapolis might wipe out, in one grand and big-scored victory, +the memory of many past defeats. + +"Brace up, Army!" was the word passed through West Point's eleven. + +"Good old Darry!" chuckled Wolgast, and, though he did not like +to work Darrin too hard at the outset, yet it was also worth while +to shake the Army nerve as much as possible. So Wolgast signaled +quarterback to send the ball once more by Midshipman Dave. + +Another seven yards was gained by Darrin. The West Point men +were gasping, more from chagrin than from actual physical strain. +Was it going to prove impossible to stop these mad Navy rushes? + +Then Wolgast reluctantly as he saw Dave limp slightly, decided +upon working Page and Farley a little harder just at present. +So back the ball traveled to the right flank was making, however, +the Navy cheermaster started a triumphant yell going, in which +nearly eight hundred midshipmen joined with all their lung power. + +Of course, the Army cheermaster came back with a stirring West +Point yell, but one spectator, behind the side lines, turned and +bawled at the Army cheermaster: + +"That's right, young man! Anything on earth to keep up your crowd's +courage!" + +In the laugh that followed many a gray-clad cadet joined simply +because he could not help himself. + +"If we don't break at some point it's all ours to-day," Wolgast +was informing the players nearest him. "I've never seen Darry +so wildly capable as he is right now. The demon of victory seems +to have seized him." + +Dave's limp had vanished. He was ready for work---aching for +it. Wolgast worked his left flank once more, and the Army was +sorely pressed. + +"Brace up, Army!" was the word passing again among the West Point +men. Douglass, captain of the Army team, was scolding under his +breath. + +But straight on Darrin and Dalzell worked the ball. It was when +Wolgast decided to rest his left that Farley and Page came in +for more work. These two midshipmen were excellent football men, +but the Army's left was well defended. The Navy lost the ball +on downs. But the Army boys were sweating, for the Navy was now +within nine yards of goal line. + +The Army fought it back, gaining just half a yard too little in +three plays, so the ball came back to the blue and gold ranks of +the Navy. + +"Brace, Army!" was the word that Cadet Douglass passed. "And +look out, on the right, for Darrin and Dalzell!" + +There was a feint of sending the ball to Farley, but Darrin had +it instead. The entire Army line, however, was alert for this +very trick. Playing in sheer desperation, the cadets stopped +the midshipmen when but a yard and a half had been gained. With +the next play the gain was but half a yard. The third play was +blocked, and once more the cadets received the pigskin. + +Both Army and Navy cheermasters now refrained from inviting din. +Those of the spectators who boosted for the Army were now silent, +straining their vision and holding their breath. It began to +look, this year, as though the Navy could do with the Army as +it pleased. + +Wolgast lined his men up for a fierce onslaught Darrin and Dalzell, +panting, looked like a pair who would die in their tracks ere +allowing the ball to go by them. + +In a moment more the Army signal was being called out crisply. The +whistle sounded, and both elevens were in instant action. + +But the cadets failed to get through. The middies were driving +them back. In sheer desperation the cadet with the ball turned +and dropped behind the Army goal line---a safety. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE NAVY GOAT GRINS + + +All at once the Navy band chopped out a few swift measures of +triumphant melody. + +The entire Brigade of Midshipmen cheered under its cheermaster. +Thousands of blue and gold Navy banners fluttered through the +stands. + +That safety had counted two on the score for the Navy. + +Given breathing time, the Army now brought the ball out toward +midfield, and once more the savage work began. The Navy had gained +ten yards, when the time-keeper signaled the end of the first +period. + +As the players trotted off the Navy was exultant, the Army depressed. +Captain Douglass was scowling. + +"You fellows will have to brace!" he snapped. "Are you going +to let the little middies run over us?" + +"I shall have no bad feeling, suh, if you think it well to put +a fresh man in my place, suh," replied Cadet Anstey. + +"Hang it, I don't want a man in your place!" retorted Douglass +angrily. "I want you, and every other man, Anstey, to do each +better work than was done in that period. Hang it, fellows, the +middies are making sport of us." + +Among the Navy players there was not so much talk. All were deeply +contented with events so far. + +"I've no remarks to make, fellows," Captain Wolgast remarked. +"You are all playing real football." + +"At any rate Darry and his grinning twin are," chuckled Jetson. +"My, but you can see the hair rise on the Army right flank when +Darry and Danny leap at them!" + +In the second period, which started off amid wild yelling from +the onlookers, the Army fought hard and fiercely, holding back +the Navy somewhat. During the period two of the cadets were so +badly hurt that the surgeons ordered them from the field. Two +fresh subs. came into the eleven, and after that the Army seemed +endowed with a run of better luck. The second period closed with +no change in the score, though at the time of the timekeeper's +interference the Navy had the ball within eleven yards of the +Army goal line. + +"We've got the Navy stopped, now, I think," murmured Douglass +to his West Point men. "All we've got to do now is to keep 'em +stopped." + +"If they don't break our necks, or make us stop from heart failure, +suh," replied Cadet Anstey, with a grimace. + +"We've got the Army tired enough. We must go after them in the +third period," announced Captain Wolgast. + +But this did not happen until the third time that the Navy got +the pigskin. Then Darrin and Dalzell, warned, began to run the +ball down the field. Here a new feint was tried. When the Navy +started in motion every Army man was sure that Wolgast was going +to try to put through a center charge. It was but a ruse, however. +Darrin had the pigskin, and Dalzell was boosting him through. +The entire Navy line charged with the purpose of one man. There +came the impact, and then the Army line went down. Darrin was +charging, Dalzell and Jetson running over all who got in the way. +The halfback on that side of the field was dodged. Dalzell and +Jetson bore down on the victim at the same instant, and Dave, +running to the side like a flash, had the ball over the line. + +Wolgast himself made the kick to follow, and the score was now +eight to nothing. + +The applause that followed was enough to turn wiser heads. When +play was resumed the Army was fighting mad. It was now victory +or death for the soldier boys. The West Point men were guilty +of no fouls. They played squarely and like gentlemen, but they +cared nothing for snapping muscles and sinews. Before the mad +work the Navy was borne back. Just before the close of the third +period, the Navy was forced to make a safety on its own account. + +"But Wolgast was satisfied, and the Navy coaches more than pleased. + +"There's a fourth period coming," Wolgast told himself. "But +for Darry and his splendid interference the Army would get our +scalp yet. Darry looks to be all right, and I believe he is. +He'll hold out for the fourth." + +Eight to two, and the game three quarters finished. The Army +cheermaster did his duty, but did it half dejectedly, the cadets +following with rolling volumes of noise intended to mask sinking +hearts. When it came the Navy's turn to yell, the midshipmen +risked the safety of their windpipes. The Naval Academy Band +was playing with unwonted joy. + +"Fellows, nothing on earth will save us but a touchdown and a +kick," called Douglass desperately, when he got his West Point +men aside. "That will tie the score. It's our best chance to-day." + +"Unless, suh," gravely observed Anstey, "We can follow that by +driving the midshipmen into a safety." + +"And we could do even that, if we had Prescott and Holmesy here," +thought Douglass, with sinking heart to himself. He was careful +not to repeat that sentiment audibly. + +"Holmesy ought to be here to-day, and working," growled one of +the Army subs. "He's a sneak, just to desert on Mr. Prescott's +account." + +"None of that!" called Doug sharply. + +The Army head coach came along, talking quietly but forcefully +to the all but discouraged cadets. Then he addressed himself +to Douglass, explaining what he thought were next to the weakest +points in the Navy line. + +"You ought to be able to save the score yet, Mr. Douglass," wound +up coach. + +"I wish some one else had the job!" sighed Doug to himself. + +"Fellows, the main game that is left," explained Wolgast to the +midshipmen, "is to keep West Point from scoring. As to our own +points, we have enough now---though more will be welcome." + +Play began in the fourth period. At first it was nip and tuck, +neck and neck. But the Army braced and put the pigskin within +sixteen yards of the Navy's goal line. Then the men from Annapolis +seemed suddenly to wake up. Darrin, who had had little to do +in the last few plays, was now sent to the front again. Steadily, +even brilliantly, he, Dalzell and Jetson figured in the limelight +plays. Yard after yard was gained, while the Army eleven shivered. +At last it came to the inevitable. The Army was forced to use +another safety. Stinging under the sense of defeat, the cadet +players put that temporary chance to such good advantage that +they gradually got the pigskin over into Naval territory. But +there the midshipmen held it until the timekeeper interposed. + +The fourth period and the game were over. West Point had gone +down in a memorable, stinging defeat. The Navy had triumphed, +ten to two. + +What a crash came from the Naval Academy Band! Yet the Military +Academy Band, catching the spirit and the tune, joined in, and +both bands blared forth, the musicians making themselves heard +faintly through all the tempest of huzzas. + +Dave Darrin smiled faintly as he hurried away from the field. +All his personal interest in football had vanished. He had played +his last game of football and was glad that the Navy had won; +that was about all. + +Yet he was not listless---far from it. On the contrary Dave fairly +ran to dressing quarters, hustled under a shower and then began +to towel and dress. + +For out in the audience, well he knew, had sat Belle Meade and +her mother. + +"Darry, you're a wonder!" cried Wolgast. "Every time to-day we +called upon you you were ready with the push." + +But Dave, rushing through his dressing, barely heard this and +other praise that was showered on him. + +"I'll get along before assembly time, Davy," whispered Dan Dalzell. + +"Come along now," Dave called back. + +"Oh, no! I know that you and Belle want some time to yourselves," +murmured Dalzell wisely. "I'll get along at the proper time." + +Dave didn't delay to argue. He stepped briskly outside, then +into the field, his eyes roving over the thousands of spectators +who still lingered. At last a waving little white morsel of a +handkerchief rewarded Darrin's search. + +"Oh, you did just splendidly to-day," was Belle's enthusiastic +greeting, as Dave stepped up to the young lady and her mother. +"I've heard lots of men say that it was all Darrin's victory." + +"Yes; you're the hero of Franklin Field, this year," smiled Mrs. +Meade. + +"Laura Bentley and her mother didn't come over?" Dave inquired +presently. + +"No; of course not----after the way that the cadets used Dick +Prescott," returned Belle. "Wasn't it shameful of the cadets +to treat a man like Dick in that fashion?" + +"I have my opinion, of course," Dave replied moodily, "but it's +hardly for a midshipman to criticise the cadets for their own +administration of internal discipline in their own corps. The +absence of Prescott and Holmes probably cost the Army the game +to-day." + +"Not a bit of it!" Belle disputed warmly. "Dave, don't belittle +your own superb work in that fashion! The Army would have lost +to-day if the West Point eleven had been made up exclusively of +Prescotts and Holmeses!" + +As Belle spoke thus warmly her gaze wandered, resting, though +not by intent, on the face of a young Army officer passing at +that moment. + +"If the remark was made to me, miss," smiled the Army officer, +"I wish to say that I wholly agree with you. The Navy's playing +was the most wonderful that I ever saw." + +Dave, in the meantime, had saluted, then stood at attention until +the Army officer had passed. + +"There!" cried Belle triumphantly. "You have it from the other +side, now---from the enemy." + +"Hardly from the enemy," replied Dave, laughing. "Between the +United States Army and the United States Navy there can never +be a matter of enmity. Annually, in football, the Army and Navy +teams are opponents---rivals, perhaps---but never enemies." + +Mrs. Meade had strolled away for a few yards, the better to leave +the young people by themselves. + +"Dave," announced Belle almost sternly, "you've simply got to +say something savage about the action of the West Point men in +sending Dick Prescott to Coventry." + +"The West Point men didn't do it," rejoined Dave. "It was all +done by the members of the first class alone." + +"Well, then, you must say something very disagreeable about the +first class at the Military Academy." + +"But why?" persisted Dave Darrin. He was disgusted enough over +the action of the first class cadets, but, being in the service +himself, he felt it indelicate in him to criticise the action +of the cadets of the United States Military Academy. + +"Why?" repeated Belle. "Why, simply because Laura Bentley will +insist on asking me when I get home what you had to say about +Dick's case. If I can't tell Laura that you said something pretty +nearly awful, then Laura will be terribly hurt." + +"Shall I swear?" asked Dave innocently. + +Belle opened her eyes wide in amazement. + +"No, you won't swear," Belle retorted. "Profanity isn't the +accomplishment of a gentleman. But you must say something about +Dick's case which will show her that all of Dick's friends are +standing by the poor fellow." + +"But, Belle, you know it isn't considered very manly for a fellow +in one branch of the service to say anything against fellows in +the other branch." + +"Not even---for Laura's sake?" + +"Oh, well," proposed Midshipman Darrin, squirming about between +the horns of the dilemma, "you just think of whatever will please +Laura most to hear from me." + +"Yes-----?" pressed Miss Meade. + +"Then tell it to her and say that I said it." + +"But how can I say that you said it if you didn't say it?" demanded +Belle, pouting prettily. + +"Easiest thing in the world, Belle. I authorize you, fully, to +say whatever you like about Dick, as coming from me. If I authorize +you to say it, then you won't be fibbing, will you?" + +Belle had to think that over. It was a bit of a puzzle, as must +be admitted. + +"Now, let's talk about ourselves," Darrin pressed her. "I see +Danny boy coming, with that two-yard grin of his, and we won't +have much further chance to talk about ourselves." + +The two young people, therefore, busied themselves with personal +talk. Dan drifted along, but merely raised his cap to Belle, +then stationed himself by Mrs. Meade's side. + +It was not until Dave signaled quietly that Dalzell came over +to take Belle's proffered hand and chat for a moment. + +The talk was all too short for all concerned. A call of the bugle +signaled the midshipmen to leave friends and hasten back for assembly. + +It was not until the train had started away from Philadelphia +that Dave and Dan were all but mobbed by way of congratulation. +Wolgast, Jetson, Farley, Page and others also came in for their +share of good words. + +"And to think, Darry, that you can never play on the Navy eleven +again!" groaned a second classman. + +"You'll have some one else in my place," laughed Dave. + +"The Navy never before had a football player like you, and we'll +never have one again," insisted the same man. "Dalzell's kind +come once in about every five years, but your kind, Darry, never +come back---in the Navy!" + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +DAN FEELS AS "SOLD" AS HE LOOKS + + +It was the first hop after the New Year. + +"Tell me one thing Dave," begged Belle Meade, who, with Laura +Bentley, and accompanied by Mrs. Meade, had come down to Annapolis +for this dance. + +"I'll tell you two things, if I know how," Darrin responded promptly. + +"Dan has danced a little with Laura, to be sure, but he introduced +Mr. Farley to her, and has written down Farley's name for a lot of +dances on Laura's card." + +"Farley is a nice fellow," Dave replied. "But why didn't Dan +want more of the dances with Laura, instead of turning them over +to Mr. Farley?" followed up Belle. "And---there he goes now." + +"Farley?" + +"No, stupid! Dan." + +"Well, why shouldn't he move about?" Midshipman Darrin inquired. + +"But with---By the way, who is that girl, anyway?" + +The girl was tall, rather stately and of a pronounced blonde type. +She was a girl who would have been called more than merely pretty +by any one who had seen her going by on Midshipman Dalzell's arm. + +"I don't really know who she is," Dave admitted. + +"Have you seen her here before?" + +"Yes; I think I have seen the young lady half a dozen times before +to-night." + +"Then it's odd that you don't know who she is," pursued Miss Meade. + +"I've never been introduced to her, you see." + +"Oh! I imagined that you midshipmen were always being presented +to girls." + +"That's a fairy tale," said Dave promptly. "The average midshipman +has about all he can do to hold his place here, without losing +any time in running around making the acquaintances of young women +who probably don't care at all about knowing him." + +"What I'm wondering about," Belle went on, "is whether the young +woman we have been discussing is any one in whom Dan Dalzell is +seriously interested." + +"I'll ask Dan." + +"Oh! And I suppose you'll tell him that it's I who really want +to know." + +"I'll tell him that, too, if you wish it." + +"Dave, you won't even mention my name to Dan in connection with +any topic so silly." + +"All right, Belle. All I want is my sailing orders. I know how +to follow them." + +"You're teasing me," Miss Meade went on, pouting. "I don't mean +to be curious, but I noticed that Dan appears to be quite attentive +to the young lady, and I was wondering whether Dan had met his +fate---that's all." + +"I don't know," smiled Midshipman Darrin, "and I doubt if Dan +does, either. He's just the kind of fellow who might ignore girls +for three years, then be ardently attentive to one for three +days---and forget all about her in a week." + +"Is Dan such a flirt as that?" Belle demanded, looking horrified. + +"Dan---a flirt!" chuckled Dave. "I shall have to tell that to +some of the fellows; it will amuse them. No; I wouldn't call +Dan a flirt. He's anything but that. Dan will either remain +a bachelor until he's past forty, or else some day he'll marry +suddenly after having known the girl at least twenty-four hours. +Dan hasn't much judgment where girls are concerned." + +"He appears to be able to tell a pretty girl when he sees one," +argued Belle Meade, turning again to survey Dan's companion. + +Belle, with the sharp eyes and keen intuition of her sex, was +quite justified in believing that Midshipman Dalzell realized +fully the charms of the girl with whom he was talking. + +Miss Catharine Atterly was the only daughter of wealthy parents, +though her father had started life as a poor boy. Daniel Atterly, +however, had been shrewd enough to know the advantages of a better +education than he had been able to absorb in his boyhood. Miss +Catharine, therefore, had been trained in some of the most expensive, +if not the best, schools in the country. She was a buxom, healthy +girl, full of the joy of living, yet able to conceal her enthusiasm +under the polish that she had acquired in the schools she had +attended. Miss Atterly, on coming to Annapolis, had conceived +a considerable liking for the Naval uniform, and had attracted +Dan to her side within the last three days. And Dan had felt +his heart beating faster when nearing this pretty young creature. + +Now, he was endeavoring to display himself to the best advantage +before her eyes. + +"You midshipmen have a very graceful knack of being charmingly +attentive to the ladies," Miss Atterly suggested coyly. + +"We receive a little bit of training in social performance, if +that is what you mean, Miss Atterly," Dan replied. + +"And that enables you to be most delightfully attentive to every +girl that comes along?" + +"I don't know," Midshipman Dalzell replied slowly. "I haven't +had much experience." + +Miss Atterly laughed as though she felt certain that she knew +better. + +"Do you say that to every girl?" she asked. + +"I don't get many chances," Dan insisted. "Miss Atterly, all +the hops that I've attended could be counted on your fingers, +without using the thumbs?" + +"Oh, really?" + +"It is the truth, I assure you. Some of the midshipmen attend +many hops. Most of us are too busy over our studies as a rule." + +"Then you prefer books to the society of girls?" + +"It isn't that," replied Dan, growing somewhat red under Miss +Atterly's amused scrutiny. "The fact is that a fellow comes here +to the Naval Academy for the purpose of becoming an officer in +the Navy." + +"To be sure." + +"And, unless the average fellow hugs his books tightly he doesn't +have any show to get through and become an officer. There are +some fellows, of course, to whom the studies come easily. With +most of us it's a terrible grind. Even with the grind about forty +per cent. of the fellows who enter the Naval Academy are found +deficient and are dropped. If you are interested in knowing, +I had a fearful time in keeping up with the requirements." + +"Oh, you poor boy!" cried Miss Atterly half tenderly. + +"I never felt that I wanted any sympathy," Dan declared stoutly. +"If I couldn't keep up, then the only thing to do was to go back +to civil life and find my own level among my own kind." + +"Now, that was truly brave in you!" declared Miss Atterly, admiration +shining in her eyes. + +"There's the music starting," Dan hastily reminded her. "Our +dance." + +"Would it seem disagreeable in me if I asked you to sit out this +number with me?" inquired the girl. "The truth is, I can dance +any evening, but you and your brave fight here, Mr. Dalzell, interest +me---oh, more than I can tell you!" + +Under this line of conversation Midshipman Dalzell soon began +to feel highly uncomfortable. Miss Atterly, however, in getting +Dan to talk of the midshipman and the Naval life, soon had him +feeling at his ease. Nor could Dalzell escape noticing the fact +that Miss Atterly appeared to enjoy his company hugely. + +Then Dan was led on into talking of the life of the Naval officer +at sea, and he spoke eloquently. + +"A life of bravery and daring," commented Miss Atterly thoughtfully. +"Yet, after all, I would call it rather a lonely life." + +"Perhaps it will prove so," Dalzell assented. "Yet it is all the +life that I look forward to. It's all the life that I care about." + +"Despite the loneliness---or rather, because of it---it will seem +all the finer and more beautiful to come home to wife and children," +said Miss Atterly after a pause. "Nearly all Naval officers marry, +don't they?" + +"I---I believe they do," Dalzell stammered. "I---I never asked +any Naval officers for statistics." + +"Now, you are becoming droll," cried Miss Atterly, her laughter +ringing out. + +"I didn't mean to be," Dan protested. "I beg your pardon." + +Whereat Miss Atterly laughed more than ever. + +"I like you even better when you're droll," Miss Atterly informed +him. + +Something in the way that she said it pleased Midshipman Dalzell +so immensely that he began to notice, more than before, what a +very fine girl Miss Atterly was. Then, to win her applause, Dan +made the mistake of trying to be funny, whereat the girl was extremely +kind. + +"Dave," whispered Belle soon after the music had stopped, "I can't +get away from the belief that Dan's companion is leading him on. +See! Dan now looks at her almost adoringly." + +Laura Bentley, too, had noticed Dan's preoccupation, but she merely +smiled within herself. She did not believe that Dan could really +be serious where girls were concerned. Now, as Laura's midshipman +partner led her to a seat, and soon left her, Dan, tearing himself +away from Miss Atterly, came to remind Laura that his name was +written on her card for the next dance. + +"Very fine girl I've been talking with, Laura," Dan confided in +the straightforward way that he had always used with Miss Bentley, +who was such a very old school friend. + +"She certainly is very pretty," Laura nodded. + +"And---er---distinguished looking, don't you think?" Dan ventured. + +"Yes, indeed." + +"But I was speaking more of her character---at least, her disposition. +Miss Atterly is highly sympathetic. I wish you'd meet her, Laura." + +"I shall be delighted to do so, Dan." + +"After this dance, then? And I want Belle to meet her, too. +Miss Atterly has noticed you both, and was much interested when +she learned that you were old school-day friends of mine." + +So, after the music had ceased, Dan escorted Laura over to where +Dave and Belle were chatting. + +"Belle," asked Dan in his most direct way, "will you come and +be introduced to Miss Atterly?" + +"The young lady you've been dancing with so much?" Miss Meade +inquired. "The tall, stately blonde?" + +"Yes," Dan nodded. + +"I shall be glad to meet Miss Atterly. But how about her? Do +you think she could stand the shock?" + +"Miss Atterly is very anxious to meet you both," Dalzell assured +Belle. + +"Take me over and shock her, then," laughed Belle. + +Dan stood gazing about the scene. "I---I wonder where Miss Atterly +is?" Dan mused aloud. + +"Oh, I can tell you," Belle answered. "A moment ago she went +through the entrance over yonder." + +"Alone?" + +"No; an older woman, probably Miss Atterly's mother, was with +her." + +"Oh! Let's look them up, then, if you don't mind." + +As Belle rose, taking Dave's arm, Dan and Laura took the lead. + +Just beyond the entrance that Belle had indicated no one else +was in sight when the four young friends reached the spot. There +was a clump of potted tropical shrubbery at one side. + +On the other side of this shrubbery sat Mrs. and Miss Atterly, +engaged in conversation. + +"Why do you prefer to sit in this out-of-the-way place, Catharine?" +her mother inquired, just as the young people came up. + +"I want to get away from two rather goodlooking but very ordinary +girls that Mr. Dalzell wants to present to me, mamma," she replied. + +"If they are midshipmen's friends are they too ordinary to know?" +inquired Mrs. Atterly. + +"Mamma, if I am going to interest Mr. Dalzell, I don't want other +girls stepping in at every other moment. I don't want to know +his girl friends." + +"Are you attracted to Mr. Dalzell, Cathy?" asked her mother. + +"Not especially, I assure you, mamma." + +"Oh, then it is not a serious affair." + +"It may be," laughed the girl lightly. "If I can learn to endure +Mr. Dalzell, then I may permit him to marry me when he is two +years older and has his commission." + +"Even if you don't care much for him?" asked Mrs. Atterly, almost +shocked. + +"If I marry," pouted Miss Atterly, "I don't want a husband that +leaves the house every morning, and returns every evening." + +"Cathy!" + +"Well, I don't! In some ways I suppose it's nice to be a married +woman. One has more freedom in going about alone. Now, a Naval +officer, mamma, would make the right sort of husband for me. +He'd be away, much of the time, on long cruises." + +"But I understand, Cathy, that sometimes a Naval officer has a +year or two of shore duty." + +"If that happened," laughed the girl, "I could take a trip to +Europe couldn't I? And the social position of a Naval officer +isn't a bad one. His wife enjoys the same social position, you +know, mamma." + +"Yet why Mr. Dalzell, if you really don't care anything about +him?" + +"Because he's so simple, mamma. He would be dreadfully easy to +manage!" + +The four young people looking for the Atterlys had unavoidably +heard every word. They halted, Dan violently red in the face. +Then Laura, with quick tact, wheeled about and led the way back +to the ball room floor. + +"Better luck next time, Dan," whispered Belle, gripping Dalzell's +arm. + +"Don't you think twice is enough for a simpleton like me?" blurted +Midshipman Dan. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE DAY OF MANY DOUBTS + + +Busy days followed, days which, for some of the first classmen, +were filled with a curious discontent. + +Some, to be sure, among these midshipmen soon to graduate, took +each day as it came, with little or no emotion. To them the Naval +life ahead was coming only as a matter of course. There were +others, however---and Dave Darrin was among them---who looked +upon a commission as an officer of the Navy as a sacred trust +given them by the nation. + +Dave Darrin was one of those who, while standing above the middle +of his class, yet felt that he had not made sufficiently good +use of his time. To his way of thinking there was an appalling +lot in the way of Naval duties that he did not understand. + +"I may get through here, and out of here, and in another couple +of years be a line or engineer officer," Midshipman Darrin confided +to his chum and roommate one day. "But I shall be only a half-baked +sort of officer." + +"Well, are cubs ever anything more?" demanded Dan. + +"Yes; Wolgast, for instance, is going to be something more. So +will Fenton and Day, and several others whom I could name." + +"And so is Darrin," confidently predicted Midshipman Dalzell. + +But Dave shook his head. + +"No, no, Danny boy. The time was when I might have believed extremely +well of myself, but that day has gone by. When I entered the +Naval Academy I probably thought pretty well of myself. I've tried +to keep up with the pace here-----" + +"And you've done it, and are going to do it right along," interjected +Midshipman Dalzell. + +"No; it almost scares me when I look over the subjects that I'm +not really fit in. It's spring, now, and I'm only a few weeks +away from graduation, only something like two years this side +of a commission as ensign, and---and---Dan, I wonder if I'm honestly +fit to command a rowboat." + +"You've got a brief grouch against yourself, Davy," muttered Dan. + +"No; but I think I know what a Naval officer should be, and I +also know how far short I fall of what I should be." + +"If you get your diploma," argued Midshipman Dalzell, "the faculty +of the Naval Academy will testify on the face of it that you're +a competent midshipman and on your way to being fit to hold an +ensign's commission presently." + +"But that's just the point, Danny. I shall know, myself, that +I'm only a poor, dub sort of Naval officer. I tell you, Danny, +I don't know enough to be a good Naval officer." + +"Then that's a reflection on your senior officers who have had +your training on hand," grinned Dalzell. "If you talk in the +same vein after you've gotten your diploma, it will amount to +a criticism of the intelligence of your superior officers. And +that's something that's wisely forbidden by the regulations." + +Dan picked up a text-book and opened it, as though he believed +that he had triumphantly closed the discussion. Midshipman Darrin, +however, was not to be so easily silenced. + +"Then, if you're not fitted to be a Naval officer," blurted Dalzell, +"what on earth can be said of me?" + +"You may not stand quite as high as I do, on mere markings," Dave +assented. "But there are a lot of things, Danny, that you know +much better than I do." + +"Name one of them," challenged Dalzell. + +"Well, steam engineering, for instance. Now, I'm marked higher +in that than you are, Danny. Yet, when the engine on one of the +steamers goes wrong you can hunt around until you get the engine +to running smoothly. You're twice as clever at that as I am." + +"Not all Naval officers are intended to be engineer officers," +grunted Midshipman Dalzell. "If you don't feel clever enough +in that line, just put in your application for watch officer's +work." + +"Take navigation," Dave continued. "I stand just fairly well +in the theory of the thing. But I've no real knack with a sextant." + +"Well, the sextant is only a hog-yoke," growled Dalzell. + +"Yes; but I shiver every time I pick up the hog-yoke under the +watchful gaze of an instructor." + +"Humph! Only yesterday I heard Lieutenant-Commander Richards +compliment you for your work in nav." + +"Yes; but that was the mathematical end. I'm all right on the +paper end and the theoretical work, but it's the practical end +that I'm afraid of." + +"You'll get plenty of the practical work as soon as you graduate +and get to sea," Dan urged. + +"Yes; and very likely make a chump of myself, like Digby, of last +year's class. Did you hear what he did in nav.?" + +"No," replied Dalzell, looking up with real interest this times +"If Digby made a fool of himself I'll be glad to hear about it, +for Dig was always just a little bit too chesty to suit me." + +"Well, Dig wasn't a bit chesty the first day that he was ordered +to shoot the sun," Dave laughed. "Dig took the sextant, and made +a prize shot, or thought he did. After he had got the sun, plumb +at noon, he lowered the instrument and made his reading most carefully. +Then he went into the chart room, and got busy with his calculations. +The longer Dig worked the worse his head ached. He stared at +his figures, tore them up and tried again. Six or eight times +he worked the problem over, but always with the same result. +The navigating officer, who had worked the thing out in two minutes, +sat back in his chair and looked bored. You see, Dig's own eyes +had told him that the ship was working north, and about five miles +off the coast of New Jersey. But his figures told him that the +ship was anchored in the old fourth ward of the city of Newark. +Try as he would, Dig couldn't get the battleship away from that +ward." + +Dan Dalzell leaned back, laughing uproariously at the mental picture +that this story of Midshipman Digby brought up in his mind. + +"It sounds funny, when you hear it," Dave went on. "But I sometimes +shiver over the almost certainty that I'm going to do something +just as bad when I get to sea. If I get sent to the engine room +I'll be likely to fill the furnaces with water and the boilers +with coal." + +"Rot!" objected Dan. "You're not crazy---not even weak-minded." + +"Or else, if I'm put to navigating, I'm fairly likely to bring +the battleship into violent collision with the Chicago Limited, +over in Ohio." + +"Come out of that funk, Davy!" ordered his chum. + +"I'm trying to, Danny boy; but there's many an hour when I feel +that I haven't learned here all that I should have learned, and +that I'll be miles behind the newest ensigns and lieutenants." + +"There's just about one thing for you to do, then," proposed Dan. + +"Resign?" queried Darrin, looking quizzically at his chum. + +"Not by a long sight. Just go in for a commission as second lieutenant +of marines. You can get that and hold it. A marine officer doesn't +have to know anything but the manual of arms and a few other little +simple things." + +"But a marine officer isn't a real sailor, Danny. He lives and +works on a warship, to be sure, but he's more of a soldier. Now, +as it happens, my whole heart and soul are wrapped up in being +a Naval officer---a real Naval officer." + +"With that longing, and an Annapolis diploma," teased Dalzell, +"there is just one thing to do." + +"What?" + +"Beat your way to the realization of your dream. You've got a +thundering good start." + +Midshipman Dave Darrin was not the kind to communicate his occasional +doubts to anyone except his roommate. Had Darrin talked on the +subject with other members of his class he would have found that +many of his classmates were tortured by the same doubts that assailed +him. With midshipmen who were destined to get their diplomas +such doubts were to be charged only to modesty, and were therefore +to their credit. Yet, every spring dozens of Annapolis first +classmen are miserable, instead of feeling the joyous appeal of +the budding season. They are assailed by just such fears as had +reached Dave Darrin. + +Dalzell, on the other hand, was tortured by no such dreads. He +went hammering away with marvelous industry, and felt sure, in +his own mind, that he would be retired, in his sixties, an honored +rear admiral. + +Had there been only book studies some of the first classmen would +have broken down under the nervous strain. However, there was +much to be done in the shops---hard, physical labor, that had +to be performed in dungaree clothing; toil of the kind that plastered +the hard-worked midshipmen with grime and soot. There were drills, +parades, cross-country marches. The day's work at the Naval Academy, +at any season of the year, is arranged so that hard mental work +is always followed by lively physical exertion, much of it in +the open air. + +Dalzell, returning one afternoon from the library encountered +Midshipman Farley, who was looking unaccountably gloomy. + +"What's the trouble, Farl---dyspepsia?" grinned Dan, linking one +arm through his friend's. "Own up!" + +"Danny, I'm in the dumps," confessed Farley. "I hate to acknowledge +it, but I've been fearfully tempted, for the last three days, to send +in my resignation." + +"What's her name?" grinningly demanded Dalzell, who had bravely +recovered from his own two meetings with Venus. + +"It isn't a girl---bosh!" jeered Farley. "There's only one girl +in the world I'm interested in---and she's my kid sister." + +"Then why this talk of resigning." + +"Danny, I'm simply afraid that I'm not made of the stuff to make +a competent Naval officer. My markings are all right, but I know +that I don't know enough to take a sailboat out and bring it back." + +"Oh, is that all?" cried Dalzell laughingly. "Then I know just +what you want." + +"What?" + +"Drop into our room and have a talk with Darry. Dave knows just +how to comfort and cheer a fellow who has that glum bug in his +head of cabbage. Come right along!" + +Dan almost forced Farley to the door of the room, opened it and +shoved the modest midshipman inside. + +"Darry," Dan called joyously, "here's a case for your best talents. +Farley has a pet bee in his bonnet that he isn't fit to be a +Naval officer. He doesn't know enough. So he's going to resign. +I've told him you'll know just how to handle his case. Go after +him, now!" + +Midshipman Dalzell pulled the door shut, chuckling softly to himself, +and marched back to the library. It was just before the call +for supper formation when Dan returned from "boning" in the library. + +"Did you brace Farl up, Davy?" demanded Dan. + +"You grinning idiot!" laughed Darrin. "What on earth made you bring +him to me?" + +"Because I thought you needed each other." + +"Well, perhaps we did," laughed Midshipman Darrin. "At any rate +I've been hammering at Farl all the time that he wasn't hammering +at me. I certainly feel better, and I hope that he does." + +"You both needed the same thing," declared Dan, grinning even +more broadly as he picked up his hair brushes. + +"What did we need?" + +"You've both been studying so hard that your brain cells are clogged." + +"But what did Farley and I both need?" insisted Midshipman Darrin. + +"Mental exercise---brain-sparring," rejoined Dalzell. "You both +needed something that could take you out of the horrible daily +grooves that you've been sailing in lately. You both needed something +to stir you up---and I hope you gave each other all the excitement +you could." + +In the way of a stirring-up something was about to happen that +was going to stir up the whole first class---if not the entire +brigade. + +Nor was Dave Darrin to escape being one of the central figures +in the excitement. + +Here is the way in which the whole big buzzing-match got its start +and went on to a lively finish. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +MR. CLAIRY DEALS IN OUTRAGES + + +"Mr. Darrin!" + +With that hail proceeded sharply from the lips of a first classman, +who on this evening happened to be the midshipman in charge of +the floor. + +Clairy sat at his desk in the corridor, his eyes on a novel until +Dave happened along. As he gave the sharp hail Mr. Clairy thrust +his novel under a little pile of text-books. + +"Well, sir?" inquired Dave, halting. "Mr. Darrin, what do you +mean by coming down the corridor with both shoes unlaced." + +"They are not unlaced," retorted Dave, staring in amazement at +Midshipman Clairy. + +"They are not now---true." + +"And they haven't been unlaced, sir, since I first laced them +on rising this morning." + +"Don't toy with the truth, Mr. Darrin!" rang Clairy's voice sternly. + +"If my shoes had been unlaced, they would still be unlaced, wouldn't +they, sir?" demanded Dave. + +"No; for you have laced them since I spoke to you about it!" + +This was entirely too much for Darrin, who gulped, gasped, and +then stared again at the midshipman in charge of the floor. + +Then, suddenly, a light dawned on Dave. He grinned almost as +broadly as Dan Dalzell could have done. + +"Come, come, now, Clairy!" chided Dave. "What on earth is the +joke---and why?" + +Midshipman Clairy straightened himself, his eyes flashing and +his whole appearance one of intense dignity. + +"Mr. Darrin, there is no joke about it, as you are certainly aware, +sir. And I must call your attention to the fact that it is bad +taste to address a midshipman familiarly when he is on official +duty." + +"Why, hang you---" Dave broke forth utterly aghast. + +"Stop, sir!" commanded Mr. Clairy, rising. "Mr. Darrin, you will +place yourself on report for strolling along the corridor with +both shoes unlaced. You will also place yourself on report for +impertinence in answering the midshipman in charge of the floor." + +"But-----" + +"Go at once, sir, and place yourself on report" + +Dave meditated, for two or three seconds, over the advisability +of knocking Mr. Clairy down. But familiarity with the military +discipline of the Naval Academy immediately showed Darrin that +his only present course was to obey. + +"I wonder who's loony now?" hummed Dave to himself, as he marched +briskly along on his way to the office of the officer in charge. +There be picked up two of the report slips, dipping a pen in ink. + +First, in writing, he reported himself on the charge of having +his shoes unlaced. In the space for remarks Darrin wrote tersely: + +"Untrue." + +Against the charge of unwarranted impertinence to the midshipman +in charge of the floor Dave wrote the words: + +"Impertinence admitted, but in my opinion entirely warranted." + +So utterly astounded was Darrin by this queer turn of affairs, +that he forgot the matter that had taken him from his room. On +his way back he met Midshipman Page. On the latter's face was +a look as black as a thundercloud. + +"What on earth is wrong, Page?" Darrin asked. + +"I've got the material for a first-class fight on my hands," Page +answered, his eyes flashing. + +"What---" + +"Clairy has ordered me to report myself." + +"What does he say you were doing that you weren't doing?" inquired +Midshipman Darrin, a curious look in his eyes. + +"Clairy has the nerve to state that I was coming along the corridor +with my blouse unbuttoned. He ordered me to button it up, which +I couldn't do since it was already buttoned. But he declared +that I buttoned it up while facing him, and so I'm on my way to +place myself on report for an offense that I didn't commit." + +"Clairy just sent me to the O.C. to frap the pap for having my +shoes unlaced," remarked Dave, his face flushing darkly. + +"What on earth is Clairy up to?" cried Page. + +"I don't know. I can't see his game clearly. But he's certainly +hunting trouble." + +"Then-----" + +"See here, Page, we've no business holding indignation meetings +in study hours. But come to my room just as soon as release +sounds---will you?" + +"You can wager that I will," shot back Midshipman Page as he started +along the corridor. + +"Hello," hailed Midshipman Dalzell, looking up as his chum entered. +"Why, Darry, you're angry---really angry. Who has dared throw +spitballs at you?" + +"Quit your joking, Dan!" returned Dave Darrin, his voice quivering. +"Clairy is hunting real trouble, I imagine, and I fancy he'll have +to be obliged." + +Dave thereupon related swiftly what had happened, Dan staring +in sheer amazement. Then Dalzell jumped up. + +"Where are you going?" Darrin answered. + +"To interview Clairy." + +"You'd better not, Dan. The trouble is thick enough already." + +"I'm going to interview Clairy---perhaps," retorted Midshipman +Dalzell. "I've just thought of a perfectly good excuse for being +briefly out of quarters during study hours. I'll be back +soon---perhaps with some news." + +Off Dan posted. In less than ten minutes he returned, looking +even more indignant than had his chum. + +"Davy," broke forth Dalzell hotly, "that idiot is surely hunting +all the trouble there is in Annapolis." + +"He went after you, then?" + +"I was making believe to march straight by the fellow's desk," +resumed Dan, "when Clairy brought me up sharply. Told me to frap +the pap for strolling with my hands in my pockets. I didn't do +anything like that." + +In another hour indignation was running riot in that division. +Midshipman Clairy had ordered no less than eight first classmen +to put themselves on report for offenses that none of them would +admit having committed. + +Oh, but there was wrath boiling in the quarters occupied by those +eight first classmen. + +Immediately after release had sounded, Page and Farley made a +bee-line for Dave's room. + +"Did Clairy wet you, Farley?" demanded Darrin. + +"No; I haven't been out of my room until just now." + +"Page," continued Darrin, "circulate rapidly in first class rooms +on this deck and find out whether Clairy improperly held up any +more of the fellows. Dan was a victim, too." + +Page had five first classmen on the scene in a few minutes. The +meeting seemed doomed to resolve itself into a turmoil of angry +language. + +"Clairy is a hound!" + +"A liar in my case!" + +"He's hunting a fight!" + +"Coventry would do him more good." + +"Yes; we'll have to call the class to deal with this." + +"The scoundrel!" + +"The pup!" + +"He's trying to pile some of us up with so many demerits that we +won't be able to graduate." + +"Oh, well," argued Page, "Fenwick has hit it. We can't fight +such a lying hound. All we can do is to get the class out and +send the fellow to Coventry." + +"What do you imagine it all means, Darry?" questioned Fenwick. + +Dave's wrath had had time to simmer down, and he was cooler now. + +"I wish I knew what to think, fellows," Dave answered slowly. +"Clairy has never shown signs of doing such things before." + +"He has always been a sulk, and never had a real friend in the +class," broke in Farley. + +"He has always been quiet and reticent," Dave admitted. "But +we never before had any real grievance against Mr. Clairy." + +"We have a grievance now, all right!" glowered Page. "Coventry, +swift and tight, is the only answer to the situation." + +"Let's not be in too much haste, fellows," Darrin urged. + +"You---you give such advice as that?" gasped Midshipman Dalzell. +"Why, Davy, the fellow went for you in fearful shape. He insulted +you outrageously." + +"I know he did," Darrin responded. "That's why I believe in going +slowly in the matter." + +"Now, why?" hissed Page. "Why on earth---why?" + +"Clairy must have had some motive behind his attack," Dave urged. + +"It couldn't have been a good motive, anyway," broke in another +midshipman hotly. + +"Never mind that part of it, just now," Dave Darrin retorted. +"Fellows, I, for one, don't like to go after Mr. Clairy too hastily +while we're all in doubt about the cause of it." + +"We don't need to know the cause," stormed indignant Farley. +"We know the results, and that's enough for us. I favor calling +a class meeting to-morrow night." + +"We can do just as much, and act just as intelligently, if we +hold the class-meeting off for two or three nights," Midshipman +Darrin maintained. + +"Now, why on earth should we bold off that long?" insisted Fenwick. +"We know, now, that Mr. Clairy has insulted eight members of +our class. We know that he has lied about them, and that the +case is so bad as to require instant attention. All I'm sorry +for is that it's too late to hold the class meeting within the +next five minutes." + +Dave found even his own roommate opposed to delay in dealing with +the preposterous case of the outrageous Mr. Clairy. + +Yet such was Darrin's ascendency over his classmates in matters +of ethics and policy, that he was able, before taps, to bring +the rest around to his wish for a waiting programme for two or +three days. + +"There'll be some explanation of this," Dave urged, when he had +gotten his comrades into a somewhat more reasonable frame of mind. + +"The explanation will have to be sought with fists," grumbled +Fenwick. "And there are eight of us, while Clairy has only two +eyes that can be blackened." + +The news had spread, of course, and the first class was in a fury +of resentment against one of its own members. + +Meanwhile Midshipman Clairy sat at his desk out in the corridor, +clearly calm and indifferent to all the turmoil that his acts +had stirred up in the brigade. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE WHOLE CLASS TAKES A HAND + + +"Then, Mr. Darrin, you admit the use of impertinent language to +Mr. Clairy, when the midshipman was in charge of the floor?" + +This question was put to Dave, the following morning, by the commandant +of midshipmen. + +"It would have been an impertinence, sir, under ordinary conditions," +Darrin answered. "Under the circumstances I believed, sir, that I +had been provoked into righteous anger." + +"You still assert that Mr. Clairy's charge that your shoes were +unlaced when you approached him was false?" + +"Absolutely false, sir." + +"Do you wish any time to reflect over that answer, Mr. Darrin?" + +"No, sir." + +"You are willing your answer should go on record, then?" + +"My denial of the charge of having my shoes unlaced is the only +answer that I can possibly make, sir." + +The commandant reflected. Then he directed that Midshipman Clairy +be ordered to report to him. Clairy came, almost immediately. +The commandant questioned him closely. Clairy still stuck resolutely +to his story that Dave Darrin had been passing through the corridor +with his shoes unlaced; and, furthermore, that Darrin, when rebuked +and ordered to place himself on report, had used impertinent language. + +During this examination the midshipmen did not glance toward each +other. Both stood at attention, their glances on the commandant's +face. + +"I do not know what to say," the officer admitted at last. "I +will take the matter under advisement. You may both go." + +Outside, well away from the office, Dave Darrin halted, swinging +and confronting Clairy sternly. + +"You lying scoundrel!" vibrated Darrin, his voice shaking with +anger. + +"It constitutes another offense, Mr. Darrin, to use such language +for the purpose of intimidating a midshipman in the performance +of his duty," returned Midshipman Clairy, looking back steadily +into Dave's eyes. + +"An offense? Fighting is another, under a strict interpretation +of the rules," Dave replied coldly. + +"And I do not intend to fight you," replied Clairy, still speaking +smoothly. + +"Perhaps I should know better than to challenge you," replied +Midshipman Darrin. "The spirit of the brigade prohibits my fighting +any one who is not a gentleman." + +"If that is all you have to say, Mr. Darrin, I will leave you. +You cannot provoke me into any breach of the regulations." + +Clairy walked away calmly, leaving Dave Darrin fuming with anger. + +Page was sent for next, then Dalzell. Both denied utterly the +charges on which Clairy had ordered them to report themselves. +Again Mr. Clairy was sent for, and once more he asserted the +complete truthfulness of his charges. + +It was so in the cases of the five remaining midshipmen under +charges, though still Mr. Clairy stuck to the correctness of the +report. + +Action in all of the eight cases was suspended by the commandant, +who went post-haste to the superintendent. That latter official, +experienced as he was in the ways of midshipmen, could offer no +solution of the mystery. + +"You see, my dear Graves," explained the superintendent, "it is +the rule of custom here, and a safe rule at that, to accept the +word of a midshipman as being his best recollection or knowledge +of the truth of any statement that he makes. In that case, we +would seem to be bound to accept the statements of Mr. Clairy." + +On the other hand, we are faced with the fact that we must accept +the statements made by Mr. Darrin, Mr. Page, Mr. Dalzell, Mr. +Fenwick and others. We are on the horns of a dilemma, though +I doubt not that we shall find a way out of it." + +"There appears, sir, to be only the statement of one midshipman +against the word of eight midshipmen," suggested the commandant. + +"Not exactly that," replied the superintendent. "The fact is +that Mr. Clairy's charges do not concern the eight midshipmen +collectively, but individually. Had Mr. Clairy charged all eight +of the midshipmen of an offense committed at the same time and +together, and had the eight midshipmen all denied it, then we +should be reluctantly compelled to admit the probability that +Mr. Clairy had been lying. But his charges relate to eight different +delinquencies, and not one of the eight accused midshipmen is +in a position to act as witness for any of the other accused men." + +"Then what are we going to do, sir?" + +"I will admit that I do not yet know," replied the superintendent. +"Some method of getting at the truth in the matter is likely +to occur to us later on. In the meantime, Graves, you will not +publish any punishments for the reported delinquencies." + +"Very good, sir," nodded the commandant. + +"Keep your wits at work for a solution of the mystery, Graves." + +"I will, sir." + +"And I will give the matter all the attention that I can," was the +superintendent's last word. + +If anger had been at the boiling point before, the situation was +even worse now. + +Page and Fenwick openly challenged Clairy to fight. He replied, +in each case, with a cool, smiling refusal. + +"We've got to hold that class meeting!" growled Farley. + +"Why?" inquired Dave. "The class can't do anything more to Clairy +than has already been done. His refusals to fight will send him +to Coventry as securely as could action by all four of the classes. +No fellow here can refuse to fight, unless he couples with his +refusal an offer to submit the case to his own class for action. +No one, henceforth, will have a word to say to Clairy." + +"Perhaps not; but I still insist that the class meeting ought +to be called." + +This was the general sentiment among the first classmen. Darrin +was the only real dissenter to the plan. + +"Oh, well, go ahead and call the class together, if you like," +agreed Dave. "My main contention is that such a meeting will +be superfluous. The action of the class has really been taken +already." + +"Will you come to the meeting, Darry?" asked Fenwick. + +"Really, I don't know," Dave answered thoughtfully. "My presence +would do neither good nor harm. The action of the class has already +been decided. In fact, it has been put into effect." + +"Then you won't be there?" spoke up Farley. + +"I don't know. I'll come, however, if it will please any of you +especially." + +"Oh, bother you, Darry! We're not going to beg your presence +as a favor." + +At formation for dinner, when the brigade adjutant published the +orders, every midshipman in the long ranks of the twelve companies +waited eagerly to learn what had been done in the cases of the +eight midshipmen. They were doomed to disappointment, however. + +At brigade formation for supper notice of a meeting of the first +class in Recreation Hall was duly published. There was rather +an unwonted hush over the tables that night. + +Immediately afterwards groups of midshipmen were seen strolling +through the broad foyer of Bancroft Hall, and up the low steps +into Recreation Hall. Yet it was some ten minutes before there +was anything like a full gathering of the first class. + +"Order!" rapped the class president Then, after glancing around: + +"Is Mr. Clairy present?" + +He was not. + +"Where's Darry?" buzzed several voices. + +But Dave Darrin was not present either. + +"Where is he?" several demanded of Dan. + +"Blessed if I know," Dan answered. "I wish I did, fellows." + +"Isn't Darry going to attend?" + +"I don't know that, either." + +Midshipman Gosman now claimed the floor. He spoke a good deal +as though he had been retained as advocate for the eight accused +midshipmen. In a fiery speech Mr. Gosman recited that eight different +members of the class had been falsely accused by Mr. Clairy. + +"There are not eight liars in our class," declared Midshipman +Gosman, with very telling effect. + +Then, after more fiery words aimed at Clairy, Mr. Gosman demanded: + +"Why is not Mr. Clairy here to speak for himself? Let him who +can answer this! Further, Mr. Clairy has been challenged to fight +by some of those whom be accused. Now, sir and classmates, a +midshipman may refuse to fight, but if he does he must submit +his case to his class, and then be guided by the class decision +as to whether he must fight or not. Mr. Clairy has not done this." + +"He's a cur!" shouted a voice. + +"I accept the remark," bowed Mr. Gosman, "if I am permitted to +express the class's apology to all dogs for the comparison." + +"Good!" yelled several. + +"Mr. President and classmates," continued the angry orator, "I +believe we are all of one mind, and I believe that I can express +the unanimous sentiment of the first class." + +"You can!" + +"You bet you can!" + +"Go ahead!" + +"Mr. President, I take it upon myself to move that the first class +should, and hereby does, send Mr. Clairy to Coventry for all time +to come!" + +"Second the motion!" cried several voices. + +Then a diversion was created. + +One of the big doors opened and a midshipman stepped into the +room, closing the door. + +That midshipman was Dave Darrin. Every first classman in the +room felt certain that Darrin had entered for the express purpose +of saying something of consequence. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +MIDSHIPMAN DARRIN HAS THE FLOOR + + +But Dave did not speak at first. Advancing only a short distance +into the hall he stood with arms folded, his face well-nigh +expressionless. + +For a moment the class president glanced at Darrin, then at the +assemblage. + +"Gentlemen," announced the class president, "you have heard the +motion, that Mr. Clairy be sent to Coventry for all time to come. +The motion has been duly seconded. Remarks are in order." + +"Mr. President!" + +It was Dave who had spoken. All eyes were turned in his direction +at once. + +"Mr. Darrin," announced the chair. "Mr. President, and classmates, +I, for one, shall vote against the motion." + +An angry clamor rose, followed by calls of, "Question! Put the +motion!" + +"Do any of you know," Darrin continued, "why Mr. Clairy is not +here this evening?" + +"He's afraid to come!" + +"Did any of you note that Mr. Clairy was not at supper?" + +"The hound hadn't any appetite," jeered Fenwick angrily. + +"You have observed, of course, that Mr. Clairy was not here at +the meeting?" + +"He didn't dare come!" cried several voices. + +"If you have any explanation to make, Mr. Darrin, let us have +it," urged the chair. + +"Mr. President and classmates," Midshipman Darrin continued, "all +along I have felt that there must be some explanation to match +Mr. Clairy's most extraordinary conduct. I now offer you the +explanation. The officer in charge sent for me, to impart some +information that I am requested to repeat before this meeting." + +"Go on!" cried several curious voices when Dave paused for a moment. + +"Fellows, I hate to tell you the news, and you will all be extremely +sorry to hear it. You will be glad, however, that you did not +pass the motion now before the class. Mr. President, I have to +report, at the request of the officer in charge, the facts in +Mr. Clairy's case. + +"From the peculiar nature of the case both the superintendent and +the commandant of midshipmen were convinced that there was +something radically wrong with Mr. Clairy." + +"Humph! I should say so!" uttered Penwick, with emphasis. + +"Mr. Clairy was not at our mess at supper," resumed Dave Darrin, +"for the very simple reason that he had been taken to hospital. +There he was examined by three surgeons, assisted by an outside +specialist. Mr. President and classmates, I know you will all +feel heartily sorry for Clairy when I inform you that he has been +pronounced insane." + +Dave ceased speaking, and an awed silence prevailed. It was the +chair who first recovered his poise. + +"Clairy insane!" cried the class president. "Gentlemen, now we +comprehend what, before, it was impossible to understand." + +In the face of this sudden blow to a classmate all the midshipmen +sat for a few minutes more as if stunned. Then they began to +glance about at each other. + +"I think this event must convince us, sir," Darrin's voice broke +in, "that we young men don't know everything, and that we should +learn to wait for facts before we judge swiftly." + +"Mr. President!" + +It was Gosman, on his feet. In a husky voice that midshipman +begged the consent of his seconders for his withdrawing the motion +he had offered sending Midshipman Clairy to Coventry. In a twinkling +that motion had been withdrawn. + +"Will Mr. Darrin, state, if able, how serious Clairy's insanity +is believed to be?" inquired the chair. + +"It is serious enough to ruin all his chances in the Navy," Dave +answered, "though the surgeons believe that, after Clairy has +been taken by his friends to some asylum, his cure can eventually +be brought about." + +The feeling in the room was too heavy for more discussion. A +motion to adjourn was offered and carried, after which the first +classmen hurried from the room. + +Of course no demerits were imposed as a result of the crazy reports +ordered by Midshipman Clairy on that memorable night. Three days +later the unfortunate young man's father arrived and had his son +conveyed from Annapolis. It may interest the reader to know that, +two years later, the ex-midshipman fully recovered his reason, and +is now successfully engaged in business. + +Spring now rapidly turned into early summer. The baseball squad +had been at work for some time. Both Darrin and Dalzell had been +urged to join. + +"Let's go into the nine, if we can make it---and we ought to," +urged Dan. + +"You go ahead, Danny boy, if you're so inclined," replied Dave. + +"Aren't you going in?" + +"I have decided not to." + +"You're a great patriot for the Naval Academy, Davy." + +"I'm looking out for myself, I'll admit. I want to graduate as +high in my class as I can, Danny. Yet I'd sacrifice my own desires +if the Naval Academy needed me on the nine. However, I'm not +needed. There are several men on the nine who play ball better +than I but don't let me keep you off the nine, Dan." + +"If you stay off I guess I will," replied Dalzell. "If the nine +doesn't need you then it doesn't need me." + +"But I thought you wanted to play." + +"Not unless you and I could be the battery, David, little giant. +I'd like to catch your pitching, but I don't want to stop any +other fellow's pitching." + +So far the nine had gone on without them. Realizing how much +Dan wanted to play with the Navy team in this, their last year, +Dave changed his mind, and both joined. A very creditable showing +was made after their entrance into the nine. That year the Navy +captured more than half the games played, though the Navy was +fated to lose to the Army by a score of four to three. This game +is described in detail in "_Dick Prescott's Fourth Year At West +Point_." + +With the approach of graduation time Dave's heart was gladdened +by the arrival in Annapolis of Belle Meade and her mother, who +stopped at the Maryland House. Dave saw them on the only days +when it was possible---that is to say, on Saturdays and Sundays. +He had many glimpses of his sweetheart, however, at other times, +for Belle, filled with the fascination of Naval life, came often +with her mother to watch the outdoor drills. + +When Dave saw her at such times, however, he was obliged to act as +though he did not. Not by look or sign could he convey any +intimation that he was doing anything but pay the strictest heed +to duty. + +Then came the Saturday before examination. Dave Darrin, released +after dinner, would gladly have hurried away from the Academy +grounds to visit his sweetheart in town, but Belle willed it otherwise. + +"These are your last days here, Dave," whispered Belle, as she +and her handsome midshipman strolled about. "If I'm to share +your life with you, I may as well begin by sharing the Naval Academy +with you to-day." + +"Shall we go over to the field and watch the ball game when it +starts?" Darrin asked. + +"Not unless you very especially wish to," Miss Meade replied. +"I'd rather have you to myself than to share your attention with +a ball game." + +So, though Midshipman Dave was interested in the outcome of the +game, he decided to wait for the score when it had been made. + +"Where's Dan to-day?" Belle inquired. + +"Over at the ball game." + +"Alone?" + +"No; the brigade is with him, or he's with the brigade," laughed +Darrin. + +"Then he's not there with a girl?" + +"Oh, no; I think Danny's second experience has made him a bit +skeptical about girls." + +"And how are you, on that point, Mr. Darrin?" teased Belle, gazing +up at him mirthfully. + +"You know my sentiments, as to myself, Belle. As for Dan---well, +I think it beyond doubt that he will do well to wait for several +years before he allows himself to be interested in any girls." + +"Why?" + +"Well, because Danny's judgment is bad in that direction. And +he's pretty sure to be beaten out by any determined rival. You +see, when Danny gets interested in a girl, he doesn't really know +whether he wants her. From a girl's point of view what do you +think of that failing, Belle?" + +"I am afraid the girl is not likely to feel complimented." + +"So," pursued Dave, "while Danny is really interested in a girl, +but is uneasily unable to make up his mind, the girl is pretty +sure to grow tired of him and take up with the more positive rival." + +"Poor Dan is not likely to have a bride early in life," sighed +Belle. + +"Oh, yes; one very excellent bride for a Naval officer to have." + +"What is that?" + +"His commission. Dan, if he keeps away from too interesting girls, +will have some years in which to fit himself splendidly in his +profession. By that time he'll be all the better equipped for +taking care of a wife." + +"I wonder," pondered Belle, "what kind of wife Dan will finally +choose." + +"He won't have anything to do with the choosing," laughed Darrin. +"One of these days some woman will choose him, and then Dan will +be anchored for life. It is even very likely that he'll imagine +that he selected his wife from among womankind, but he won't have +much to say about it." + +"You seem to think Dan is only half witted," Belle remarked. + +"Only where women are concerned, Belle. In everything else he's +a most capable young American. He's going to be a fine Naval +officer." + +In another hour Belle had changed her mind. She had seen all +of the Academy grounds that she cared about for a while, and now +proposed that they slip out through the Maryland Avenue gate for +a walk through the shaded, sweet scented streets of Annapolis. +As Darrin had town liberty the plan pleased him. + +Strolling slowly the young people at last neared State Circle. + +"I thought midshipmen didn't tell fibs," suddenly remarked Belle. + +"They're not supposed to," Dave replied. + +"But you said Dan was at the ball game." + +"Isn't he?" + +"Look there!" Belle exclaimed dramatically. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +DAN STEERS ON THE ROCKS AGAIN + + +Just entering Wiegard's were Midshipman Dalzell and a very pretty +young woman. + +Dan had not caught sight of his approaching friends. + +"Why, that fellow told me he was going to see if he couldn't be +the mascot for a winning score to-day," Dave exclaimed. + +"But he didn't say that the score was to be won in a ball game, +did he?" Belle queried demurely. + +"Now I think of it, he didn't mention ball," Darrin admitted. +"But I thought it was the game down on the Academy athletic field." + +"No; it was very different kind of game," Belle smiled. "Dave, +you'll find that Dan is incurable. He's going to keep on trying +with women until-----" + +"Until he lands one?" questioned Dave. + +"No; until one lands him. Dave, I wonder if it would be too terribly +prying if we were to turn into Wiegard's too?" + +"I don't see any reason why it should be," Darrin answered. "Mr. +Wiegard conducts a public confectioner's place. It's the approved +place for any midshipman to take a young lady for ice cream. +Do you feel that you'd like some ice cream?" + +"No," Belle replied honestly. "But I'd like to get a closer look +at Dan's latest." + +So Dave led his sweetheart into Wiegard's. In order to get a +seat at a table it was necessary to pass the table at which Dan +and his handsome friend were seated. As Dalzell's back was toward +the door he did not espy his friends until they were about to pass. + +"Why, hello, Darry!" cried Dan, rising eagerly, though his cheeks +flushed a bit. "How do you do, Miss Meade? Miss Henshaw, may +I present my friends? Miss Meade and Mr. Darrin." + +The introduction was pleasantly acknowledged all around. Miss +Henshaw proved wholly well-bred and at ease. + +"Won't you join us here?" asked Dalzell, trying hard to conceal +the fact that he didn't want any third and fourth parties. + +"I know you'll excuse us," answered Dave, bowing, "and I feel +certain that I am running counter to Miss Meade's wishes. But +I have so little opportunity to talk to her that I'm going to +beg you to excuse us. I'm going to be selfish and entice Miss +Meade away to the furthest corner." + +That other table was so far away that Dave and Belle could converse +in low tones without the least danger of being overheard. There +were, at that time, no other patrons in the place. + +"Well, Belle, what do you think of the lady, now that you've seen +her?" + +"You've named her," replied Belle quietly. "Dan's new friend +is beyond any doubt a lady." + +"Then Dan is safe, at last." + +"I'm not so sure of that," Belle answered. + +"But, if she's really a lady, she must be safe company for Dan." + +Belle smiled queerly before she responded: + +"I'm afraid Dan is in for a tremendous disappointment." + +"In the lady's character?" pressed Darrin. + +"Oh, indeed, no." + +"Wait and see." + +"But I'd rather know now." + +"I'll tell you what I mean before you say good-bye this afternoon," +Belle promised. + +"By Jove, but I am afraid that is going to be too late," murmured +Midshipman Darrin. "Unless I'm greatly misled as to the meaning +of the light that has suddenly come into Danny's eyes, he's proposing +to her now!" + +"Oh!" gasped Belle, and the small spoonful of cream that was passing +down her throat threatened to strangle her. + +"Dave, how old do you think Miss Henshaw is?" asked Miss Meade, +as soon as she could trust herself to speak. + +"Twenty, I suppose." + +"You don't know much about women's ages, then, do you?" smiled +Belle. + +"I don't suppose I've any business to know." + +"Miss Henshaw is a good many years older than Dan." + +"She doesn't look it," urged Dave. + +"But she is. Trust another woman to know!" + +"There, by Jove!" whispered Dave. "It has started. Danny is +running under the wire! I can tell by his face that he has just +started to propose." + +"Poor boy! He'll have an awful fall!" muttered Belle. + +"Why do you say that? But, say! You're right, Belle. Dan's +face has turned positively ghastly. He looks worse than he could +if he'd just failed to graduate." + +"Naturally," murmured Belle. "Poor boy, I'm sorry for him." + +"But what's the matter?" + +"Did you notice Miss Henshaw's jewelry?" + +"Not particularly. I can see, from here, that she's wearing a +small diamond in each ear." + +"Dave, didn't you see the flat gold band that she wears on the +third finger of her left hand?" Belle demanded in a whisper. + +"No," confessed Midshipman Darrin innocently. "But what has that +to do with---" + +"Her wedding ring," Belle broke in. "Dan has gotten her title +twisted. She's Mrs. Henshaw." + +"Whew! But what, in that case, is she doing strolling around +with a midshipman? That's no proper business for a married woman," +protested Dave Darrin. + +"Haven't you called on or escorted any married women since you've +been at Annapolis?" demanded Belle bluntly. + +"Yes; certainly," nodded Dave. "But, in every instance they were +wives of Naval officers, and such women looked upon midshipmen +as mere little boys." + +"Isn't there an Admiral Henshaw in the Navy?" inquired Belle. + +"Certainly." + +"That's Mrs. Henshaw," Belle continued. + +"How do you know?" + +"I don't, but I'm certain, just the same. Now, Dan has met Mrs. +Henshaw somewhere down at the Naval Academy. He heard her name +and got it twisted into Miss Henshaw. It's his own blundering +fault, no doubt. But Admiral Henshaw's young and pretty wife +is not to be blamed for allowing a boyish midshipman to stroll +with her as her escort." + +"Whew!" whistled Dave Darrin under his breath. "So Dan has been +running it blind again? Oh, Belle, it's a shame! I'm heartily +sorry that we've been here to witness the poor old chap's Waterloo." + +"So am I," admitted Belle. "But the harm that has been done is +due to Dan's own blindness. He should learn to read ordinary +signs as he runs." + +No wonder Dan Dalzell's face had gone gray and ashy. For the +time being he was feeling keenly. He had been so sure of "Miss" +Henshaw's being a splendid woman---as, indeed, she was---that +he decided on this, their third meeting, to try his luck with +a sailor's impetuous wooing. In other words, he had plumply asked +the admiral's wife to marry him; + +"Why, you silly boy!" remonstrated Mrs. Henshaw, glancing up at +him with a dismayed look. "I don't know your exact age, Mr. Dalzell, +but I think it probable that I am at least ten years older than---" + +"I don't care," Dan maintained bravely. + +"Besides, what would the admiral say?" + +"Is he your father or your brother?" Dan inquired. + +"My husband!" + +Then it was that Midshipman Dalzell's face had gone so suddenly +gray. He fairly gasped and felt as though he were choking. + +"Mr. Dalzell," spoke Mrs. Henshaw, earnestly, "let us both forget +that you ever spoke such unfortunate words. Let us forget it +all, and let it pass as though nothing had happened at all. I +will confess that, two or three times, I thought you addressed +me as 'miss.' I believed it to be only a slip of the tongue. +I didn't dream that you didn't know. Even if I were a single +woman I wouldn't think of encouraging you for a moment, for I +am much---much---too old for you. And now, let us immediately +forget it all, Mr. Dalzell. Shall we continue our stroll?" + +Somehow the dazed midshipman managed to reply gracefully, and +to follow his fair companion from Wiegard's. + +"Poor Dan!" sighed Dave. "I'll wager that's the worst crusher +that Dalzell ever had. But how do you read so much at a glance, +Belle?" + +"By keeping my eyes moderately well opened," that young woman +answered simply. + +"I wonder where poor Dan's adventures in search of a wife are +going to end up?" mused Darrin. + +"He'd better accept the course that you outlined for him a little +while ago," half smiled Belle. "Dan's very best course will be +to devote his thoughts wholly to his profession for a few years, +and wait until the right woman comes along and chooses him for +herself. You may tell Dan, from me, some time, if it won't hurt +his feelings, that I think his only safe course is to shut his +eyes and let the woman do the choosing." + +"I must be a most remarkably fine fellow myself," remarked Midshipman +Darrin modestly. + +"Why do you think that?" + +"Why, a girl with eyes as sharp as yours, Belle, would never have +accepted me if there had been a visible flaw on me anywhere." + +"There are no very pronounced flaws except those that I can remedy +when I take charge of you, Dave," replied Belle with what might +have been disconcerting candor. + +"Then I'm lucky in at least one thing," laughed Darrin good-humoredly. +"When my turn comes I shall be made over by a most capable young +woman. Then I shall be all but flawless." + +"Or else I shall take a bride's privilege," smiled Belle demurely, +"and go back to mother." + +"You'll have plenty of time for that," teased Dave. "A Naval +officer's time is spent largely at sea, and he can't take his +wife with him." + +"Don't remind me of that too often," begged Belle, a plaintive +note in her voice. "Your being at sea so much is the only flaw +that I see in the future. And, as neither of us will be rich, +I can't follow you around the world much of the time." + +When Midshipman Dave Darrin reentered his quarters late that afternoon +be found Dan Dalzell sitting back in a chair, his hands thrust +deep into his pockets. His whole attitude was one of most unmilitary +dejection. + +"Dave, I've run the ship aground again," Dan confessed ruefully. + +"I know you have, Danny," Darrin replied sympathetically. + +Dan Dalzell bounded to his feet. + +"What?" he gasped. "Is the story going the rounds?" + +"It can't be." + +"Then did you hear what we were saying this afternoon in Wiegard's?" + +"No; we were too far away for that. But I judged that you had +succeeded in making Mrs. Henshaw feel very uncomfortable for a +few moments." + +"Then you knew she was a married woman, Dave?" + +"No; but Belle did." + +"How, I---wonder?" + +"She saw the wedding ring on Mrs. Henshaw's left hand." + +Dan Dalzell looked the picture of amazement. Then he whistled +in consternation. + +"By the great Dewey!" he groaned hoarsely. "I never thought of +that!" + +"No; but you should have done so." + +"Dave, I'm the biggest chump in the world. Will you do me a supreme +favor---kick me?" + +"That would be too rough, Dan. But, if you can stand it, Belle +offered me some good advice for you in your affairs with women." + +"Thank her for me, when you get a chance, but I don't need it," +replied Dan bitterly. "I'm through with trying to find a sweetheart, +or any candidate to become Mrs. Dalzell." + +"But you'd better listen to the advice," Dave insisted, and repeated +what Belle had said. + +"By Jove, Dave, but you're lucky to be engaged to a sensible girl +like Belle! I wish there was another like her in the world." + +"Why?" + +"If there were another like Belle I'd be sorely tempted to try my \ +luck for the fourth time." + +"Dan Dalzell!" cried Dave sternly. "You're not safe without a +guardian! You'll do it again, between now and graduation." + +"You can watch me, if you want, then; but I'll fool you," smiled +Dan. "But say, Dave!" + +"Well?" + +"You don't suppose Belle will say anything about this back in +Gridley, do you? By Jove, if she does I'd feel----- + +"You'll feel something else," warned Dave snappily, "if you don't +at once assure me that you know Belle too well to think that she'd +make light of your misfortunes." + +"But sometimes girls tell one another some things-----" + +"Belle Meade doesn't," interrupted Dave so briskly that Dalzell, +after a glance, agreed: + +"You're right there, David, little giant. I've known Belle ever +since we were kids at the Central Grammar School. If Belle ever +got into any trouble through too free use of her tongue, then I +never heard anything about it." + +"Dan, do you want a fine suggestion about the employment of the +rest of your liberty time while we're at Annapolis?" + +"Yes." + +"You remember Barnes's General History, that we used to have in +Grammar school?" + +"Yes." + +"Devote your liberty time to reading the book through again." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +IN THE THICK OF DISASTER + + +Examination week---torture of the "wooden" and seventh heaven of +the "savvy!" + +For the wooden man, he who knows little, this week of final +examinations is a period of unalloyed torture. He must go before +an array of professors who are there to expose his ignorance. + +No "wooden" man can expect to get by. The gates of hope are closed +before his face. He marches to the ordeal, full of a dull misery. +Whether he is fourth classman or first, he knows that hope has +fled; that he will go below the saving 2.5 mark and be dropped +from the rolls. + +But your "savvy" midshipman---he who knows much, and who is sure +and confident with his knowledge, finds this week of final examinations +a period of bliss and pride. He is going to "pass"; he knows that, +and nothing else matters. + +Eight o'clock every morning, during this week, finds the midshipman +in one recitation room or another, undergoing his final. As it +is not the purpose of the examiners to wear any man out, the afternoon +is given over to pleasures. There are no afternoon examinations, +and no work of any sort that can be avoided. Indeed, the "savvy" +man has a week of most delightful afternoons, with teas, lawn +parties, strolls both within and without the walls of the Academy +grounds, and many boating parties. It is in examination week +that the young ladies flock to Annapolis in greater numbers than +ever. + +Sometimes the "wooden" midshipman, knowing there is no further hope +for him, rushes madly into the pleasures of this week, determined to +carry back into civil life with him the memories of as many +Annapolis pleasures as possible. + +A strong smattering there is of midshipmen who, by no means "savvy," +are yet not so "wooden" but that they hope, by hard study at the +last to pull through on a saving margin in marks. + +These desperate ones do not take part in the afternoon pleasures, +for these midshipmen, with furrowed brows, straining eyes, feverish +skin and dogged determination, spend their afternoons and evenings +in one final assault on their text-books in the hope of pulling +through. + +Dave Darrin was not one of the honor men of his class, but he +was "savvy" just the same. Dan Dalzell was a few notches lower +in the class standing, but Dan was as sure of graduation as was +his chum. + +"One thing goes for me, this week," announced Dan, just before +the chums hustled out to dinner formation on Monday. + +"What's that?" Dave wanted to know. "No girls; no tender promenades!" +grumbled Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Poor old chap," muttered Dave sympathetically. + +"Oh, that's all right for you," grunted Dan. "You have one of +the 'only' girls, and so you're safe." + +"There are more 'only' girls than you've any idea of, Dan Dalzell," +Dave retorted with spirit. "The average American girl is a mighty +fine, sweet, wholesome proposition." + +"I'll grant that," nodded Dan, with a knowing air. "But I've +made an important discovery concerning the really fine girls." + +"Produce the discovery," begged Darrin. "The really fine girl," +announced Dan, in a hollow voice, "prefers some other fellow to me." + +"Well, I guess that'll be a fine idea for you to nurse---until +after graduation," reflected Darrin aloud. "I'm not going to +seek to undeceive you, Danny boy." + +So Dave went off to meet Belle and her mother, while Dan Dalzell +hunted up another first classman who also believed that the girls +didn't particularly esteem him. That other fellow was Midshipman +Jetson. + +"Mrs. Davis is giving a lawn party this afternoon," announced +Dave, after he had lifted his cap in greeting of Mrs. Meade and +her daughter. "I have an invitation from Mrs. Davis to escort +you both over to her house. Of course, if you find the tea and +chatter a bit dull over there, we can go somewhere else presently." + +"I never find anything dull that is a part of the life here," +returned Belle, little enthusiast for the Navy. "It will suit +you, mother?" + +"Anything at all will suit me," declared Mrs. Meade amiably. +"David, just find me some place where I can drop into an armchair +and have some other middle-aged woman like myself to talk with. +Then you young people need pay no further heed to me. Examination +week doesn't last forever." + +"It doesn't," laughed Darrin, "and many of our fellows are very +thankful for that." + +"How are you going to come through?" Belle asked, with a quick +little thrill of anxiety. + +"Nothing to worry about on that score," Dave assured her. "I'm +sufficiently 'savvy' to pull sat. all right." + +"Isn't that fine? And Dan?" + +"Oh, he'll finish sat., too, if he doesn't sight another craft +flying pink hair ribbons." + +"Any danger of that?" asked Belle anxiously, for Dan was a townsman +of hers. + +"Not judging by the company that Dan is keeping to-day," smiled +Darrin. + +"Who is his companion to-day, then?" + +"Jetson, a woman hater." + +"Really a woman hater?" asked Belle. + +"Oh, no; Jet wouldn't poison all girls, or do anything like that. +He isn't violent against girls. In fact, he's merely shy when +they're around. But in the service any fellow who isn't always +dancing attendance on the fair is doomed to be dubbed a woman +hater. In other words, a woman hater is just a fellow who doesn't +pester girls all the time." + +"Are you a woman hater?" Belle asked. + +"Except when you are at Annapolis," was Dave's ready explanation. + +That afternoon's lawn party proved a much more enjoyable affair +than the young people had expected. Belle met there, for the +first time, five or six girls with whom she was to be thrown often +later on. + +When it was over, Dave, having town liberty as well, proudly escorted +his sweetheart and her mother back to the hotel. + +There were more days like it. Dave, by Thursday, realizing that +he was coming through his morning trials with flying colors, had +arranged permission to take out a party in one of the steamers. + +As the steamer could be used only for a party Darrin invited Farley +and Wolgast to bring their sweethearts along. Mrs. Meade at first +demurred about going. + +"You and Belle have had very little time together," declared that +good lady, "and I'm not so old but that I remember my youth. +With so large a party there's no need of a chaperon." + +"But we'd immensely like to have you come," urged Dave; "that +is, unless you'd be uncomfortable on the water." + +"Oh, I'm never uncomfortable on the water," Belle's mother replied. + +"Then you'll come, won't you?" pleaded Dave. Belle's mother made +one of the jolly party. + +"You'd better come, too, Danny boy," urged Dave at the last moment. +"There'll be no unattached girl with the party, so you'll be +vastly safer with us than you would away from my watchful eye." + +"Huh! A fine lot your watchful eye has been on me this week," +retorted Midshipman Dalzell. "Jetson has been my grandmother +this week." + +It was a jolly party that steamed down Chesapeake Bay in the launch +that afternoon. There was an enlisted man of the engineer department +at the engine, while a seaman acted as helmsman. + +"Straight down the bay, helmsman," Dave directed, as the launch +headed out. + +"Aye, aye, sir," replied the man, touching his cap. + +After that the young people---Mrs. Meade was included under that +heading---gave themselves over to enjoyment. Belle, with a quiet +twinkle in her eyes that was born of the love of teasing, tried +very hard to draw Mr. Jetson out, thereby causing that young man +to flush many times. + +Dan, from the outset, played devoted squire to Mrs. Meade. That +was safe ground for him. + +"What's that party in the sailboat yonder?" inquired Mrs. Meade, +when the steamer had been nearly an hour out. "Are the young +men midshipman or officers?" + +Dave raised to his eyes the glasses with which the steamer was +equipped. + +"They're midshipmen," he announced. "Gray and Lambert, of our +class, and Haynes and Whipple of the second class." + +"They've young ladies with them." + +"Certainly." + +"Isn't it rather risky for midshipmen to have control of the boat, +then, with no older man along?" asked Mrs. Meade. + +"It ought not to be," Dave replied. "Midshipmen of the upper +classes are expected to be familiar with the handling of sailboats." + +"Those fellows are getting careless, at any rate," muttered Dan +Dalzell. "Look at the way that sail is behaving. Those fellows +are paying too much attention to the girls and too little heed +to the handling of the craft!" + +Even as Dalzell spoke the helm was jammed over and the boat started +to come about. + +"Confound Lambert! He ought to ease off his sheet a good bit," +snapped Midshipman Dalzell. + +"Helmsman, point our boat so as to pass under the other craft's +stern," spoke Darrin so quietly that only Dan and Belle overheard +him. + +"Aye, aye, sir," murmured the helmsman, in a very low voice. +Dave signaled the engineman silently to increase the speed. + +"There the boat goes, the sail caught by a cross current of air!" +called Midshipman Dalzell almost furiously. + +The girls aboard the sailboat now cried out in alarm as they felt +the extreme list of the boat under them. All too late Midshipman +Gray Sprang for the sheet to ease it off. + +Too late! In another moment the sailboat had capsized, the mast +nearly snapping in the blow over. + +"Make haste---do!" cried Mrs. Meade, rising in the steamer. + +But the steamer was already under increased headway, and the helmsman +had to make but a slight turn to bear down directly to the scene +of the disaster. + +Three midshipmen could be seen floundering in the water, each +steadily supporting the head of a girl. But the fourth, midshipman +was floundering about wildly. Then he disappeared beneath the +water. + +"That young man has given up and gone down!" cried Mrs. Meade, +whom Dave had just persuaded to resume her seat. + +"No," Dave assured her. "Gray isn't drowning. But his girl companion +is missing, and he has dived to find her." + +"Then the girl is lost!" quivered Mrs. Meade. + +"No; I think not. Gray is a fine swimmer, and will find Miss +Butler before she has been under too long a time." + +Then Dave rose, for he was commander here. "Danny boy, throw +off your shoes and blouse and cap. The rest stand by the boat +to give such aid as you can. Ladies, you'll excuse us." + +Thereupon Dave Darrin doffed his own cap, blouse and shoes. He +and Dalzell were the two best swimmers in the party, and it looked +as though there would be work ahead for them to do. + +In another moment the steamer was on the scene, and speed was +shut off. Lambert, Haynes and Whipple, with their girl companions, +were speedily reached and hauled aboard. + +Then Gray came up, but alone. + +"Hasn't Pauline come up?" he gasped in terror. + +"No," Darrin replied shortly, but in a voice laden with sympathy. + +"Then I've got to down again," replied Gray despairingly. "I'd +better stay down, too." + +He sank instantly, a row of bubbles coming up at the spot where +he had vanished. + +"The poor, unfortunate fellow! He won't really attempt to drown +himself, will he, if he doesn't find his young woman friend?" +inquired Mrs. Meade. + +"No," Dave answered without turning. "And we wouldn't allow him +to do so, either." + +Dave waited but a brief interval, this time. Then, as Midshipman +Gray did not reappear, he called: + +"Danby!" + +"Yes, sir," replied the enlisted man by the engine. + +"Hustle forward and rig a rope loop to the anchor cable. How +long is the anchor?" + +"About three feet, sir." + +"Then rig the loop two feet above the mudhook." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Hustle!" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Is Gray trying to stay under? Trying to drown himself as a sign +of his repentance?" whispered Wolgast in Dave's ear. But Darrin +shook his head. An instant later Gray shot up to the surface---alone! + +"Come aboard," ordered Dave Darrin, but he did not rely entirely +on coaxing. Snatching up a boat-hook he fastened it in Gray's +collar and drew that midshipman alongside, where many ready hands +stretched out and hauled him aboard. + +Two of the rescued young women were now sobbing almost hysterically. + +"If you won't let me stay in the water, won't some of the rest of +you do something?" demanded Midshipman Gray hoarsely. + +"We're going to," nodded Dave. "Danby!" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Let go the anchor." + +"Very good, sir." + +"Follow me, Dan," directed Dave. The anchor went overboard while +the two midshipmen were hustling forward. + +"I'm going down first, Danny," explained Dave. "Follow whenever +you may think you need to, but don't be in too big a hurry. Use +good judgment." + +"Trust me," nodded Dan hoarsely. + +With that Dave seized the visible part of the anchor cable and +went down, forcing himself toward the bottom by holding to the +cable. It was a difficult undertaking, as, after he had gone +part of the way, the buoyancy of the water fought against his +efforts to go lower. But Midshipman Darrin still gripped hard +at the cable, fighting foot by foot. His eyes open, at last he +sighted the loop near the anchor. With a powerful effort he reached +that loop, thrusting his left arm through it. The strain almost +threatened to break that arm, but Dave held grimly, desperately on. + +Now he looked about him. Fortunately there was no growth of seaweed +at this point, and he could see clearly for a distance of quite +a few yards around him. + +"Queer what can have become of the body!" thought Darrin. "But +then, the boat has drifted along slightly, and Miss Butler may +have sunk straight down. She may be lying or floating here just +out of my range of vision. I wish I could let go and strike out, +but I'd only shoot up to the surface after a little." + +Many a shadow in the deep water caused Darrin to start and peer +the harder, only to find that he had been deceived. + +At that depth the weight of the water pressed dangerously upon +his head and in his ears. Dave felt his senses leaving him. + +"I'd sooner die than give up easily!" groaned the young midshipman, +and he seemed about to have his wish. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE SEARCH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BAY + + +By the strongest effort of the will that he could make, Darrin +steadied himself and forced his eyes once more open. + +Drifting toward him, two feet above his head, was what looked like +another shadow. It came closer. + +At the first thought Darrin was inclined not to believe his senses. + +"I'll have to go up, after all, and let Dan have his chance. I'm +seeing things," Dave decided. + +For, though the object floating toward him had some of the semblance +of a skirt-clad figure, yet it looked all out of proportion---perhaps +twice the size of Pauline Butler. + +That was a trick of the scanty light coming through the water +at an angle---this coupled with Darrin's own fatigue of the eyes. + +Closer it came, and looked a bit smaller. + +"It is a girl---a woman---some human being!" throbbed Dave internally. + +Now, though his head seeming bursting, Dave hung on more tightly +than ever. The drift of the water was bringing the body slowly +nearer to him. He must hold on until he could let himself strike +upward, seizing that body in his progress. + +At last the moment arrived. Dave felt a hard tug at the cable, +but he did not at that instant realize that Dan Dalzell had just +started down from the steamer. + +Dave judged that the right instant had come. He let go of the +loop, and was shot upward. But, as he moved, his spread arms +caught hold of the floating figure. + +Up to within a few feet of the surface Darrin and his burden moved +easily. Then he found it necessary to kick out hard with his +feet. Thus he carried the burden clear, to the open air above, +though at a distance of some forty feet from the steamer. + +"There they are!" Farley's voice was heard calling, and there +was a splash. + +"Bully for you, old fellow! Hold her up, and I'm with you!" hailed +Midshipman Farley. + +In another moment Dave Darrin had been eased of his human burden, +and Farley was swimming to the steamer with the senseless form +of Pauline Butler. + +Darrin tried to swim, and was astounded at finding himself so +weak in the water. He floated, propelling himself feebly with +his hands, completely exhausted. + +Just at that moment nearly every eye was fixed on Farley and his +motionless burden, and many pairs of hands stretched out to receive +them. + +Yet the gaze of one alert pair of eyes was fixed on Darrin, out +there beyond. + +"Now, you'd better look after Dave," broke in the quiet, clear +voice of Belle Meade. "I think he needs help." + +Wolgast went over the side in an instant, grappling with Midshipman +Darrin and towing him to the side of the boat. + +"All in!" cried Midshipman Gray jubilantly. + +"Except Dan. Where's he?" muttered Dave weakly, as he sat on +one of the side seats. + +"I'll signal him," muttered Wolgast, and hastened forward to the +anchor cable. This he seized and shook clumsily several times. +The vibrated motion must have been imparted downward, for soon +Dan Dalzell's head came above water. + +"Everyone all right?" called Dan, as soon as he had gulped in +a mouthful of air. + +"O.K." nodded Wolgast. "Come alongside and let me haul you in." + +"You let me alone," muttered Dalzell, coming alongside and grasping +the rail. "Do you think a short cold bath makes me too weak to +attend to myself?" + +With that Dan drew himself aboard. Back in the cockpit Mrs. Meade +and some of the girls were in frenzied way doing their best to +revive Pauline Butler, who, at the present moment, showed no signs +of life. + +"Let me take charge of this reviving job. I've taken several +tin medals in first aid to the injured," proclaimed Farley modestly. + +In truth the midshipman had a decided knack for this sort of work. +He assailed it with vigor, making a heap of life preservers, +and over these placing Miss Butler, head downward. Then Farley +took vigorous charge of the work of "rolling" out the water that +Miss Butler must have taken into her system. + +"Get anchor up and start the steamer back to Annapolis at the +best speed possible," ordered Dave, long before he could talk +in a natural voice. + +Wolgast and Dan aided Danny in hoisting the anchor. Steam was +crowded on and the little craft cut a swift, straight path for +Annapolis. + +"Pauline is opening her eyes!" cried Farley, after twenty minutes +more of vigorous work in trying to restore the girl. + +The girl's eyes merely fluttered, though, as a slight sigh escaped +her. The eyelids fell again, and there was but a trace of motion +at the pulse. + +"We mustn't lose the poor child, now that we've succeeded in proving +a little life there," cried Mrs. Meade anxiously. + +"Now, that's what I call a reflection on the skill of Dr. Farley," +protested that midshipman in mock indignation. It was necessary, +at any amount of trouble, to keep these women folks on fair spirits +until Annapolis was reached. Then, perhaps, many of them would +faint. + +All of the dry jackets of midshipmen aboard had been thrown +protectingly around the girls who had been in the water. + +"Torpedo boat ahead, sir," reported the helmsman. + +"Give her the distress signal to lie to," directed Dave. + +The engine's whistle sent out the shrieking appeal over the waters. +The destroyer was seen to heave about and come slowly to meet +the steamer. + +Long before the two craft had come together Dave Darrin was standing, +holding to one of the awning stanchions, for he was not yet any too +strong. + +"Destroyer, ahoy!" he shouted as loudly as he could between his +hands. "Have you a surgeon aboard?" + +"Yes," came back the answer. + +"Let us board you, sir!" + +"What's-----" + +But Dave had turned to the helmsman with: + +"Steam up alongside. Lose no time." + +In a very short space of time the destroyer was reached and the +steamer ran alongside. The unconscious form of Miss Butler was +passed up over the side, followed by the other members of the +sailboat party. Mrs. Meade followed, in case she could be of +any assistance. + +"You may chaperon your party of young ladies in the steamer, Belle," +smiled Mrs. Meade from the deck of the destroyer. "I give you +express authority over them." + +Farley's and Wolgast's sweethearts laughed merrily at this. All +hands had again reached the point where laughter came again to +their lips without strong effort. Pauline Butler was safe under +the surgeon's hands, if anywhere. + +Then the destroyers pulled out again, hitting a fast clip for +Annapolis. + +"That's the original express boat; this is only a cattle-carrier," +muttered Dave, gazing after the fast destroyer. + +"Calling us cattle, are you?" demanded Belle. "As official chaperon +I must protest on behalf of the young ladies aboard." + +"A cattle boat often carries human passengers," Dave returned. +"I call this a cattle boat only because of our speed." + +"We don't need speed now," Belle answered. "Those who do are +on board the destroyer." + +By the time that the steamer reached her berth at the Academy +wall, and the young people had hastened ashore, they learned that +Pauline Butler had been removed to a hospital in Annapolis; that +she was very much alive, though still weak, and that in a day +or two she would again be all right. + +With a boatswain's mate in charge, another steamer was despatched +down the bay to recover and tow home the capsized sailboat. + +Examination week went through to its finish. By Saturday night +the first classmen knew who had passed. But two of the members +of the class had "bilged." Dave, Dan and all their close friends +in the class had passed and had no ordeal left at Annapolis save +to go through the display work of Graduation Week. + +"You still have your two years at sea, though, before you're sure +of your commission," sighed Belle, as they rested between dances +that Saturday night. + +"Any fellow who can live through four years at Annapolis can get +through the two years at sea and get his commission at last," +laughed Dave Darrin happily. "Have no fears, Belle, about my +being an ensign, if I have the good fortune to live two years +more." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +GRADUATION DAY---AT LAST + + +Graduation Week! + +Now came the time when the Naval Academy was given over to the +annual display of what could be accomplished in the training of +midshipmen. + +There were drills and parades galore, with sham battles in which +the sharp crack of rifle fire was punctured by the louder, steadier +booms of field artillery. There were gun-pointing contests aboard +the monitors and other practice craft. + +There were exhibitions of expert boat-handling, and less picturesque +performances at the machine shops and in the engine and dynamo +rooms. There were other drills and exhibitions---enough of them +to weary the reader, as they doubtless did weary the venerable +members of a Board of Visitors appointed by the President. + +On Wednesday night came the class german. Now our young first +classmen were in for another thrill---the pleasure of wearing +officers' uniforms for the first time. + +On graduation the midshipman is an officer of the Navy, though +a very humble one. The graduated midshipman's uniform is a more +imposing affair than the uniform of a midshipman who is still +merely a member of the brigade at the Naval Academy. + +On this Wednesday evening the new uniforms were of white, the +summer and tropical uniform of the Navy. These were donned by +first classmen only in honor of the class german, which the members +of the three lower classes do not attend. + +All the young Women attending were also attired wholly in white, +save for simple jewelry or coquettish ribbons. + +Dave Darrin, of course, escorted Belle Meade with all the pride +in the world. Most of the other midshipmen "dragged" young women +on this great evening. + +Dan Dalzell did not. He attended merely for the purpose of looking +on, save when he danced with Belle Meade. + +On the following evening, after another tiresome day spent in +boring the Board of Visitors, came the evening promenade, a solemnly +joyous and very dressy affair. + +Then came that memorable graduation morning, when so many dozens +of young midshipmen, since famous in the Navy, received their +diplomas. + +Early the young men turned out. + +"It seems queer to be turning out without arms, doesn't it?" grumbled +Dan Dalzell. + +But it is the rule for the graduating class to turn out without +arms on this one very grand morning. The band formed on the right +of line. Next to them marched to place the graduating class, +minus arms. Then the balance of the brigade under arms. + +When the word was given a drum or two sounded the step, and off +the brigade marched, slowly and solemnly. A cornet signal, followed +by a drum roll, and then the Naval Academy Band crashed into the +joyous march, consecrated to this occasion, "Ain't I glad I'm +out of the wilderness!" + +"Amen! Indeed I'm glad," Dave Darrin murmured devoutly under +his breath. "There has been many a time in the last four years +when I didn't expect to graduate. But now it's over. Nothing +can stop Dan or myself!" + +Crowds surrounded the entrance to the handsome, classic chapel, +though the more favored crowds had already passed inside and filled +the seats that are set apart for spectators. + +Inside filed the midshipmen, going to their seats in front. The +chaplain, in the hush that followed the seating, rose, came forward +and in a voice husky with emotion urged: + +"Friends, let us pray for the honor, success, glory and steadfast +manhood through life of the young men who are about to go forth +with their diplomas." + +Every head was bowed while the chaplain's petition ascended. + +When the prayer was over the superintendent, in full dress uniform, +stepped to the front of the rostrum and made a brief address. +Sailors are seldom long-winded talkers. The superintendent's +address, on this very formal occasion, lasted barely four minutes. +But what he said was full of earnest manhood and honest patriotism. + +Then the superintendent dropped to his chair. There were not +so very many dry eyes when the choir beautifully intoned: + +"God be with you till we meet again!" + +But now another figure appeared on the rostrum. Though few of +the young men had ever seen this new-comer, they knew him by instinct. +At a signal from an officer standing at the side of the chapel, +the members of the brigade broke forth into thunderous hurrahs. +For this man, now about to address them, was their direct chief. + +"Gentlemen and friends," announced the superintendent, "I take +the greatest pleasure that may come to any of us in introducing +our chief---the Secretary of the Navy." + +And now other officers appeared on the rostrum, bearing diplomas +and arranging them in order. + +The name of the man to graduate first in his class was called. +He went forward and received his diploma from the Secretary, +who said: + +"Mr. Ennerly, it is, indeed, a high honor to take first place +in such a class as yours!" + +Ennerly, flushed and proud, returned to his seat amid applause +from his comrades. + +And so there was a pleasant word for each midshipman as he went +forward. + +When the Secretary picked up the seventeenth diploma he called: + +"David Darrin!" + +Who was the most popular man in the brigade of midshipmen? The +midshipmen themselves now endeavored to answer the question by +the tremendous explosions of applause with which they embarrassed +Dave as he went forward. + +"Mr. Darrin," smiled the Secretary, "there are no words of mine +that can surpass the testimonial which you have just received +from your comrades. But I will add that we expect tremendous +things from you, sir, within the next few years. You have many +fine deeds and achievements to your credit here, sir. Within +the week you led in a truly gallant rescue human life down the +bay. Mr. Darrin, in handing you your well-earned diploma, I take +upon myself the liberty of congratulating your parents on their +son!" + +As Dave returned to his seat with his precious sheepskin the elder +Darrin, who was in the audience, took advantage of the renewed +noises of applause to clear his throat huskily several times. +Dave's mother honestly used her handkerchief to dry the tears of +pride that were in her eyes. + +Another especial burst of applause started when Daniel Dalzell, +twenty-first in his class, was called upon to go forward. + +"I didn't believe Danny Grin would ever get through," one first +classman confided behind his hand to another. "I expected that +the upper classmen would kill Danny Grin before he ever got over +being a fourth classman." + +But here was Dan coming back amid more applause, his graduation +number high enough to make it practically certain that he would +be a rear admiral one of these days when he had passed the middle +stage of life in the service. + +One by one the other diplomas were given out, each accompanied +by some kindly message from the Secretary of the Navy, which, +if remembered and observed, would be of great value to the graduate +at some time in the future. + +The graduating exercises did not last long. To devote too much +time to them would be to increase the tension. + +Later in the day the graduated midshipmen again appeared. They +were wearing their new coats now, several inches longer in the +tail, and denoting them as real officers in the Navy. A non-graduate +midshipman must salute one of these graduates whenever they meet. + +In their room, to be occupied but one night more, Dave and Dan +finished dressing in their new uniforms at the same moment. + +"Shake, Danny boy!" cried Dave Darrin, holding out his hand. +"How does it seem, at last, to know that you're really an officer +in the Navy?" + +"Great!" gulped Dalzell. "And I don't mind admitting that, during +the last four years, I've had my doubts many a time that this great +day would ever come for we. But get your cap's and let's hustle +outside." + +"Why this unseemly rush, Danny?" + +"I want to round up a lot of under classmen and make them tire +their arms out saluting me." + +"Your own arm will ache, too, then, Danny. You are obliged, as +of course you know, to return every salute." + +"Hang it, yes! There's a pebble in every pickle dish, isn't there?" + +"You're going to the graduation ball tonight, of course?" + +"Oh, surely," nodded Dalzell. "After working as I've worked for +four years for the privilege, I'd be a fool to miss it. But I'll +sneak away early, after I've done a friend's duty by you and Belle. +No girls for me until I'm a captain in the Navy!" + +The ball room was a scene of glory that night. Bright eyes shone +unwontedly, and many a heart fluttered. For Belle Meade was not +the only girl there who was betrothed to a midshipman. Any graduate +who chose might marry as soon as he pleased, but nearly all the +men of the class preferred to wait until they had put in their +two years at sea and had won their commissions as ensigns. + +"This must be a night of unalloyed pleasure to you," murmured +Belle, as she and her young officer sweetheart sat out one dance. +"You can look back over a grand four years of life here." + +"I don't know that I'd have the nerve to go through it all again," +Darrin answered her honestly. + +"You don't have to," Belle laughed happily. "You put in your +later boyhood here, and now your whole life of manhood is open +before you." + +"I'll make the best use of that manhood that is possible for me," +Dave replied solemnly. + +"You must have formed some wonderful friendships here." + +"I have." + +"And, I suppose," hesitated Belle, "a few unavoidable enmities." + +"I don't know about that," Dave replied promptly and with energy. +"I can't think of a fellow here that I wouldn't be ready and +glad to shake hands with. I hope---I trust---that all of the +fellows in the brigade feel the same way about me." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +There was one more formation yet---one more meal to be eaten under +good old Bancroft Hall. + +But right after breakfast the graduates, each one now in brand-new +cit. attire, began to depart in droves. + +Some went to the earliest train; others stopped at the hotels +and boarding houses in town to pick up relatives and friends with +whom the gladsome home journey was to be made. + +"I don't like you as well in cits.," declared Belle, surveying +Dave critically in the hotel parlor. + +"In the years to come," smiled Dave, "you'll see quite enough +of me in uniform." + +"I don't know about that," Belle declared, her honest soul shining +in her eyes. "Do you feel that you'll ever see enough of me?" + +"I know that I won't," Dave rejoined. "You have one great relief +in prospect," smiled Belle. "Whenever you do grow tired of me +you can seek orders to some ship on the other side of the world." + +"The fact that I can't be at home regularly," answered Midshipman +Darrin, "is going to be the one cloud on our happiness. Never +fear my seeking orders that take me from home---unless in war +time. Then, of course, every Naval officer must burn the wires +with messages begging for a fighting appointment." + +"I'm not afraid of your fighting record, if the need ever comes," +replied Belle proudly. "And, Dave, though my heart breaks, I'll +never show you a tear in my eyes if you're starting on a fighting +cruise." + +Mrs. Meade and Dave's parents now entered the room, and soon after +Danny Grin, who had gone in search of his own father and mother, +returned with them. + +"What are we going to do now?" asked Mr. Darrin. "I understand +that we have hours to wait for the next train." + +"We can't do much, sir," replied Dave. "Within another hour this +will be the deadest town in the United States." + +"I should think you young men would want to spend most of the +intervening time down at the Naval Academy, looking over the familiar +spots once more," suggested Mrs. Dalzell. + +"Then I'm afraid, mother, that you don't realize much of the way +that a midshipman feels. The Naval Academy is our alma mater, +and a beloved spot. Yet, after what I've been through there during +the last few years I don't want to see the Naval Academy again. +At least, not until I've won a solid step or two in the way of +promotion." + +"That's the feeling of all the graduates, I reckon," nodded Dave +Darrin. "For one, I know I don't want to go back there to-day." + +"Some day you will go back there, though," observed Danny Grin. + +"Why are you so sure?" Dave asked. + +"Well, you were always such a stickler for observing the rules +that the Navy Department will have to send you there for some +post or other. Probably you'll go back as a discipline officer." + +"I would have one advantage over you, then, wouldn't I?" laughed +Darrin. "If I had to rebuke a midshipman I could do it with a +more serious face than you could." + +"I can't help my face," sighed Danny Grin. + +"You see, Dave," Mr. Dalzell observed, with a smile, "Dan inherited +his face." + +"From his father's side of the family," promptly interposed Mrs. +Dalzell. + +Here Mr. Farley, also in cits., entered the parlor in his dignified +fashion. + +"Darry, and you, too, Danny Grin, some of the fellows are waiting +outside to see you. Will you step out a moment?" + +"Where are the fellows?" asked Dave unsuspectingly. + +"You'll find them on the steps outside the entrance." + +Dave started for the door. + +"You're wanted, too, Danny Grin, as I told you," Farley reminded +him. + +"I'll be the Navy goat, then. What's the answer?" inquired Midshipman +Dalzell. + +"Run along, like a good little boy, and your curiosity will soon +be gratified." + +Danny Grin looked as though he expected some joke, but he went +none the less. + +Dave, first to reach the entrance, stepped through into the open. +As he did so he saw at least seventy-five of his recent classmates +grouped outside. + +The instant they perceived their popular comrade the crowd of +graduates bellowed forth: + +"N N N N, +A A A A, +V V V V, +Y Y Y Y, +NAVY! +Darrin! +Darrin! +Darrin!" + +In another moment Danny Grin showed himself. Back in his face +was hurled the volley: + +"N N N N, +A A A A, +V V V V, +Y Y Y Y, +NAVY! +Grin! +Grin! +Grin!" + +"Eh?" muttered Danny, when the last line reached him. They were +unexpected. Then, as be faced the laughing eyes down in the street, +Dalzell justified his nickname by one of those broad smiles that +had made him famous at the Naval Academy. + +Dave Darrin waved his hand in thanks for the "Four-N" yell, the +surest sign of popularity, and vanished inside. When he returned +to the parlor be found that Farley had conducted his parents and +friends to one of the parlor windows, from which, behind drawn +blinds, they had watched the scene and heard the uproar without +making themselves visible. + +At noon the hotel dining room was overrun with midshipmen and +their friends, all awaiting the afternoon train. + +But at last the time came to leave Annapolis behind in earnest. +Extra cars had been put on to handle the throng, for the "train," +for the first few miles of the way, usually consists of but one +combination trolley car. + +"You're leaving the good old place behind," murmured Belle, as +the car started. + +"Never a graduate yet but was glad to leave Annapolis behind," +replied Dave. + +"It seems to me that you ought not to speak of the Naval Academy +in that tone." + +"You'd understand, Belle, if you had been through every bit of +the four-year grind, always with the uncertainty ahead of you +of being able to get through and grad." + +"Perhaps the strict discipline irked you, too," Miss Meade hinted. + +"The strict discipline will be part of the whole professional +life ahead of me," Darrin responded. "As to discipline, it's +even harder on some ships, where the old man is a stickler for +having things done just so." + +"The old man?" questioned Belle. + +"The 'old man' is the captain of a warship." + +"It doesn't sound respectful." + +"Yet it has always been the name given to the ship's captain, +and I don't suppose it will be changed in another hundred years. +How does it feel, Danny boy, going away for good?" + +"Am I really going away for good?" grinned Dalzell. "I thought +it was only a dream." + +"Well, here's Odenton. You'll be in Baltimore after another little +while, and then it will all seem more real." + +"Nothing but Gridley will look real to me on this trip," muttered +Dan. "Really, I'm growing sick for a good look at the old home +town." + +"I wish you could put in the whole summer at home, Dan," sighed +his mother. "But, of course, I know that you can't." + +"No, mother; I'll have time to walk up and down the home streets +two or three times, and then orders will come from the Navy Department +to report aboard the ship to which I'm to be assigned. Mother, +if you want to keep a boy at home you shouldn't allow him to go +to a place where he's taught that nothing on earth matters but +the Navy!" + +Later in the afternoon the train pulled in at Baltimore. It was +nearing dusk when the train pulled out of Philadelphia on its +way further north. + +Yet the passage of time and the speeding of country past the ear +windows was barely noticed by the Gridley delegation. There was +too much to talk about---too many plans to form for the next two +or three weeks of blissful leave before duty must commence again. + +Here we will take leave of our young midshipmen for the present, +though we shall encounter them again as they toil on upward through +their careers. + +We have watched Dave and Dan from their early teens. We met them +first in the pages of the _"Grammar School Boys' Series."_ We know +what we know of them back in the days when they attended the Central +Grammar School and studied under that veteran of teachers, "Old +Dut," as he was affectionately known. + +We saw them with the same chums, of Dick & Co., when that famous +sextette of schoolboys entered High School. We are wholly familiar +with their spirited course in the High School. We know how all +six of the youngsters of Dick & Co. made the name of Gridley famous +for clean and manly sports in general. + +Our readers will yet hear from Dave and Dan occasionally. They +appear in the pages of the _"Young Engineers' Series,"_ and also +in the volumes of the _"Boys of the Army Series."_ + +In this latter series our young friends will learn just how the +romance of Dave Darrin and Belle Meade developed; and they will +also come across the similar affair of Dick Prescott and Laura +Bentley. + +Dave and Dan had, as they had expected, but a brief stay in the +home town. + +Bright and early one morning a postman handed to each a long, +official envelope from the Navy Department. In each instance +the envelope contained their orders to report aboard one of the +Navy's biggest battleships. + +Our two midshipmen were fortunate in one respect. Both were ordered +to the same craft, their to finish their early Naval educations +in two years of practical work as officers at sea ere they could +reach the grade of ensign and step into the ward-room. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT +ANNAPOLIS*** + + +******* This file should be named 12775.txt or 12775.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/7/7/12775 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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