th yourself and the lender in trouble. For of course you know
that one can never tell when an inspection may be made, and the man whose
dress coat was gone would have to account for it. So go to the O. C.,
state that your coat was accidentally torn, and ask permission to borrow
one in order that you may return and escort your ladies back to the
hotel. Your O. C. won't raise any objection to that."

"But he might want to see the coat that I have on," grimaced Dave. "Then
the O. C. would be sure to see the blood-drips on my shirt front, or the
collar, at least. Then talk of a mere accident might lead to questions as
to the nature of the accident."

"True," nodded Hepson. "Then get back to your room. Get out clean linen
and get into it. While you're doing that I'll negotiate the loan of a
dress coat that will fit. Then you can go to the O. C., after you've
changed the telltale linen."

This course, accordingly, was followed. Dave changed his linen as quickly
as he could, while Hepson appeared with three borrowed dress coats for a
try-on. One was found to fill the bill. Resting it over a chair, Darrin
slipped on his service blouse and reported to the O.C. Permission was
granted to borrow a dress coat. If the officer in charge felt any
suspicion or curiosity as to the nature of the accident he cleverly
concealed the fact.

A good deal of time, however, had been consumed. By the time that
Midshipman Dave Darrin returned to the hop the orchestra was just
breaking into the strains of "Home, Sweet Home."

Dave's quick glance roved the floor and the seats. He beheld Belle Meade,
seated at the side, while Farley bent over her in an inviting attitude.
Darrin quickly reached the scene. Belle saw him coming, just in time to
refrain from taking Farley's arm.

"You won't mind this time, will you, Farl?" Dave asked, smiling.

"I had given you up," said Belle, as they moved away together in
the dance.

"Of course Dan told you what had delayed me."

"He told me you would return as soon as you could," replied Miss Meade,
"but he was provokingly mysterious as to the cause of your absence."

"There was a little trouble," Dave whispered.

"Are you in trouble?" asked Belle quickly, her cheeks paling.

"No; I think not. By trouble I mean that I just took part in a fight."

"So you took the time when I am here as the most suitable occasion for a
fight?" asked Belle, her color coming back and heightening.

"It isn't wise for me to