explain it now, Belle," Dave told her quickly.
"You won't blame me when you know. But I'd rather save it for telling
when we are out of the Academy grounds."

"Oh, just as you like. Dave, we mustn't let anything spoil what's left of
this last short dance of the night."

"Thank you, Belle. These dances together don't happen any too
frequently."

It was when the young people were walking back to the Maryland Hotel, and
Mrs. Meade had joined Dan and Laura, that Belle again asked the nature of
the trouble that had deprived Darrin of three of his dances with her.

Dave told the story, briefly, adding:

"Under the midshipmen's code, the blow had to be struck when the lie
was passed."

"I don't blame you for knocking the fellow down," Belle agreed
indignantly. "What a worthless fellow that Mr. Jetson must be!"

"Do you know, Belle, I can't quite bring myself to believe that he is
worthless?"

"His conduct shows it," argued the girl.

"At first thought it would appear so but Jetson, I believe, is only the
victim of an unhappy temper that makes him suspicious and resentful. He's
brave enough, and he's never been caught in a dishonorable trick."

"Except the tricks he played on you at the football practice."

"He passed his word that he intended no trick, and I have been wholly
inclined to take his word in the matter."

"Dave, you must look out for this man Jetson! He's going to get you into
some trouble before you're through with him," exclaimed Belle earnestly.
All her instinct was aroused in the matter, for Dave Darrin's success was
dearer to Belle Meade than was anything else in the world.

"There are two things that I regret very much to-night," Dave went on.
"One was that Jetson should provoke such a senseless dispute, and the
other that I should be obliged to miss so much of your company here at
Annapolis."

"I wouldn't mind anything," Belle answered, "if I could feel sure that no
more trouble would come out of this affair with Jetson."

"I don't believe there will be any disturbing outcome," Dave assured her;
"unless, possibly, another fight."

"A fight is nothing," declared Belle with spirit. "You're in training to
become a fighting man, and a bout or two at fistcuffs is nothing more or
less than so much valuable experience. Dave, promise me something?"

"Of course, if it's anything promisable."

"You'll write me--"

"Can you doubt that, Belle?"

"And let me know exactly and truthfully if anythi