; she did."

"And now you've got to tell her--what?"

"Have I got to tell her?" wondered Darrin aloud. "Yes; any other course
would be unfair. But another question is, have I a right to tell her just
what took place in a class meeting?"

"I think so," spoke up Dalzell. "Of course, you needn't attempt to report
the speeches, or anything like that, but it's rather clear to me that you
have a right to tell Belle the exact news so far as it affects you--and
therefore her."

"Thank you." Dave drew out stationery, picked up a pen and began to
write. Dalzell returned to his text-book. When Dave had written the
letter, he read to Dan the portion that related to a description of the
Jetson matter before the class.

"I think it's all right to send that much of a statement," nodded Dan.

"Then I'm going to mail the letter at once, and it will go out to-night.
Belle tells me that she is extremely anxious to know the outcome of the
matter. Poor girl, I'm afraid my letter may be even worse than no news."

"Belle didn't betroth herself to the uniform or the Navy, if I know
her," returned Dan quietly.

Dave went out and mailed the letter. It would not reach Belle until
Monday morning. Wednesday afternoon, on returning from the last
recitation, Dave found her answer on his study table.

"Want to hear a part of it, Dan?" questioned Midshipman Darrin.

"Of course I do," admitted that young man.

"Listen, then," and Dave read from Belle's letter as follows:

"'I won't attempt to say that I am not in the least worried or bothered
over the turn the Jetson matter has taken,'" ran Belle's letter. "'I
can't help feeling vitally interested in anything that concerns you. But
you tell me that you have followed your own sense of honor and your own
conscience in the matter. The best man that ever lived couldn't do better
than that. I hope--oh, I _do_ hope--that the whole affair will turn out
in some way that will not be disagreeable to you. But remember, Dave,
that the lightheaded little High School girl who plighted her faith to
you is interested in you--not particularly in a future Naval officer,
necessarily. If the affair should go to the worst ending, and you find it
advisable to resign from the Naval Academy on account of any class
feeling, there are plenty of bright prospects in life for an honorable
and capable man. Don't ever imagine that I shall be disappointed over
anything that you do, as long as you remain true to yourself a