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 o