d, 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 ma