nscrupulous enemy or enemies.

Yet he was equally convinced that he was not likely to catch the
plotter against his happiness. He and Dan had already done all
that seemed to be in their power.

On the Saturday afternoon following the tobacco incident the first
ray came to light up the gloom--though it did not take away any
of awesome demerits that had piled up against him.

Dave and Dan were standing chatting in a group of about a score of
fourth class men when Farley and Page stepped briskly in their
direction.

Dave glanced at the pair in some astonishment, for it was weeks
since he had been on speaking terms with either of them, and now
both looked as though about to address him.

"One moment gentlemen, all, if you please," called out Midshipman
Farley. "Let no one leave just now. I have something to say
that I wish to make as public as possible."

Then, turning toward the astonished Darrin, Mr. Farley continued:

"Darrin, I got into a bad scrape once, and I accused you of carrying
the information that resulted in several others and myself being
detected. I was positive in my charge. I now wish to make you the
most public apology that is possible. I know now that you did not
in any way betray myself and my companions."

"I am glad you have come to this conclusion," Dave Darrin replied.

"It is not exactly a conclusion," replied Farley frankly. "It is
a discovery."

"How did you find it out, Farley?" asked Dan Dalzell, speaking to
that midshipman for the first time in many weeks.

"I have the word of the watchman who caught us. That is old Grierson,
and there isn't a more honest old fellow in the yard."

"Did you ask Grierson, Farley?" questioned another midshipman
gravely.

"No; for that would be to pile on another offense," replied Farley
readily. "I am well enough aware that a midshipman has no right
to go to a watchman about a matter in which the watchman has reported
him. But a civilian is under no such restrictions. As some of
you fellows know, my cousin, Sloan, was here at the Academy yesterday.
Now, Ben Sloan is a newspaper man, and a fellow of an inquiring
disposition. I told Ben something about the scrape I had been
in, and Ben soon afterward hunted up Grierson. Grierson told
Ben the whole truth about it. It seems that Grierson did not
have any information from anyone. He saw our crowd go over the
fence the night we Frenched it. But Grierson was too far away
to catch any of