ir, your friend will save time by seeking Mr. Dalzell, of
the fourth class, who will be informed that he is to represent me."

"Very good, mister."

"That is all you wish to say to me, sir?"

"You may go, mister."

Dave Darrin walked away, his mind full of mighty serious thoughts.

In the first place, for a midshipman to call out another, for
reporting him for breach of discipline, is about as serious an
offense as a midshipman can ordinarily commit. It insures, if
detected, the instant dismissal of the challenger. And the challenged
midshipman, if he accepts, held to be equally guilty. So are
the seconds.

In accepting this challenge, which he had done instantly, Dave
Darrin well knew that he placed his chances of remaining at the
Naval Academy in great peril. He was also aware that he ran Dan's
head into equal danger.

Yet tradition and custom would not allow Darrin to dodge the fight
thus thrust upon him. It was equally true, that, if he failed
to ask Dan to act as his second, he would put a serious slight
on his chum.

Dave hurried to Dalzell, who listened with more glee than might
have been expected.

"Good enough, David, little giant!" approved Dalzell. "When you
meet Henley on the field just close in and pound off the whole
of his superstructure!

"Dan, I'm afraid I'm letting you in for a tough risk."

"You wouldn't be my friend if you kept me out of it," retorted
Dalzell significantly.

Rollins proved only too glad to have the privilege of being the
other second. He, too, ran a risk of being dismissed, if caught
at this fight; but in adventurous youth the love of risk is strong.

The time was set for Saturday evening at 8.30; the place as usual.

Darrin, as usual, was the first principal to show up. He always
liked to have plenty of time for stripping, and he also found
it to his advantage to look the ground over.

Mr. Bailey, of the second class, was to serve as referee, and
Mr. Clafflin, of the second class as time-keeper. It was against
custom to have any of the officials from the first class since
member of that class was to be one of the principals.

"I wonder what sort of fellow Henley is with his fists," mused
Rollins, after they had reached the ground.

"Darrin will find out for you," replied Dan.

"I'm not as afraid of seeing my principal thrashed as I might have
been earlier in the year," went on Rollins.

"Hm! Any fellow that thrashes Dave is almost certain to carry