rs the row he had with you last night.
In a fool way he puts two and two together, an decides that you
helped set the trap for them."

"If I had done a dirty thing like that, then I'd deserve to be
cut by the whole brigade," retorted Dave, his face flushing.

"But I want to tell you, right now, Dave, that some of the fellows
of our class know you too well to believe any such thing against you."

"I'm properly grateful to the few, then," retorted Darrin, his eyes
softening a trifle. "But come along, Dan, if you will. I mean to
start in at once to sift this thing down."

"Let me look at you," ordered Dalzell, grappling with his chum,
and looking him over.

Then, a moment later, Dan added:

"Yes; you're cool enough, I think. I'll go with you. But remember
that the easiest way to destroy yourself is to let your temper
get on top. If anybody is to get mad before the crowd, let me
do it. Then you can restrain me if I get too violent."

Dave Darrin took his uniform cap down from the nail and put it
on with great deliberation. Next, he picked up his whisk broom,
flecking off two or three imaginary specks of dust.

"Now, I guess we can go along, Danny boy," he remarked, in a tone
of ominous quietness.

"Where are you headed?" murmured Dalzell, as they reached the
room door.

"To Farley's room," answered Dave Darrin coolly. "Do you suppose
he's there?"

"He was, a few moments ago" Dan answered.

"Then let us hope he is now."

Carrying himself with his most erect and military air, Darrin
stepped down the corridor, Dalzell keeping exactly at his side.

The chums arrived before the door of the room in which Farley was
lodged.

Dave raised his hand, sounding a light knock on the door, which
he next pushed open.

Farley and a dozen other members of the fourth class were in the
room. Moreover, it was evident instantly that some of those present
were discussing the burning class issue.

"But are you sure he did it? Farley?" one midshipman inquired,
as the chums entered.

"Sure?" repeated Farley. "Of course I am! Didn't I tell you what
a hot row we had. Darrin--"

"I'm here to speak for myself, Farley," boomed in the quiet, steady
voice of Dave Darrin. "But I'll hear you first, if you wish."

"Oh, you're here, are you?" cried Farley hotly, wheeling about
on the visitors.

Some of the other fourth class men present turned and glanced
coldly at the two last-comers. Others looked on with eager cu