Dave Darrin did not let the news of the charges disturb his outward
serenity, though he was inwardly aware that perjured evidence might work
great harm to his future career.

Until he was advised by the Navy Department that charges had been made
against him, he really could do nothing in the matter.

But that letter from the Secretary was not long in coming. The letter
informed Midshipman Darrin that he has been accused of severely
assaulting a citizen without just provocation, and contained, also, some
of the circumstances alleged by Caspar Ardmore. Dave was commanded to
forward his defense promptly.

This Darrin did, in a courteous answer, as briefly as he could properly
make it. He admitted knocking Ardmore down, but stated that he did it in
resenting an insult offered by Ardmore to a young lady under his
(Darrin's) escort at the time.

This letter he showed Belle.

"It is the first step, on my side in the matter," he explained
with a smile.

"I should think the Secretary of the Navy ought to be satisfied with
your answer and drop it at once," replied Belle.

"He may."