"Never mind a little wet, mister," advised Midshipman Trotter,
with a very serious face. "We always rate a man as highly awkward,
however, if he breaks the washbowl."

"Which one of you is the better athlete?" suddenly asked Midshipman
Harris.

Neither chum intended to be caught, by this crowd, as wanting
in modesty.

"He is, sir," replied Dan, with great promptness, nodding toward
Darrin.

"Dalzell is, sir," contended Dave.

"In view of this conflicting testimony, we shall have to settle
the question by actual test," replied Mr. Trotter. "Mister,"
to Dan, "bale out your boat."

From the nod which accompanied this command Dalzell understood
that he was to empty the water from his wash basin so he promptly
obeyed.

"Mister," to Darrin, "launch your boat on this water here."

Plainly the "water" signified the floor. Dave brought out his
own wash basin with alacrity. Under further orders the chums
placed their bowls about four feet apart.

"Here," announced Midshipman Trotter, taking two toothpicks from