There was no leave, however, for the new midshipmen.

In lieu of leave, through the month of September, the new fourth
class men spent the time, each week-day, from ten o'clock until
noon, at the "Dago Department," as the Department of Modern Languages
is termed.

Here they made their start in French.

"When Trotter comes back," muttered Dan, "if he asks me whether
I can talk French, I'll tell him that I've tried, and now I know
I can't."

It was the last night before the upper classmen were due back from
their leave.

Dave and Dan were in their room, poring hard over French, when
a light tap sounded on the door.

Right on top of the tap Midshipman Farley, fourth class, entered
on tiptoe, closing the door behind him.

This accomplished, Farley dropped his air of stealth, strolling
over to the study desk.

"There's a nice little place in town--you know, Purdy's," began
Farley significantly.

"I've heard of it as an eating place," responded Darrin.