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 curiosity.

"I've heard," announced Darrin, "that you are saying some things
about me that don't sound well. So I've come to ask you what you
are saying."

"I won't keep you waiting," jeered Farley. "You know, from hearing
morning orders, that six of us were given fifty demerits apiece."

"For going over the wall to a late supper in town," nodded Dave.