"That will suit us all right. We'll be ready whenever the challenge
comes. And now, to prevent getting a lot of decent fellows into
a needless scrape, Darrin and I will withdraw."

Dan took Dave by the arm, and both turned to leave the room.

"You--" began Farley hoarsely, when another midshipman clapped
a hand over his mouth.

"Shut up Farley! Save all of your undoubted grit for the field, when
you two meet."

The door closed softly behind Darrin and Dalzell.

"Why didn't you let me at the sneak?" bellowed Farley, released,
now, from interfering hands.

"See here, Farley," advised one of his friends, "cool down and keep
your face in a restful attitude. Darrin behaved twice as well as
you did. If you don't look out you'll lose the sympathy of the
class. Just keep cool, and restrain your tongue from wagging until
you've met Darrin. Don't try to start the row again, this side of
the field where you meet. If you do, you'll get many a cold shoulder."

Other midshipmen present spoke in the same vein. Farley, who
wanted to be popular at all times, presently allowed himself to
be advised.

Of course the news of the meeting, and of the more emphatic one to
come spread fast through Bancroft Hall. There is an unknown