"I can't," Dave answered. "I believe, Wolly, that you can lead
the team as well as any other man in the squad. On the whole,
I believe you can lead a little better than any other man could do."

"No help from your quarter, then, Darry," sighed Midshipman Wolgast.
"Farl, help me out. Tell me some way in which I can improve
my fitness for the post of honor that has been thrust upon me.
I assure you I didn't seek it."

"Wolgast, my objection to you has nothing personal in it," Farley
went on. "With me it is a case simply of believing that Darry
could lead us on the gridiron much better than you're likely to."

"That I know," retorted Wolgast, with emphasis. "But what on
earth are we going to do with a fellow like Darrin? He simply
won't allow himself to be made captain. I'd resign this minute,
if we could have Darry for our captain."

"You're going to do all right, Wolgast. I know you are," Dave
rejoined.

"Then what's the trouble? Why don't I suit all hands?" demanded
the Navy's football captain.

Darrin was silent for a few moments. The midshipmen visitors waited
patiently, knowing that, from this comrade, they could be sure of a
wholly candid reply.

"Have you found the answer, Darry?" pressed Wolgast at last.