if Dalzell and I are any good at all on the gridiron-----"

"Oh, Mr. Modesty!"

"If we're of any use at all," pursued Darrin, "it's only on the
flank. Now, where would the Navy be with a captain directing from
the right or left flank."

"Darry, you funker, you could play center as well as Wolgast does."

"Farl, you're letting your prejudices spoil your eyesight."

"Oh, I've no prejudice at all against Wolgast," Farley hastened
to rejoin. "Only I don't consider him our strongest man for captain.
Now, Wolgast-----"

"Here!" called a laughing voice. The door had opened, after a
knock that Darrin had not noticed.

"Talking about me?" inquired Midshipman Wolgast pleasantly, as
he stopped in the middle of the room.

Midshipman Farley was nothing at all on the order of the backbiter.
Service in the Brigade of Midshipmen for three years had taught him
the virtue of direct truth.

"Yes, Wolly," admitted Farley without embarrassment. "I was
criticizing your selection as captain of the eleven."

"Nothing worse than that?" laughed First Classman Wolgast.