e'll imagine
that he selected his wife from among womankind, but he won't have
much to say about it."

"You seem to think Dan is only half witted," Belle remarked.

"Only where women are concerned, Belle. In everything else he's
a most capable young American. He's going to be a fine Naval
officer."

In another hour Belle had changed her mind. She had seen all
of the Academy grounds that she cared about for a while, and now
proposed that they slip out through the Maryland Avenue gate for
a walk through the shaded, sweet scented streets of Annapolis.
As Darrin had town liberty the plan pleased him.

Strolling slowly the young people at last neared State Circle.

"I thought midshipmen didn't tell fibs," suddenly remarked Belle.

"They're not supposed to," Dave replied.

"But you said Dan was at the ball game."

"Isn't he?"

"Look there!" Belle exclaimed dramatically.

CHAPTER XX

DAN STEERS ON THE ROCKS AGAIN

Just entering Wiegard's were Midshipman Dalzell and a very pretty
young woman.

Dan had not caught sight of his approaching friends.

"Why, that fellow told me he was going to see if he couldn't be
the mascot for a winning score to-day," Dave exclaimed.

"But he didn't say that the score was to be won in a ball game,
did he?" Belle queried demurely.

"Now I think of it, he didn't mention ball," Darrin admitted.
"But I thought it was the game down on the Academy athletic field."

"No; it was very different kind of game," Belle smiled. "Dave,
you'll find that Dan is incurable. He's going to keep on trying
with women until-----"

"Until he lands one?" questioned Dave.

"No; until one lands him. Dave, I wonder if it would be too terribly
prying if we were to turn into Wiegard's too?"

"I don't see any reason why it should be," Darrin answered. "Mr.
Wiegard conducts a public confectioner's place. It's the approved
place for any midshipman to take a young lady for ice cream.
Do you feel that you'd like some ice cream?"

"No," Belle replied honestly. "But I'd like to get a closer look
at Dan's latest."

So Dave led his sweetheart into Wiegard's. In order to get a
seat at a table it was necessary to pass the table at which Dan
and his handsome friend were seated. As Dalzell's back was toward
the door he did not espy his friends until they were about to pass.

"Why, hello, Darry!" cried Dan, rising eagerly, though his cheeks
flushed a bit. "How do you do, Miss Meade? Miss H