epest, most abiding interest in you exists."

"This red spot on my cheek isn't a blush," explained Ensign Eph,
suddenly. "It's where a mosquito bit me."

"I am not joking," replied Ulwin, with a friendly smile. "All the
officers of the Navy know about you by this time."

"They'll be greatly disappointed, when they see us, then, won't they?"
laughed Hal Hastings.

"Now, see here," protested Eph, earnestly, "I can stand a good deal.
But, if they see us walking around the club, and ask who left the lid
off the can of shrimps--I'll fight!"

Ulwin laughed heartily.

"I shall have to pass the word to our worst jokers," he smiled, "that
it won't be safe for the fellow who starts in to tease you young men."

"Why, if anyone does start, we've got to keep our tongues behind our
teeth," returned Hal. "We're only boys--kids--and we can't say
anything smart to men who have been a good many years in the service."

"You can answer back, if anyone starts to have any fun with you,"
replied Lieutenant Ulwin. "Remember, a club is where all men stand on
an equal footing. If an admiral gets after you, you will do well to
swallow any witticism he may try on you. But with any officer below an
admiral you don't have to be so careful."

Eph Somers immediately began to look thoughtful. Now, Eph did know how
to say caustic things when occasion seemed to demand.

"Here we are," announced Lieutenant Ulwin, suddenly, as the cab stopped
before the club building.

Hal went in at Ulwin's side. Jack gripped Eph by the elbow, pulling the
auburn-haired one back a few paces.

"Now, see here, Eph, remember that we don't want any funny answers
inside."

"But Ulwin says--"

"You listen to what I'm saying, Eph. I've known you longer than Mr.
Ulwin has. Just remember that we're boys--b-o-y-s--boys. Not one of
us is quite eighteen yet. If we've gained a little fame for five
minutes, we mustn't begin to imagine that we're eight feet high and on
a par with men forty years old. So be careful, Eph. If anyone starts
to have any fun with you, come back at him a different way."

"How?" whispered Eph.

"Look stupid."

"What?"

"Look stupid."

"I don't see much in that."

"Why, it's the funniest answer possible; and, besides, it isn't fresh or
forward."

"How do you make that out?" Eph inquired.

"Why, Eph, boy, if you're half as famous as you may think you are, then
folks will know you can't be stupid. So, if you pretend to b