ver that," confessed Freeman frankly. "Of
course, Dalzell's record, this term, is in black and white, and can't be
gainsaid. It's just possible our young friend can put up some line of
talk that will extend his time here, and perhaps enable him to pull
through. It's a mighty important question, so I'll tell you what we'll
do. Of course, the hop comes on for to-morrow night. Let me have until
Sunday evening. Meanwhile I'll talk with some of the other fellows of my
class. You both come in here Sunday evening, and I'll have the answer
for you--if there's any possible way of finding one."

With that the chums had to be content. Expressing their gratitude to
this friendly first classman, they withdrew.

That Saturday forenoon Dan did considerably better with the two
recitations that he had in hand.

"I got easier questions than usual, I guess," he said to Dave, with a
mournful smile.

After Saturday dinner, Dave and Dan, having secured permission to visit
in Annapolis, steered their course through the gate, straight up
Maryland Avenue, through State Circle and around into Main Street, to
the Maryland House.

At the desk they sent up their cards to Mrs. Meade, then stepped into
the parlor.

Barely two minutes had passed when Belle and Laura flew downstairs.

"Mother says she'll be down as soon as she fancies you'll care about
seeing her," laughed Belle.

"And how are you getting on in your classes?" asked Laura Bentley,
glancing straight at unhappy Dan.

Both midshipmen had agreed not to mention a word of Dan's heartache to
either of the girls.

Dan gulped hard, though he managed to conceal the fact.

Darrin, however, was ready with the answer:

"Oh, we're having pretty rough sailing, but we're both still in our
class."

Which statement was wholly truthful.

"Up at West Point," Laura continued, "Dick told us that the first two
years were the hardest for a man to keep his place. I fancy it's just
about the same here, isn't it?"

"Just about," Dave nodded. "The first two years are hardest because it
takes all that time for a fellow to get himself keyed up to the gait of
study that is required in the government academies. But won't you let us
talk about something that's really pleasant, girls?" Dave asked, with
his charming smile. "Suppose we talk about yourselves. My, but you girls
are good to look at!"

After that, the conversation was shifted to lighter subjects.

Even Dan, in the joy of meeting two gir