e necessary, if we were to keep
in condition. Here athletics may be regarded as the luxury, which
we are not yet entitled. Here, with the gym work, the fencing,
the drills under arms and the boat drills, we're kept in the pink
of physical condition without need for special training."

"Next year, when we feel absolutely solid in our marks, we can
go in for athletics, if we wish, Dan."

So Dalzell gave in. He was beginning to realize that his chum
had a "long" head and that his advice was always good.

With the coming of spring the boat drills were resumed in earnest.

Dave, standing well in "grease," now, became captain of one of
the boat crews, for he had developed unusual skill in boat handling.

One bright afternoon in the latter part of April, while half of
the brigade marched off to instruction on shore, the other half
marched down to the docks beyond the seamanship building.

Here the members of the third class embarked in the steam launches
each craft representing a war vessel--for fleet drill.

The fourth class men embarked, by crews, in the sailboats.

As each captain gave the order to shove clear of the dock the
mainsail was hoisted. Then each crew captain kept one eye on
the watch for the signals of the instructor, who was aboard a
boat designated as the flagship.

The sail was downstream. Beyond Annapolis some pretty manoeuvering
work was done. While this drill was proceeding, however, the
wind died out considerably. Then, light as the breeze was, the
youthful crew captains were forced to beat back against almost
a head wind.

There being no signs of squalls or puffs, the crew captains did not
seem to need to exercise much caution. The members of the crews
stood indolently at their stations.

Yet Dave was as alert as ever. He stood close to the midshipman
tillerman, looking constantly for signals from the flagship, and
at the same time watchful for any wind signs.

An hour or more they had proceeded thus. Some of Dave's boat
crew, who had been making a lark of their nearly becalmed condition
now began to demur over the prospect of getting back late for
supper.

"The steam-launch fleet might show up and give us a tow," grumbled
Farley.

Dave smiled and said nothing. He was as eager as any midshipman
in the boat to have his supper on time, but he felt that the crew
captain must appear above any sign of complaint untoward fate.

For a moment or so Darrin turned to look aft at the