back by steam power.
The owner of the launch had a most satisfactory explanation to
offer.

He and his engineer had both believed that they had abundant room
in which to clear the sailboat. When, at last, they had tried
their helm, it was found that the steering gear had broken. There
was no way in which to change the course of the motor boat in
time. The reversing gear was promptly used, but it was impossible
to stop headway and dart back before the collision came.

It was accident, and that was all there was to it. Yet, had it
not been for Darrin's prompt judgment, and the cool conduct of some
of the members of his crew, there might easily have been some
fatalities to report among the midshipmen.

As it was, nothing but Darrin's splendid conduct had saved Midshipman
Page from speedy death by drowning.

Dave opened his eyes on his way back to Annapolis. Page, however
though he was "pumped dry" of the water that he had involuntarily
swallowed, remained in a stupefied condition all the way back.

An ambulance had been signaled for, and was waiting at the dock.

"I don't want to go to hospital, sir," Dave objected weakly.

"You'll come with me, Mr. Darrin," responded the Naval surgeon,
without argument. "Of course we can discharge you at any time
we find you strong enough for duty."

So Dave was taken to hospital, stripped, rubbed down, put to bed
and dosed with hot drinks.

Midshipman Page was put on the cot next to Dave's. Now the surgeons
discovered the injury that had been done Page's head by the falling
gaff.

Some four hours later Commander Jephson, commandant of midshipmen,
came through the hospital, accompanied by Lieutenant Edgecombe,
who had been the sailing instructor of the afternoon.

"Good evening, Mr. Darrin," was the commandant's very cordial
greeting.

"Good evening, sir."

"Good evening, Mr. Darrin," came from Lieutenant Edgecombe, which
greeting Dave also acknowledged.

"The surgeon says, Mr. Darrin, that you a fit to do some talking,"
continued the commandant.

"I am certain of that, sir," smiled Darrin. "In fact, my only
trouble is that the surgeon insists on my staying here tonight."

"Then it is an official order, and can't be dodged," laughed the
commandant pleasantly. "But, Mr. Darrin, you were crew captain
this afternoon. Lieutenant Edgecombe wishes to secure your official
report of the accident. He will reduce it to writing, read it
over to you, a then you will