ll present could be
obtained.

It was an instant of utter terror.

Then another voice broke in on the stillness.

"All hands to the fire apparatus! Fire in Bancroft Hall!"

The fight party felt another thrill. If the big Academy building
was in danger they must rush to do their share.

The officer's running footsteps were already heard. He had turned
and was speeding away.

"Get on your clothes, quickly, you two fellows!" ordered Midshipman
Bailey crisply "We've got to turn in with the rest for fast work!"

Just then another figure darted up to them. It turned out to be
Midshipman Farley.

"Yes; get on your clothes with some classy speed," chuckled Farley.
"Lieutenant Hall will be back here with a bunch of watchmen,
the marine guard, or any other old crowd, when he finds that he
has been lured on the reefs by false signals!

"Mister, did you give that call of fire?" demanded Midshipman
Bailey sternly.

"Yes, sir."

"And there's no fire?"

"None that I know of, sir."

"Mister, what's your name?"

"Farley, sir."

"Then, Farley, sir, come and get hugged."

In truth a lot of fuss was made over that young midshipman within
a few seconds.

"It can't do much harm to use you something like a human being
and a comrade, anyway," declared Time-keeper Clafflin, as he wrung
both of Farley's hands. "Within a few days you'll be a youngster
now."

Farley explained that an itching interest in the fight had tempted
him to be close at hand, and this had given him his chance to save
the fight party.

Darrin and Henley were dressing like lightning, and the others
would not flee until the principals were ready to take part in
the flight.

"Henley," broke in Midshipman Bailey decisively, "you can't risk
your graduation again by resuming this fight at some other time. As
far as the mill had gone Mr. Darrin had the best of it. I award
the fight to him."

"I'm glad you do, Bailey," replied Henley heartily. "And, as
soon as I'm dressed, and my cap is set on square, I'm going to
apologize and ask Mr. Darrin to shake hands with me."

"Will you do me a favor, sir?" inquired Dave.

"A dozen," agreed Henley instantly.

"Then, sir, cut the apology and confine it to the hand-shake."

In another moment they were ready for hasty departure. But Dave
had to wait for a quick, hearty handclasp from each of the upper
class men. Then all divided into three groups, by classes, and
thirty seconds later found these m