In another hour Belle had changed her mind. She had seen all of the Academy grounds that she cared about for a while, and now proposed that they slip out through the Maryland Avenue gate for a walk through the shaded, sweet scented streets of Annapolis. As Darrin had town liberty the plan pleased him. Strolling slowly the young people at last neared State Circle. "I thought midshipmen didn't tell fibs," suddenly remarked Belle. "They're not supposed to," Dave replied. "But you said Dan was at the ball game." "Isn't he?" "Look there!" Belle exclaimed dramatically. CHAPTER XX DAN STEERS ON THE ROCKS AGAIN Just entering Wiegard's were Midshipman Dalzell and a very pretty young woman. Dan had not caught sight of his approaching friends. "Why, that fellow told me he was going to see if he couldn't be the mascot for a winning score to-day," Dave exclaimed. "But he didn't say that the score was to be won in a ball game, did he?" Belle queried demurely. "Now I think of it, he didn't mention ball," Darrin admitted. "But I thought it was the game down on the Academy athletic field." "No; it was very different kind of game," Belle smiled. "Dave, you'll find that Dan is incurable. He's going to keep on trying with women until-----" "Until he lands one?" questioned Dave. "No; until one lands him. Dave, I wonder if it would be too terribly prying if we were to turn into Wiegard's too?" "I don't see any reason why it should be," Darrin answered. "Mr. Wiegard conducts a public confectioner's place. It's the approved place for any midshipman to take a young lady for ice cream. Do you feel that you'd like some ice cream?" "No," Belle replied honestly. "But I'd like to get a closer look at Dan's latest." So Dave led his sweetheart into Wiegard's. In order to get a seat at a table it was necessary to pass the table at which Dan and his handsome friend were seated. As Dalzell's back was toward the door he did not espy his friends until they were about to pass. "Why, hello, Darry!" cried Dan, rising eagerly, though his cheeks flushed a bit. "How do you do, Miss Meade? Miss Henshaw, may I present my friends? Miss Meade and Mr. Darrin." The introduction was pleasantly acknowledged all around. Miss Henshaw proved wholly well-bred and at ease. "Won't you join us here?" asked Dalzell, trying hard to conceal the fact that he didn't want any third and fourth parties. "I know you'll excuse us," answered Dave, bowing, "and I feel certain that I am running counter to Miss Meade's wishes. But I have so little opportunity to talk to her that I'm going to beg you to excuse us. I'm going to be selfish and entice Miss Meade away to the furthest corner." That other table was so far away that Dave and Belle could converse in low tones without the least danger of being overheard. There were, at that time, no other patrons in the place. "Well, Belle, what do you think of the lady, now that you've seen her?"