"Well, in the first place, there's no guesswork in my case. Belle and I are engaged, and we feel perfectly sure each of the other. I'm so sure of Belle that I dream about her only in my leisure moments. I don't ever let her face come between myself and the pages of a textbook. I am here at the Naval Academy working for a future that Belle is to share with me when the time comes, and so, in justice to her, I don't let the thought of her get between myself and the duties that will lead to the career she is to share with me." "Humph!" commented Midshipman Dalzell. "Above all, Dan, I've never Frenched it over the wall. I don't take any disciplinary chances that can possibly shut me off from the career that Belle and I have planned. Belle Meade, Danny boy, would be the first to scold me if she knew that I had Frenched it over the wall in order to meet her." "Well, Miss Preston doesn't know but what I had regular leave tonight," Danny replied. "Miss Preston?" repeated Dave his interest taking a new tack. "I don't believe I know her." "I guess you don't," Dan replied. "She's new in Annapolis. Visiting her uncle and aunt, you know. And her mother's with her." "Are your intentions serious in this, Danny?" Darrin went on. "Blessed if I know," Dalzell answered candidly. "She's a mighty fine girl, is May Preston. I don't suppose I'll ever be lucky enough to win the regard of such a really fine girl." "Then you aren't engaged?" "Hang it, man! This evening is only the second time that I've met Miss Preston." "And you've risked your commission to meet a girl for the second time?" Dave demanded almost unbelievingly. "I haven't risked it much," Dan answered. "I'm in safe, now, and ready to face any discipline officer." "But wouldn't this matter wait until November, when you're pretty sure to have the privilege of town leave again?" pressed Midshipman Darrin. "By November a girl like Miss Preston might be married to some one else," retorted Dan Dalzell. "It was a fool risk to take, Dan!" "If you look at it that way." "Will you promise me not to take the risk again, Danny boy?" "No." "It's a serious affair, then, so far as you are concerned," grinned Dave, though in the dark Dan could not see his face. "For your sake, Danny, I hope Miss Preston is as much interested in you as you certainly are in her." "Are you going to lecture me?" "Not tonight, Dan." "Then I'm going to get in between sheets. It's chilly here in the room." "Duck!" whispered Dave with sudden energy. Footsteps could be heard coming down the corridor. It was a noise like a discipline officer. Three doors above that of the room occupied by our midshipman friends were opened, one after the other. Then a hand rested on the knob of the door to Dave and Dan's room. The door was opened, and the rays of a pocket electric light flashed into the room.