Slowly the big battle cruiser got under way. With her flag flying proudly, she turned her stern toward the shore and made for the open sea. Soon she was heading southward at full speed. Now a second midshipman approached the lads. "I am instructed to show you your duties," he said, without enthusiasm, and the boys could see that he was not well pleased with his task. Frank stepped up to him and held out his hand. "See here," he said, "why can't we be friends?" The Frenchman took the proffered hand and shook it half-heartedly. He glanced furtively about, evidently in fear that some of his comrades might see him in this compromising situation. Then, as rapidly as possible, he instructed the lads in their tasks. "And now," he concluded, "dinner is ready. You will mess with the other midshipmen. Come, will show you the way." Without a word the lads followed him. The long table was already filled. + But there were still some vacant seats. Frank and Jack dropped into these. "Midshipman Templeton and Midshipman Chadwick," said their escort, introducing them to the rest, with a sweep of his arm. Frank and Jack rose from their seats and bowed. The young Frenchmen barely acknowledged the introduction with nods of their heads. Frank's face flushed, and he made as if to rise, but, again Jack stayed him, and they fell to eating in silence. Several times during the meal some Frenchman inadvertently made a remark derogatory to the fighting ability of the English. Frank held his temper, though his face burned,'' and Jack was fearful that his friend would soon be mixed up in trouble again. However, the meal finally came to an end, and Jack and Frank arose with the others to leave the room. To the deck below, where the midshipmen were wont to spend most of their leisure hours, the lads followed the Frenchmen. Here some drew cigarettes from their pockets, and, in spite of the regulations against this practice, proceeded to light up in most approved style. Then they broke up into little knots, and Jack and Frank found themselves left to themselves. "Come," said Jack at length, "we might as well go on deck." He took Frank by the arm and started away. As they neared the door, a big, hulking Frenchman suddenly stretched forth a foot, and Frank, who had not noticed this obstruction, tripped and fell heavily to the deck. He was up in a moment, his face a dull red. He turned on the now giggling midshipmen, angrily. "Who did that?" he demanded, taking a step forward and doubling up his fists. A laugh went round the room, but there was, no reply. "Who did that?" demanded Frank again. The big French middie who had tripped the lad stepped forward. "I did it," he replied, thrusting out his face. "What of it?" "Just this," replied Frank, and started forward. Jack stopped him. "Here's where I get into this," he said quietly. "I tried to keep out, but it's no use. Stand aside, Frank, can't you see you are no match for him."