But Dalzell winked once more, then allowed his mouth to expand in that contortion which had won him the nick name of "Danny Grin."
Dave soon forgot Dalzell's threat of trouble for the evening. It had passed out of his mind by the time that Ensign Darrin entered the ward-room. Yet soon after the officers had seated themselves the executive officer announced:
"In the interest of fair play to all I deem it best to warn you, gentlemen, that to-night is the night when the first gentleman who asks a question that he cannot himself answer is liable to a penalty of thirty-three dollars to make up the deficit in the mess treasury."
There were nods and grins, and shakings of heads. Not an officer present had any idea that he could be caught and made to pay the penalty.
As the meal progressed Lieutenant Commander Wales finally turned to one of the Filipino waiters and inquired:
"Is there any of the rare roast beef left?"
"Don't you know yourself, Wales?" demanded Totten quickly.
"Why, er—no-o," admitted Mr. Wales, looking much puzzled. "Why should I?"
"Then haven't you asked a question that you can't answer?" demanded Totten mischievously.
"That's hardly a fair catch, is it?" demanded the navigating officer, looking annoyed.