"It is not a fair catch," broke in the executive officer incisively. "Any gentleman here has a perfect right to ask the waiter questions about the food supply without taking chances of being subjected to a penalty."
"I bow to the decision, sir," replied Lieutenant Totten. "I merely wished to have the question settled."
Some of those present breathed more easily; others yet dreaded to become victims of a penalty proposition that many now regretted having voted for.
As the dessert came on Dan Dalzell turned to Dave.
"Darrin," he said, "can you tell me why it is that a woodchuck never leaves any dirt heaped up around the edge of his hole?"
Dave reflected, looking puzzled for a moment. Then he shook his head as he answered:
"Dalzell, I'm afraid I don't know why."
"Of course you know why, Dalzell," broke in Lieutenant Barnes warningly.
"Perhaps I do know," Dan replied, nodding his head slowly. "However, perhaps some other gentleman would like the chance of answering the question."
Instantly a dozen at least of the officers became interested in answering the question. To each reply or guess, however, Dalzell shook his head.