"It must be more than nothing," returned Trotter. "I understand that more than half of your class are furious with you over something that happened last night. I've heard you called a sneak, mister, though I don't believe that for a single minute. But I've heard mutterings to the effect that your class will send you to coventry for excessive zeal in greasing, to the detriment of your classmates. What about it all, mister?"
Dave Darrin gazed at the youngster with eyes full of wonder.
"What about it?" repeated Dave. "That's the very thing I'd like to know, sir, for this is the very first word I've heard of it."
Nor could Midshipman Trotter doubt that Dave Darrin had answered in all sincerity.
"Well, you certainly must be innocent, mister, if you're as puzzled as all this," replied the youngster. "Then it must be that malicious mischief is brewing against you in some quarter. Take my advice, mister, and find out what it all means."
"Thank you. I most certainly will, sir," replied Dave, his eyes flashing.
CHAPTER VI
DAVE PASSES THE LIE
Dalzell looked up wonderingly as Darrin marched swiftly into their room.
"Danny boy, have you heard any talk against me today?" demanded
Dave.