"Then tell it to her and say that I said it."
"But how can I say that you said it if you didn't say it?" demanded
Belle, pouting prettily.
"Easiest thing in the world, Belle. I authorize you, fully, to say whatever you like about Dick, as coming from me. If I authorize you to say it, then you won't be fibbing, will you?"
Belle had to think that over. It was a bit of a puzzle, as must be admitted.
"Now, let's talk about ourselves," Darrin pressed her. "I see Danny boy coming, with that two-yard grin of his, and we won't have much further chance to talk about ourselves."
The two young people, therefore, busied themselves with personal talk. Dan drifted along, but merely raised his cap to Belle, then stationed himself by Mrs. Meade's side.
It was not until Dave signaled quietly that Dalzell came over to take Belle's proffered hand and chat for a moment.
The talk was all too short for all concerned. A call of the bugle signaled the midshipmen to leave friends and hasten back for assembly.
It was not until the train had started away from Philadelphia that Dave and Dan were all but mobbed by way of congratulation. Wolgast, Jetson, Farley, Page and others also came in for their share of good words.
"And to think, Darry, that you can never play on the Navy eleven again!" groaned a second classman.