"It is, at least, against the rules of good taste to interfere," argued Darrin.
"Well, hang you, I don't want to interfere. All I want to do is to look on. Can't an upper classman do that?"
"I won't," returned Dave.
Yet almost immediately he changed his mind, for two hard bumps and a gust of laughter swept up the deck.
"They're making so much racket," murmured Dave, lingering by his own door, "that, the first thing we know, a duty officer will swoop down and rag the bunch."
"Let's go in, then, as grave and dignified second classmen, and warn the youngsters like daddies," proposed Dan, but his eyes were twinkling with the spirit of mischief.
A good deal against his own inclination Darrin allowed himself to be coaxed into the thing.
Nine youngsters were found in Midshipmen Flint and Austin's room when
Dave and Dan entered after rapping.
"We're not intruding, I hope?" inquired Dalzell, with his most inviting grin.
"Not at all, gentlemen," responded Midshipman Eaton, of the third class.