Even Farley's jaw dropped just a trifle, but Page's face flushed with new-found pleasure.
"Another fight, sir ?" demanded Midshipman Treadwell.
"Yes, sir," replied Darrin quietly.
"Oh, very well," agreed Treadwell, nonchalantly.

"At any time that you wish, Mr.Darrin--any time." "How would fifteen minutes from now do ?" demanded Dave, smiling coolly.
Treadwell fairly gasped, though only from sheer astonishment.
"Why, if your seconds and the officials think that fair to you, Mr.
Darrin," replied Treadwell in another moment, "I am sure that I have no objection to remaining around here a little longer." "Do you insist on calling for the second fight within fifteen minutes, Mr.Darrin ?" asked Second Classman Edgerton.
"For my own part, I do," replied Dave quietly; "I leave the decision to Mr.Treadwell's courtesy." "Well, of all the freaks!" muttered Mr.Wheeler, as the two fight officials walked aside to discuss the matter.
"Darry," demanded the agitated Farley, "are you plumb, clean crazy ?" "Do you know what we're fighting about, Farley, old man ?" asked Dave very quietly.
"No; of course not." "It's a personal matter." "O-oh!" "It's a matter in which I can't accept an imitation whipping." "But surely you don't expect to whip Treadwell in your present condition ?" "I very likely shall get a thorough trouncing," smiled Darrin.
"It's madness," broke in Page worriedly.
"I told you it was a personal matter," laughed Dave softly.

"I shan't mind getting whacked if it is done up in good shape.

It's only this near-whipping to which I object." "Well--great Scott!" gasped Page.
"Hush!" warned Farley.

"Here comes Edgerton." Midshipman Edgerton, looking very much puzzled, stepped over to Dave Darrin's corner.
"Darrin," began the referee in a friendly tone, "Tread doesn't like the idea of fighting you again to-night." "Didn't he say he would ?" demanded Darrin.
"Yes; but of course, but--" "I hold him to his word, Mr.Edgerton." "But of all the crazy--" "I have my own reasons, sir," Darrin interposed quietly.