CHAPTER XIII.
MIDSHIPMAN FARLEY'S ABOUT-FACE The gloom that now hung over Dave Darrin was the thickest, the blackest that he had ever encountered in his short life.
He was fully convinced, of course, that his troubles were the work of some determined and unscrupulous enemy or enemies.
Yet he was equally convinced that he was not likely to catch the plotter against his happiness.

He and Dan had already done all that seemed to be in their power.
On the Saturday afternoon following the tobacco incident the first ray came to light up the gloom--though it did not take away any of awesome demerits that had piled up against him.
Dave and Dan were standing chatting in a group of about a score of fourth class men when Farley and Page stepped briskly in their direction.
Dave glanced at the pair in some astonishment, for it was weeks since he had been on speaking terms with either of them, and now both looked as though about to address him.
"One moment gentlemen, all, if you please," called out Midshipman Farley.

"Let no one leave just now.

I have something to say that I wish to make as public as possible." Then, turning toward the astonished Darrin, Mr.Farley continued: "Darrin, I got into a bad scrape once, and I accused you of carrying the information that resulted in several others and myself being detected.

I was positive in my charge.