The midshipmen are ranked as gentlemen, and all are so taken on trust unless they betray themselves as dishonorable.

Ninety-nine per cent of the young men are earnest, honest and wholly aboveboard.
After that, during the next two or three weeks, Brimmer cultivated the acquaintance of Darrin and Dalzell at every possible opportunity.
Often, in the evening, he came hastening to their room for a short visit after the release bell had sounded at 9.30.

When he called, Brimmer always remained until the warning call just before taps.
"It took you a long while to find out that Dave Darrin is white enough to shake hands with," laughed Farley, one day.
"As I remember, it took you quite a little while, also, to find it out," laughed Brimmer.

"I admit that I am slow at forming my friendships.

But there's no mistake about Darrin, when you get to know him.