CHAPTER VI.
THE "FORGOT" PATH TO TROUBLE "Here, confound you! I'll teach you to-----" "Teach me how to walk the way you were going when I stopped you ?" demanded the same voice, and a harder grip was taken on Dalzell's shoulder.
In his misery Dan was not at all averse to fighting, if a good excuse were offered.

So his first move was not to look up, but to wrest him self out of that grip, haul away and put up his guard.
"Dave Darrin!" gasped Midshipman Dan, using his eyes at last.
Dave was laughing quietly.
"Danny boy, you shouldn't cruise without lights and a bow watch!" admonished Dave.

"What sent your wits wool gathering?
You look terribly upset over something." "Do I ?" asked Dan, looking guilty.
"You certainly do.

And see here, is this the way to the Preston house ?" "No; it's the way away from it." "But you had permission to visit at the Prestons." "That isn't any news to me," grunted Dalzell.
"Then---pardon me---but why aren't you there ?" "Are you the officer of the day ?" demanded Dan moodily.
"No; merely your best friend." "I beg your pardon, Dave.

I am a grouch tonight." "Wasn't Miss Preston at home." "I---I don't know." "Don't know?
Haven't you been there ?" "Yes; but I didn't ask-----" As Dan hesitated Dave rested both hands on his chum's shoulders, looking sharply into that young man's eyes.
"Danny, you act as though you were _loco_.