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_. (crazy). What on
earth is up? You went to call on Miss Preston. You reached the
house, and evidently you left there again. But you don't know
whether Miss Preston was in; you forgot to ask. Let me look in
at the answer to the riddle."
"Dave---Miss Preston is going to be married!"
"Most girls are going to be," Darrin replied quietly.
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