the mission of dragging.

Prescott hardly sighed as he moved over to the study table. He
read over a score of times the notes the girls had sent him.

Then came an orderly, who handed in a telegram. Dick opened this
with nervous fingers. His eyes lit up when he found that it came
from Annapolis. The message read:

_"Dear old Dick!
You're the straightest fellow on earth! We
know. Don't let anybody get your goat!_"

_"Darrin And Dalzell,
Third Class,
U.S. Naval Academy."_

"Dear old Gridley chums!" murmured the cadet, the moisture coming
to his eyes. "Yes, they should know me, if anyone does. Those
who know me best are all flocking to offer comfort. Then---hang
it!---I don't need any. When a fellow's friends all believe in
him, what more is there to ask? But I wonder how the news reached
Annapolis? I know---Belle has telegraphed Dave. She knew he'd
stand by me."

It was a very cheery Prescott to whom Anstey and Holmes returned.
Anstey could remain but an instant, but that instant was enough
to cheer the Virginian, the change in Prescott was so great.

In the few moments left before taps sounded, Greg told his chum