CHAPTER IV.
IN THE VIEW OF THE NAVY DEPARTMENT Dave Darrin did not let the news of the charges disturb his outward serenity, though he was inwardly aware that perjured evidence might work great harm to his future career.
Until he was advised by the Navy Department that charges had been made against him, he really could do nothing in the matter.
But that letter from the Secretary was not long in coming.

The letter informed Midshipman Darrin that he has been accused of severely assaulting a citizen without just provocation, and contained, also, some of the circumstances alleged by Caspar Ardmore.

Dave was commanded to forward his defense promptly.
This Darrin did, in a courteous answer, as briefly as he could properly make it.

He admitted knocking Ardmore down, but stated that he did it in resenting an insult offered by Ardmore to a young lady under his (Darrin's) escort at the time.
This letter he showed Belle.
"It is the first step, on my side in the matter," he explained with a smile.
"I should think the Secretary of the Navy ought to be satisfied with your answer and drop it at once," replied Belle.
"He may." "But you think he won't ?" "It is likely, Belle, that there will be a court of inquiry at least." "Oh, dear!" cried Belle, a few tears gleaming in her eyes now.

"Why should so much fuss be made over the matter ?" "Because I am being trained to be an officer in the Navy.