But you must say something about Dick's case which will show her that all of Dick's friends are standing by the poor fellow." "But, Belle, you know it isn't considered very manly for a fellow in one branch of the service to say anything against fellows in the other branch." "Not even---for Laura's sake ?" "Oh, well," proposed Midshipman Darrin, squirming about between the horns of the dilemma, "you just think of whatever will please Laura most to hear from me." "Yes----- ?" pressed Miss Meade.
"Then tell it to her and say that I said it." "But how can I say that you said it if you didn't say it ?" demanded Belle, pouting prettily.
"Easiest thing in the world, Belle.

I authorize you, fully, to say whatever you like about Dick, as coming from me.

If I authorize you to say it, then you won't be fibbing, will you ?" Belle had to think that over.

It was a bit of a puzzle, as must be admitted.
"Now, let's talk about ourselves," Darrin pressed her.

"I see Danny boy coming, with that two-yard grin of his, and we won't have much further chance to talk about ourselves." The two young people, therefore, busied themselves with personal talk.