“I wouldn’t mind anything,” Belle answered, “if I could feel sure that no more trouble would come out of this affair with Jetson.”

“I don’t believe there will be any disturbing outcome,” Dave assured her; “unless, possibly, another fight.”

“A fight is nothing,” declared Belle with spirit.  “You’re in training to become a fighting man, and a bout or two at fistcuffs is nothing more or less than so much valuable experience.  Dave, promise me something?”

“Of course, if it’s anything promisable.”

“You’ll write me—­”

“Can you doubt that, Belle?”

“And let me know exactly and truthfully if anything further comes of this,” she finished.

“I’ll write and tell you anything that a midshipman is at liberty to make known concerning the conduct of the brigade.”

“Just what does that cover?” asked Belle.

“I can’t easily answer until the something or other happens to turn up.”

“At any rate, Dave, if I get a suspicion that you’re withholding from me anything that I ought to know, I shall be dreadfully worried.  You can’t have any idea how worried I have been about you sometimes in the past.”

Not much time was there for the two midshipmen to remain at the foot of the steps of the hotel Then, after hearty good nights, Dave and Dan left the ladies, whom they would not see again until the next visit.

“From one or two things that I couldn’t help overhearing, I judge that Belle is greatly worried over the possibility of trouble arising from the Jetson affair,” remarked Dan on the way back to the Naval Academy and quarters.

“Yes,” Dave admitted.

“Pooh!  How can any trouble come to you out of the matter?  With Jetson it’s different He declared that he wouldn’t take the word of any midshipman in the brigade.”

“That was spoken in the heat of temper.  Jetson didn’t mean it.”

“Just the same, some of the fellows have heard of it already, and I shan’t be surprised if our class holds a meeting and sends Jetson to Coventry—­where the fellow belongs.”

“If they send Jetson to Coventry,” spoke Dave quietly though bluntly, “I shall go along to Coventry with him.”

Dalzell halted, staring at his chum in open-mouthed wonder.

“You idiot!” blazed Dan in wrathful disgust.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE CLASS MEETING SITS AS JURY

Three days later the class meeting was held.

Jetson was especially impressed with the notion that he must attend, since he must appear as the accused.  With one of his disposition it was quite natural that the young man should go before the class in a highly resentful mood.

After a few introductory remarks, Jetson was summoned by the class president to rise.

“Mr. Jetson,” asked the class president, “do you intend to deny having made the remark imputed to you—­that you would not take the word of any midshipman in the brigade!”