Midshipman Farley remained by the door until he was becoming decidedly wearied of his occupation, and Page had several times shifted his feet.

Then, all of a sudden, Midshipman Farley turned with a low, sharp hiss.

“It?” whispered Midshipman Page, rising swiftly.

“Yes,” nodded Farley.

Midshipman Page walked swiftly out of the room, though his heels did not make as much noise as usual.

Just after Page had left the room Midshipman Farley stole along the corridor, halting before a door.

There he paused, as though on duty.  It was not long before his erect attitude was accounted for, for Lieutenant Nettleson, the officer in charge, came down into the corridor, followed by the cadet officer of the day.

Just a little way behind them walked Midshipman Page.

Farley stood quickly at attention, saluting the officer in charge, who returned the salute.

CHAPTER XIV

THE TRAP IN MIDSHIPMEN’S QUARTERS

Tap-Tap! sounded Lieutenant Nettleson’s knuckles on the door.

Just a shade longer than usual the lieutenant waited ere he turned the door knob and entered the room.

Behind him, like a faithful orderly, stood Midshipman Hawkins, of the first class, cadet officer of the day.

A quick look about the room Lieutenant Nettleson took, then turned to the cadet officer of the day.

“Mr. Hawkins,” spoke the O.C., “Mr. Darrin seems to be growing worse in his breaches of duty.”

“So it seems, sir,” agreed the cadet officer the day.

“Mr. Darrin has left his bed turned down,” continued the lieutenant, inspecting that article of furniture.  “And, judging by the looks of the sheets, he has been abed with his boots on.”

“Yes sir.”

“You will put Mr. Darrin on the report for this latest offense, Mr. Hawkins.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

Lieutenant Nettleson made a further inspection of the room.

“And Mr. Darrin has neglected to empty his washbowl.  He has also thrown the towel on the floor.  Put Mr. Darrin on the report for that as well.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

“That is all here, Mr Hawkins.”

“Very good, sir.”

O.C. and cadet officer of the day turned to leave the room.  As they were crossing the threshold Midshipman Farley, saluting, reported: 

“I think, sir, if you search more closely, you will find some one in this room.”

“Very good,” replied the officer in charge, turning back.

In truth, Lieutenant Nettleson was already aware that there was a prowler in the room, for he had seen a pair of feet in a dark corner; but he had purposely awaited Midshipman Farley’s report.

Now, swift as a flash, Lieutenant Nettleson turned back, going straight so the cupboard in which Dave Darrin’s uniform equipment hung.