e the official at the other side of the desk
administered to them the oath binding them to loyalty to the government
and to obedience to all lawful orders of their superiors.

"And now, gentlemen," continued the chief clerk, "I will send for
Ensign McGrath, who is on duty here, and present you to him. He will
go with you to the tailor's, and will see that you are properly rushed
to the train that you are to take. Remember, you are not to pay for
your uniforms or equipment. The bill will be sent here."

Ensign McGrath looked sleepy, but proved to be a hustler. One of the
Department's autos was out in the grounds, and into this McGrath
bundled the three submarine boys. Five minutes later they were in the
tailoring establishment, where a good many ready-made uniforms were
kept for sale.

What a whirl it was. Yet, in twenty minutes, each submarine boy found
himself in the duty uniform of a United States junior naval officer,
each uniform adorned with the insignia of the wearer's rank. In the
meantime, dress-suit cases had been procured from a store near by.

"All right and proper," nodded Ensign McGrath. "And--I'm not throwing
bouquets, gentlemen, but you really look as though you had been born
for the uniforms. Now, only one thing is missing--the swords."

"Are we to wear swords?" asked Jack, his face flushing with pleasure.

"Under certain conditions, on duty, naval officers wear swords. You
will need them as parts of your equipments."

The dealer brought these side-arms at once. The naval sword is a
handsome one, vastly more natty than the infantry side-arm of a junior
officer.

What a thrill each submarine boy felt as he was shown how to adjust his
sword to the belt!

"They're really nonsensical jewelry in these civilized days," declared
Ensign McGrath, dryly. "But the regulations call for swords at some
times. Now, gentlemen, you will need to get your uniforms off as
quickly as you can, and the tailor's helpers will pack them in your suit
cases. You travel in citizen's clothes, and don your uniforms as soon
as you get aboard the gunboat."

Ten minutes later each proud submarine boy picked up his suit case and
sword, the latter, in each instance, being inside of a chamois-skin
carrying case.

In single file they made their way to the street.

"Now, for the last leg of the race in Washington," announced Ensign
McGrath, as they entered the automobile once more.

"I wonder if it will happen on