They believed that
they had been well grounded back in their High School days.

On their way Darrin's section was passed by three officers of
the Navy. Midshipmen must always salute officers of the Navy.
While marching in sections, however, the only midshipman who
salutes is the section leader.

Three times Dave's hand came smartly up to the visor of his cap
in salute, while the other men in his section looked straight ahead.

Reaching Academic Hall Dave marched his section mates into the
recitation room.

Lieutenant Bradshaw, the instructor, was already present, standing
by his desk.

Darrin saluted the lieutenant as soon as he had halted the section.

"Sir, I report all members of the section present."

Five of the midshipmen were directed by Lieutenant Bradshaw to go
to their seats. The rest were ordered to blackboards, Dave and Dan
among the latter number.

Those at the blackboards were each given a problem to lay out
on the blackboard. Then the instructor turned to the fourth class
men who remained in their seats.

These he questioned, in turn, on various aspects of the day's lesson.

All the time the midshipmen at the blackboard worked busily away,
each blocking out phase after phase of his problem.

Dave Darrin was first to finish. He turned his back to the board,
taking the position of parade rest.

Dan was third to finish.

"Mr. Darrin, you may explain your work," announced Lieutenant
Bradshaw.

This Dave did, slowly, carefully, though without painful hesitation.
When he had finished the instructor asked him several questions
about the problem, and about some other phases of the day's work.
Darrin did not jump at any of his answers, but made them thoughtfully.

"Very good, indeed, Mr. Darrin," commented the instructor. "But,
when you are more accustomed to reciting here, I shall hope for
a little more speed in answering."

As Dave was returning to his seat Lieutenant Bradshaw marked him
3.8 per cent on the day's work.

That was an excellent marking, 4 being the highest. The lowest
average in a study which a midshipman may have, and hold his place
in the Naval Academy, is 2.5. Anything below 2.5 is unsatisfactory,
which, in midshipman parlance is "unsat." Taking 4 to represent
100 per cent., 2.5 stands for 62.5 per cent. This would not be
a high average to expect, as courses are laid down in the average
High School of the land; but as most of our American High Schools
go 2.5 at