equired by law to be deposited with
the Academy authorities each midshipman is ordered to turn over
any other money that may be in his possession, this extra amount
to be credited to him. A midshipman, on entering the service,
receives a salary of six hundred dollars a year. Nearly all of
this, however, is required to pay his ordinary expenses. Each
midshipman is allowed a very small amount of spending money, with,
however, a more liberal allowance when visiting ports during a
cruise.

It is forbidden for a midshipman to receive spending money from
home or friends. Midshipmen sometimes disobey this latter regulation,
but, if detected, are liable to severe punishment.

Afterwards the new midshipmen were taken to the storekeeper's, where
each was supplied with one of the uniform caps worn by midshipmen.

Thence the young men were marched back to Bancroft Hall and out
onto the terrace over the mess hall.

"Halt! Break ranks!" commanded their instructor, Midshipman Cranthorpe.
"You will now pay close heed and endeavor to learn rapidly. Mr.
Darrin, step over here."

Dave went forward, Midshipman Cranthorpe placing him.

"The others will form in line of platoon front, using Mr. Darrin
as their guide," directed the young instructor.

Then followed some rapid-fire drilling in dressing, facings, counting
fours, marching and halting. The material in hand was excellent,
or Midshipman Cranthorpe might have been in despair.

Presently their instructor gave the order to break ranks, showing
the new men where to stand, up against the building, out of the
way. Almost immediately a bugler sounded a call. Then the new
men were treated to a sight that made their blood dance.

Out of Bancroft Hall hastily poured scores and scores of midshipmen,
until nearly six hundred had assembled. These were the members
of the three upper classes.

The brigade of midshipmen is divided into two battalions, each
of two divisions, six companies. The first and fourth companies
formed on the right of the first battalion, the seventh and tenth
companies on the right of the second battalion. The divisions
formed with intervals of two paces between companies preparatory
to muster. Second call was sounded quickly on the bugle, immediately
after which the first petty officer of each company began briskly
to call the roll. Each man answered just loudly enough to be
heard. While roll-call was going on company commanders stepped
briskly