"That gentleman is a lieutenant in the Navy," replied the clerk,
with a slight smile.

Crestfallen Dan hurried back to Darrin, brushing off his sleeves
with his hands as he walked.

"Served you right; you must get over being fresh," Dave Darrin
rebuked his chum. "But what is the matter with your sleeves?"

"I'm brushing the frost off of them," murmured Dan dejectedly.
"Did you notice the ice-bath that fellow threw over me?"

"Come out for a walk," urged Dave. "But be careful where you
step and what you say to others."

The two young men strolled down the street.

"Well," smiled Darrin, "I must say, Dan, that you appear to be
getting all over your nervousness."

"No; I'm still nervous," protested Dan. "Before, I was afraid
I wouldn't get into the Naval Academy. Now, I'm only afraid that
I shall."

"What nonsense are you talking now?" demanded Darrin, giving his
chum a sharp look.

"Why, if they're all going to be as chesty as that near-officer I
spoke to in the hotel," blinked Dan, "I'm not so sure that I want to