Dave drew an official-looking envelope from an inner pocket and
handed it to Lieutenant-Commander Graham.

These the Naval aide scanned closely, after which he looked up.

"You have your papers, Mr. Dalzell?"

"Yes," nodded Dan.

A more than perceptible frown flashed across the face of the officer.

"Mr. Dalzell, whenever you answer an officer you will say 'yes,
sir,' or 'very good, sir.'"

Rather red in the face Dan handed over his envelope.

Mr. Graham examined these papers, too. Then, pulling a pile of
blanks before him, he filled out two, bearing the names of the
young men, and signed them, after which he handed one of the signed
blanks to each.

"Mr. Darrin, you will inquire of the orderly downstairs your way
to the office of the commandant of midshipmen. You will then
at once present yourself before the commandant, handing him this
paper."

"Yes, sir; thank you, sir," replied Dave, with a slight bow.

"Mr. Dalzell, stick close to your friend and you will find out
what to do."