That gentleman, also in uniform, as were all Navy officers on
duty at the Academy, looked briefly as the two young men stood
before him.

"Candidates, gentlemen?"

"Yes, sir," replied Dave.

"Your orders?"

Each young man handed over the slip given him by the aide. Commander
Jephson scanned each sheet closely, then made some entries on
a set of papers of his own.

Next the commandant touched a button on his desk. Almost immediately
footsteps were heard outside. Another white-gloved midshipman
entered, raising his hand smartly to his cap in salute. This
salute the commandant acknowledged in kind.

"Mr. Salisbury, conduct Candidates Darrin and Dalzell outside.
Ascertain how soon the surgeons will be ready to examine them,
and conduct the candidates to the Board Room at the time assigned
for their examination."

"Very good, sir," replied Midshipman Salisbury, in measured tones.
Again the inter-change of salutes, after which Midshipman Salisbury
led Dave and Dan to an outer office.

"Wait here," directed the midshipman briefly, "I'll let you know when