A "touge" plebe, in Naval Academy parlance, is one who is wholly
"fresh."

"Mister," continued Dan's quizzer, "we find you too full of levity
for one who intends to embrace the profession of quarter-deck
lounger. In our belief it will be necessary for you to let some
new ideas soak into your head. Mister, get your wash basin and
fill it exactly half full of water. Remember, mister--neither
a drop nor less than exactly half full."

Dan's first impulse was to grin, his second to laugh. Yet something
in the tone and look of the last speaker made "touge" Dalzell
feel that the simplest way out of difficulty would be for him
to obey as carefully and speedily as he could. So, with a hurried
"very good, sir," Dalzell turned in quest of his basin. He brought
it, just about half full, for the inspection of his imperious
visitor.

"Place it there on the floor, beside the wall," ordered the tormentor

Dan obeyed.

"Now, mister, stand on your head in that water!"

Dan flushed hotly, for an instant. He even clenched his fists.
Then, with a sudden rush of good sense to the head, he bent over
to carry out the order that he had received.

It was not as easy a feat as might be supposed, even for a rather