"Why, I suppose, gentlemen, Dalzell and myself were very fair
athletes in the High School sense of the word. But it's a long
jump from that to aspiring to the Navy football team. Of course
we'll turn out for practice, if you wish, but--"

At this moment, Lieutenant Bender, the "duty-crazy" one, thrust
the door open.

Here Dave, on his way to the mirror, hairbrush and comb in hand,
halted as though for the first time aware of the accusing presence
of Bender, midshipman in charge of the floor for the day.

"Uh-hum!" choked Midshipman Bender more confused, even, than he
had expected the others to be.

"Looks like rather good material, doesn't he, Bender?" inquired
Mr. Trotter. "Green, of course, and yet--"

"I didn't come here to discuss Navy athletics," replied Midshipman
Bender.

"Oh, an official visit--is that it?" asked shipman Hayes, favoring
the official visitor with a baby-stare. "As it is past graduation,
and there are no evening study hours, there is no regulation against
visiting in the rooms of other members of the brigade."

"No," snapped Mr. Bender, "there is not."

Saying this the midshipman in charge turned on his heel and left