CHAPTER V

INVITED TO JOIN THE "FRENCHERS"


Within the nest few days several things happened that were of
importance to the new fourth class men.

Other candidates arrived, passed the surgeons, and were sworn into
Naval service.

Many of the young men who had passed the surgeons, and who had
gone through the dreary, searching ordeals over in grim old Academic
Hall, had now become members of the new fourth class.

As organized, the new fourth class started off with two hundred
and twenty-four members--numerically a very respectable battalion.

At the outset, while supplied only with midshipmen's caps, and
while awaiting the "building" of their uniforms, these new midshipmen
were drilled by some of the members of the upper classes.

This state of affairs, however, lasted but very briefly. Graduation
being past, the members of the three upper classes were rather
promptly embarked on three of the most modern battleships of the
Navy and sent to sea for the summer practice cruise.

The night before embarkation Midshipman Trotter looked in briefly
upon Dave Darrin and his roommate.