More than half of these fourth class midshipmen had been accustomed
to rowing boats at home. The work at Annapolis, however, they found
to be vastly different.

The cutter is a fearfully heavy boat. The long Naval oar is
surprisingly full of avoirdupois weight. True, a midshipman has to
handle but one oar, but it takes him many, many days to learn how to
do that properly.

Yet, as August came and wore along, the midshipmen found themselves
becoming decidedly skilful in the work of handling the heavy cutters,
and in handling boats under sail.

Competitive work and racing were encouraged by the Navy officers who
had charge of this instruction.

Each boat was under the direct command of a midshipman who served
as crew captain, with thirteen other midshipmen under him as crew.

When the post of crew captain fell to Dan Dalzell he embarked
his crew, gave the order to shove off and let fall oars, and got
away in good style.

Then, leaning indolently back Dan grinned luxuriously.

"This is the post I'm cut out for," he murmured, so that stroke-oar
heard him and grinned.

Yet, as "evil communications corrupt good manners," Dan's attitude