car. At their right, the found the steps leading to the porch
of the roomy old hotel. In another moment they were in the office,
registering.

"You want a room together, gentlemen?" asked the clerk.

"Surely," retorted Dan. "My friend is always afraid when the
gas is turned off. My presence quiets him."

"Pardon me, gentlemen, but are you on your way to the Naval Academy?"
queried the clerk.

"Yes," nodded Dave quietly.

"Then you will want a room with bath, of course. You'll have
to strip before the medical examiners tomorrow.

"A room with bath, of course," assented Dan. "I never have stopped
at a hotel without a bathroom."

Dan didn't mention that this was the first time he had ever stopped
at a hotel in his short life.

"Front!" called the clerk.

A small black boy in knee trousers came forward, picked up their
suit cases and led the way to the next floor.

"My! I wonder who else is expected," muttered Dalzell, as the
two young travelers found themselves in their room after the boy