These he questioned, in turn, on various aspects of the day’s lesson.

All the time the midshipmen at the blackboard worked busily away, each blocking out phase after phase of his problem.

Dave Darrin was first to finish.  He turned his back to the board, taking the position of parade rest.

Dan was third to finish.

“Mr. Darrin, you may explain your work,” announced Lieutenant Bradshaw.

This Dave did, slowly, carefully, though without painful hesitation.  When he had finished the instructor asked him several questions about the problem, and about some other phases of the day’s work.  Darrin did not jump at any of his answers, but made them thoughtfully.

“Very good, indeed, Mr. Darrin,” commented the instructor.  “But, when you are more accustomed to reciting here, I shall hope for a little more speed in answering.”

As Dave was returning to his seat Lieutenant Bradshaw marked him 3.8 per cent on the day’s work.

That was an excellent marking, 4 being the highest.  The lowest average in a study which a midshipman may have, and hold his place in the Naval Academy, is 2.5.  Anything below 2.5 is unsatisfactory, which, in midshipman parlance is “unsat.”  Taking 4 to represent 100 per cent., 2.5 stands for 62.5 per cent.  This would not be a high average to expect, as courses are laid down in the average High School of the land; but as most of our American High Schools go 2.5 at Annapolis is at least as good a marking as 90 per cent would be in a High School.

“Good old Dave leaks too slow at the spout, does he?” chuckled Dan to himself, as he waited at parade rest.  “When it comes my turn, then, as I happen to know my problem as well as the fellow who wrote the book, I’ll rattle off my explanation at a gait that will force the lieutenant to stand on his feet to hear all I say.”

Dalzell was the fourth man called upon at the blackboard.

Taking a deep breath, and assuming a tremendously earnest look, Dan plunged into the demonstration of his problem as fast as he could fire the words out.

Lieutenant Bradshaw, however, listened through to the end.

“Your demonstration is correct, Mr Dalzell,” said the instructor quietly.  “However while speed in recitation is of value, in the future try to speak just a little more slowly and much more distinctly.  You are fitting yourself to become a Naval officer one of these days.  On shipboard it is of the utmost importance that an officer’s voice be always distinct and clear, in order that every word he utters may be instantly understood.  Try to keep this always in mind, Mr. Dalzell, and cultivate the habit of speaking distinctly.”

The rebuke was a very quiet one, and courteously given.  But Dan, who knew that every other man in the section was grinning in secret over his discomfiture, was quickly losing his nerve.

Then, without favor, Lieutenant Bradshaw questioned Dan searchingly on other details of the day’s work.  Dan stammered, and forgot much that he had thought he knew.