Ralph didn’t mind his restriction. It simply meant that he couldn’t go out in the town of Annapolis nor call at officers’ houses, and neither of these deprivations proved much of a punishment. He was able to attend the baseball games and shell races on Saturday afternoons, and didn’t mind the restriction a bit.
His great ambition was to stand first in his class, and as each month’s marks were posted it was certain he would be number one by a large margin; it now looked likely that for the second class year Bollup would stand number two, Himski number three, and Creelton number four.
With no untoward incidents this second class year drew to a close. Studies and examinations had finished, and, as was expected, Ralph led his class. This gave him much satisfaction which was augmented by the pleasure his nearest competitors, Bollup and Himski, expressed when the result became known. Midshipmen were already speculating as to who the next four striper and other senior cadet officers of the next October would be: but in all of the lists prepared Ralph’s name had no place. Though first in his class it was certain he would be a clean sleever. Sometimes this was a matter of regret to him, but he always put this thought aside, thinking of the great good he had done Bollup.
Most midshipmen believed that the next four striper would be Bollup or Himski. Both had high class rank and attractive personalities; but the appointments of cadet officers would not be made until the completion of the summer cruise.
It was now the first of June, the beginning of the last week of the scholastic year. The week was spent in drills before the Annual Board of Visitors, and all the Academy was on exhibition.
On the first of the week, Mr. Thomas G. Short, of New York, Saratoga and other places, arrived at Annapolis. His coming was very unostentatious; he signed the hotel register as Goodwin and then went to his room. He avoided all other guests, had his meals served in his room, and was not recognized by anybody. At about eight o’clock of this Monday evening, Creelton, who had evidently been apprised of Short’s coming, was admitted into the latter’s room. An effusive greeting occurred, and enthusiastic references were made of incidents that happened the previous September when Creelton had been Short’s guest on a yachting trip.
“We’ll have the same trip again this next September, old boy,” said Short.
“Bully,” cried Creelton in delight; “I had a glorious time last September. You’re awfully good to me, Short. Hello, what have you got a midshipman’s uniform on for?”
Short had thrown off his outer garments and quickly drew on a pair of dark navy blue trousers, and then put on a jacket.
“I had these made at Wright and Duvel’s, on Broadway; they fit me pretty well, don’t they?” Short now tried on a cap, and then put it on his trunk, and put on a pair of white lisle thread gloves.