It may here be remarked that at the Naval Academy marks range from 0, a total failure, to 4.00, which is perfect. 2.50, equal to 62 1/2 per cent, is the passing mark in all subjects.
Ralph and Bollup were soon standing before the bulletin-board and then Ralph realized that Bollup’s news was only too true.
“Too bad, old fellow,” commiserated Bollup. “I’m awfully sorry and disappointed.”
“There’s a mistake, I tell you,” returned Ralph, with staring eyes. “If my published mark had been two-thirty I might doubt my own judgment, but nine-tenths,—why that’s entirely impossible.”
“I do hope so, Osborn; but what are you going to do about it?”
“I’m going direct to the superintendent. I don’t know what else to do.”
“What, the superintendent himself? He won’t see you. I wouldn’t dare to go to see him myself.”
“That’s just where I’m going,” said Ralph, determinedly, “and I’m going right away, too.”
In a few minutes Ralph was at the door of the superintendent’s office, and said to the orderly: “Will you ask the superintendent if he will please see Ralph Osborn on a matter of great importance?” A moment later he was told to walk in.
The distinguished officer greeted Ralph kindly. “I’m sorry you failed, Mr. Osborn,” he commenced. “I was so impressed with the way you handled that stolen examination affair that I wanted you to pass, and I personally ordered the result of your examination to be sent to me. You made excellent marks in everything except mathematics; had you made anything over a two in that I would have waived a slight deficiency. But with only a nine-tenths in mathematics it was impossible to pass you.”