“Have we passed?” questioned Dan, unable to repress his anxiety.
“Your examination has been satisfactory, but the commander desires to speak with you. That is the commander at the roll top desk yonder. Step over, but be very respectful. Remember, he is an officer in the United States Navy, and——”
“We are not likely to forget that we are young gentlemen, sir,” interrupted Dan, flushing slightly.
The lads walked over to the commander’s desk, where Dan, with heels together, made a correct military salute, raising the right hand smartly till the tip of the forefinger touched the forehead just above the right eye, then dropping the arm smartly to his side.
Sam did the same, but rather more clumsily.
Instantly the commander’s right hand went up in a return salute, while the faces of the boys flushed rosy red.
“You have had some previous military instruction?” asked the commander, with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Nothing very much, sir,” replied Dan. “We belong to the village fire company at home—that is all.”
The commander smiled.
“You are a pair of very likely lads.”