"Come out for a walk," urged Dave. "But be careful where you step and what you say to others."
The two young men strolled down the street.
"Well," smiled Darrin, "I must say, Dan, that you appear to be getting all over your nervousness."
"No; I'm still nervous," protested Dan. "Before, I was afraid
I wouldn't get into the Naval Academy. Now, I'm only afraid that
I shall."
"What nonsense are you talking now?" demanded Darrin, giving his chum a sharp look.
"Why, if they're all going to be as chesty as that near-officer I spoke to in the hotel," blinked Dan, "I'm not so sure that I want to go in with the bunch."
"That officer wasn't either chesty or snobbish," rejoined Darrin.
"Then you will kindly explain what he tried to do to me?"
"That's easy enough. That Naval officer recognized in you a rather common type—the too-chummy and rather fresh American boy. Down here in the service, where different grades in rank exist, it is necessary to keep the fresh greenhorn in his place."
"Oh!" muttered Dan, blinking hard.