While the graduating exercises were going on the fourth class men were divided between drills on land and on water.
Dave and Dan were in a squad that marched up from the steam building just in time to catch a distant glimpse of the crowds surging out from the graduating exercises.
Both young men, and probably a lot of others in the same squad throbbed with a swift flash of thought.
As soon as the ranks were broken Dalzell seized his chum's hand, and began wringing it strenuously.
"David, little giant," murmured Dan ecstatically, "we are no longer fourth class men. From the instant that the tail-ender of the old first class received his diploma we became transformed into third class men."
"Yes," smiled Dave. "We're youngsters. That's going some."
"Poor fourth class men!" sighed Dan. "I'm alluding to those who will have to look up to and reverence me as a youngster!"
As soon as the chums had made a shift from their working clothes to the uniform of the day, and had stepped outside, they saw Mr. Henley coming their way, looking wholly proud and happy.
Then, of a sudden, Mr. Henley bent a keen look upon the new youngsters.
Just in the nick of time Dave Darrin recalled one of the regulations to which he had hitherto paid little heed for lack of use.