But at last the time came to leave Annapolis behind in earnest. Extra cars had been put on to handle the throng, for the "train," for the first few miles of the way, usually consists of but one combination trolley car.
"You're leaving the good old place behind," murmured Belle, as the car started.
"Never a graduate yet but was glad to leave Annapolis behind," replied Dave.
"It seems to me that you ought not to speak of the Naval Academy in that tone."
"You'd understand, Belle, if you had been through every bit of the four-year grind, always with the uncertainty ahead of you of being able to get through and grad."
"Perhaps the strict discipline irked you, too," Miss Meade hinted.
"The strict discipline will be part of the whole professional life ahead of me," Darrin responded. "As to discipline, it's even harder on some ships, where the old man is a stickler for having things done just so."
"The old man?" questioned Belle.
"The 'old man' is the captain of a warship."
"It doesn't sound respectful."