"We'll do our best, Danny boy, or stay off the line. There's nothing to be gained by losing our heads. Regrets will be equally worthless."
"Hepson," called one midshipman, "has anyone invented the Navy yells for this year?"
"Yells?" repeated the football captain scornfully. "It's more to the purpose to fit ourselves to do something worth yelling about!"
"Has Hepson got the blues?" asked another midshipman.
"Or only the rattles?"
Football was still in the air, dominating the minds of the midshipmen when a turn of the master switch shut off the lights at taps.
CHAPTER VI
THE HATE OF A RIVAL
The day following was one of intense, almost complicated routine.
There were books and supplies to be drawn for the new academic year. There were uniforms and other articles of apparel to be drawn. The sections were detailed and section marchers to be appointed. There were details of military organization to be announced. Some of the young men had to go up for physical examination, even if only of the eyes.