The polite manner of Mark, his pleasant smile, quite disarmed the young officer, while he was surprised at his words that told he had come under orders as an appointee to the academy.
“No, sir, you have broken no set law, only it is uncommon for other than government vessels to run in here. But I shall report who you are and the reason of your coming.”
“Permit me also to say, sir, that my schooner will put to sea to-night, so that she will remain here but a couple of hours at the farthest.”
The midshipman bowed, then did the manly thing, for he extended his hand and said:
“Allow me to welcome you to the academy, Mr. Merrill, and hope that you will pass the ordeal of entrance with flying colors. My name is Ernest Rich.”
The name recalled the sweet face of Virgene Rich to Mark, and he grasped the extended hand with real warmth, while he said:
“I thank you for your kind wishes, Mr. Rich.”
Then he escorted the midshipman to his boat, told him he was just going ashore to report, and soon after the gig of the vessel of war pulled away he went over the side into his surf-skiff.
“Don’t yer think we’d better go ashore with yer, Master Mark?” asked Captain Crane dubiously.
“No, indeed, thank you.”