Mark bowed, while the commandant read a letter from Merchant Clemmons, whom he had once met, and he took the liberty of inclosing a liberal check for the use of his son—the same as he might have done had he been sending him to boarding-school.
“I shall return this check to your father, Clemmons, and explain the situation of a cadet here, after I have heard whether you pass the examinations or not, which are before you,” and the commandant seemed not over-pleased with Merchant Clemmons’ letter.
Then he turned to Mark, and continued:
“Mr. Merrill, I am glad to welcome one to the academy who comes as you do, and I only hope that you, as well as Mr. Clemmons here, may not find the physical and mental examination too great a stumbling-block for you to surmount.
“Commodore Lucien has spoken of you to me, and of what a devoted son you have been to your mother, and it is just such boys that make the greatest men.
“The surgeon and examining committee are now ready for you, and my orderly will conduct you to their quarters.
“I wish you success, young gentlemen,” and the commandant bowed the two youthful seekers after fame out, placing them under the guidance of an orderly.
Surgeon Du Bose received the appointees pleasantly, there being one other youth in his quarters just drawing on his coat after having learned the sad tidings that his chest expansion was below the average, and his general physical condition not such as to warrant his being accepted as a cadet.
The poor fellow cast an envious look at the fine forms of Mark Merrill and Scott Clemmons, and the latter gave him a pitying look of almost contempt, as though to wonder how he had dared anticipate being accepted. Then the usual formula was gone through with, Scott Clemmons being first examined, and his confident smile showed that he knew that he, at least, had “passed.”
Then came Mark’s turn, and as he stripped for the ordeal the surgeon gave a low whistle, a decided expression of admiration of the lad’s physique.