The young man was for the navy and nothing else.

Yielding at last to the desire of his son, Mr.Clifford entered the usual form of application at the Navy Yard in Washington, but, at the same time, in a private letter to the Secretary, intimated his wish that the application might not be favorably considered.
Time passed on, but Mark did not receive the anxiously looked for appointment.

Many reasons were conjectured by the young man, who, at last, resolved on pushing through his application, if personal efforts could be of any avail.

To this end, he repaired to the seat of government, and waited on the Secretary.

In his interviews with this functionary, some expressions were dropped that caused a suspicion of the truth to pass through his mind.