"I haven't seen a fellow look comfortable through it yet." "Mr.Prescott!" Dick started to his feet so suddenly that his right almost tripped over his left.
One of the other candidates near by tittered.

That caused Dick's face to turn redder than ever.
Mr.Ward, however, looked up at the boy with a kindly smile.
"State your full name, Mr.Prescott." Dick did so.
"When and where born?
Give date and place." By this time Dick was beginning to find his voice.

The excess of color began to recede from his face.

He had already, almost unconsciously, passed over the sealed envelope which he had received from the adjutant in a room on the same floor at headquarters.
Prescott was quickly breathing at his ease.

He discovered that the entire ordeal consisted of giving his family history, with dates.
Then he stepped back.