Once inside, they were ushered, by a white-gloved midshipman, into the office of Commander Jephson, commandant of midshipmen.
That gentleman, also in uniform, as were all Navy officers on duty at the Academy, looked briefly as the two young men stood before him.
"Candidates, gentlemen ?" "Yes, sir," replied Dave.
"Your orders ?" Each young man handed over the slip given him by the aide.

Commander Jephson scanned each sheet closely, then made some entries on a set of papers of his own.
Next the commandant touched a button on his desk.

Almost immediately footsteps were heard outside.

Another white-gloved midshipman entered, raising his hand smartly to his cap in salute.

This salute the commandant acknowledged in kind.
"Mr.Salisbury, conduct Candidates Darrin and Dalzell outside.
Ascertain how soon the surgeons will be ready to examine them, and conduct the candidates to the Board Room at the time assigned for their examination." "Very good, sir," replied Midshipman Salisbury, in measured tones.
Again the inter-change of salutes, after which Midshipman Salisbury led Dave and Dan to an outer office.
"Wait here," directed the midshipman briefly, "I'll let you know when it's time to go to the Board Room." Five minutes later the midshipman again approached them.
By this time there were seven more candidates in the room.