Having passed both his physical examination and the one to discover
how far he had progressed in “book learning,” Mark Merrill felt happy
at the thought that there was no other barrier between him and his
cadetship.
He had been asked by one of the committee where he had attended school,
for he was well up in all questions asked, wrote an excellent hand, and
answered with a knowledge evidently not acquired for the occasion.
His reply had been a simple one, and truthful:
“My mother taught me all I know of books, sir, for I never went to
school.”
Reporting to the quartermaster of the post, Mark found there the kit
which Commodore Lucien had gotten for him, and he discovered that it
left no needs to be filled.
His room was a pleasant one, and by a rare stroke of good fortune he
was given a first-rate fellow to be his companion to share it. He had
dreaded that, as Scott Clemmons was also from Maine and known to be an
acquaintance, the two might be roomed together.
In such a case he hoped Clemmons would object, but if he did not then
he certainly should, for he could not bring himself to like the youth
who had shown such an ugly humor toward him in the past.
The moment that he could get away Mark started to go aboard his little
schooner and bid farewell to Captain Crane and his two sons, and also
bring ashore the few things he had brought with him from home.
As an act of duty he had sought Scott Clemmons and said:
“Mr. Clemmons, my little schooner returns home under Captain Jasper
Crane, whom you must know, and I will be glad to give him a letter for
your people, if you wish.”
Scott Clemmons was in his room, getting his things to rights, and at
the remark of Mark Merrill he laughed rudely.
He was no longer under the piercing eye of the commandant, and need not
act for effect, as he had done when at headquarters.
He had stood the ordeal put upon him, but little less acceptably than
had Mark Merrill.
He was a well-formed fellow, bright in his lessons and all that, but
did not take into consideration that, with all his advantages, he had
not done as well as the “fisher lad” he had sneered at.
“Send a letter by a sailing ship, Merrill? Not I, and you must live
away back in the Dark Ages to think of such a thing in these days of
telegraphs and railroads; but I forget that you know nothing of the
world, living as secluded as you have. No, thank you, I have already
telegraphed my father that I went through with flying colors, and I
congratulate you upon having passed, even if it was by the skin of your
teeth, for, of course, they would not refuse you, Merrill. Wait until
the first year’s examination, which you cannot hope to get through.”
Mark Merrill’s eyes flashed, but he controlled his temper, and
responded:
“I shall try hard to pass, Mr. Clemmons, for I came here to fight hard
to win my way against all odds that I know are before me. Pardon me for
disturbing you. I did not know but that you might wish to see Captain
Crane and his boys, and send some word by them.”
“No, I do not associate with them at home, you know, and the telegraph
and mails will answer my wants.”
Mark turned away, for he felt that he could not much longer listen to
Scott Clemmons’ insulting words and patronizing manner.
“So he offered his friendship simply to blind the commandant, did he?
I wondered how he could be guilty of such an act of manliness as he
professed; but it was for a purpose, not meant. Well, I know what to
expect from him now, and will govern myself accordingly; but I have not
forgotten a voice I heard one night before I left home, when a net was
set to drown me. I think I shall send Silly Sam a letter by Captain
Crane, for the poor fellow is to be trusted, and is keen enough in mind
when he has an object in view.”
So Mark went on board his schooner to write his letters and give the
joyful news to his mother that she could address his letters to:
“CADET MIDSHIPMAN MARK MERRILL,
U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY
ANNAPOLIS, M. D.”