Be alert for the best performance of duty in the boat that you command.

For your inattention, and worse, of a moment ago, Mr.Dalzell, you will put yourself on the conduct report." The next morning, at breakfast formation, Dan's name was read from the "pap." He had been given five demerits.

This was below the gravity of his offense, but he had been let off lightly the first time.
"You've got to stick to duty, and keep it always in mind," Darrin admonished his chum.

"I don't intend to turn preachy, Dan; but you'll surely discover that the man who lets his indolence or sense of fun get away with him is much better off out of the Naval Academy." "Pooh! A lot of the fellows have frapped the pap," retorted Dalzell.
"Demerits don't do any harm, unless you get enough of 'em to cause you to be dropped." "Well, if there is no higher consideration," argued Dave, "at least you must remember that the number of demerits fixes your conduct grade.

If you want such liberties and privileges as are allowed to new midshipmen, you'll have to keep your name away from the pap." "Humph! Setting your course toward the grease mark are you ?" jeered Dan.
"Think it over!" urged Dave Darrin patiently.
Before August was over the new fourth class men marched "like veterans." They had mastered all the work of drill, marching and parade, and felt that they could hold their own in the brigade when the upper class men returned.
On the 28th of August the three big battleships were sighted coming up the bay in squadron formation.