Chapter 5, "Orders for Midshipman Keith" Summary

On Sunday, 2500 midshipmen merge in dress array for inspection and drills. As they march, Willie's back is straight and his rifle at correct angle. He wants to be the most correct, admired, and warlike midshipman on the field. As Willie's squadron heads toward the fence, preparing to march off the field, Willie sees May. She waves, smiles, and says Willie wins. Roland Keefer, as squadron commander, orders a left turn. Another squadron leader orders a right turn. Willie, looking at May, turns the wrong way and marches into a vacant patch of grass. His battalion is far down the field. To return to his group would mean a solitary hundred-yard dash in front of the reviewing admiral. He joins the tall John Jay Hall midshipmen marching in the opposite direction. He is short...