Soon martial music was heard, and then the brigade of midshipmen was to be seen across the parade ground, marching with its precise military stride. Then loud vibrating orders were carried to the ears of ten thousand spectators and bugles rang out their harsh notes. In exact unison the seven hundred midshipmen, who had been in column of squads, wheeled into line, and marched steadily to the front until they were within a hundred paces of the reviewing stand, where they halted. In the centre of the long line were the colors, unfolded and waving to the breeze. "Color guard to the front," was the vibrant order from Cadet Commander Stonewell. "First company to the front and centre," followed immediately. The old color guard with the colors marched slowly to the front, and on the right of the line some quick, jerky orders were heard, and the first company broke from the line and came marching toward the centre of the brigade. Thousands of spectators now saw a pretty ceremony. A young girl stepped from the receiving stand and advanced toward the waiting color guard; the Academy colors were handed to her, and the ex-color guard was then marched off. Helen did not remain alone for many moments, but for an instant a pretty picture was presented on the drill grounds. A beautiful girl, carrying in one arm a huge bunch of red roses, and in the other steadying the glorious colors of the Naval Academy, standing alone, facing seven hundred blue-coated statues. But in a moment another color guard approached, the color guard of the company judged to have won the flag. And with it marched the captain of the company, Cadet Lieutenant Drake. [Illustration: _IT MUST HAVE BEEN A VERY PRETTY SPEECH_] The new color guard halted a few feet in front of Helen, and then Robert stepped forward. The air was very still save for the robins chirping to their young. An absolute hush fell over the many thousand spectators. It was evident that the young lady was presenting the flag, and was making a speech to the captain of the winning company. But so far away she was, and so softly she spoke, that none heard her words; that is, none save Robert Drake and the new color guard. But people said it must have been a very pretty speech. After apparently saying a few words, Helen seemed suddenly to pick up the colors and fairly throw them into the hands of Cadet Lieutenant Drake. "Wasn't that pretty?" was an exclamation made by many of the onlookers. "You have done very well, Mr. Drake," faltered Helen; "your company has done splendidly. Oh--I had a good speech made up, but I've forgotten all about it! Father wants you to come to dinner to-night--he has a surprise for you--oh, dear, what am I talking about? Won't this do? Haven't I said enough?--Oh, take the flag!" and Helen threw it at Robert.