"plebe quarters" were assigned me.

The impression made upon me by what I saw while
going from the adjutant's office to barracks was
certainly not very encouraging. The rear windows
were crowded with cadets watching my unpretending
passage of the area of barracks with apparently
as much astonishment and interest as they would,
perhaps, have watched Hannibal crossing the Alps.
Their words, jeers, etc., were most insulting.

Having reached another office, I was shown in by
the orderly. I walked in, hat in hand--nay, rather
started in-- when three cadets, who were seated in
the room, simultaneously sprang to their feet, and
welcomed me somewhat after this fashion:

"Well, sir, what do you mean by coming into this
office in that manner, sir? Get out of here, sir."

I walked out, followed by one of them, who, in a
similar strain, ordered me to button my coat, get
my hands around--"fins" he said--heels together,
and head up.

"Now, sir," said he, leaving me, "when you are
ready to come in, knock at that door," emphasizing
the word "knock."

The door was open. I knocked. He replied, "Come in."