The cadet glanced quickly about him, then said in a low voice:

“This way, please, gentlemen.”

He led the strangers quickly around the end of barracks to an open space
in the rear. Here he halted.

“Gentlemen, I must ask you to close your eyes, and keep them closed, on
honor, until I ask you to open them again. You won’t have to keep your
eyes closed more than sixty seconds before the camelroorelephant will be
ready for inspection. Now, eyes closed, please.”

Lingering only long enough to make sure that his request had been met, the
cadet stole noiselessly away.

Nor was it many seconds later when all three of the submarine boys began
to feel suddenly suspicious.

“I’m going to open my eyes,” whispered Eph.

“You’re on honor not to,” warned Jack Benson, also in a whisper.

“I didn’t give my word,” retorted Eph, “and I’m going to—oh, great shades
of Santiago!”

The very genuine note of concern in Eph’s voice caused Jack and Hal to
open their own eyes instantly.

Nor could any of the three repress a quick start.