up matters for having been obliged to say “sir” to these very youthful
“civilian instructors.”

“Good evening,” Jack smiled.

"You have come to see the camelroorelephant, SIR?"

“We’ve been told that we might have that pleasure,” Jack responded, still
smiling.

“Perhaps you may,” retorted Cadet Merriam, “though, first of all, it will
be necessary to prove yourselves worthy of the privilege, SIR.”

“Anything within our power,” promised Jack.

“Then, SIR, let me see you all three stand ’at attention.’”

“At attention” is the rigid attitude taken by a United States soldier or
sailor when in the presence of his officers. Jack had already seen men in
that attitude, and did his best to imitate it in smart military manner.
Eph and Hal did likewise.

“No, no, no, you dense blockheads!” uttered Cadet Midshipman Merriam. “’At
attention’ upside down—on your hands!”

The other cadet midshipmen now hemmed in closely about the three. Jack
thought he caught the idea. He bent over, throwing his feet up in the air
and resting on his hands. Unable to keep his balance, he walked two or
three steps.