corporal of the guard, and the prompt acceptance of those instructions,
told Sam, beyond any doubt, that he was _not_ coming back on board that
night.

Truax followed the others as they passed through the Academy grounds.
Beyond the large, handsome buildings, there was not much to be seen at
night. Lights shone behind all the windows in Cadet Barracks. Nearly all
of the cadets of the United States Navy were in their quarters, hard at
study. Here and there a marine sentry paced. A few naval officers, in
uniform, passed along the walks. That was all, and the submarine party had
crossed the grounds to the gate through which they were to pass into the
town of Annapolis.

“Coming with us, Truax?” asked Williamson, as the party passed out into a
dimly lighted street.

“No,” replied the fellow, sullenly. “I’ll travel by myself.”

“You’re welcome to,” muttered Eph, under his breath.

The others climbed the steps to the State Capitol grounds, continuing
until they reached one of the principal streets of the little town.

“Say, but this place must have gone to sleep before we got ashore,”
grumbled Eph. “Hanged if I don’t think Dunhaven is a livelier little
place!”

“There isn’t much to do, except to wander about a bit, then go to the
Maryland House for a good sleep on shore,” Jack admitted.