“’Rank outsiders’?” mimicked Jack Benson, laughing. “You forget, Hal, old
fellow, that we’re instruct—hem! civilian instructors—here.”

“I wonder, though, if it would be in good taste for us to go prowling
through the grounds at this hour?” persisted Hal.

“There’s one sure way to find out,” proposed Benson. “We can try it, and,
if no marine sentry chases us, we can conclude that we’re moving about
within our rights. Come along, fellows.”

Putting on their caps, the three went up on the platform deck. The engine
room door was locked and Williamson and Truax had already turned in. There
was a shore boat at the landing. Jack sent a low-voiced hail that brought
the boat out alongside.

“Will it be proper for us to go through the Academy grounds at this hour?”
Jack inquired of the petty officer in the stern.

“Yes, sir; there’s no regulation against it. And, anyway, sir, you’re all
stationed here, just now.”

“Thank you. Then please take us ashore.”

At this hour the walks through the grounds were nearly deserted. A few
officers, and some of their ladies living at the naval station, were out.
The cadets were all in their quarters in barracks, hard at study, or
supposed to be.

For some time the submarine boys strolled about, enjoying the air and the
views they obtained of buildings and grounds. Back at Dunhaven the air had