"
Cadet Merriam flushed slightly, as he saluted the naval officer. Then the
cadet's jaws settled squarely. He remained silent.
A few more questions and the hour was up.
Lieutenant Commander Mayhew gave the order for the cadets to pass above
and embark in the cutters. He remained behind long enough to say to the
three submarine boys:
"You have done splendidly, gentlemen--far better than I expected you to do.
If you manage the sea instruction as well, in the days to come, our cadets
will have a first-class idea of the handling of the Pollard boats."
"I wish, sir," Jack replied, after thanking the officer, "that the cadets
were not required to say 'sir' to us. It sounds odd, and I am quite
certain that none of the young men like it."
"It is necessary, though," replied Mr. Mayhew. "They are required to do it
with all civilian instructors, and it would never do to draw distinctions
on account of age. Yes; it is necessary."
When the second squad of cadets arrived, in the afternoon, the three
submarine boys found themselves ready for their task without misgivings.
Eph took more part in the explanations than he had done in the forenoon.
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