We were talking about the subject when a
cadet came along. I suggested to Somers that we ask the cadet about
hazing. Well, sir, to make a long story short, some of the cadets
undertook to show us just how hazing is--or used to be--done at Annapolis."
"Oh! Then it was all thoroughly good-natured, all in the way of a joke, to
show you something you wanted to know?" asked the naval officer, slowly.
"That's the way I took it," replied Jack. "So did Hastings and Somers.
We've enjoyed ourselves more than anyone else here has."
This was truth surely enough, for, in the last two minutes, not one of the
cadet midshipmen present could have been accused of _enjoying_ himself.
"Then what took place here, Mr. Benson, really took place at your
request?" insisted the naval officer.
"It all answered the questions that we had been asking," Jack replied,
promptly, though, it must be admitted, rather evasively.
"This is your understanding, too, Mr. Hastings?" demanded the officer.
"Surely," murmured Hal.
"You, Mr. Somers?"
"I--I haven't had so much fun since the gasoline engine blew up," protested
Eph.
"We entered most heartily into the spirit of the thing," Jack hastened on
to say, "and feel that we owe the deepest thanks to these young gentlemen
of the Navy.
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