Ralph arose, his face aglow with happiness. “Thank you, sir,” he said; “I’m much obliged to you and to Mr. Himski. A year ago I was worrying about having the right to wear the uniform—I have always been perfectly satisfied with my position in the battalion, and now that I’ve got my watch I’m feeling pretty good all around; it was from an uncle I’ve never seen. It’s an awful nice watch; I’ve wound it up and it’s going all right; wouldn’t you like to look at it, captain?”
Ralph’s last remark was so utterly inconsequential and seemed so ridiculous after the intense feelings all had so recently undergone that it was followed by wild screams of laughter in which the commandant and later Ralph himself joined. This was a happy relief to everybody, and for a few moments the room fairly shook with the peals of laughter that came from everybody present; after this the commandant said: “Good-night, gentlemen; I am glad everything has ended so happily.” And he left the room.
He was followed by Himski and Bollup. And the latter said: “May we have a private talk with you, sir?”
“Certainly; come to my office.”
They both entered with him and remained in earnest consultation for nearly an hour. When the three left the office together the commandant said: “Well, we’ll go to the superintendent’s house right away; you’ve convinced me though I was against it at first as I’m sure he’ll be, but I’m now in favor of it.”
The superintendent was surprised that after nine o’clock the commandant and two midshipmen should enter his house, but he received them cordially nevertheless. After listening for a while the superintendent expressed emphatic disapproval of the proposition made him, and yet he was impressed and commenced to ask Bollup some keen personal questions. That young gentleman had a very uncomfortable time of it for a few moments, and then, after some more talk, both midshipmen were sent to their quarters.
“Good gracious, Himski, it’s after eleven o’clock; where in the world have you been?” demanded Ralph when his roommate entered, long after taps had sounded.
“Calling on some friends.”
“I’m afraid you’re reported for being out of the building after taps,” said Ralph much concerned.
“Not this time,” laughed his friend. “I was with the commandant.”