“Come on down to the lake front,” said Andy. “But be quick. They may call the roll!”
The cadets skirted the woods on the double-quick and came down to the water’s edge. Here, to their relief, they found Hogan on guard. Hale gave a low whistle, to which the Irish cadet responded. Then up into the air went Emerald’s face and he commenced to study the stars, utterly oblivious to his surroundings.
“This is our chance!” cried Pepper, and past the guard they sped, Hogan paying not the slightest attention to them. After they had passed Dale whistled once more, and the Irish cadet withdrew his gaze from the stars and resumed his march to the end of his post
Scarcely had the boys gotten into camp when the drum rolled out sharply. Wondering what was wrong, those who had been sleeping soundly got up and hurried to the parade ground. Lanterns and torches were lit, and the two companies lined up.
“Have the roll called, Major Ruddy,” said Captain Putnam. “Note carefully the names of all those who do not answer.”
“I will sir,” answered the young officer, and he wondered how many of his chums would prove to be missing.
Pepper dropped into line yawning broadly, as if just aroused from a heavy sleep, and Andy and the others followed suit, Dale stretching himself as if he could not get awake.
“Why don’t they let a fellow sleep?” grumbled The Imp, and this almost set some of the others to laughing.
“Shut up!” said Andy in a low voice. “I want to keep a straight face.”
“Did we all get here?” asked another anxiously.