“Oh, talking to me, were you?” questioned the boy innocently.
“Do you understand the meaning of ‘Attention’?”
“I suppose it means to pay attention.”
“It means that you are to come to attention. If you are sitting, when the command is given, you are to rise instantly and come to attention.”
“Yes, sir.”
There was a broad grin on the faces of all the apprentices, save that of the dark-faced Louis Flink. His head was slouched forward and he was peering up at the officer, a resentful scowl on his face.
“Attention!”
This time Sam Hickey got to his feet, wiped his face and mouth with his handkerchief, and slowly came to attention.
“Next time you will be put on extra duty,” announced the officer. “I will excuse you this time, as you do not understand the regulations thoroughly. Now what has been going on here?”
There was silence in the mess hall.