"Good night!" said Jack as he put on a coarse shirt several sizes too large. "This is no joke at all. Those fellows were laughing a few minutes ago, but they'll laugh worse than ever when they see us."
In fact, the boys had to laugh at each other, so strange was the appearance of the three when they were finally dressed.
"Now," said the officer with a smile, when the exchange of clothing had been arranged, "we shall let you occupy this little room for a time."
He indicated a small room leading from the larger one. It was the room from which the soldier had provided the clothing the boys now wore.
In another moment the lads found themselves alone with the door leading into the outer room securely fastened.
"Just a little bit dark in here, isn't it?" inquired Harry as the door closed and the sound of the falling latch came to their ears.
"Yes, but I managed to smuggle my pocket contents into these clothes," said Ned. "I have the searchlight yet."
"Let's use it, then, and be quick about it," suggested Harry. "I don't somehow like the looks of this place. I'd like to be on the little old Eagle again and homeward bound."
"I guess that's the pretty general sentiment," said Ned as he brought forth the searchlight and proceeded to send its flame into the corners of the room. "We can't get anywhere by remaining here."
"Hello!" exclaimed Harry, lighting upon some boxes in one corner. "What's this stuff here? Looks like a gents' furnishing store."