THE LAKEWOOD BOYS IN THE
SOUTH SEA ISLANDS
CHAPTER I.
A SURPRISING PROPOSITION.
Taps had sounded at the close of the sham battle and all the "dead" had sprung to life. The last note of the call officially brought to a close the work of the year at The Fortress and, together with the larger part of the corps of cadets, Bob and Jack Lakewood were hurrying toward the barracks in their eagerness to "get into cits" as soon as possible. But, just as Bob rushed into the wash room with Jack close at his heels, he felt a strong hand grasp him by the arm, and turning he looked into the face of a tall well built man whose lips were parted in at broad smile.
"Well, of all the——"
"Uncle Silas!" Jack interrupted with a shout as he threw his arms about the man's neck and treated him to a bear-like hug.
"Sa-save the pieces," the man gasped as he returned the caress with one arm while Bob pumped the other up and down.
"When did you get here?" he asked a moment later.
"About an hour ago," his uncle told them. "And I'll say you kids sure do know how to drill."
"Where you bound for?" Jack asked.