No reply. The line of cadets shifted uneasily and a subdued murmur arose.
“Mr. Faraday,” repeated the ensign, in a louder voice.
Still no answer.
“Any one seen Mr. Faraday?” was the next question, given impatiently.
“Not since four o’clock, sir,” replied Joy, glumly. “He went visiting and has probably been detained.”
“He knows the hour. We can’t wait longer than three minutes.”
The officer’s watch snapped with a determined click. The time passed slowly. Many anxious eyes were directed toward the gate at the end of the dock, for Clif, by his manliness and sturdy independence, won more than one friend even among the enemy.
“Time’s up! Get into the boats,” at last came from the ensign.
Joy and Nanny obeyed with evident reluctance, but Chris Spendly and Judson Greene seemed surprisingly eager to shake the dust of the city from their feet.