This mental and physical paralysis lasted only a few seconds, however. Then Clif, with incredible agility, leaped to his feet and sprang toward one of the open gun ports.
As quick as a flash he vanished through the aperture, leaving Crane and the officer staring at him in open-mouthed wonder. The latter was the first to recover.
Leaping to the gangway, he glanced over the side, fully expecting to see the lad struggling in the water. The moon, which had been obscured by a passing cloud, burst forth in all its refulgence.
The clearly illuminated expanse of water revealed nothing, not even a ripple.
The lad had completely disappeared.
Dumfounded, and imagining that he was the victim of a nightmare or dream, the lieutenant turned inboard once more.
“What in the name of all that’s wonderful does this——”
He stopped short. The other apparition—the marvelously-bedecked and painted figure—the other cadet, had also vanished.
The officer rubbed his eyes, and administered unto himself a severe pinch. Then he glared suspiciously at the figure of the quartermaster on duty on the bridge.
Approaching him, he asked, cautiously: