“Will it be proper for us to go through the Academy grounds at this hour?” Jack inquired of the petty officer in the stern.
“Yes, sir; there's no regulation against it. And, anyway, sir, you're all stationed here, just now.”
“Thank you. Then please take us ashore.”
At this hour the walks through the grounds were nearly deserted. A few officers, and some of their ladies living at the naval station, were out. The cadets were all in their quarters in barracks, hard at study, or supposed to be.
For some time the submarine boys strolled [pg 114] about, enjoying the air and the views they obtained of buildings and grounds. Back at Dunhaven the air had been frosty. Here, at this more southern port, the October night was balmy, wholly pleasant.
“I wonder if these cadets here ever have any real fun?” questioned Eph Somers.
“I've heard—or read—that they do,” laughed Hal.
“What sort of fun?”
“Well, for one thing, the cadets of the upper classes haze the plebe cadets a good deal.”
“Humph! That's fun for all but the plebes. Who are the plebes, anyway?”