“This way, please, gentlemen.”
[pg 116] He led the strangers quickly around the end of barracks to an open space in the rear. Here he halted.
“Gentlemen, I must ask you to close your eyes, and keep them closed, on honor, until I ask you to open them again. You won't have to keep your eyes closed more than sixty seconds before the camelroorelephant will be ready for inspection. Now, eyes closed, please.”
Lingering only long enough to make sure that his request had been met, the cadet stole noiselessly away.
Nor was it many seconds later when all three of the submarine boys began to feel suddenly suspicious.
“I'm going to open my eyes,” whispered Eph.
“You're on honor not to,” warned Jack Benson, also in a whisper.
“I didn't give my word,” retorted Eph, “and I'm going to—oh, great shades of Santiago!”
The very genuine note of concern in Eph's voice caused Jack and Hal to open their own eyes instantly.
Nor could any of the three repress a quick start.