“Good evening,” Jack smiled.
"You have come to see the camelroorelephant, SIR?"
[pg 118] “We've been told that we might have that pleasure,” Jack responded, still smiling.
“Perhaps you may,” retorted Cadet Merriam, “though, first of all, it will be necessary to prove yourselves worthy of the privilege, SIR.”
“Anything within our power,” promised Jack.
“Then, SIR, let me see you all three stand 'at attention.'”
“At attention” is the rigid attitude taken by a United States soldier or sailor when in the presence of his officers. Jack had already seen men in that attitude, and did his best to imitate it in smart military manner. Eph and Hal did likewise.
“No, no, no, you dense blockheads!” uttered Cadet Midshipman Merriam. “'At attention' upside down—on your hands!”
The other cadet midshipmen now hemmed in closely about the three. Jack thought he caught the idea. He bent over, throwing his feet up in the air and resting on his hands. Unable to keep his balance, he walked two or three steps.
“I didn't tell you to walk your post, blockhead!” scowled Mr. Merriam. “Stand still when at attention.”