A few minutes after midnight
`` Be thankful he did n't mark you down for extra lessons , '' said Andy . `` If he did that I 'd rebel , '' returned Pepper . After that the talk was carried on in whispers , and each cadet lost no time in disrobing . A few minutes after midnight all were in bed , and one after another lost himself in the land of dreams . The day had been a particularly strenuous one for Jack and the young major slept soundly until the rising-bell rang loudly . Then he rubbed his eyes sleepily and stretched himself . `` Wish I did n't have to get up just yet , '' he murmured .