Then, amid achorusof good-byes, the train pulled out, and Dick was started on his way to become a cadet.
Itwas evening when Dick arrived at Kentfield, which, from the scenes about the station, he judged to be quite a town of little importance. There were few signs of life, scarcely anyone being at the depot, and only a few passengers alighting.
"I wonder if I can get a carriage to take me out to the academy?" mused Dick, as he looked about. "This doesn't strike me as being much of a place, but the catalogue dad got showed quite an academy. I wonder where it is?"
He saw a rather dilapidated hack standing near the platform, and, walking up to it, addressed the driver.
"Can you take me out to the military academy?" he asked.
"Sure," replied the man, "but there's nothing to see. It isn't open yet. Term doesn't begin until next week."
"I know," replied Dick. "But I'm going to attend there."
"You?"
The man seemed much surprised, but there was a noticeable change in his manner.
"Going to be a student there?" he asked respectfully.
"Yes. I had to come on ahead of time."
"All right. Take you out there in a jiffy," went on the hack driver briskly. "Got any baggage?"
Dick handed over his checks, and the man soon returned with his trunk and suitcase.
"This doesn't appear to be a very lively place; not as much so as I expected," remarked the young millionaire as he got into the vehicle.
"Oh, bless your heart, sir, you just wait until next week," said the man. "Then this town will sit up and take notice. This is our off season, when the military school is closed. But when the boys arrive—wow! Say, then's when you got to look out. My! Oh my! But it's fierce!"
"Do they—do they cut up much?" asked Dick, secretly glad that he was to have a hand in it if the students did.
"Do they? Say, young man, when I start to drive a party of them cadets anywhere I don't never know if we're going to arrive. Never can tell when a wheel is coming off, or when my horses will start up, and leave the coach behind. That's why I always use quiet animals. Them cadets has life enough and to spare. Cut up? Say, jest you wait!"
"Well, maybe it won't be so bad after I getstarted, and make the acquaintance of some of the boys," thought Dick.
But he little knew what was ahead of him.
"Is the academy far out?" asked Dick, for, as the hack was an open one, he could converse with the driver.
"About a mile. We'll be there in a jiffy."
A "jiffy" must be quite a period of time, or else the driver's estimate of a mile was different from the accepted five thousand two hundred and eighty feet, for dusk changed to darkness before the hackman turned in between two big, stone pillars, and the man announced:
"Here we are."
"I don't see anything," objected Dick.
"It's too dark. But the buildings are right ahead of you."
Then the lad was able to make out the dim forms of a number of structures located in a sort of park.
"Where's the lake?" asked Dick. "I thought the academy was on a lake."
"So it is. That's on the other side. We're sort of coming in from the back, but that's the shortest road from the depot. I'll take you right to Colonel Masterly's quarters. He's the one you want to see, I guess, being as you're a new cadet, and he's the superintendent."
"I suppose so," answered Dick.
A little later he alighted in front of a largebrick structure, and the hackman lifted down his trunk and suitcase.
"Do they expect you?" asked the driver.
"I think so," replied our hero, hoping that some arrangements had been made for him.
A moment later a door opened, and a flood of light streamed out from a broad hall. A man in semi-military uniform appeared.
"Who's there?" he asked, and, having spoken he began to whistle a few bars from "Marching Through Georgia," ending up with a bugle call.
"Got a cadet for you, Toots," replied the hackman.
"A cadet?" and once more the man in the hall whistled a martial air.
"That's what I said, Toots. Give me a hand with this trunk, will you, and tell Colonel Masterly that he's going to have company."
"My name's Hamilton," began Dick. "I believe my father arranged——"
"Oh yes, the colonel told me to look out for you," said the man who looked like a soldier. "Come right in. The colonel will be here directly. I'll take your baggage."
"Thank you—er Mr.——" and Dick hesitated, for he did not just know how to address the person in the hall, and wanted to make no mistake in bestowing a military title.
"Me? Oh I'm Sam Sander," said the man in the blue suit, apparently surprised that his identity was not known.
"Yes, that's Sam," went on the hack driver, with easy familiarity, "but nobody calls him that; do they, Toots?"
The other, who was helping to carry in Dick's trunk did not answer. Instead he whistled the bugle call for "Taps," or lights out.
"Do they, Toots?" repeated the hack driver.
"Do they what?" inquired the soldier, who seemed to be rather absent minded.
"Do they call you anything but Toots?"
"Nope. That's what they call me. I don't mind. I've almost forgotten what my real name is. Toots is good enough I expect."
"He's a queer chap," whispered the hackman to Dick, as our hero paid him. "Queer, but all right. He's a sort of general helper around the grounds. Well, good night. I'll see you again maybe, when some of the other lads begin to arrive. And then won't there be lively times! Wow! My! Oh my! But them students certainly know how to have fun!"
The hackman appeared to relish the prospect, and Dick could hear him chuckling to himself as he drove off in the darkness.
"Right this way, Mr. Hamilton," said Toots, which name we shall adopt for him. "I will find the colonel for you——"
He stopped suddenly, straightened up, in spite of the suitcase which he was carrying, and gave a stiff military salute.
"Mr. Hamilton has arrived, sir," he said, andat that Dick caught sight of a tall thin man, with an iron gray moustache and imperial, coming down the broad, well-lighted hall.
"Ah, Hamilton, glad to see you," said the soldierly-looking gentleman, extending his hand. "I'm Colonel Masterly. You are a little early, but I understand the case. Have you had dinner?"
Dick had not, and said so.
"Then you can dine with me," went on Colonel Masterly. "Sam, take Mr. Hamilton's baggage to the room I told you to get ready for him. I'll quarter you here for the present," he added, "until the boys arrive, and then you will have a roommate. How is your father?"
"Quite well," replied Dick, and then he followed the superintendent into a reception room. There two other military-looking men sat reading books. They looked up at the entrance of Dick and the colonel, who introduced them to the new student as Major Henry Rockford, commandant of the academy, and Major Franklin Webster, U. S. A., retired, who was in charge of military tactics at the school.
"That's the man of whom I must inquire about Captain Handlee's missing son," thought Dick, as the two instructors shook hands with him. "But I guess I'll wait a few days."
Dinner was rather a formal affair, and our hero did not in the least enjoy it. The three men talked of matters connected with the prospectiveopening of the school, occasionally addressing a question to Dick, or making some general remark.
The academy more than came up to Dick's expectations when he saw it the next morning. The school was made up of several buildings, consisting of a main barracks, which was where he had spent the night, and which contained the executive offices and class rooms, two other barracks, a gymnasium, a large mess hall, a riding hall, a small hospital and other structures.
They were grouped on a large plain, that lay at the foot of quite a mountain range, but, what pleased Dick more than anything else, was a large lake that came right to the edge of the academy grounds. It was a beautiful sheet of water, and, from the appearance of a large boathouse near at hand, Dick guessed rightly that the cadet-students spent considerable time rowing and sailing.
After breakfast, under the guidance of Toots, who was detailed by Colonel Masterly for that purpose, Dick was taken on a tour of the grounds. He was particularly pleased with the big stable, which contained a fine lot of horses.
"Are those for the cadets to use?" he asked Toots.
"Of course. Do you know how to ride?"
"A little," replied Dick, who did not believe in boasting, though, in reality, he was a fine horseman.
"I'll certainly have a swell time here," he thought, as he strolled about. He obtained permissionto row out on the lake, and then was left to his own resources.
After the first novelty of seeing the buildings had worn off, Dick began to feel a little lonesome, and he wished that the week was up, and that the other students would begin to arrive. But he found much to interest him, and made friends with Toots, who told him many and various stories of student life.
"Why do they call you Toots?" asked Dick one day.
"Well, I s'pose it's because I've got in the habit of tooting my whistle all the while. I'm always whistling war tunes or bugle calls, the boys say."
"That's so. What makes you?"
"I don't know, except that I'm fond of a military life. Some day I'm going to war."
"Well, I hope you don't get shot," said Dick, as Toots left him, still whistling.
It was a few days after this that Dick saw a new student arrive. The lad, for reasonssimilarto those affecting our hero, had been sent to the academy in advance of the opening of the term. Dick soon made his acquaintance, and he found the newcomer rather an odd character. His name was William Schoop, but he was called "William the Silent" by the other cadets, so Major Webster said, from the fact that he did not talk much. He used only single words where others would take a sentence, and he often made gestures answer for words.
Dick and Will soon became friends, and the latter, who had spent a previous term at the school, showed the young millionaire about the buildings and grounds.
Onemorning, two days after the arrival of the silent lad, when Dick had moved his baggage to his permanent room in the south barracks, the two lads were strolling about the campus. Dick was beginning to wish his companion was more sociable, when Will, with a sudden gesture, pointed off toward the town, along the main road that led from the station. Dick looked, and saw a cloud of dust approaching.
"What's that?" he inquired.
"Fellows coming," was all Will replied.
He started off toward the main gate, and Dick followed. The dust clouds became larger, and approached closer. Then Dick saw that they were made by two large stages, and, a little later, he could discern that the vehicles were crowded with youths.
Above the rumble of the wheels could be heard laughing, joyous voices. There were shouts, yells, cheers, whoops and cries.
"Three cheers for Kentfield!" called some one,and the resulting yells caused the horses of the stage to prance more madly than ever.
A few moments later the vehicles had halted at the gate, and from them, pell-mell leaped the cadets, returning to the academy after the long, summer vacation.
"There's William the Silent!" cried one lad, rushing up to Dick's odd friend, and shaking hands with him. "Hello, Will! How are you? Are you the only one here, so far?"
William merely nodded. Then he waved his hand toward our hero.
"Dick Hamilton," he said.
Dick stepped forward to greet the students, expecting them to tell him their names. From the group of cadets that had gathered around Will, a tall, good looking chap, but with rather a hard, cruel gleam in his dark eyes, stepped forth.
"What's your name, new chap?" he asked somewhat sneeringly.
"Hamilton—Dick Hamilton," replied the young millionaire.
"Oh, Hamilton—Millionaire Hamilton's son, eh?" asked Dick's questioner, with an unpleasant air.
"I believe so," answered Dick, trying to smile good-naturedly in spite of the overbearing air of the lad, who was no older than himself.
"I've heard about you," went on the other. "Fellows," he said, turning to those surrounding him, "this is the young hostage of fortune whohas consented to dwell a while in our midst. I saw a little paragraph in the paper a few days ago to the effect that Millionaire Hamilton's son had decided to take a course at Kentfield Military Academy. That is he condescended to inflict his presence on us. I'm sure the academy is highly honored," and the lad made a mocking bow.
Dick felt the hot flush rising to his face. He had never been so insulted before. An angry reply was on his lips.
"Millions don't go here, Hamilton," said another youth. "Your money won't count, and the sooner you find that out the better. Come on, fellows, let's see if old Toots is still alive, and then we'll have some fun."
"Ta-ta, Hamilton, I suppose you brought a solid gold bedstead with you," said the lad who had first spoken, as he turned on his heel, and followed the others. "Maybe you'd like to buy the place," he fired back over his shoulder.
"You—you——" began Dick angrily.
He was stopped by a touch on his shoulder. He looked around, to see William the Silent standing near him.
"Take it easy," was all Will said, but Dick understood.
Choking down, as best he could, his righteous wrath at the mean treatment accorded him, Dick strolled down to the lake. Will did not attempt to follow, for he understood.
Sorely puzzled over the conduct of those whomhe hoped would be his friends, Dick got into a boat, and went out for a solitary row. He wanted to be alone and think.
"It's queer they should treat me that way," he mused. "I'm sure I don't make any fuss about my money. Maybe they are afraid I'll try to, and they're taking no chances. But they ought to give a fellow a show first."
After rowing about for an hour Dick felt better. He resolved not to force his friendship on the students, but to let matters take their course. He had expected a little "stand-offishness" on the part of the older cadets, who were always, more or less, inclined to be on their dignity with freshmen.
"Well, I'll wait until some new fellows arrive," thought Dick. "I guess I can make friends with them."
When he returned to shore he found that many more students had come in, the next day marking the opening of the term. Among the lads were a number of new cadets, as Dick could easily tell by their bashful, diffident manners. He felt that he had somewhat the advantage of them, for he had been at the place more than a week.
"Still, my only acquaintances, outside of the teachers are William the Silent, Toots and the hostler," he reflected.
There was a notice posted on the campus bulletin board to the effect that all new students wereto report at the south barrack. Thither Dick went, finding Captain Hayden, the head master in charge, showing the boys to their rooms.
"Ah, Hamilton," called the captain, as he caught sight of Dick, "you are to room with Paul Drew, on the second floor. Room Twenty-six is yours. I think you can find your way there. Go up and take Drew with you."
A tall quiet youth greeted Dick with a smile.
"I'm Drew," he said. "I suppose you're Hamilton?"
"What there is of me," answered the millionaire youth. "Is this your first term?"
He knew it was, but he wanted to say something.
"Yes. I'm from Kentucky."
"I'm a York Stater. Come on and I'll show you where we bunk."
The two made their way through crowds of new boys and were soon in their apartment.
It was like all the others provided for the use of the students. It contained two small iron beds, and was simply furnished.
"Here's where we'll be at home," observed Dick. "Have you any choice as to a bed?"
"No, either one will suit me."
"All right, we'll toss up for it. Heads is the one nearest the window. You call."
Dick spun a coin in the air.
"Tails!" cried young Drew.
"Tails it is," announced Dick.
"Then I'll take the bed away from the window. It's likely to be cold in the winter."
"I don't mind. I like a cool breeze now and then. But stow away your things and come on down. There's lots to see. I hope we get into our uniforms soon. You've got yours, haven't you?"
"Yes," replied Dick's roommate. Dick had been provided with the necessary dress uniform before leaving home, and he was anxious to don it. The other uniforms were to be obtained at the academy.
The two boys, after hastily putting away their things, went down on the campus, which was fairly swarming with old and new students. More boys were arriving with every stage, and the shouts and cries, as former acquaintances greeted one another, made the green sound like an athletic ground with a championship match in progress.
As Dick and Paul stood looking about them, the young millionaire felt some one touch him on the arm. He turned and saw William Schoop. Will nodded his head to indicate that he wanted Dick to step aside for a moment. Excusing himself from his roommate Dick walked a little distance, following William the Silent.
"Don't mind Dutton," said William.
"Who's Dutton?" inquired Dick.
"Fellow that rigged you. He's an uppish chap,but he's a leader with the upper classmen. Don't let him worry you."
This was a longer speech than Will usually made.
"But why should he be down on me because I've got money?" asked Dick. "It isn't my fault."
"Very exclusive school, this," explained Will. "Patronized by old, blue-blooded families, who pretend to have a horror of the newly-rich."
"But my father has been wealthy many years."
Will shrugged his shoulders.
"They seem to have a prejudice against you," he went on. "Don't mind. It'll wear off. Dutton—Ray Dutton's put 'em up to it. He's a cad. Don't mind him," and with that Will turned and walked away.
"Well, I guess I can get along without Dutton and his crowd," thought Dick. "Queer, I never supposed money would make this sort of a difference. It didn't at home. Well, I'll try to get along, but it's evidently going to be up-hill work. Still, I'll do it, and, if money stands in the way—well——"
Dick shrugged his shoulders in a sort of helpless fashion, and rejoined Paul. The two strolled about, noting the scenes taking place on every hand. They saw many cadets, obviously freshmen, and some of the latter introduced themselves to Dick and his companion. They were FranklinBoardman, Stanley Booker, Lyndon Butler and Eugene Graham.
"Let's stick together for a while," proposed 'Gene, as the boys called him. "It'll soon be grub time, I understand, and we'll sit near each other."
This suited the others, and, when the gong rang, summoning them to the mess hall, the six lads went in a body, finding seats in a row on one side of the long tables, which were served by colored waiters.
Discipline had not yet been put into force, and no one was in uniform. The mess hall was a lively place, for the older cadets were continually calling jokes back and forth to their chums, or jollying the waiters whom they knew of old.
Dick and his new acquaintances conversed together, and, in spite of their ratherawkwardfeelings, managed to partake of a good meal, for Kentfield Academy was noted for the excellence of its cuisine.
When the meal was nearly over Toots appeared in the hall, with a hammer, and a piece of paper. He tacked a notice up on the bulletin board.
"Hey, Toots; what's that?" called Ray Dutton.
"Notice about appearing in uniform, Mr. Dutton," replied the odd soldier.
"When's it to be?"
"To-morrow morning."
"Aw, tear that down, Toots, you imitation brigadier general you!" called another youth.
"Sure. We don't want to tog up until the first of the week," added another. "Swallow that, Toots, and tell the commandant you lost it."
"Orders is orders," said Toots firmly, hammering in the last tack, and leaving the hall.
The afternoon was spent in assigning the new cadets to their classes, and arranging for the courses of study. They were told that formal drills would not begin until Monday, this being Thursday, nor would any recitations be heard until then.
After supper, or dinner as it was called at the academy, the new boys strolled about in little groups, Dick and his five friends keeping together.
"I wonder where all the older cadets are?" said Dick, as he looked about, and noticed that none was in sight.
"That's so, they have disappeared," added Lyndon Butler. "I wonder what that means?"
They did not have long to wait for an answer. A figure slid up to Dick, and, almost without turning he knew it to be Will. The silent youth spoke but one word:
"Hazing!"
Then he walked away as silently as he had approached, and Dick turned to his companions.
"I guess they're getting ready to haze us freshmen," he remarked.
"I thought they didn't haze here," said 'GeneGraham quickly. He was rather a small chap, and seemed very nervous.
"I guess they do it in spite of the rules," said Dick. "Well, the best way is to take what's coming, and bear it as well as you can. If you don't it will be unpleasant for you. I don't believe it will be very bad."
"Are you going to let 'em haze you?" asked Paul Drew.
"Sure," answered Dick.
"Then I guess I will, too."
"Well, I s'pose it's got to be," said little 'Gene with a sigh. "I hope they don't toss us in a blanket, though."
"If they do, just lie still, and you'll come down easy," advised Dick. "It'll soon be over."
That night, in their room, Dick and Paul heard the sound of footsteps along the corridor. Then came smothered cries, and strange sounds in the apartments adjoining.
"They're coming," whispered Paul.
Dick nodded grimly.
A moment later there came a soft knock on their portal.
"Well?" asked Dick, though he knew who it was.
"Open, in the name of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Mystic Pig," came the demand in a whisper.
Dick opened the door, and in rushed several of the older cadets, led by Ray Dutton.
"Oh, we've drawn a millionaire!" Dutton cried, in sneering tones. "Well, take the other chap first, fellows. Lively, now, we've got a heap of 'em to initiate!"
Several lads seized Paul, who submitted with as good grace as possible.
"What'sit to be, Ray, the blanket, outside, or the ordeal of the pitcher?" asked one of the cadets holding Paul.
"The pitcher, I guess," answered Dutton. "The blanket's getting too tame, and we have so many to look after that we can't take 'em outside. Any water in the jug, Beeby?"
"Full," replied a fat lad, taking up one of the two pitchers in the room.
"Up with him!" commanded Dutton, and several cadets seized Paul in an instant. Before he knew what was happening they had stood him on his head, two of them holding each of his rather long legs upright.
"Hold open his trouser legs," said Dutton. "I'll do the pouring."
He had the pitcher full of water, and, as his fellow hazers made a sort of funnel of the two legs of the victim's trousers, Ray poured the contents of the water pitcher down them. The fluid spurted out at the unlucky new student's waistand collar, and ran in a little stream over the floor. Paul struggled but could not escape.
"Sop that up, fellows!" cried Dutton. "We don't want it to ruin the ceilings below. Use the bed clothes."
The other cadets, who were not holding Paul, grabbed the sheets and spreads from the neatly made beds, and piled them in the little pond of water on the floor.
"Hand me the other pitcher, Naylor," commanded the leader.
"Better save it for——" and Naylor glanced at Dick, who was standing quietly in a corner, under guard of several cadets, awaiting his turn.
"We'll not need it for him," replied Dutton. "Give it here."
Some one handed him the other pitcher full of water, and the fluid in that, a moment later, went gurgling down the inside of Paul's clothes, spurting out as had the other.
"You're initiated into the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Mystic Pig," announced Dutton, making a sign to his comrades to let Paul regain his feet. "Do you solemnly promise to be most respectful to your superiors, and not to partake of ham and eggs or any form of pork until after Christmas?"
"You'd better promise," said one of the cadets to Paul, who hesitated.
"Oh, I promise all right," he said, with a rueful smile as he looked down at his soaked garments,and surveyed the confusion in the room. There was not a dry article of bed clothing left.
"Now for the other one!" cried Beeby, making a grab for Dick.
The young millionaire was ready to submit to any form of hazing that might be inflicted, but, to his surprise Dutton said:
"Never mind him. We'll let him go."
"Why he's a freshman," objected several of the cadets, evidently thinking Dutton imagined Dick to be immune.
"I know it, but he's in a different class," went on the leader with a covert sneer. "He might buy up the police authorities and have us arrested for having a little fun. We'll let him alone. We're only after common mortals."
Dick flushed.
"You're mistaken," he said as calmly as he could. "If hazing is in order I'm ready to take my share. I assure you I won't squeal. I'm not that kind."
It hurt him, to think that he should be taken for a "squealer." He, Dick Hamilton, who had done his own share of hazing in the academy at home.
"No, thank you. It's too risky monkeying with millionaires," said Dutton. "Come on, fellows."
The band of hazing cadets filed out of Dick's room, bent on subjecting other students to their harmless pranks. As they left, Dick heard one of them say:
"Aw, Dutton, why didn't we try the rope and window game on him? It would have been sport. He looks like an all-right sort."
"He isn't in our class," replied the leader of the hazers. "He thinks his money can get him anything he wants, but he'll find out he's mistaken. It's a shame the faculty allowed him to come here, where only the best families are represented."
Dick heard it all plainly. He realized how he had been misjudged, but he resolved to live down the wrong opinion the other students seemed to have formed of him. Or perhaps they merely followed Dutton's leadership.
And so Dick was not hazed, though he was the only freshman in all the academy who escaped the ordeal, and, though many lads would gladly have dispensed with the ceremony, Dick Hamilton felt as if he would have parted with some of his fortune to have been included in the unfortunate class. For, had he been, it would have meant that he was considered as a future chum and comrade of the upperclassmen. But he had been left severely alone.
"Well, you got off lucky," commented Paul, as he began to remove his wet garments.
"Do you think so?" asked Dick, somewhat bitterly. "I rather wish they had given me what you got."
"Why?" asked his roommate.
Dick told his reasons.
"I don't see why they hold my money against me," he added.
"I heard some talk about it," admitted Paul. "Some of the older cadets have read the things printed in the papers about you; when you went out west to investigate that gold mine, and when you hired the circus to come to Hamilton Corners. They evidently think you depend on your money to win popularity, and I heard some of them say you were to be taught a lesson."
"They're beginning already," said Dick. "Perhaps you would rather not room with such an unpopular chap as I seem to be. I guess I could get an apartment alone, by paying double rates," he added, sarcastically.
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Paul. "I'm not that sort, and I don't believe you'll find many cadets who are. I don't care for money, one way or the other. I wish my dad had a little more. Don't let Dutton and his cronies worry you. You'll have friends among the freshmen, anyway."
"Not if Dutton has his say."
"Well, perhaps he won't have it. He comes of a very old family, I'm told, who have not much money, but who are very proud. I don't care for him myself, but he's considered a leader here."
"My, you certainly got a soaking," commented Dick, as Paul stripped. He was glad to change the unpleasant subject.
"I sure did," admitted the other "and what's more we've got to sleep in a damp bed, unless we ask the housekeeper for other covers."
"No, don't do that. I would give the hazing away, and I might become more unpopular than I am," and Dick laughed a little uneasily.
"I don't fancy sleeping between damp sheets, though."
"I've got an extra suit of pajamas in my case," said Dick. "You can put them on, and we'll stretch out on the beds without covers.
"It's not cold. We'll take our medicine. Or, rather, I'll share part of yours."
They passed a rather uncomfortable night, but did not think of complaining. In the morning they compared notes with the other freshmen, many of whom had had the same experience.
That day was spent in forming the new cadets into companies, and, to Dick's disgust he found that he was in the company of which Ray Dutton was the cadet captain, and John Stiver, a crony of the captain, was lieutenant. Paul Drew was in Company B, Dick's being designated as Company A. But our hero took some consolation from the fact that his odd friend William the Silent was a sergeant in his company.
The new cadets were given their rifles, made to don uniforms, put through a preliminary drill that afternoon, and told something of the routine that would be in order when matters had settled down into their usual grooves. Dick picked outhis line of studies, received his text books and took them to his room, where he found Paul.
The next day being Saturday the cadets had the afternoon free and they strolled about the grounds, went off on horseback or rowing, as they desired. Somewhat to his regret Dick noticed that a rule was posted forbidding freshmen to go out rowing or riding alone after Saturday. They must be accompanied by a teacher or cadet officer.
"They must think we're babies," he murmured.
"Well, when we get to know the ropes a little better," said Paul, "we'll go out together."
That evening, when the mail was distributed, Dick received a letter from his father, posted just as the ship was sailing. There were also several missives from his chums at home, and quite a bulky letter, which when the young millionaire opened it, he saw was from aged Captain Handlee, and contained a photograph.
With many words, and a somewhat lengthy explanation, the old soldier stated that he had had copies made of the photograph of his son, and was sending one to Dick, to aid him in tracing the missing man.
"There, I nearly forgot about my promise," said Dick, recalling it as he saw the picture. "I must make some inquiries of Major Webster as soon as possible."
He took the photograph to his room, and placed it on a shelf, where he would be sure to seeit, to remind him of his quest, though he had little hopes that it would amount to anything.
It was Sunday morning when Dick, who had awakened rather early, heard steps coming along the corridor, and then came the whistled strains of "Just Before the Battle, Mother," followed by the reveille, cheerily warbled.
"That's Toots," said Dick to Paul, who awakened just then.
Toots stopped outside Dick's door and knocked.
"Come," cried the young millionaire, and Toots, the odd character, entered, carrying a pail of hot water.
"One of the janitors is sick," he explained, "and I'm helping out. You can use this for shaving or drink it, just as you like," he added with a smile.
He filled the boys' hot water pitchers, and was about to leave the room, when he caught sight of the photograph of Corporal Bill Handlee on the shelf.
"Where—where did you get that?" he asked, turning quickly to the two lads.
"Why?" asked Dick, much impressed by the manner of Toots.
"Because I—I think I know him—or did once," and the man set down his pail of water, and drew his hand across his forehead, as if trying to brush away some cobwebs. Dick noticed that there was a scar on the man's brow.
"Where did you see him? When was it? Where was it?" asked Dick rapidly, thinking he had stumbled on a clue.
"I don't know—I can't recollect, but the face—that face seems familiar," and Toots, taking up the photo, gazed earnestly at it.
"That is the picture of the missing son of an old soldier who lives in Hamilton Corners," said Dick. "Captain Handlee asked me to make some inquiries about him. It's queer you should think you recognized it, Toots. Were you ever in the army?"
The man shook his head slowly.
"I don't know," he said. "I'm a fine shot though. I ought to be in the army."
Dick felt a new hope. The missing man said he was an expert marksman. But then Dick recalled what he had heard about Toots; that the man had a delusion that he was a sharpshooter, but that he could scarcely hit the outer edge of a big target.
"Can't you recall where you have seen this man?" asked Dick earnestly.
Toots slowly shook his head.
"What was his name?" he asked.
"Corporal Bill Handlee."
"No, that name doesn't sound familiar. But I'm sure I've seen him somewhere. I can't think—something seems to stop me here," and the man again passed his hand across his forehead.
"Try," urged Dick.
Toots made a strong effort to recall the past, but it was of no avail.
He shook his head once more, picked up his pail, and started out.
"I guess I'm mistaken," he said. "But some day you boys must come and see me shoot. I'm a dandy at it."
Then he went down the corridor whistling "The Star Spangled Banner," and ending up with a spirited rendition of the bugle call to charge.
"That's queer," murmured Dick. "I thought I was going to get some news for Captain Handlee. Well, I must inquire of Major Webster."
"Hark," exclaimed Paul, as a bugle sounded clear and crisp on the morning air.
"Reveille—first call! Ten minutes to dress and turn out," said Dick, who had been studying the rules, and he began to get into his uniform.
Atthe chapel service, which the cadets were required to attend, Dick saw, for the first time, all his fellow students gathered together under one roof. They were a fine body of young men, and he felt proud that he was one of them. Every one was in full dress uniform, and a spick and span appearance the lads made, as they marched to and from chapel, to the music of the cadet band.
Sunday seemed quite long to Dick, but he managed to spend some pleasant hours, strolling about with Paul Drew, and some other new cadets. He was glad, however, when Monday came, bringing with it many duties.
For the next two weeks Dick was kept so busy, being initiated into the mysteries of the drill, guard mounting, parade, marching in different formations, learning the meaning of the military commands, his studies and preparing for inspection, that he had little time to think of other matters.
He found opportunity to ask Major Websterconcerning missing Bill Handlee, and the tactical officer made some inquiries of the war office, but all to no effect. All trace of the veteran's son seemed to have vanished.
"But what do you suppose made Toots—I mean Sam Sander—think he recognized the photo?" asked Dick.
"Well, you know poor Sam isn't quite right in his head," replied the major kindly. "He received an injury some years ago, I understand. You can see the scar on his forehead now. That made him rather simple minded, though he is a good worker, and very useful."
"Then I'm afraid I can't send Captain Handlee any good news."
"I'm afraid not, Hamilton."
Dick had to write the sorrowful tidings to the old soldier, much to his regret. The young millionaire also sent a missive to his father, telling something of the life at the academy, but saying nothing of the manner in which he had been treated. Dick bravely resolved to fight his own battles.
He found the studies anything but easy, but as he applied himself to his books, he stood well in his class.
In the meantime matters were beginning to move with military regularity, and the cadets in their natty uniforms, presented at drill, or inspection, inspiring pictures.
At first Dick, and all the new cadets, wererather awkward at drill, but this was to be expected, and little was thought of it. On several occasions though, Captain Dutton, who was in command over Dick, made sneering remarks evidently intended for our hero, who, however, did not reply.
With the exception of Sunday and Monday, the same general routine was followed. Reveille was sounded at six o'clock, with a second call ten minutes later. Then came "police" inspection, and woe betide the youth who was not spick and span. Sick call followed, but usually it was a mere form, for the cadets were as healthy as Spartans.
On Monday there was always general inspection, when it behooved Dick and his fellows to have their quarters in good order. Plenty of time was allowed for study and recitation, and there was much attention given to military life. There were lectures on tactics, and they were followed by practical illustrations.
"I wish they'd let us have a chance at the horses," remarked Dick, to Paul, when they were studying in their room one evening. "The older cadets have plenty of cavalry drill, but we have to march around, carrying heavy guns, and doing all sorts of stunts like that."
"I understand we're to have our innings next week."
"Is that so? Good!"
Dick, and many other of the new cadets wholoved horses were pleased to see a notice posted, a few days after this, stating that instructions in riding, and cavalry exercises, were to be given in the big shed and would begin the following Monday.
"Now we'll have some fun," said Dick. "Aren't you glad, Paul?"
"Well, I don't care much about horses. I feel safer on my feet."
"Oh, you'll get used to a horse soon enough, and then you'll never want to walk."
There were good horses in the academy stables, and, to his delight, a fine mount was assigned to Dick. He made friends with the animal at once, and when the "awkward squad" was put through their paces, Dick earned commendation from the drill master for the excellent seat he maintained.
For a week or more Dick and his fellow freshmen practiced every day in the riding hall. The cadets who at first sat insecurely in the saddle were beginning to learn how to maintain themselves, and one afternoon the drill master announced that the next day they would be allowed to go out on the cavalry plain.
"That's the stuff!" cried Dick. "I've been wanting a good gallop for a long time."
"Guess we won't have much chance to gallop," replied Paul, who had beentransferredto Dick's company. "Dutton's so mean he'll probably keep us at an easy walk. He thinks no one knows how to ride but him."
"I'll show him, if I get a chance," murmured Dick.
The cadets were formed into four companies the next day, and sent out on the cavalry plain for practice.
"Now I don't want any exhibitions of fancy riding," announced Ray Dutton, as he led the cadets over whom he had charge out from the drill hall. "You've got to creep before you walk, you know. Just take it easy, and we'll make a few circuits of the grounds."
"Pity he wouldn't let us gallop," said Dick, in a low voice to Paul, beside whom he was riding.
"Silence in the ranks!" exclaimed the cadet captain sharply. "Hamilton, if you speak again I'll report you."
Dick felt the hot blood mount to his face, but he kept his temper.
They went around at a slow pace, many of the lads chaffing under the restraint. Then Dutton gave the command to trot, and they let their horses out a trifle.
Whether something frightened Dick's horse, or whether the animal wanted to take a good run and show the others what he could do, it was impossible to say. At any rate our hero's steed gave a sudden spring, and, rushing through the opened ranks of the cadet horsemen ahead of him, sailed past Captain Dutton at a fast gait.
"Halt!" cried the leading cadet. "Where areyou going, Hamilton? Come back here at once! I'll report you! Come back!"
Dick tried to rein his horse in, but the animal had the bit in his teeth, and it was useless to pull on the leather. Still the young millionaire was not frightened. He knew he could manage the animal.
But Dutton, with a muttered exclamation, spurred after Dick.
"Halt!" he cried again. "Halt, or I'll place you under arrest for disobeying orders!"
"I can't stop him!" Dick flung back, over his shoulder.
Dutton's horse was a fast one, and he soon caught up to the young cadet. He crossed in front of him, wheeled about and, a moment later the two horses collided violently. Dick was flung up in the air, and, the next instant, came heavily to the ground, where he lay quiet, while his horse bolted.
Dutton, who had retained his seat, looked down on the prostrate figure.
"Come. Get up," he said. "No shamming."
Dick did not move.
"Here, Drew, Butler, Graham!" called Captain Dutton. "Here's a chance to practice first aid to the injured. See what's the matter with him."
The three cadets he had named galloped forward, while the remainder of the company came to a halt.
"Pickhim up, and see if he's hurt," ordered Dutton though he did not take the trouble to get off his horse to ascertain. "Very likely he's only shamming."
But is needed only a look at Dick's pale face to show that he had had a hard fall. The breath was knocked out of him.
The three cadets bent over him, and, while one raised him to a sitting position, the others chaffed his hands. Dick opened his eyes, and stared wonderingly about him.
"What—what—where am I?" he asked, and then he saw the mounted students, he added, "I fell."
"Are you hurt?" asked Graham.
"No—no, I guess not."
But when Dick tried to stand he found he was so dizzy that his fellow cadets had to support him.
"Take him back to the hospital," ordered Dutton, "and then you three rejoin your company."
At that moment Major Webster, who had been drilling some of the older cadets, in advanced tactics on a distant part of the field, came galloping up.
"What has happened?" he asked. "Ah, Hamilton, eh? Are you hurt?"
"I fell off my horse. He bolted with me," replied Dick.
"Are you sure you're not hurt?"
"Yes; only a trifle dizzy."
"I'm sending him back to the hospital,"announcedDutton.
"That's proper. Are you sure you'll be all right, Hamilton?" asked the major kindly.
"Oh, yes. I believe I can ride now."
"No, I can't allow it. You must take a rest."
On the way back with the cadets, Dick insisted that he could go alone, and did not need help.
"Orders are orders," replied Graham with a smile. "Dutton might make a fuss if we didn't do as he said."
"It was all his fault," added Paul Drew. "He deliberately collided with you, Dick."
"Oh, no; I hardly think he would do that!"
"But he did," insisted Butler. "He didn't need to gallop in front of you that way. I looked just as if he wanted to unseat you, didn't it, fellows?"
"That's right," added Paul. "I'd report him if I were you."
"Oh, no," answered Dick quickly. "There'sno use making trouble. Even if he did do it on purpose, I wouldn't gain anything by reporting him. I'm no squealer."
"But you might have been badly hurt," said Butler.
"I wasn't though, and a miss is as good as a mile."
"That's a good way of looking at it," commented Paul. "I'd feel like fighting him, if he did that to me."
"Say, I'm all right. There's no need for you fellows to come back with me," went on Dick.
"If we don't Dutton may make a row," objected Butler. "We'd better do it."
Not wanting to get his fellow cadets into trouble, Dick allowed them to accompany him to the hospital, which was maintained by the academy. There the surgeon in charge, a grizzled war veteran, felt of our hero's bones, and announced, gruffly, that he was all right, but that he had better rest a while.
Which Dick was glad enough to do, as his head was beginning to ache.
"Dutton must want to get rid of me," he thought, as he stretched out on the bed in his room. "If he keeps on I shall certainly have a clash with him, and then I s'pose there'll be trouble. I don't want to fight, but I'm not going to submit to his meanness. I certainly am under a handicap here. I wish I could ask dad to sendme to some other school. No, I don't either. I'll fight it out here, and I'll win, too, or I'll know the reason why!"
Major Webster, when he returned from the drill, inquired how Dick felt, and received the assurance that the lad was all right.
"We must give you a quieter horse," he said with a smile.
"Oh, no, I can manage him all right," said Dick. "Captain Dutton—er—he and I happened to collide, or it never would have happened."
"Strange, Dutton is an excellent rider," commented the major as he walked away.
A slight headache the next day was all the ill effect that Dick experienced from his tumble. He appeared at chapel, and took part in all the day's duties. For a week or more life went on rather uneventfully at the academy. Dick had a letter from his father, stating that business was likely to keep him abroad longer than he expected.
Dick also got a letter from Henry Darby, giving some news of Hamilton Corners, and telling how Dick's chums missed him. The letter closed with this:
"Grit misses you very much. He doesn't eat hardly anything, and he lies in his kennel all day."
"Poor Grit," said Dick to Paul, and he told of his bulldog. "I wish I could have him here with me."
"Why don't you?" suggested his roommate. "Some of the other cadets are allowed specialprivileges, why don't you ask if you can bring Grit here? You could keep him in the stable."
"I believe I will," said Dick, and he sought and received permission from Colonel Masterly to do this.
A few days later Grit arrived, and he was probably the happiest dog living, as Dick took him out of the shipping crate. The animal bounded about, and fairly leaped over his master's head in the excess of his joy.
Grit made friends with such few chums as Dick had among the freshmen, and they were not many, for Dutton's influence seemed even to extend to them. The advent of the bulldog appeared to further arouse the ire of the young captain.
"I expect our millionaire cadet will be having a private menagerie next," he said with a sneer. "But I tell you one thing, Hamilton, if I catch the brute around my quarters I'll kick him out."
"I shouldn't advise you to try it," said Dick coolly. "It might not be healthy—for you."
"Do you mean that you'd attack me?" asked Dutton, taking a step toward Dick.
"No, but Grit might; eh, Grit, old boy."
The dog growled in a menacing manner, and Dutton, turning on his heel, made off up the campus, but the scowl he gave Dick augured anything but well for the young millionaire.
It was about a week after this when, one evening,Dick, who was sitting in his room, studying with Paul,suddenlyexclaimed:
"There, I've left my algebra out under the three elms. I was studying there this afternoon."
The three elms were a clump of giant trees on the campus, and a recognized stamping ground for the freshmen, who frequently studied there, when it was too hot in their rooms.
"Better go out and get it," advised Paul. "It looks like rain, and you know it means a demerit to have soiled books."
"Guess I'll slip out and get it," decided Dick. "I'll have just about time enough before taps."
He started down the long corridor, but he had not taken a dozen steps before taps was sounded on the bugle, the plaintive call of "lights out" vibrating clearly on the night air.
"Better come back," advised Paul, from the open door of their room, as he prepared to turn out the electric lamp.
"No, I think I'll chance it," decided Dick. "No one is likely to see me, and I might as well get a demerit for this as for having a rain-soaked algebra. Leave the door open so I can find the place in the dark."
He kept on, stealing quietly down the hall. Paul went to bed, and was just dozing off when he was startled by the loud report of the cannon used for firing the sunrise and sunset guns. The echoes thundered among the academy buildings, and were re-echoed from the distant hills. Paularose. Clearly some of the cadets were up to a trick, and had fired the gun.
A few minutes later Dick came running into the room.
"Did you get the book? Who fired the gun?" asked Paul in a whisper.
"Yes, I got the algebra, and, just as I did the gun went off. I saw some of the fellows running, and of course I was running too, but, just as I was coming in, Stiver, who is doing guard duty, saw me."
"What did he say?"
"Called to me halt, but I didn't."
"He'll report you, and you may be blamed for—"
An instant later the tramp of feet was heard in the corridor.
"It's inspection!" gasped Paul. "Undress quick, and get into bed!"
Butit was too late. The door of Dick's room was pushed open, and, in the light of the incandescent that burned in the hall, the two cadets could see Captain Hayden and several of the instructors looking in.
"Hamilton—Drew—are you here?" asked Captain Hayden sharply.
"Yes, sir," replied Dick, but an instant later the light revealed him fully dressed, whereas he should have been in bed at taps.
"Ha!" exclaimed the head master. "This will bear investigation. Why aren't you in bed, Hamilton?"
"I went down to get my algebra, which I left under the elms."
"Did you have anything to do with firing the saluting gun?"
"No, sir."
"I will have to investigate. Report in my room in ten minutes."
Captain Hayden marched on, and the two cadets could hear distant sounds that indicated a general inspection of quarters.
"I guess you're in for it, Dick," said Paul.
"I can prove what I went out for."
"Maybe. But I wonder who fired that gun?"
"I don't know. Some of the older cadets likely. Well, I s'pose I've got to go to Captain Hayden's room."
Dick found several other students gathered in the reception apartment of the head master. They were lads who had been found still up when their rooms were hurriedly entered after the blowing of taps, and the firing of the gun.
"Who was captain of the guard?" asked Captain Hayden, when he came in and faced a rather frightened lot of cadets.
"I was, sir," replied John Stiver.
"What did you see?"
"I was on duty, sir, near the main entrance of the south barracks, and the first I knew I saw the flash of the gun, and heard it go off."
"What else did you see?"
"I saw a cadet run from the campus into the barracks. He would not halt when I called to him."
"Who was it?"
"I don't like to say, sir."
"Very likely not, but you must."
"It was—it was Hamilton, sir."
"Ha!" exclaimed the head master.
"I went to the three elms to get my algebra which I had forgotten," said Dick.
"After taps?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then you broke one of the rules."
"Yes, sir, but I thought that if it rained, and my book got wet, I'd get a demerit for that, so I decided I would take a chance on going after taps. I started before the bugle sounded."
"Ha! I will look into that afterward. You are sure you were not near the gun?"
"Yes, sir."
"I might add," went on Stiver, "that, after I called to Hamilton to halt, and he would not, I saw his dog running after him, and the animal seemed to have something tied to its tail."
"To it's tail?"
"Yes, sir."
"What was it?"
"It seemed like a piece of string."
"A piece of string. That may explain it. Hamilton, what do you know of this?"
"Nothing, Captain Hayden. Grit was not with me. I left him in his kennel, in the stable, chained up."
"We must look into this. Lieutenant Stiver, tell Sander to bring the bulldog here."
"Perhaps I had better go along," suggested Dick. "Grit might make a fuss."
"If he goes, you had better make sure he doesn't slip the string off the dog's tail," put in Dutton, with a sneer.
Dick started, and looked angrily at his enemy.
"That will do, Dutton," said Captain Haydenquietly. "You may accompany Sander, Hamilton."
Toots, who was on hand, started for the stables, followed by Dick.
"Are you going to get into trouble?" asked theoldman, who had taken quite a fancy to our hero.
"I hope not. If Grit had anything to do with firing the gun, by means of a string tied to his tail, some one who had a grudge against me is responsible for it."
"I'm sure of it, Mr. Hamilton," and Toots marched on, whistling "Dixy Land," ending up with a series of bugle calls.
They found Grit cowering in his kennel, as if much frightened. Dick and Toots looked him over. Sure enough there was a stout piece of cord tied to his stump of a tail.
"It looks bad," commented Toots.
"I'm not worried," declared Dick.
Captain Hayden looked grave, when Toots handed him the bit of cord. He sent Sander to the saluting gun, and Toots returned presently with same cord, which matched that taken from Grit's tail.
"Was this on the gun?" asked the head master.
"Attached to a primer, that had been fired," replied Toots.
"Hamilton," began Captain Hayden, "I don't like to accuse you on such circumstantial evidence, but it looks—"
"I had nothing to do with firing the gun," said Dick quickly. "If my dog did it, some one else tied the string to his tail."
"Whom do you suspect?"
"I don't know."
"If you please, sir," spoke up Graham, "I don't think Hamilton had anything to do with firing the gun."
"Why not?"
"Because my window is right opposite it. I was looking out, just before it went off, and I saw a crowd of students near it. They had a dog, for I could hear him growl, and I heard some one say 'look out or the brute will put his teeth in you.' Then some one else said, 'I guess I can manage him.' If Hamilton had been there I don't believe Grit would have growled."
"He certainly would not," said Dick, noticing that Dutton was scowling at Graham.
"Ha! Hum," mused the head master. "I believe you are right, Graham. Hamilton, you are practically exonerated, but this matter will not be allowed to drop. Firing the gun was a serious infraction of the rules, and dangerous in the bargain. Whoever fired it must have stolen into the ammunition house, which is a risky thing to do, especially in the dark."
"I am glad you don't think I did it, sir," said Dick to Captain Hayden.
"I am glad, also, but I shall have to mark you five off for being out after taps. When I findout who fired the gun I shall punish them severely. It seems as though it was done to throw suspicion on you."
"That is what I think," said Dick quickly.
"Whom do you suspect?"
"I had rather not say, sir."
"Of course not, no, I wouldn't want you to on mere suspicion. You young gentlemen may retire to your rooms, now. I will look into this matter further."
The cadets filed out, all of them breathing easier. As Dutton passed Dick in the hall, he said:
"Did you refer to me when you said you suspected some one?"
"Not particularly."
"You looked at me," said the cadet captain angrily.
"Well, a cat may look at a king, I suppose."
"None of your impertinence."
"I'm not impertinent, but I don't propose to have you dictate to me."
"You'll have to, as long as you're a freshman. I say you intimated that I fired that gun and tried to throw the blame on you."
"I can't help what you say."
"Do you believe I did it?"
"I refuse to answer."
"Then I'll make you! Take that!" and before Dick could step back Dutton had hit him a blow inthe face. "You know what that means, I suppose," said Dutton with a sneer.
"A fight?" asked Dick quietly.
"Of course. I'll send a friend to you to-morrow and we'll see if you'll back up your words."
"Don't worry. I'll be on hand," replied Dick, as he went to his room.
He told Paul of what had happened, and the latter consented to act as second to him in the fight. The matter was quietly arranged, and, the next afternoon Dick, and the few chums he had, slipped off after the evening parade to a secluded spot, where all the fistic battles of the academy took place. Dutton and a large throng of his supporters were on hand, and the preliminaries were soon settled.