Chapter II: Part 2

Captain Chalmers looked steadily at the boy for an instant and then his gaze wandered to the groups of cadets outside of the door. Suddenly he bit his lips to keep back a smile, a rather grim one, and then reached in the drawer of the desk, to take out some sheets of paper and a pen. With intense seriousness he dipped the pen into the ink and then looked at Vench.

"Not cold, are you?" he asked.

"No," answered the boy with a stare. "Why?"

"I thought maybe you were," returned the instructor. "You still have your hat on. And that cigarette, which will be your last for something like four years, is already burned out. As there isn't anything in that wastebasket you might throw it in there."

Vench looked closely at the teacher and seemed on the point of saying something, but evidently he changed his mind, for he took off his hat, threw away the cigarette and turned once more to the captain.

"What is your name, please?" asked the instructor.

"Raoul Mulroy Vench, of Murray Bay, Florida, lately from Quebec and points all over the world," glibly answered the youth. "Age, 18, unmarried, nationality American citizen, though French-Canadian. How is that for a start, general?"

"That is a very good start," gravely replied the captain. "I'm glad you recognized my rank, Mr. Vench." He continued to write for a few minutes and then looked up. "Have you any money on you at present?"

Mr. Vench looked knowing. "I'm surprised at you, sir. I only arrive here and you want to borrow from me already! Yes, I have a few odd pennies on me. About two hundred dollars, I think."

"Hand it over, please, Mr. Vench. At the end of the year it will be returned to you. While you are here you will be allowed just two dollars a week of it, with which you can pay your expenses."

Vench threw back his head and laughed. "Two dollars!" he exclaimed. "My dear man, I was counting on that two hundred lasting me just for two months, and that would be stretching it. Is it a joke?"

"Not at all, Mr. Vench. Have you read over the rules of the institution? Surely you must have. You didn't come here without knowing the rules and regulations. The cadets are busy with their studies and athletics and have almost no use for ready money except for cokes and sodas. Transportation to games is furnished free and money is not strictly needed. You see how it is."

"Yes, I see," grumbled Vench, handing over the money. "I expected to have a good time in this place, but I see I am quite mistaken."

Again Chalmers glanced at the groups in the hall. "I think you will have at least an interesting time here, Mr. Vench. Now the next thing for you to do is report at the medical department for examination."

"The second nuisance, eh?" sighed Vench. "That'll be a waste of time, officer. I'm in tip-top shape."

"For the sake of our teams, I am very glad to hear it, Mr. Vench. However, the rules require that you go through with an examination." Chalmers beckoned to a cadet in the hallway. "Will you step here a moment, Mr. Sears?"

Mr. Sears stepped up and saluted the instructor, who returned it. "Take Mr. Vench to the medical department," the teacher directed.

"Very good, sir." Sears turned to Vench. "Right this way, sir."

Vench grinned and picked up his bag. "Right with you, usher. Thanks a lot, officer." He followed Cadet Sears down the hall, passing carelessly through the waiting throng. Captain Chalmers looked thoughtfully after him, and then, shaking his head, resumed his work.

The cadets in the hall had remained quiet during the conversation, every word of which they had heard plainly, but now that Vench was out of earshot they began to talk.

"Hey, how do you like that!" chuckled Terry to the group around him.

"Well," drawled Chipps, rubbing his chin. "I don't just know what to think. You've got to give me time. This is the first time I've ever seen anything like that."

"I'm afraid he'll have a whole lot to learn," smiled Don.

"If he lasts long enough to learn anything," said Jim.

"All in the line of duty," added Rhodes. "We'll have to help him lose some of his flipness and importance. What do you say, Lieutenant Sommers?"

"I'd say that the spirit of the corps will have a hard time sinking into him," said Sommers, as the bell sounded.

Mr. Vench was fitted out with a uniform that afternoon and little more was seen of him. But on the following day he began his career at Woodcrest, and that career furnished amusement and some annoyance to the cadet body. The boy was thoroughly spoiled and almost unbearable. Two of the seniors and Terry tried to do the right thing by calling on him that evening, in an effort to make him feel at home. Terry returned to his room and reported in high disgust to Don and Jim.

"My gosh, what a sample of misdirected energy!" he exclaimed with a snort. "We tried to be decent to him in spite of what we saw this noon, but it was time wasted. Not that he was rude, but absolutely unbearable! Talks continually of his travels, his girl friends, who seem to swoon with grief if he doesn't write daily, and his ability to do all of everything on the face of the earth. I'm through. I'm willing to try to be nice to any fellow who will be halfway human, but I draw the line on one who spends all of his time praising his own virtues."

"Likes himself, eh?" inquired Jim.

"No," snapped Terry. "Bows down and worships himself. I'm afraid that boy will run aground on trouble hard."

"And yet," said Don, slowly. "I imagine he could be a very nice guy if he wanted to be. Maybe he'll come out of his shell sometime."

"I'm glad you imagine it," retorted Terry. "That's as far as it is likely to go."

"All right, Terry," Jim grinned. "Hadn't you better study your history? Any man that will try and tell his teacher, as you did today, that Blucher wasn't at the battle of Waterloo, should brush up a bit, I think."

"Okay, kid, I will. The only thing that surprises me is the fact that Vench wasn't there, or related to Napoleon or something else. Maybe he was, I don't know. That fellow is thoroughly spoiled."

"A little too much money, no doubt," said Don. "If we give him a chance he'll get over it."

"Optimist!" said Terry, beginning to study.

Few if any of the cadets were inclined to take Don's view of Cadet Vench. During the following days he made himself objectionable in every way. Even in the drill he tried to show his superiority, but Lieutenant Sommers promptly checked him and after due and fair consideration reported his short-comings. Major Tireson rebuked the unruly cadet and he had no more use for the precise lieutenant. But Sommers took great pride in the squads that it was his duty to drill, and the cadets, always inclined to laugh at the dignity of the fussy lieutenant, upheld him in his act.

Vench had few friends, and they were recruited from the weaker element of the fourth class, with whom he was very liberal. It was evident that he had more money than his allowance and it was thought that he had lied to Captain Chalmers or that he was getting it from some outside source. A small group went often to the town and ate plentifully between meals, but as it was not particularly the business of the cadets they commented on it among themselves and let it go at that.

One boast that Vench made was listened to with interest by the entire body of cadets. He was standing with the group of fourth classmen just before the study hall bell rang, and Don and Terry heard it. That morning Major Tireson had made a statement that most of the cadets thought unnecessary. He had told them that with the colonel not there, he didn't think it was wise to plan on having their mid-term dance that year.

Several times during the year, mid-term, Christmas, and in the spring, the school held a dance. Each class usually sponsored one of these events and kept whatever profit they made. The competition was high among the four classes, each one trying to outdo the next in originality and cleverness. It took a good deal of ingenuity to plan decorations that could disguise the gym for an evening. The year before, the second-class men, who had sponsored the spring prom, had transformed the gym into a carnival. They had even devised a revolving stage resembling a carrousel from which the band played.

Major Tireson, however, was firmly against holding a dance in the colonel's absence.

"He needn't worry," Rhodes had said, briefly. "Until the colonel gets back we aren't likely to do any of the things we generally do, or have much fun."

Vench was defiant about it. "Half the fun of going to school is having dances and picnics," he said, in study hall. "At all the other schools I've been to, they have lots of them. But this stuffy old major vetoes it before we even have a chance to suggest it. I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to organize the best dance this school's ever seen. Something that will go down in the unwritten history of this academy."

"Better wait until the colonel gets back before you do, Vench," advised Don.

"I will not! I'll do as I please!"

"Suit yourself," said Don, turning away.

"I generally do. Want to be in on it, Redhead?"

"Why, I think not," drawled Terry. "I don't want to be dismissed from here in my very first year. And referring to the highly disrespectful way in which you speak of my blond locks, don't you think they might shine out in the darkness and give you and your party away?"

"You guys make me sick!" growled Vench.

"Sorry," said Terry. "Can I show you the way to the doctor's office?"

Late in the afternoon Jim and Rhodes got special permission from the Officer of the Day and went to the town to buy some things. Special permission was necessary except on Saturday afternoons, and they lingered in town until the sun had set. The days were growing much shorter and it was dark when they arrived at the gate and walked up the path. None of the cadets were around and they started to cross the lawn when Rhodes pulled Jim suddenly into a clump of high bushes that lined the path.

"What's up?" asked Jim, quickly.

"Somebody just came around Locke Hall and is going toward Clanhammer!" whispered the senior.

Jim looked in the direction indicated and saw that Rhodes was speaking the truth. A man, his form somewhat indistinct in the twilight, was walking rapidly down the path in the direction of the silent old hall. By peering through the bushes the two cadets could watch him, and they could hear his footsteps on the gravel. The man did not pause or look behind, but walked straight up the stone steps, inserted a key in the lock and opened the door. With a bold and confident step he went inside.

"Wonder who in the world that is?" breathed Jim.

"I couldn't make out," replied Rhodes. "But who ever it is, he has the key to Clanhammer Hall. There is no light in the place, so he must know his way around."

They waited for some time, but no one appeared and the hall remained in total darkness. Rhodes looked at his watch.

"We'll have to go," he announced, regretfully. "We have to be in at six, you know, and it is ten of now. We have to wash for supper, so we haven't any time to spare. I'd surely like to stay here and see who comes out."

"So would I," agreed Jim. "But we'll have to go. If we could only see who it was!"

The two cadets returned to the building, checked in, and went to their rooms. While Jim washed he told the other two of their discovery. Terry went to the window and watched the lawn, but without discovering anything.

"We'll see if anyone is missing from the dining hall," Don suggested. But although they took great care to check up they could learn nothing at the evening meal. Every cadet and officer was in his place at the tables.

"That leaves us one theory," decided Rhodes, a little later, as they talked it over in the boys' room. "Either the man got back before supper or one of the cooks or the janitor went in there. The question is: who, besides the colonel, has a key to Clanhammer Hall?"

_6. Rapid Developments_

For the next few days nothing worthy of note happened. It was early one morning the following week that things began to move. The boys had studied until bedtime and had turned in when the lights were put out. Life at the school flowed on as it did when the colonel had been there. Mr. Vench seemed busier than usual and made several trips to town. Clanhammer Hall revealed nothing new.

How long the boys had been asleep on that particular night they did not know, but they were aroused by a sound that was entirely new to them. A furious clanging of gongs sounded throughout the school on every hall and stairs, and the cadets started up in bed with rapidly beating hearts. They had often seen the huge gongs out in the halls but had never heard them in action. Now they were being rung violently.

Terry was the first to bounce out of his bed. "Come on, you guys," he called. "The school is on fire!"

Don and Jim lost no time in springing from their beds and reaching for their clothes. "Too bad they don't turn on the lights," he grumbled.

As though in answer to his complaint the overhead lights were turned on and the boys could see what they were doing. The sound of the gongs then died down abruptly, but a rushing, scattering sound told them that the cadets were all up and hurrying into their clothes.

"Wonder where it is?" speculated Jim, as he pulled on his shirt. "I don't see any blaze or smell any smoke."

"It may only be a very small one," said Terry, who was now fully dressed. "I suppose we report in assembly, don't we? Or maybe we march out on the campus. One thing they have neglected to do around here is to give us any fire regulations."

Terry was right in his statement and the Mercers wondered if the oversight was due to the fact that the colonel was missing. They opened their door and hurried out into the hall. Almost every door was open and cadets were talking and walking toward the stairs.

The cadet captain of the third class hurried down the hall and saw to it that each boy was out of his room. With the rest of the cadets in Locke Hall the three chums went down the stairs and found the biggest gathering in the hall. There was no smoke or fire to be seen anywhere.

"Well, there may be a fire somewhere," observed Terry. "But it certainly ran away in a hurry."

"Whatever it was, it was in the library," a cadet said. "I just saw the Officer of the Day and Major Tireson go in there in a hurry."

With one accord the cadets trooped down the lower hall and congregated at the door of the library. They noticed that the door was flung far back and that the lock was still sprung. It was evident that the door had been violently broken open, and as none of the cadets had ever known the library door to be locked, they were surprised.

A number of books had been thrown out of a bookcase near the panelled wall, and the major and Rollins, the appointed Officer of the Day, were looking closely at an old portrait on the wall. Impelled by their growing curiosity the cadets of Locke Hall crowded into the room and around the two officers. Then they saw that the bottom of the picture, along the frame, had been slashed for at least five inches, close to the wood. The picture, an inexpensive one portraying the celebrated "Thin Red Line" in action, was a familiar article to the young men, and they were at a loss to know why it should have been slashed.

"Very singular," Major Tireson was saying. "Let me have a full account of what happened, Rollins."

"I had finished my duties as Officer of the Day," said Rollins. "And I had returned to my room, unfortunately forgetting to return my report book to the office. I noticed the omission and was going back with the book when I saw the library door closed and a light coming out from beneath. I knew that there should be no light there at this time of night--or morning, and I quietly opened the door. Two men were in the room, one of whom was engaged in slitting the picture, while the other stood near the door in which I was looking. He must have heard me step to the door, for before I could grapple with him he had thrown his weight against the door and pushed me out into the hall. I heard the lock snapped into place and then I rang the gongs to attract attention and get help. As you know, when you and I finally broke in, the men were gone, probably through the window."

"Did you get any kind of a glance at the faces of the men?" asked the major.

"Only a brief glimpse, sir. The man at the portrait had his face turned away and I didn't see it at all, but the man here at the door gave me just time to see him. He was tall and quite dark, but as he had a slouch hat pulled down over his eyes I could not altogether make him out. That is all I have to report, sir."

The major's eyes wandered back to the slashed picture and a puzzled look spread over his face. "I can't see what object any outsider could have in our picture," he observed. "It certainly isn't a masterpiece or anything of the kind." He turned and frowned slightly at the cadets who had listened with great attention. "You wouldn't say it was one of the men of the corps, up to any prank, would you, Rollins?"

"Oh, no, sir," promptly reported the cadet. "These were men dressed in business suits and civilian hats."

"Well," decided the major, "I suppose the men have gotten away; in fact I heard the motor of an automobile as I came downstairs. This is most puzzling. In the future you had better quietly call me instead of ringing the fire alarm. I see that the cadets from Inslee and Clinton Hall are here, too."

The major soon after ordered them to their rooms, and the cadets from the other halls, who had turned out when they had heard the clashing gongs in Locke, went back to their dormitories, a confused idea of the whole thing in their minds. The students from Locke Hall went rather reluctantly up to their rooms, but many of them did not attempt to go to sleep at once. Each room held its own conference, and that occupied by the Mercers and Terry was no exception.

"Suppose it all had something to do with what goes on at Clanhammer Hall?" whispered Jim, as they sat on Don's bed in the darkness.

"I don't know what to think," his brother answered. "This happening beats them all, to my way of thinking. You can imagine some sort of an excuse for most actions, but who in the world could explain why two men should start to cut out a cheap picture in our library?"

They talked it all over and at length, but they arrived nowhere, so at last they went to sleep and slept soundly until morning. It was an excited and interested group of cadets who assembled in the chapel that morning, and they waited impatiently to see if the temporary headmaster would say anything about the events of the past morning. But to their disappointment he did not and they went away to classes, to speculate all day on the mystery.

But just before it was time to report for drill, and just as the last class was about to break up, certain cadets appeared in each classroom and gave instructions to the teacher. In the class where the fourth class men were studying Captain Chalmers rapped for attention.

"Immediately after leaving this classroom you will report to general assembly," he announced.

There was a buzz and a stir among the cadets, and as soon as books had been put away they hurried to the assembly. An undercurrent of excitement was clearly visible, and they were eager for news of some sort. The major called for order and delivered his message briefly.

"It is not necessary for me to recount the details of what went on here last night," he stated. "You all know it, I am sure. However, we have learned nothing new, and while I am not inclined to treat the matter as being of any importance, still I do think we may use it for a little military practice. My thought is that for the next few days we will detail certain cadets to do active guard duty around the school all night. That will give you each a touch of true military life. The captains of the classes will tell you when you are to serve, and also give you your position. Any negligence while on duty will not be tolerated. Assembly dismissed."

Drill followed, but what followed drill was not part of the schedule, though human and natural. A general buzzing and discussion took place all over the campus and in rooms. Most of the boys welcomed the idea of patrolling the grounds because of the novelty of it, but they were divided as to the major's reason. Could it be possible that he was really afraid? This question was more than the cadets could answer, and it furnished food for much speculation.

Don hurried into the room soon after supper with a grin on his face. "Well, I got it!" he announced.

"Got what?" asked Jim.

"I got my watch tonight," Don explained. "From eleven 'til twelve I patrol from the end of the campus to the east gate, up the hill and down."

"And while you are walking we'll be blissfully sleeping," smiled Terry.

"Oh, I don't mind, tonight," answered Don. "It looks as though it is going to be a peach of a night, with a big moon. I may be a whole lot luckier than you two, at that. You may get something like two or three in the morning, perhaps on a rainy morning, and I'll be the one to sleep blissfully."

"Say," spoke up Jim. "Your patrol takes you right back of Clanhammer Hall, doesn't it?"

There was silence for a minute and then Don nodded. "Yes, it does," he said. "I pass right back of it. From the edge of the campus I walk back of the hall, down the slope near the lake and to the gate. Yes, I'll pass the old place a good many times, I guess."

"Perhaps you'll see something that may help a bit," Terry said. "Be careful not to get tangled up in anything, though."

Don was compelled to go to bed until a quarter of eleven, when the Officer of the Day rapped on his door and in a low tone told him to report for guard duty. Both of the other boys were sound asleep when Don left the room and went to the office. A cadet by the name of Arthurs was due to be relieved, and Don received final instructions. Then, taking his rifle, which the cadets used in drill, Don went out of the side door of Locke Hall to the edge of the campus and waited for Arthurs.

The cadet came across the campus from the direction of the old hall and saluted Don briskly. He said that there was nothing to report.

"I'm a little sorry to have you relieve me," he smiled. "Although I'm getting tired of tramping up and down. Nice night, isn't it?"

Don said that it was, and after saying goodnight to Arthurs he commenced his patrol. His way led him across the grassy campus back of the school, back of the gloomy old hall and down the slope near the lake to the iron gate at the east end of the school grounds. He made his first trip and found that it took him a full five minutes from point to point.

Don rather liked the whole idea. It might be quite useless as far as definite results went, but it was fun and a touch of the life which interested him. All of the boys would have to take turns at it, and he knew as he paced up and down that other cadets were patrolling on the other three sides of the school. He had been very fortunate in the time, for a fine big moon rode overhead, lighting the country up in a yellow splendor. The night was cool, but not unpleasantly so, and he felt exhilarated as he moved along with a swift, snappy stride.

Each time he passed back of the old hall he looked searchingly at it, but it was deserted and black, seemingly wrapped up in its covering of ivy. Down by the east gate he lost sight of it, and it was a minute or more before he once more walked around back of it. Don had been patrolling for almost forty minutes, and was now down near the gate. Reaching it, he swung around and started on his backward patrol.

He once more came in sight of Clanhammer Hall and started to pass by it. His patrol had taken him some fifty feet back of the hall, close to some small trees, and he entered a patch of black shadows. From force of habit he looked at the old building and then came to a swift halt.

A file of seven men, bending low and obviously keeping in the shadows of the old place, was making its way around the corner of the building. Each of these cadets, whose uniforms Don could plainly make out, held something in his hand. Astonishment seized Don, and although he had a faint notion of what might be going on, he could hardly believe it.

But he knew his duty and he was quite determined to carry that out. It was evident to him that they thought he was still down by the gate. Lowering his rifle he stepped forward and then stopped.

He thought at first that they intended to gather in some corner outside the building, but he found he was mistaken. They had approached a cellar window and the leader raised it and thrust his leg through. Don hurried forward, challenging them sharply.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

The seven cadets, with the leader halfway through the window, started and turned. Don's suspicions were confirmed. They were all fourth class men and each one of them had tools in his hand. They looked foolish and confused and glanced at each other.

"Hey!" cried Don, as no one spoke. "What's going on here?"

"We were going in to fix up this old hall for a dance, Mercer," said a cadet.

Don was bewildered. "On a night like this, when we have guard duty?" he cried. "And almost at twelve o'clock. You guys must be bats!" A sudden suspicion came over him. "Tell me, whose idea was this?"

There was an interval of silence and then the cadet who had answered him at first replied. "Vench's idea."

"I thought so," nodded Don. "Why did he pick out tonight and why this place?"

"Well," answered the spokesman. "He said he was going to put on a dance that would go down in history, and he wanted to do the decorating tonight, when there were guards out, and we'd have it in Clanhammer Hall, because nobody ever goes in there."

"Where is Vench now?" asked Don.

"Inside."

"Inside Clanhammer Hall!" cried Don sharply.

"Yes. He went in early to look the place over, and we were to join him in there."

Don was taken aback at the news. If there was anything to be learned in that hall Vench might stumble on it, and he was disappointed to think that someone beside himself had been in Clanhammer first. Well, there was just one thing to do and that was to enter the old school himself. He turned to the waiting cadets.

"You fellows get back to your rooms at once, and do it without being seen by anyone. I won't report you unless you disobey me. You've been a lot of silly fools to listen to Vench at all. Why, if you are caught you will probably be expelled! Have your dance when the colonel returns but not now. Now get back, before I am compelled to turn in a report of this."

The seven cadets, glad of the chance to escape from an adventure which had begun to worry them, slipped away without a word toward the main hall. Don turned once more to the cellar window, prepared to enter the dark and forbidding place. But he drew back with a slight start.

The cellar window went up and was secured and a head appeared in the half light. Cadet Vench scrambled up and out of the window, his uniform covered with cobwebs and dirt. He looked briefly at Don and would have walked off, but Don grasped him by the arm.

"Here, Vench," Don called. "Wait a minute. Let me look at your face. What is the matter?"

He swung the cadet toward him and for a brief instant the other looked at him with wide eyes. Don almost gasped. The ordinarily brown face of Cadet Vench was white, his eyes were big and his hands shook. Don released his hold.

"What did you see in there, Vench?" he asked.

"Nothing," returned the other, dropping his eyes.

"Yes, you did," retorted Don. "Out with it. Let's have it."

"I didn't see anything!" snapped Vench, stepping away from him. "You let me go, Mercer. I--I want to get away from this place. You keep your mouth closed about it, too."

He strode away, and Don was strongly tempted to recall him and make him tell or suffer the consequences. But he was undecided as to what course to follow and he watched the cadet disappear in the direction of Locke Hall. Once more Don looked at the hall so near at hand. There was no sound and he wondered if he should go in or not.

But he did not feel like going in. Vench had seen something in there that had made him turn white. And for another thing, his patrol time was up, a thing for which he was not altogether sorry. So with this new angle to puzzle over Don went back to report his patrol over with and sought his bed, to wonder and speculate until he fell asleep.

_7. Jim Makes an Enemy_

"The thing to do," said Rhodes, "is to make Vench talk."

It was a few days later, and the cadets were talking things over back of the boathouse. Rhodes, Jim, Terry and Don were sitting on an overturned boat discussing the thing in detail. Don had told them of the events which he had seen, and they were all agreed that Vench had seen something of importance in Clanhammer Hall.

But Vench would not talk. He blustered and he sneered, but he would not open his mouth. He began by saying that he had seen nothing, and ended by saying that he would not tell what he had seen. With that they had to be content, but they were far from being satisfied.

The period of preliminary training was now over and the boys in the fourth class were definitely assigned to divisions. Jim was the luckiest of all, for he was made lieutenant of the cavalry. Don remained in the infantry and Terry went with the artillery unit. Jim was elated with his good fortune and declared that he was going to work hard for a captaincy.

To Jim first fell the office of Officer of the Day. At some time in the year each cadet served in that capacity. His duties were not complicated but consisted of the job of making the rounds of the dormitories just before the lights were put out to see if everything was in order. Immediately after they were out he had to walk down all halls and see to it that no cadet was still up. Then he was to turn in his report and return to his own room.

It was at a quarter after nine when Jim reported to Major Tireson in the office and received his instructions and his report book. He found that he had been assigned to Clinton Hall and after receiving his instructions he went there. It was the practice at the school to put the Officer of the Day in another hall, so that no excuse would be made for personal friends if any infraction of the rules occurred. At the same time that Jim was inspecting Clinton Hall another cadet was inspecting Locke and another Inslee, in each case the Officer of the Day being from another hall.

Jim began his duties at once. Coming to the first room in Clinton Hall he raised his hand and rapped smartly. There was a "Come in" from the other side of the door and Jim entered. As soon as the cadets in the room saw that it was the Officer of the Day they put down their books and rose, saluting as they did so. Jim returned the salute and then looked keenly around the room, noting the condition of the bed, the closet, the place of the cadets' hats and the general look of the room. Everything was in place and Jim placed an OK beside the number of the room. His duty was to inspect the room and report any irregularities on the part of the cadets themselves, but unless these irregularities were very flagrant the cadet officers never did report them.

"Very well, gentlemen," nodded Jim, and left the room. The two cadets resumed their studying and Jim went to the next room. In each dormitory room he followed the same procedure. The first floor having been attended to he went to the second and repeated the process.

He had now come to the last room and he knocked. There was no immediate answer and he pushed his way in. To his surprise he found that Cadet Vench was in the room, sitting at the window on the sill, looking out at the ivy-covered wall of an addition which loomed up close to his window. It was then that Jim remembered that Vench, who had formerly roomed in Locke Hall, had been transferred, at his own request, to Clinton. Asked as to why he had obtained a transfer Vench had replied that the bunch in Locke made him sick and he wanted to be nearer friends. It was the boastful little cadet whom Jim was now facing.

Vench turned quickly at his step and his right hand went behind his back. But he was not quick enough to hide what he was holding. Jim saluted him and the cadet returned it. Before speaking Jim inspected the room and then turned once more to Vench.

"Your room is all right, Mr. Vench," reported the Officer of the Day. "But you yourself must be reported for smoking a cigarette."

"You're not going to report that, Mercer," replied Vench, easily.

"No, I'm not," agreed Jim. "I am going to allow you to report it yourself, Mr. Vench. In that way you will save yourself a few 'groan marks.'"

"Groan marks" were demerits, and if enough of them were gathered by a cadet he was expelled. If a cadet accumulated a few of them he lost valuable privileges. But Cadet Vench smiled and shook his head.

"I guess we'll just forget all about it, eh, Mercer?" he suggested.

But Jim shook his head calmly. "No we won't, Mr. Vench. Smoking is absolutely against the rules of the institution. You may enjoy it, and perhaps some of the other fellows do too, but they don't do it, and if you see fit to, you'll have to stand what comes to you."

"Don't preach to me, Mercer!" snapped the little cadet.

"I'm not preaching. If you don't go and report, I shall be compelled to do it for you. So make up your mind at once, please."

Vench's face flushed. "All full of soldier-boy dignity and importance, aren't you, Mercer? No sense of fair play or honor about you."

"Why, yes, I think that there is," retorted Jim, coolly. "I'm giving you a chance to report yourself and lighten your punishment. Seems to me that I couldn't be any fairer than that."

"You could forget it altogether," cried Vench heatedly. "Look here, Mercer, I'll make it worth your while!"

"In what way?" asked Jim, his eyes narrowing.

"Well, I have a little money that the officers don't know anything about----"

"That will do!" snapped Jim. "A moment ago you were talking about honor! How much honor do you think is in a proposition like that?"

Vench took a step forward, his face flaming. "Look here you--you cad! Do you mean to say that I'm not honorable? I'll have you understand that some of the noblest blood in old France runs in my veins!"

"That won't help you now," returned Jim. "As far as that goes, I guess my own blood is pretty good, although I'm not aware that any of it came from noblemen, unless they happened to be the only kind of noblemen that count, honest people."

"See here, you!" hissed the enraged cadet. "You only talk like this because you are the Officer of the Day. I'd be quick to call you out if you weren't."

"I won't be Officer of the Day tomorrow," said Jim coldly. "If you want to, you may call me out then, though I doubt if you will do anything as rash as that. Come, Mr. Vench, make up your mind what to do."

"I'll turn myself in," fairly shouted the little cadet. "And then I'll seek satisfaction from you, you high and mighty soldier boy!"

"Anything you please," shrugged Jim. "Do not forget to report yourself, Mr. Vench, for I am going to make a notation of the circumstance, and if you fail to do it, it will be tough for you."

With that Jim turned on his heel and walked out of the room. He was angrier than he had allowed Vench to see, for he hated the suggestion of a bribe and the manner of the cadet had been irritating. Just as he got out into the hall the lights were snapped out and he had one more duty to perform. He walked down the halls and saw to it that all doors were closed and all was quiet and then went back to Locke Hall, where he related his experience to Terry and Don.

"You did perfectly right," agreed Don.

"I doubt if he'll fight," said Terry. "He likes to make a big noise, but I don't think he will say another word about it."

But Terry was wrong. Cadet Vench reported his break in the rules and received fifty demerits. Two hundred demerits was sufficient to keep a cadet out of all activities and two hundred and fifty was the limit. Vench lost a few privileges and he was boiling with rage. That afternoon Cadet Willis, a roommate of Vench's, came into the room where Don and Jim were preparing to go out for track.

"May I speak to you a moment, Mr. Mercer?" he asked Don.

"Certainly, Mr. Willis," nodded Don, and followed him out into the hall. Terry looked at Jim and whistled.

"Ah, ha!" said the red-headed boy. "War is declared!"

When Don came back he grinned at Jim. "Well, you're in for it, kid," he said. "Cadet Willis brought to me, your second, a formal declaration of war. If you aren't scared to death you will kindly meet Mr. Vench in physical combat back of the gym at eight o'clock this evening!"

"Well," grinned Jim. "I'm scared to death, all right, but I'll meet him just the same. I'll be so nervous I won't be able to run or study all afternoon!"

The news of Vench's challenge spread like wildfire, and just before eight o'clock a group of the cadets, constantly increasing in number, assembled back of the gym. The spot selected was well fitted for the fight, as it was just back of a large window from which a stream of light came, and well out of sight of the main school building. Jim and his friends reached the place at eight and Jim immediately peeled off his shirt and moved his arms about to limber them up. Vench had not as yet appeared, and when five minutes passed by with no sign of him the cadets began to murmur things decidedly not complimentary to the absent one.

"Here comes Willis," spoke up a cadet, at last. "But he is alone."

Willis, with a worried look on his face, approached the group, and ignoring the questions put to him, spoke to Don.

"May I have a word with you, Mercer?" he asked.

He took Don aside and they talked in low tones for a moment, after which Willis hurried off and Don walked slowly back to the group. There was a faint smile on his face, and he handed Jim his shirt.

"Put your shirt on, Jim," he said. Turning to the cadets he said, "Boys, there has been a mistake made. When Mr. Vench asked Mr. Willis to be his second Mr. Willis presumed it was to be a fist fight. It was not until a few minutes ago that Mr. Willis, to his vast astonishment, found out that Mr. Vench is very blood-thirsty. Mr. Vench claims that my brother insulted his honor and that nothing less than blood would satisfy him. He was coming out here with two dueling swords, obtained from the museum upstairs, and it took Mr. Willis and some friends several minutes to disarm him and take the weapons away. Under the circumstances, there will be no fight, I guess!"

There was a moment of amazed silence and then the cadets broke loose in excited talk. Mr. Vench was treated to a verbal overhauling that left nothing to be desired, and many a scornful laugh was uttered as the cadets went back to their rooms. A dozen plans to annoy and remind the hot-headed cadet were immediately made up.

"Nothing but blood would satisfy him, eh?" laughed Terry when they were back in their rooms. "Well, if he had run up against Jim's fist he would have been satisfied, all right."

Jim dismissed the whole thing and thought no more of the little cadet. But from that time on the noisy newcomer was in misery. Everywhere he went he saw some evidence of his rashness and foolishness. Paper swords were hung on his door, gentlemen in grotesque positions were sketched on the blackboards, engaged in dueling, and whenever he was around some pair of cadets were sure to fence with rulers or whatever they had handiest. He was angry and unhappy, but knowing as he did that he had made a sorry spectacle out of himself he kept quiet except when he was alone. He had lost the friendship of even his roommate, who felt his own position ridiculous, and the loud cadet was silenced for the time being.

"It's all the doings of that Mercer bunch," he told a friend savagely. "But I'm just waiting for my chance. Wait until it comes, and I'll make Jim Mercer and his gang suffer for this. Just wait until it comes, that's all!"

_8. The Fall Offensive_

One of the events most eagerly awaited by the cadets each year was the fall military offensive. It was designed to give the cadets, especially the newer ones, some taste of actual military work. Rhodes explained it to the friends.

"The idea is to teach unity of action between the different branches of the service," the senior said. "First of all, the infantry takes up its position with the artillery under cover just back of it and waits there until the actual shelling begins. The cavalry, dismounted, is stationed somewhere near to support the infantry. After the shelling of a hill--we generally shell an old hill which we call Hill 31--the infantry advances close behind the fire of the artillery, meanwhile getting a message through somehow to the cavalry to dismount and fall in on the wings. I don't know how the message will be sent this year. Sometimes they send it through by telephones that the engineers put up and sometimes they send a runner through the hill just before the bombardment or after it. When we take up the active campaign we don't use these uniforms, of course. We get into the regular khaki and go at it right. I guess we'll get to it soon."

It was a week later when Major Tireson issued orders that the fall offensive was to take place. The cadets were overjoyed at the prospect, for it meant three days of vacation. It was the custom then to camp out one day, drill on the second, and attack the imaginary enemy on the morning of the third day, returning home in the evening. To Jim, who was an officer of the cavalry, instructions were given.

The captain and lieutenants of the infantry, artillery and cavalry were present at the time instructions were given. There was no captain of the cavalry, for the last captain had graduated, and Major Tireson was undecided as to whether to make Jim or a cadet named Thompson captain. Consequently, both of them were lieutenants and equals. The major explained that the infantry would wait until the shelling was over and then advance on the hill. The artillery officers were instructed in the method and time, and then Major Tireson turned to the cavalry lieutenants.

"You understand, boys, how you are to advance dismounted when the word comes to you?" he asked, and the lieutenants nodded. "Very well," continued Major Tireson. "Mercer, you are to have charge of the left wing of the cavalry and are to take up a position on the east side of Hill 31. Thompson, you will take your place on the west side of the hill, on the flank of the infantry, and you will send a man over Hill 31 as soon as the firing has been stopped. The artillery fire will be ended all in one burst, there will be no scattering shots, and it will be perfectly safe to send your man over the hill to inform Lieutenant Mercer to join the left wing of the infantry. We are going to act as though our telephone lines were down at the time, and the message is to be delivered by word of mouth. You both understand plainly?"

Both cavalry lieutenants replied that they did understand and after looking over maps they went back to rooms to prepare. Official word was passed around the school and campaign uniforms were issued, together with "tin hats," trench tools and all the necessary implements. The artillery was brought out, horses prepared, and one brilliant morning late in October the three divisions marched away to the practice warfare.

Hill 31 was twelve miles from Woodcrest and in wild country, where the danger of running across anyone was slight. The infantry marched first, the artillery rumbling back of them, and in the rear, the cavalry unit followed leisurely. The spirits of the cadets were raised by the clear and sparkling air and the bright sunshine, and they marched with a swing. Terry, who was riding a gun carriage, laughed at Don when they all halted for a brief rest.

"Seems like Jim and I have the cream of the outfit," he grinned. "I ride a gun carriage and Jim rides a fine horse. Little old Donny walks along on his feet."

"I don't mind," retorted Don. "You and Jim will grow old and fat, while I will still be in my prime, due to the fact that I used my feet. When you two are in your wheelchairs, I'll come around and see you."

Terry laughed. "That's how you talk, but wouldn't you just jump at the chance to ride!"

In the afternoon they reached a long, dusty plain, with Hill 31 before them. Here the cadets made camp. A small city of tents shot up like magic, all hands helping. Four rows of orderly tents stood erected before nightfall, and then there was a drill and review. After that the cadets were free to do as they wished, although no one was permitted to go far afield.

In the evening there were races and wrestling and soon after supper taps sounded. The night was cold and clear, guards patrolled the camp, and the boys were glad to get a good night's sleep. At six in the morning, they were roused from bed by the blare of the bugle and a busy day began.

There was inspection and roll call, breakfast, drill, and a long march for all divisions. In the afternoon the cavalry drilled on horses, the artillery cadets went through a rigid examination in sighting and range finding, and the ever busy infantry once more drilled. Just before they went to bed that night Major Tireson summoned all officers into his tent and gave final instructions for the shelling and advance on the following morning.

"But I have changed one phase of my plans," he added, turning to the two cavalry lieutenants. "I have decided, Lieutenant Thompson, that you will not send a man over the hill at any time. We will use the telephone connection, and you are to call Lieutenant Mercer on the phone and tell him when to join the flank of the infantry in the advance. The reason for informing him is so that you will both form the junction with the infantry at precisely the same time. From your position you can see the infantry advance, which Lieutenant Mercer cannot do, and so it will be your duty to send him word to dismount and move up. Is that all clear?"

Both lieutenants agreed that it was and went back to their tents. Taps sounded and the young soldiers literally fell into bed and slept the sleep of exhaustion. In the morning they got up without enthusiasm, but as soon as they had washed in cold water and become wide awake they snapped into action with vigor.

Events moved rapidly after breakfast. The infantry swung into position, and with bayonets fixed as though for a charge, took up a position behind a low ridge in the field. The artillery rumbled into position and the cavalry left the camp.

Just before the cavalry left Jim noted that Lieutenant Thompson was not at the head of the second division. While he was wondering what the trouble was the major came up and looked over the troops. He addressed a second lieutenant named Stillman.

"Lieutenant Stillman," asked the major, "where is Lieutenant Thompson?"

"He was taken ill, sir," reported Stillman. "It looks very much as though he will not be able to take the field today."

The major frowned. "Ill, eh?" He thought for a moment. "Lieutenant Stillman, do you understand the plans for the advance this morning?"

"Why, I believe so, sir," said the second lieutenant. "Lieutenant Thompson told me all of the plans the day before yesterday."

"Very well," nodded the major, turning away. "You are in charge of the west wing, Lieutenant Stillman. Kindly carry out the plans to the best of your ability."

He turned away, leaving Stillman flushed with pleasure at the unexpected responsibility and the cavalry moved forward, Stillman's division toward the west side of the hill and Jim's toward the east side. There was a doubt in Jim's mind that he could not shake off.

"Oh, well," he murmured, as they galloped off. "I suppose Stillman is capable enough. I feel a little more confidence in Thompson, though."