escott. "I want that West Point cadetship.
I've wanted it for years, and now the chance has come. I'm going
to have it!"

Dave Darrin gradually succeeded in working himself into the same
frame of mind. Yet there were many moments when he was tortured
by doubts as to whether the "Gridley spirit" would serve in bucking
a long line of young fellows all equally anxious to get to Annapolis.

The first step taken by Dick and Dave was to get excused from
the High School for the time.

Both boys had lists of the studies and standards required for
entrance to the Military Academy or the Naval Academy. Dick and
Dave, each in his own room at home, spent the next few days in
"boning" as neither had ever "boned" before.

"But we must get three hours in the open air each day, Dave,"
Dick insisted. "We mustn't go up for the trial with our nerves
shattered by moping all the time indoors."

Only Dick & Co., and a very few friends, knew what Dick and Dave
were planning. It was kept a secret.

The date of the High School senior ball was set for December 17.

"Can you be back in time to go to the ball?" Laura Bentley asked
Prescott.

"I'm afraid not, Laura. Besides, when I get back from Wilburville,
I'm afraid I'll feel pretty well tired out."

"You're not afraid of failing?" asked Laura anxiously.

"I'm not going to allow myself to fail. Yet, even if I win, I
shall be tired out after the ordeal. Wish the ball could come
a couple of days alter the ordeal. I wanted to go to it and to
dance with you, Laura."

"I'm sorry you can't go," sighed the girl.

Darrin, too, had given up all thoughts of attending the senior
ball, and this was the first time that either lad had "skipped"
the class ball.

"It seems too bad to be away," grumbled Dave. "But I know how
I'll feel on that night. If I carry off the honors for Annapolis,
no mere ball could hold me! I'll need air and space. I'll be
lucky if I don't get arrested on that night for building bonfires
in the streets."

Dave next sighed dismally and continued:

"If I don't carry off the Annapolis prize, I'll feel so disappointed
that I won't look anybody in the face! Dick, Dick! It's fearful,
this waiting---and wanting!"

"It won't seem like the class ball a bit without you two boys,"
declared Belle Meade, pouting, the next afternoon.

"But if we get through," muttered Dave, "think of the gay, splendid
times to which we can invite you at Annapolis and West Poi