nnapolis.

"The examinations by the physicians here will not be conclusive
for the successful candidates. The final physical examinations,
like the final scholastic examinations, will be made at West Point
and Annapolis.

"Now, each young gentleman who passes the physical examination
will receive a signed card with his name on it. Such successful
young men are then excused until one o'clock. At one o'clock
sharp the young men who have certificates from the medical examiners
may report for their scholastic examinations. Do not come here,
however, for the scholastic examinations. West Point aspirants
will report at the High School, and those for Annapolis at the
Central Grammar School.

"Now, at eight o'clock this evening you return here. At that
hour, or as soon there after as possible, announcement will be
made, from this platform, of the names of the successful young
men and their alternates. Now the young men for West Point forward,
the Annapolis hopefuls downstairs!"

Inside of two minutes the town hall was bare, save for the presence
of Tom Reade, who, with his hands in his pockets, walked about,
whistling.

In forty-five minutes Dick, flushed an breathless, broke in upon
Tom, as the latter sat waiting patiently for his friends.

"I've passed the doctors all right," announced Dick, producing
his card.

"That's all right, then," nodded Tom. "And the rest will be easier."

Twenty minutes later Dave Darrin join them.

"I've passed---that part of the trial," he proclaimed.

"Then, until twelve o'clock, there's nothing to do but go out
and kill time," declared Reade.

"Twelve o'clock" repeated Dick. "You mean one o'clock."

"I mean twelve," retorted Tom, with emphasis. "At twelve you
eat; you don't gorge, but you chew and swallow something nourishing.
Then you'll be in fit shape for the little game of the afternoon."

Both of the chums had reason to realize the weight of their debt
to jovial, helpful Reade; who was banishing care and keeping their
minds off their suspense. In fact time passed quickly until it
was time for Dick and Dave once more to part, to seek their separate
examinations.

Just forty of the boys who wanted to go to West Point had passed
the doctors as being presumably fit in body and general health.
Twenty-seven of the Annapolis aspirants had passed the doctors.
Already three dozen disappointed young Americans were on their
way home, their dream over.

Tom Reade chose t