that the lucky ones were young
men of excellent character.

Then the Congressman wished the young men all the luck in the
world, and bade them good evening, after informing them that they
would hear, presently, from the Secretary of War with full instructions
for West Point, and from the Secretary of the Navy for Annapolis.

"Fancy Phin Drayne passing in his references for the character
ordeal!" chuckled Tom Reade, as the three chums walked down the
street.

"What time does the next train leave for Gridley?" suddenly demanded
Dave.

"In twelve minutes," answered Tom, after looking at his watch.

"Let's run, then!" proposed Dave.

"We can mope, and have five minutes to spare," objected Reade.

"Let's run, just the same!" urged Dick Prescott.

The three chums broke into a run that brought them swiftly to
the station, red faced, laughing and happy.

"Oh, what a difference since the morning!" sang Dick blithely.
"Say, just think! West Point really for mine!"

"Bosh!" grunted Darrin happily. "I'm going to Annapolis!"

Then, as by a common impulse Dick and Dave seized Tom Reade by
either hand.

"Tom," uttered Dick huskily, "we owe you for a lot of the nerve
and confidence that carried us through to-day!"

"Tom Reade," declared Darrin. tremulously, "you're the best and
most dependable fellow on earth!"

"Shut up, both of you," growled Reade, in a tone of disgust.
"You're getting as prosy as that Congressman---and that's the
most insulting thing I can think of to say to either of you."

The train seemed fairly to fly home. It was keeping pace with
the happy spirits of the young men, who, at last, came to realize
that the great good news was actually true.

Neither Dick nor Dave could think of walking home from the station.
They broke into a run. By and by they discovered that Tom Reade
was, no longer with them.

"Now isn't that just like old Tom?" laughed Darrin, when he discovered
that their friend was missing. "Well, anyway, I can't wait.
Here's where our roads branch, Dick, old fellow. And say! Aren't
we the lucky simpletons? Good night, old chum!"

Dick fairly raced into the bookstore conducted by his parents.
He almost upset a customer who was leaving with a package under
his arm.

"Dad!" whispered Dick, leaning briefly over the counter and laying
a hand on Mr. Prescott's shoulder. "I passed and won! I'm going
to West Point!"

A look of intense happiness wreathed his father's face and