hat, for example?" demanded George.

"His appetite is abnormal, his confidence in himself colossal, his
willingness to condescend to the level of his superiors is--"

"You're getting all mixed up," interrupted George. "A fellow has to
pass a good physical examination and that is all there is to it. Of
course if he has too long a tongue or too small a head it might shut
him out."

"Of course," assented John. "How does a fellow get a chance to try the
examination anyway?"

"He has to be named by his congressman. Most of them, I guess, have a
preliminary examination for all the boys that want to enter and then
select the one who passes the best examination. But even if he passes,
his troubles have only begun, for they make every fellow work his way."

"The government appropriates some money for every cadet, doesn't it?"
inquired John.

"Yes," replied George, "$709.50 per year. That is supposed to cover the
necessary expenses. It is not only hard work but the boys don't get but
one leave of absence in all the course, and even that isn't given until
after the first two years."

"But they have vacations, don't they?" inquired John.

"If you want to call them vacations," laughed Grant. "From about the
middle of June to the end of August the cadets go into camp. They are
busy every day."

"What does a fellow have to pass an examination in in order to enter
West Point?"

"English grammar, English composition, algebra through quadratic
equations, plane geometry, descriptive geography, physical geography,
United States history and the outlines of general history."

"I think I'll go if that's all," laughed John, who was well known to
have troubles with most of his examinations in school.

"Look at that boat over yonder!" suddenly interrupted Fred, pointing to
a motor-boat about one hundred feet away. "It looks to me as if it was
trying to pass us."

"That's just what it is trying to do," said Grant eagerly.

"Don't you let them do it, Peewee."

"That's just what I intend not to do," said Fred resolutely.

In a moment the speed of the Black Growler was increased, but it was
also manifest as the boys glanced behind them that the boat they had
noticed was in swift pursuit.

[1] See "The Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old House."

CHAPTER III

JOHN DISAPPEARS

The rival boat was distant about one hundred feet, moving in a line
nearly parallel with that which the Black Growler was following.

"I believe