e subject.

"Remember the January exams., old fellow," warned Dick. "And
the general review begins Monday. That will show you up, if you
don't keep your nose in math. and out of books on the Queensbury
rules."

"Funny how Bert Dodge keeps up in mathematics, and yet takes in
all the pleasures he can find," rumbled on Greg, as he turned
the pages of his book, seeking what he wanted. "Dodge is in the
section just under the stars, and I hear he has dreams of being
in the star section after the January ordeals."

"Dodge always was a rather good student at Gridley High School"
rejoined Prescott.

"But he never led our class there in the High School mathematics,
which is baby's play compared with West Point math."

"Well, he gets the marks now," sighed Dick. "I wish we could, too."

The academic part of the cadet's year is divided into two halves.
The first half winds up in January. During the last few weeks
before the period for the winter examination, there is a general
review in some of the subjects, notably in mathematics. This
general review brings out all of a man's weak points in his subject.
Incidentally, it should strengthen him in his weak points.

Now, if, in the general review, a cadet shows sufficient proficiency
in his subject, he is not required to take the examination. If
he fails in the general review in mathematics, he must go up for
a "writ," as a written examination is termed. And that writ is
cruelly searching. If the young man fails in the "writ," he may
be conditioned and required to make up his deficiencies in June.
If, in June, he fails to make up all deficiencies, he is dropped
from the cadet corps as being below the mental standards required
of a West Point graduate.

Neither Dick nor Greg stood high enough in mathematics to care
to go on past January conditioned. Both felt that, with conditions
extending over to the summer, they must fail in June.

"I'd sooner have my funeral held tomorrow than drop out of West
Point," Greg stated.

Prescott, while not making that assertion, knew that it would blast
his dearest hopes life if he had to go down in the academic battle.

Dodge, who was so high in mathematics that he need have little
fear, was circulating a good deal among his classmates these days
before Christmas.

"That hound, Prescott, made a slick dodge to drag me into his
disgrace," Dodge declared, to those whom he thought would be interest
in such remarks. "It was a cle