ans for a flying visit
to West Point," the letter ran on. "Belle is simply delighted
with the idea. She has heard from Mr. Darrin, but he suggests
September as the best time for us to visit Annapolis. So mother
will bring Belle and myself to West Point. We can spend two or
three days there. We shall arrive late on the afternoon on-----"

As Dick read the date, he gave a start.

"Why, they'll be here tomorrow afternoon," throbbed Prescott.

Then and there Prescott stood up in the low-ceilinged tent and
tossed his campaign hat up to the ridgepole. That piece of headgear
didn't have far to travel, but Dick accompanied it with an "hurrah!"
uttered almost under his breath.

"Won't Greg be the tickled boy!" murmured Prescott; joyously.
"Some one from home---and folks that we both like!"

Presently some of the drill squads returned to camp. Greg and
Anstey came in, warm and curious.

"Did you get into any trouble with the O.C., old ramrod?" questioned
Anstey in his soft voice.

"I don't believe I did," Dick answered.

Anstey nodded his congratulations.

"Greg, old fellow, guess what's going to happen soon?" demanded
Prescott.

"I'd rather you'd tell me."

"Folks from home! Mrs. Bentley, Laura and Belle Meade will be
here late tomorrow afternoon!

"Great!" admitted Cadet Holmes, but to Dick's ear his chum's enthusiasm
seemed perfunctory.

"We'll drag femmes to the hop tomorrow night, eh, Greg?"

"Anything on earth that you say, old ramrod," agreed Holmes placidly,
then stepped out of his tent to visit across the way.

"Spoony femmes?" inquired Anstey.

"Spooniest ever!" Dick declared.

"L.P.?"

"Not on your coming shoulder-straps!" retorted Prescott, an eager
look in his eyes. "And say, Anstey, you're going to the hop tomorrow
night, aren't you?

"Hadn't thought so," replied the other quietly.

"Anything else on?"

"Nothing particular."

"Then be at the hop, Anstey, old bunkie--do! I want you to meet
both the young ladies, and dance at least a couple of numbers
with each."

"I reckon I'd go through fire or water for you, or Holmesy," murmured
the Virginian quietly.

"Oh, it isn't going to be anything like such an ordeal as that,"
laughed Dick happily. "Just wait until you've seen the young
ladies. That's all!"

"As they-----" Anstey paused. Then he went on, after considering:
"As they come from home, old ramrod, I should think you and Holmesy
would want them all to yourselves."