hat
was surprising when one considered the adventures that had but lately
befallen them. Over and over again did they have to tell of their
doings while on the Pacific, and as Crusoes, and some of the cadets
never tired of listening to the stories. A few, including Lew Flapp,
did not believe them true, but the majority did, and that was enough
for the Rovers.

Dick was now advancing in years, and he knew that before long he would
either have to go into business or to college, which he had not yet
fully decided. To tell the truth, the thought of separating from his
brothers was exceedingly distasteful to him.

"If I went to college I'd like you fellows to be with me," he said one
day to Tom and Sam. "There would be no fun in going alone."

"That's true," answered Tom. "But if you wanted us to go together you'd
have to wait for Sam and me to catch up to you."

"Well, I might spend a year or so in traveling while I waited, or Sam
and you might hurry up a little," answered the eldest Rover.

During those days but little out of the ordinary happened. Dick took
especial care to avoid Lew Flapp, and the tall youth did not attempt to
bother him. It was soon learned that Flapp was more of a braggart than
anything else, and then even some of the smaller boys grew less afraid
of him.

As already told, it had been decided by Captain Putnam to have the
cadets elect a new set of officers for the term, and these officers
were to be chosen in a somewhat different manner than heretofore.

"In the past," said the captain, when addressing the students on the
subject, "you have been permitted to elect whoever you pleased to any
office, from major down. This has occasionally resulted in someone
being chosen who, while he might be a good scholar and a good fellow
generally, was not exactly fitted to a military position. On that
account I have made a change. Next Wednesday and Thursday I shall hold
a general examination in military matters only, and the twenty pupils
standing highest shall be the ones eligible for the positions of major,
captain, and first and second lieutenants. On these twenty names you
shall vote as heretofore. As we now have three companies here we shall
want a major, three captains, and six lieutenants, making a total of
ten officers. After that each company shall choose its own corporals
and sergeants. The company marching best on parade the following
Saturday shall have the honor of carrying the flag until afte