"
"That's fine," laughed Dave. "But we'll probably have to buck
up against more fellows than we do on an athletic field. And
probably dozens of them go in with the same determination."
"I don't care," declared Prescott. "I want that West Point cadetship.
I've wanted it for years, and now the chance has come. I'm going
to have it!"
Dave Darrin gradually succeeded in working himself into the same
frame of mind. Yet there were many moments when he was tortured
by doubts as to whether the "Gridley spirit" would serve in bucking
a long line of young fellows all equally anxious to get to Annapolis.
The first step taken by Dick and Dave was to get excused from
the High School for the time.
Both boys had lists of the studies and standards required for
entrance to the Military Academy or the Naval Academy. Dick and
Dave, each in his own room at home, spent the next few days in
"boning" as neither had ever "boned" before.
"But we must get three hours in the open air each day, Dave,"
Dick insisted. "We mustn't go up for the trial with our nerves
shattered by moping all the time indoors."
Only Dick & Co., and a very few friends, knew what Dick and Dave
were planning. It was kept a secret.
The date of the High School senior ball was set for December 17.
"Can you be back in time to go to the ball?" Laura Bentley asked
Prescott.
"I'm afraid not, Laura. Besides, when I get back from Wilburville,
I'm afraid I'll feel pretty well tired out.
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