"And
you girls may be sure of my keeping my promise."
"And I'll keep mine for the very first hop that comes off at Annapolis
after I get there," Darrin assured them.
The laugh was on both young men, though neither they nor their
fair young companions knew it.
The poor "plebe," as the first year's man at either West Point
or Annapolis is known, would be in for a terrible experience at
the hands of his comrades if, during his "plebe" year, he had
the "cheek" to seek to attend a cadet hop. He must wait until
he has entered his second year before he has that privilege.
This is a wise regulation. In his first year the poor "plebe"
has so bewilderingly much to learn that he simply couldn't spare
any time for the cultivation of the graces of the ballroom.
In his first year, he has dancing lessons, but that is all that
comes his way.
Greg Holmes came to Prescott with a wistful, rather sad face.
"How are you coming on, Dick?" Greg asked.
"Meaning what?"
"Are you going to be well prepared for the examinations?"
"As far as being able to pass with a decent percentage," Dick
answered, "I am not all uneasy. All that worries me is the fear
that some other fellow may have a slightly better percentage.
That would ditch me, you know."
"Oh, you'll win out," predicted Greg loyally. "And I just wish
I had a chance like yours!"
"Why don't you go in and try for it, then?" urged Dick generously.
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