Now, the fact is, your
son was expelled from Gridley High School for a dishonorable action.
Are you content to have your son try for a cadetship, with that
record hanging over his head and enveloping his chances?"
"Who'll know anything about that record if you don't blab?" demanded
Mr. Drayne.
"Why, your son would have to state where he had attended school,
and furnish certificates of good character from his teachers,"
ran on Reade. "Now, honestly, do you think that Dr. Thornton,
of Gridley High School, would furnish a certificate on which
Congressman Spokes could appoint your boy to West Point or
Annapolis? Because, if you think so," wound up Reade, "go ahead
and put Phin in the running, to be sure."
With that Tom marched off back to his chums.
"What have you been up to?" asked Dick curiously.
"I'm manager for you two half-witted fellows, ain't I?" queried
Reade.
"What have you been saying to Mr. Drayne?" asked Dave.
"Just watch father and son, and see how they seem to be enjoying
their talk," chuckled Tom. "There, what do you see now? I thought
it would end like that."
This was the first time it had occurred to the elder Drayne that
his son's character would be inquired into. In fact, Mr. Drayne
had had half an idea that the United States Military Academy
was a place that made a specialty of reforming wild boys and
making useful citizens of them.
CHAPTER XX
When the Great News Was Given Out
At just nine o'clock Congressman Spokes came on to the platform
followed by two other men.
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