Mr. Spokes then asked from each of the young men the name of his
school principal, the address of his clergyman and of one business
man. These were references to whom Mr. Spokes would write at
once in order to inform himself that the lucky ones were young
men of excellent character.
Then the Congressman wished the young men all the luck in the
world, and bade them good evening, after informing them that they
would hear, presently, from the Secretary of War with full instructions
for West Point, and from the Secretary of the Navy for Annapolis.
"Fancy Phin Drayne passing in his references for the character
ordeal!" chuckled Tom Reade, as the three chums walked down the
street.
"What time does the next train leave for Gridley?" suddenly demanded
Dave.
"In twelve minutes," answered Tom, after looking at his watch.
"Let's run, then!" proposed Dave.
"We can mope, and have five minutes to spare," objected Reade.
"Let's run, just the same!" urged Dick Prescott.
The three chums broke into a run that brought them swiftly to
the station, red faced, laughing and happy.
"Oh, what a difference since the morning!" sang Dick blithely.
"Say, just think! West Point really for mine!"
"Bosh!" grunted Darrin happily. "I'm going to Annapolis!"
Then, as by a common impulse Dick and Dave seized Tom Reade by
either hand.
"Tom," uttered Dick huskily, "we owe you for a lot of the nerve
and confidence that carried us through to-day!"
"Tom Reade," declared Darrin.
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