"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.