"Only boys of good character are eligible for West Point or Annapolis.

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..