"What on earth do you mean ?" "I don't like his nerve," asserted Reade.

"Here he is, giving out as if it were fresh, news that I announced two hours ago." Congressman Spokes was waiting in the anteroom to shake hands with the winners.

He congratulated the candidates most heartily, and cautioned the alternates that they also must be alert, as one or both of them might yet have a chance to pass on over the heads of the principal candidates.
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.