If he fails in the general review in mathematics, he must go up for a "writ," as a written examination is termed.

And that writ is cruelly searching.

If the young man fails in the "writ," he may be conditioned and required to make up his deficiencies in June.
If, in June, he fails to make up all deficiencies, he is dropped from the cadet corps as being below the mental standards required of a West Point graduate.
Neither Dick nor Greg stood high enough in mathematics to care to go on past January conditioned.

Both felt that, with conditions extending over to the summer, they must fail in June.
"I'd sooner have my funeral held tomorrow than drop out of West Point," Greg stated.
Prescott, while not making that assertion, knew that it would blast his dearest hopes life if he had to go down in the academic battle.
Dodge, who was so high in mathematics that he need have little fear, was circulating a good deal among his classmates these days before Christmas.
"That hound, Prescott, made a slick dodge to drag me into his disgrace," Dodge declared, to those whom he thought would be interest in such remarks.

"It was a clever trick! couldn't put me in disgrace, for there is no breach of regulations in borrowing a handkerchief for a moment.