“Oh, that’s different.”

“The beds are all numbered, and to avoid disputes we always put the eldest boy in bed No. 1, and so on.  You can arrange this between yourselves, and I feel certain you won’t get into, dispute.”

“We won’t quarrel,” said Dick.  “I don’t how exactly how old Frank and Larry are, though.”

Then arrange to suit yourselves until they come,” concluded Mr. Strong.

Having shown then their dormitory he conducted them through the building and exhibited the various class- and drill-rooms, and then ended up by introducing them to several other pupils, including Bart Conners, the major for the term, and Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney, the two captains.

“Welcome to Putnam Hall!” cried Major Bart Conners, a tall youth of nearly seventeen.  He shook hands all around, and so did the two captains; and then the assistant teacher left the party.

“Oh, it was a shame the way Crabtree treated your brother!” said Captain Harry to Dick.  “It’s a wonder to me that Captain Putnam keeps him here.”

“I was in for getting up a petition to Crabtree removed,” put in Captain Dave.  “I think every boy in the academy would sign it.”

“I hope Captain Putnam, is not so severe,” said Fred.

“Not by a jugful, Garrison,” came from Captain Harry.  “He’s strict, and makes everybody toe the mark, but you couldn’t find a better all-around man.”

“Then he’ll suit me.”

It was now quite late, and presently a loud, clear bell rang out in the belfry.

“Six o’clock,” said Captain Dave Kearney.  “That is to bring in the boys from the playground.  They have fifteen minutes in which to wash up for supper.  Excuse me, I’ll be needed in ten minutes to form my company,” and soon the newcomers found themselves alone with several others who had just arrived at Putnam Hall.

The cadets were rushing from everywhere to the lavatories, to make themselves presentable on parade.  Soon they began to form on the grounds before the building.  Dick and the others saw them divide up into two companies, with Harry Blossom at the head of the first and Dave Kearney leading the second.  The two companies, called a battalion, were commanded by Major Bart.  In addition to the officers, there were two drummers, a bass-drummer, and two fifers.

“Companies, attention!” came the command, and the lines became rigid.  “By column of fours —­ march!” The drums struck up, and away went the columns of each company, to the front of the parade ground.  Then they wheeled to the right, the fifers started up a lively air, and the cadets marched around the hall three times, and at last into the door nearest to the mess-hall or dining room.

“By Jinks, that’s fine!” cried Sam.  “Cadet life will suit me, I’m sure of it.”

The cadets had hardly disappeared before one of the waiters in the mess-hall came forward.  “Please come right in, gents,” he said.  “Mr. Strong will give you places at the tables.”  And they went and soon found themselves seated among as jolly a set of boys as they had ever encountered.