"Bob," remarked Stonewell the next Sunday morning, just after the commandant had finished room inspection, "this is a glorious day; what do you say to a ramble? Let's go across the river and strike into the woods; I know a trail through there, where the woods are wonderfully thick; it will be beautiful to-day." "Do you mean the path that leads by two old chestnut trees, trees of enormous size and now almost dead?" inquired Robert. "Yes, that's the place; those trees must be hundreds of years old. Then wild flowers and ferns will be out, all so fresh and lovely this time of year. Don't you just long for the woods when the spring-time comes?" "Indeed I do, Stone," cried Robert, "and this will be a fine day for a stroll." Soon the bugles rang out their call for brigade formation and hundreds of midshipmen rushed out on the terrace. Here the companies were rapidly formed and then Cadet Commander Stonewell came to an about face, saluted and reported: "Sir, the brigade is formed." Upon this the commandant, accompanied by a staff of officers and cadet officers, passed in front of the long line, scanning each midshipman closely, and corrected those who were careless in dress. The ranks were then closed and the brigade was marched to the chapel. After service was concluded the midshipmen were dismissed and Robert and Stonewell went back to their rooms together. In their absence mail had been distributed, and on the table in their room lay two letters, one for Robert, the other for his roommate. Robert's letter was from his father, and was full of cheering home news, and it was eagerly read by the young man. "By George, Stone, father enjoys his work with the Light House Board ever so much. He says----Why, Stone, old chap, what is the matter?" Stonewell was standing at the open window, looking blankly across the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. In his left hand, crushed, was the letter he had just received. His face was drawn, and in it Robert recognized an expression he had seen but once before. Intense apprehension and worry, perhaps fear, shone from Stonewell's eyes. Apparently he was oblivious to his roommate's question, for he took no notice of it. "What's the matter, Stone?" again cried Robert, rising from his chair, and going to his roommate. "Oh, Bob, excuse me for not answering your question--I was--I was thinking of something else." "But have you had bad news? You surely have, Stone. Can't you talk it over with me? Just think how much good you did me when I had bad news." Stonewell gave Robert a look of great affection and said: "Thank you, old friend, there is no one on earth I would talk with so quickly as I would with you. And it may be that I will want to talk something over with you later, but just at present, Bob, there is nothing I could say--you must excuse me." And with that Stonewell picked up his hat and strode from the room.