Because of the incidents of the march it was called off, as far as a contest was concerned, and so no inquiry was made as to why Dutton and Stiver had failed to report at the checking point. "I tell you what I think happened," said Paul, when he and Dick were discussing it in their room that night. "Well, what?" "I think Dutton and Stiver had more hard cider than was good for them. They must have quarreled, and Stiver left Dutton, who later fell from his horse. There was no excuse for them losing each other after they left Weatherby's house, and Dutton is too good a horseman to fall off, unless he couldn't take care of himself." "Maybe you're right. I'm glad we found him, though." "So am I, though I don't believe he'll treat you any better for saving his life." "Oh, I don't know as I did that. Some one would have found him before he froze to death," said Dick. Paul's idea of what had taken place between Dutton and Stiver seemed borne out by the coldness that sprang up between the two former cronies, as soon as Dutton could leave the hospital. He hardly spoke to the lieutenant of his company. Nor was he specially cordial to our hero. In a stiff sort of fashion he thanked him for what he had done, but there was no semblance of real friendship, and Dutton's crowd did not take up with Dick, as they might, reasonably, have been expected to. With the approach of spring the baseball fever began to stir in the veins of the cadets, and several nines were formed. Dick managed to get on a freshman team, much to his delight, for he was an excellent pitcher. Nor did the members of the nine regret their choice, for Dick pulled them out of several close games by his excellent twirling, which offset the errors made by his companions. CHAPTER XXV OFF TO CAMP "Hurray!" yelled Paul Drew one afternoon, as he fairly jumped into the room which he and Dick shared. "What's the matter?" asked his chum. "Matter? Why, lots. You've passed, and so have I. We're going to be corporals from now on. That's for making good records in the spring examinations. Dutton and Hale are to be majors, I heard. I'm glad for Hale's sake, but it's going to be bad for us to have Dutton given so much authority." "Why?" "Because he'll lord it over us worse than ever. Well, it can't be helped. And there's more good news. Get up and have a war dance, you old buzzard!" "Hold on!" cried Dick protestingly, as Paul yanked him from the easy chair. "What's up?" "Lots. We're going to camp!" "Camp?" "Yes; it's just been announced. We're to go and spend one week under canvas; with no lessons to worry about, and lots of chance to skylark and have fun." "I guess there'll be instructions in tactics, and recitations, won't there?" asked Dick. "It won't be all pie." "Oh, of course we'll have to do some studying, I think."