"So, as I have to go away, and close up the house," went on Mr. Hamilton, "I have arranged that you are to go to the academy a little ahead of time, about two weeks before the term opens. That will give you a chance to find your way around the place." "Where is it?" "It is the Kentfield Military Academy, located in one of the middle western states, and is near Lake Wagatook. Colonel James Masterly, a friend of mine, is the superintendent, and I have written to him concerning you. He gave me permission to send you on ahead of time, and that is what I propose to do. You will have to get ready to go at the end of this week. I hope you do not object." "Not in the least, dad. We were having lots of fun at camp, but I'll have more fun at Kentfield. Shoulder arms! present arms! Halt! parade rest! Wow! Say, dad, this is the best yet!" "Wait until you've spent a term there," advised his father. "If I don't have to start until the end of the week, I might as well go back to camp," said Dick, when he had calmed down a bit. "Just as you like. From now on I shall be too busy to see much of you, but I will make all arrangements." "All right, dad. I'll go back to camp then. I can get a late train," and Dick went to see what time it left, meanwhile whistling a succession of military airs, from "The Girl I left Behind Me," to "Yankee Doodle." He reached camp late that night, somewhat to the surprise of his chums, and they spent the next few days in crowding in as much pleasure as possible. When it became time for Dick to leave, the others decided to go back home with him, as the three weeks were nearly up. CHAPTER III GRIT ROUTS UNCLE EZRA "There's a man out in the vestibule who wants to see you, Master Dick," said Gibbs, the butler, one evening, a few days before the time of departure to the academy. "Who is it?" "Captain Handlee." "Tell him to come in." Dick knew Captain Handlee as an old soldier, who lived in a tumble-down house on the outskirts of the village. The veteran, escorted by the butler, entered shyly. Dick greeted him kindly, and the old man began almost abruptly: "Did you ever hear that I had a son?" "No, I never knew that. Where is he?" "That is what I want you to help me to find out." "You want me to help you? Why, how can I?" asked Dick. "I don't know that you can. I only hope so. Will you?" "I will do all I can for you, but perhaps you want to see my father," for Dick had an idea that the old man wanted some money for some purpose. "No, I want to see you, Mr. Dick. You see you are going to a military academy, and that is why I think you can help me." "But I don't understand." "Listen, and I will tell you. As you know, I am an old soldier, but few persons around here know that my only son was a soldier, too." "I certainly did not. I never knew that you had a son." "Well, I did, and he was a fine chap, too. He enlisted in the regular army, where I served my time, but for many years I have heard nothing about him."