"Hey, Toots; what's that?" called Ray Dutton. "Notice about appearing in uniform, Mr. Dutton," replied the odd soldier. "When's it to be?" "To-morrow morning." "Aw, tear that down, Toots, you imitation brigadier general you!" called another youth. "Sure. We don't want to tog up until the first of the week," added another. "Swallow that, Toots, and tell the commandant you lost it." "Orders is orders," said Toots firmly, hammering in the last tack, and leaving the hall. The afternoon was spent in assigning the new cadets to their classes, and arranging for the courses of study. They were told that formal drills would not begin until Monday, this being Thursday, nor would any recitations be heard until then. After supper, or dinner as it was called at the academy, the new boys strolled about in little groups, Dick and his five friends keeping together. "I wonder where all the older cadets are?" said Dick, as he looked about, and noticed that none was in sight. "That's so, they have disappeared," added Lyndon Butler. "I wonder what that means?" They did not have long to wait for an answer. A figure slid up to Dick, and, almost without turning he knew it to be Will. The silent youth spoke but one word: "Hazing!" Then he walked away as silently as he had approached, and Dick turned to his companions. "I guess they're getting ready to haze us freshmen," he remarked. "I thought they didn't haze here," said 'Gene Graham quickly. He was rather a small chap, and seemed very nervous. "I guess they do it in spite of the rules," said Dick. "Well, the best way is to take what's coming, and bear it as well as you can. If you don't it will be unpleasant for you. I don't believe it will be very bad." "Are you going to let 'em haze you?" asked Paul Drew. "Sure," answered Dick. "Then I guess I will, too." "Well, I s'pose it's got to be," said little 'Gene with a sigh. "I hope they don't toss us in a blanket, though." "If they do, just lie still, and you'll come down easy," advised Dick. "It'll soon be over." That night, in their room, Dick and Paul heard the sound of footsteps along the corridor. Then came smothered cries, and strange sounds in the apartments adjoining. "They're coming," whispered Paul. Dick nodded grimly. A moment later there came a soft knock on their portal. "Well?" asked Dick, though he knew who it was. "Open, in the name of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Mystic Pig," came the demand in a whisper. Dick opened the door, and in rushed several of the older cadets, led by Ray Dutton. "Oh, we've drawn a millionaire!" Dutton cried, in sneering tones. "Well, take the other chap first, fellows. Lively, now, we've got a heap of 'em to initiate!" Several lads seized Paul, who submitted with as good grace as possible. CHAPTER VII DICK THINKS HE HAS A CLUE "What's it to be, Ray, the blanket, outside, or the ordeal of the pitcher?" asked one of the cadets holding Paul.