So Dick sent word to his father that he would remain at Kentfield. Fall merged into winter, and overcoats were the order of the day at all out-door exercises. Much of the drilling and parading was omitted, and more study and recitation was indulged in. What maneuvers on horseback and afoot were held, took place mainly in the big riding hall or drill room, and they were not as attractive as when held out of doors. "Well, are you going home for Christmas?" asked Paul, about a week before the holiday vacation. "Guess not," replied Dick, somewhat gloomily. "Our house is shut up, and I don't care about spending Christmas at a hotel in Hamilton Corners." "Come home with me." "No, thank you. I was thinking of visiting some of my chums at home. I believe I'll do that. I'll be glad to see them again." Dick knew he would be welcomed at the homes of any of his friends, and he planned to go to Hamilton Corners and surprise them. But alas for his hopes! When the last day of school came, and the other cadets made hurried preparations to leave for home, poor Dick was taken with a heavy cold. The surgeon forbade him leaving his room, as the weather was cold and stormy, and our hero was forced to remain at Kentfield, in charge of the housekeeper and the doctor, while the other cadets joyfully departed to happy firesides. "Sorry to leave you, old chap," said Paul, sympathetically, "but my folks wouldn't know what to do if I didn't come home over the holidays." "That's all right," said Dick, hoarsely, but as cheerfully as he could. "I'll see you after New Year's. Have a good time." "I will. Hope you get better." It was a gloomy Christmas for the young millionaire, and, as a fever set in with his cold, he couldn't even enjoy the good things which the kind housekeeper, under orders from Colonel Masterly, provided for the patient. The academy was a very lonely place indeed, Christmas day, for all the officers and cadets had gone, leaving only the housekeeper, and some of the janitors, including Toots, in charge. Dick received some tokens from abroad, sent by his father, and a cheery letter, which he answered in the same strain. "But it isn't much like Christmas," thought Dick, as he sat up in bed. Then a bright thought came to him. "Can't Toots have dinner up here with me?" he asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick. "Of course he can," she said. "Maybe it will cheer you up," and she sent for the jolly janitor. CHAPTER XIX THE MARKSMAN MEDAL Toots' advance along the corridor leading to Dick's room was announced by his rendering of the tune "The Star Spangled Banner," which he ended with a spirited bugle call. "Did you send for me, Mr. Hamilton?" he asked as he came in. "I did, Toots," said Dick. "I thought maybe you would like to have dinner with me here. I'm lonesome, and I suppose you are, too."