"Arrangements. Didn't you see the list posted in the mess hall? I don't envy you. There will be lots to do." "Suppose you take pity on my ignorance, and go a little more into details." Whereupon Paul did, describing the affair at length. It was to take place, as usual, in February, and this time would be held on Washington's birthday. "Maybe we won't have fun!" exclaimed Paul. "There'll be all sorts of costumes, and the decorations will be immense. You'll have to help with them." "Then I'd better get busy," declared Dick. "I must see who's chairman of my committee, and report for work. What character are you going to portray, Paul?" "I think I shall go as a Colonial officer. I always did like a powdered wig." "Talcum powder, instead of gun powder," retorted Dick. "That's the calibre of such tin soldiers as you." "Halt!" called Paul, as Dick prepared to run away. "As punishment I'll not introduce you to a certain pretty girl I know, who is coming to the dance." "Then I'll surrender and beg your pardon!" cried Dick. "What part will you play?" asked Paul. "You'd look swell dressed as an Indian." "I think I'll take the part of a cannon swab, and then I'll not have to bother about a suit. But more of that later. I'm going to see what I have to do." Dick found out from the chairman of his committee that there was plenty of work to prepare for the fete, and he did his share. One day he had to go to a nearby town to purchase some of the decorations. It was two days before the fancy dress ball was to take place, and, having made his purchases, Dick prepared to return to the Academy. As he was about to board a trolley car, which ran near Kentfield, he heard a voice calling: "How are you, Dick Hamilton?" He turned, to see a tall, well-built lad, of about his own age, who was smiling at him in a friendly fashion. At first he did not recognize the youth. "You don't know me, I see," went on the other. "I once had the pleasure of interviewing you about a gold brick game----" "Why, Larry Dexter! How are you?" cried Dick, turning aside from the car, and holding out his hand to the other. "I did not get a good look at you, or I would have known you at once. What good wind blows you here? Can't you stay and come over to our Academy? Where have you been? How is the newspaper business?" "My, you'd do for a reporter yourself!" exclaimed Larry Dexter, with a smile. "I'm glad you haven't forgotten me though. Have you been swindled lately? I'd like a good story. The one I came down here after didn't pan out."