"Of course. We'll have to tell what we'd do if, leading a small force of men, we happened to meet with an overwhelming army in a mountain pass, hemmed in on every side." "I'd surrender," said Paul, with a laugh. "I wouldn't; I'd fight," said Dick grimly, and he squared his jaw after the manner of Grit, his bulldog. "Oh, well, we'll have lots of sport," went on Paul. "Of course it's for military instruction we're going, but I think we can manage to slip in a good time now and again." "Sure," replied Dick, his eyes brightening. "When do we go?" "Day after to-morrow. Orders are to get our kits in shape. We're to go in light marching order. The tents and grub will be carried in a wagon." "That's good. I hate to pack my house, and all I want to eat, on my back." The two chums fell to discussing the pleasant prospects ahead of them, some of the freshman cadets in neighboring rooms dropping in occasionally to get points on what to do and how to do it. They were interrupted by a knock on Dick's door, and for a moment the buzz of voices ceased, as if the owners had been caught in some breach of the rules. Then, as the whistled strains of "In the Prison Cell I Sit," came to them, Dick exclaimed: "It's Toots. Come on in, you old Horse Marine." Toots entered, whistling a reveille with great precision. "Major Webster wants to see you, Mr. Hamilton," he said, saluting. "Me?" repeated Dick. "Yes. In his office." "You're in for a wigging," consoled Paul. "Court martial for yours," added 'Gene Graham. "No, I'm going to be promoted to take entire command of the camp," said Dick with a laugh as he went out. He had come nearer the truth than he thought in his jesting words. He saluted the major, who returned it, and bade him be seated. "Ah, Hamilton, by the way, before I forget it, let me say that I haven't heard anything about that marksman's medal yet," said Major Webster, referring to the one that had fallen from the pocket of Toots. "When I hear anything I'll let you know. But that wasn't why I sent for you." Dick thought it couldn't be anything serious, or the major wouldn't have begun in this fashion, so he waited. "I have been looking up your record, Hamilton," went on the old soldier, "and I am very much pleased with it. So much so, in fact, that I am going to promote you, temporarily, and give you a command." Dick's heart began to beat rapidly.