At the close of the first day it was generally admitted by the workers on both sides that the two candidates for captain had about the same number of votes. Rutley was "not in it," as Paul said, and the lad himself laughingly admitted this. Still Porter and his particular set were working in his interests, not so much because they really wanted him, as that they did not want Dick to win, and they took this means of deflecting votes from him. At the last minute, it was rumored, the Rutley votes would be swung to Dutton. "But you've got heaps of chances yet, Dick," declared Paul, "and there's lots more time to canvass." But not much electioneering could be done on the next day, for a competitive drill was ordered and after that was to come artillery practice. There was barely a chance for some football work, and it had to be cut short. What little was done, however, demonstrated that the team was shaping up well, and the coaches were more than pleased. "We'll have them play the Dunkirk Military Academy next Saturday," announced Mr. Spencer, "and we'll see what they can do in a real contest." "I have great hopes of them," declared Mr. Martin. "Of course they ought to beat Dunkirk, for it's a smaller academy than this, but if they roll up a big score, bigger than Blue Hill did against the same team last year, Blue Hill can hardly refuse to play our boys, and I understand that their refusal to meet Kentfield is a sore point." "It certainly is. Oh, we'll whip our lads into shape yet, and then Blue Hill can look to her laurels." The two coaches walked over to the gymnasium, for they kept themselves in condition by hard physical work on the apparatus, as well as by out-door practice. All through the academy that night went the buzz and hum of talk about the election. Several votes changed hands, so to speak, though it could not be said that Dick's chances were increased thereby. In fact Paul was a little downcast as he reckoned up the number he was sure of for his chum, and thought of the number needed. "But I'll get them!" he told himself fiercely as he looked at the list in his hand. "There are some new fellows I haven't seen yet." "Oh, go to bed," advised Dick, who was tired with the day's duties, but Paul would not. The young millionaire was sleeping soundly when Paul came in a little later. "Well?" asked Dick, half awake. "Not very well," answered Paul dubiously, "but it may be in the morning. Dutton certainly has lots of friends." "All right," announced Dick as cheerfully as he could. It was after midnight when the two chums, as well as several other cadets, were awakened by an alarm wildly shouted. "Fire! Fire! Fire!" came in startled tones from a voice they recognized as that of Toots. "Fire in the ammunition house!" Paul and Dick were out of bed in the same instant, and rushed to the window. They saw a red glare, and the cry of Toots was echoed by other janitors.