DICK GETS A FALL
At the chapel service, which the cadets were required to attend, Dick
saw, for the first time, all his fellow students gathered together under
one roof. They were a fine body of young men, and he felt proud that he
was one of them. Every one was in full dress uniform, and a spick and
span appearance the lads made, as they marched to and from chapel, to
the music of the cadet band.
Sunday seemed quite long to Dick, but he managed to spend some pleasant
hours, strolling about with Paul Drew, and some other new cadets. He was
glad, however, when Monday came, bringing with it many duties.
For the next two weeks Dick was kept so busy, being initiated into the
mysteries of the drill, guard mounting, parade, marching in different
formations, learning the meaning of the military commands, his studies
and preparing for inspection, that he had little time to think of other
matters.
He found opportunity to ask Major Webster concerning missing Bill
Handlee, and the tactical officer made some inquiries of the war office,
but all to no effect. All trace of the veteran's son seemed to have
vanished.
"But what do you suppose made Toots--I mean Sam Sander--think he
recognized the photo?" asked Dick.
"Well, you know poor Sam isn't quite right in his head," replied the
major kindly. "He received an injury some years ago, I understand. You
can see the scar on his forehead now. That made him rather simple
minded, though he is a good worker, and very useful."
"Then I'm afraid I can't send Captain Handlee any good news."
"I'm afraid not, Hamilton."
Dick had to write the sorrowful tidings to the old soldier, much to his
regret. The young millionaire also sent a missive to his father, telling
something of the life at the academy, but saying nothing of the manner
in which he had been treated. Dick bravely resolved to fight his own
battles.
He found the studies anything but easy, but as he applied himself to his
books, he stood well in his class.
In the meantime matters were beginning to move with military regularity,
and the cadets in their natty uniforms, presented at drill, or
inspection, inspiring pictures.
At first Dick, and all the new cadets, were rather awkward at drill,
but this was to be expected, and little was thought of it. On several
occasions though, Captain Dutton, who was in command over Dick, made
sneering remarks evidently intended for our hero, who, however, did not
reply.
With the exception of Sunday and Monday, the same general routine was
followed. Reveille was sounded at six o'clock, with a second call ten
minutes later. Then came "police" inspection, and woe betide the youth
who was not spick and span. Sick call followed, but usually it was a
mere form, for the cadets were as healthy as Spartans.
On Monday there was always general inspection, when it behooved Dick and
his fellows to have their quarters in good order. Plenty of time was
allowed for study and recitation, and there was much attention given to
military life. There were lectures on tactics, and they were followed by
practical illustrations.
"I wish they'd let us have a chance at the horses," remarked Dick, to
Paul, when they were studying in their room one evening. "The older
cadets have plenty of cavalry drill, but we have to march around,
carrying heavy guns, and doing all sorts of stunts like that."
"I understand we're to have our innings next week."
"Is that so? Good!"
Dick, and many other of the new cadets who loved horses were pleased to
see a notice posted, a few days after this, stating that instructions in
riding, and cavalry exercises, were to be given in the big shed and
would begin the following Monday.
"Now we'll have some fun," said Dick. "Aren't you glad, Paul?"
"Well, I don't care much about horses. I feel safer on my feet."
"Oh, you'll get used to a horse soon enough, and then you'll never want
to walk."
There were good horses in the academy stables, and, to his delight, a
fine mount was assigned to Dick. He made friends with the animal at
once, and when the "awkward squad" was put through their paces, Dick
earned commendation from the drill master for the excellent seat he
maintained.
For a week or more Dick and his fellow freshmen practiced every day in
the riding hall. The cadets who at first sat insecurely in the saddle
were beginning to learn how to maintain themselves, and one afternoon
the drill master announced that the next day they would be allowed to go
out on the cavalry plain.
"That's the stuff!" cried Dick. "I've been wanting a good gallop for a
long time."
"Guess we won't have much chance to gallop," replied Paul, who had been
transferred to Dick's company. "Dutton's so mean he'll probably keep us
at an easy walk. He thinks no one knows how to ride but him."
"I'll show him, if I get a chance," murmured Dick.
The cadets were formed into four companies the next day, and sent out on
the cavalry plain for practice.
"Now I don't want any exhibitions of fancy riding," announced Ray
Dutton, as he led the cadets over whom he had charge out from the drill
hall. "You've got to creep before you walk, you know. Just take it easy,
and we'll make a few circuits of the grounds."
"Pity he wouldn't let us gallop," said Dick, in a low voice to Paul,
beside whom he was riding.
"Silence in the ranks!" exclaimed the cadet captain sharply. "Hamilton,
if you speak again I'll report you."
Dick felt the hot blood mount to his face, but he kept his temper.
They went around at a slow pace, many of the lads chaffing under the
restraint. Then Dutton gave the command to trot, and they let their
horses out a trifle.
Whether something frightened Dick's horse, or whether the animal wanted
to take a good run and show the others what he could do, it was
impossible to say. At any rate our hero's steed gave a sudden spring,
and, rushing through the opened ranks of the cadet horsemen ahead of
him, sailed past Captain Dutton at a fast gait.
"Halt!" cried the leading cadet. "Where are you going, Hamilton? Come
back here at once! I'll report you! Come back!"
Dick tried to rein his horse in, but the animal had the bit in his
teeth, and it was useless to pull on the leather. Still the young
millionaire was not frightened. He knew he could manage the animal.
But Dutton, with a muttered exclamation, spurred after Dick.
"Halt!" he cried again. "Halt, or I'll place you under arrest for
disobeying orders!"
"I can't stop him!" Dick flung back, over his shoulder.
Dutton's horse was a fast one, and he soon caught up to the young cadet.
He crossed in front of him, wheeled about and, a moment later the two
horses collided violently. Dick was flung up in the air, and, the next
instant, came heavily to the ground, where he lay quiet, while his horse
bolted.
Dutton, who had retained his seat, looked down on the prostrate figure.
"Come. Get up," he said. "No shamming."
Dick did not move.
"Here, Drew, Butler, Graham!" called Captain Dutton. "Here's a chance to
practice first aid to the injured. See what's the matter with him."
The three cadets he had named galloped forward, while the remainder of
the company came to a halt.