All of the following days were dull and gray, and they were held up for a full day in heavy fog. During the fog they tied up at a dock, and when they felt that the fog had cleared sufficiently they resumed their sail. At ten o’clock one morning they sailed up the creek to the Mercer house, bringing the cruise to an end.
“It was what you’d call a stormy cruise, but an exciting one,” Don said, as they furled all sail.
“It certainly was,” agreed Terry. “I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Mr. and Mrs. Mercer were glad to see them safely back and they made a happy party out of it. Afterward the boys went upstairs to clean up for dinner, and when they came down Mrs. Mercer met them in the library. She had a long letter in her hand.
“This is for you, Terry,” she said. “It is something special that your mother had forwarded here. It has been here about two weeks now.”
Terry took the letter, glanced at the envelope and then, excusing himself, began to read it. They saw a look of surprise, wonder and pleasure shoot over his long lean face. It became violently red, and he looked up in confusion.
“Jeepers!” he exclaimed.
“What’s the matter, Terry?” asked Don, anxiously. “No bad news, I hope?”
Terry shook his head. “It—it isn’t so bad,” he stammered. “It says that I’ve won a scholarship to Woodcrest Military School, up in New York State!”
“No kidding!” cried Jim.