"I don't know. It is either some cadet or else one of the hired help. But it is an awful state of affairs," answered Jack.
"By the way, Jack, how about the new election of officers?" said Pepper, a little later. "Going to try for the majorship again?"
"No. Why should I? I've been major long enough. I believe in giving the other fellows a show."
"Who, for instance?"
"Well, I'd like to see Bart Conners made major. He's one of the best soldiers we have, and he keeps Company B up to the scratch."
"Bart is all right. But what about the other fellows?"
"Well, I am not so anxious about the captaincies. Let the best fellows win."
"I think Reff Ritter would like to be a captain or major."
"He never will be—he can't get the support. Why, hardly any of the cadets go with Reff any more. Even Paxton seems to have dropped him. About the only close friend he has is Gus Coulter."
"Maybe the boys have dropped him because his father is no longer rich."