“It is arranged, Fred, and you are to be a cadet here from to-day on.”
“Good enough!” cried the youth. “That suits me right down to the ground, father!”
“In taking you as a pupil I think Captain Putnam is making something of a sacrifice,” continued Mr. Century. “You know of this talk about the boat race. Well, now some folks will cry ‘fraud’ louder than ever. But Captain Putnam says he is willing to stand by what the judges decided, especially as he has received word from Bob Anderson that he thinks the race was a fair one.”
Fred was taken to the private office, and he shook hands warmly with Captain Putnam.
“I know you are doing me a favor, Captain Putnam,” said the boy. “In return I shall do all in my power to make myself a credit to your school.”
“That is all I ask, Century,” answered the master of the Hall. “I presume it will not be necessary for anybody to introduce you,” he added, with a faint smile.
“No, sir—I know about a dozen of the boys already.”
“I will have your measure taken for a uniform—and have you assigned to one of the dormitories,” went on Captain Putnam, and called in one of his assistants. After Fred had been measured and his trunk had been taken upstairs, Captain Putnam called in Jack.
“Major Ruddy, allow me to acquaint you with a new pupil, Frederic Century,” he said.
“A new pupil!” cried the young major. “Why—er—is Fred coming to school here?”