An inspection lasting fully half an hour followed, Captain Putnam showing his visitors along the line of cadets. Nearly everybody was smiling and happy. Only a few boys looked glum, and those lads were Reff Ritter and his cohorts.
“A really remarkable showing,” was General Wallack’s comment, after the inspection was over.
“If we could always do as well as this at the Point we’d have nothing to worry about,” added Major Darrowburg. “Captain Putnam, you certainly ought to feel proud of your school.”
“I am proud,” was the reply.
After the inspection the cadets marched around the campus once more. They were about to be dismissed when Pepper signed to Jack, who in turn beckoned to Captain Putnam and whispered something into his ear.
“I see no harm in it,” said the master of the Hall.
“Battalion, attention!” called out Jack. “I move we give three cheers for General Wallack and Major Darrowburg!”
“Hurrah!” cried the cadets, and the cheers were given with a will. Then the two army officers bowed and made little speeches, and more cheers followed; and that was the end of the inspection. Soon the visitors were driven away by Captain Putnam in the Hall carriage, and George Strong announced that for the rest of the day the cadets might do as they pleased, so long as they did not leave the Hall grounds.
“It was a perfect success,” said George Strong to the young major.
“I am very glad of it, Mr. Strong.”