Opposite the school the command came to a halt, and then Miss Garwood and a number of her teachers came forward to greet the cadets and those with them and invite them to the campus. Here another drill was given, the girls applauding louder than ever as each movement was executed with a precision that would have done credit to the cadets at West Point.
“I’m sure that’s as good as our fathers did at Putnam Hall,” declared Mary to her cousin.
Colonel Colby had come along with Captain Dale, and during the drilling had been in earnest conversation with Miss Garwood. Then came a surprise as the cadets were asked to march into the dining hall of the girls’ school. Here they found generous plates of cake and ice-cream, as well as glasses of refreshing lemonade, awaiting them.
“Gee, this is the best ever!” declared Andy, smacking his lips.
“Yes. And what a surprise!” returned Randy.
“Some day we’ll have to return this compliment,” came from Jack. “My, wouldn’t it be a lark to have the girls in our mess hall and treat them?”
“I suppose we’d have to give ’em regular soldiers fare,” was Andy’s dry comment. “Salt pork and baked beans and things like that,” and he grinned.
“Nothing doing!” declared Fred. “We’ll feed ’em toasted marshmallows and angel cake,” and at this sally there was a laugh.
Following the refreshments the cadets were allowed fifteen minutes in which to walk around the school campus and mingle with the girl students. Jack, of course, at once sought out Ruth to tell her personally how much he appreciated the letter she had sent.
“I hope, Jack, you haven’t had any more trouble with Lester Bangs,” the girl said anxiously.