"Wish we could get his brothers into it, too," came from Pender.
"Oh, we can serve them out some other way," answered Lew Flapp. "At the start, we don't want to bite off more than we can chew," he added slangily.
The matter was discussed for fully an hour, and when the meeting broke up each member understood fully what was to be accomplished.
Two days after the athletic contests the cadets had a prize drill. The cadets had been preparing for this for some time and each company did its best to win.
"I am greatly pleased with the showing made by all three companies," said Captain Putnam after the drilling and marching were at an end. "Companies B and C have done very well indeed. But for general excellence the average of Company A is a little above the others, so the prize must go to Captain Rover's command."
"Hurrah for Dick Rover!" was the cry, and this was followed by a cheer for First Lieutenant Powell and for Second Lieutenant Tom Rover.
"Humph! Forever cheering those Rovers!" muttered Flapp, who was in
Company C. "My, but it makes me sick!"
"Never mind," whispered Rockley. "Just wait till we get the chance to work our little game."
At once Lew Flapp's face took on a cunning look.
"I've got an idea," he whispered in return. "Why not try it on to-night? Then Captain Putnam would say Rover had been celebrating because his company won the prize."