The cadets were soon on the way, shouting and laughing merrily over the sport promised. Only a few remained behind, including Jim Caven, who gave as his excuse that he had a headache.
"I'm glad he is not with us," said Dick. "I declare, for some reason, I can't bear to have him around."
"Nor I," returned Frank. "It's queer, but he gives me the shivers whenever he comes near me."
"It's a wonder he came here at all. He doesn't belong in our style of a crowd."
To reach Baker's Plain the cadets had to make a detour around a high cliff which overlooked a rocky watercourse which flowed into Cayuga Lake. They moved slowly, as nobody wished to damage his kite, and it was after two o'clock before all hands were ready for the first trial at kite-flying.
"Gracious, but it is blowing!" cried Tom.
"Sam, have you a good strong cord on your kite?"
"The strongest I could get," answered the youngest Rover. "I guess it is stronger than what Fred has."
"My kite won't pull like yours," said Fred Garrison. "All ready?"
"Yes."