As was the usual custom at Colby Hall, all of the old officers and those newly elected were invited to participate in a dinner given by Captain Dale. This was held in a private dining room of the school, and was usually a function looked forward to with much pleasure by those to take part.
“Now we’ve got to look our prettiest,” announced Fred to Jack. “Of course, we’ll wear our new officers’ uniforms.”
The dinner proved to be one long to be remembered by the two Rover boys, and they were sorry to think the twins had not been present to see what took place. There were some speeches and a good deal of merrymaking, and the two Rovers were congratulated over and over again on having been elected.
“I’m mighty glad to think you’re going to be at the head of Company C, Captain Rover,” said Major Ralph Mason. “And glad, too, that your cousin Fred is going to be a lieutenant of that company. I shall expect great things from both of you.”
“Well, I intend to do the best I can,” announced Jack modestly.
There was but one drawback to the affair. Gabe Werner did not show himself, nor did he send any letter of regret to Captain Dale.
“Gabe is sore, all right enough,” declared one of the under officers. “When I asked him if he was coming to the spread, he merely shook his head and looked like a thundercloud.”
Sunday proved rather a busy day for all of the cadets, yet the Rovers, along with a number of others, went to Haven Point where they met some of the girls. All attended services at one of the local churches. Then the young folks paired off, the boys walking with the girls to Clearwater Hall.
“Oh, Jack, you can’t think how proud I am to know they have made you a captain!” said Ruth, who was walking beside the newly-elected officer. “And I think you ought to be very proud yourself.”
“I admit it makes me feel pretty good, Ruth,” he answered.