There could be but one lad named, with another as alternate, who, in case the first one failed in the tests to be conducted at West Point, would be named for the coveted honor.
Tom dreaded to hear the sound of the postman’s whistle. But for nearly a week there was no word. Then when Tom felt, in his desperation, as though he would simply have to telephone to the congressman, and learn what had been the outcome, there came, addressed to him, a long legal-looking envelope. In the upper left-hand corner was the imprint of the congressman’s name. It had come from his private law office in Preston.
Tom’s fingers trembled, and his heart beat with a smothery, choking sensation. Had he passed? Would he receive the appointment?
Slowly he tore open the envelope.
CHAPTER IV
SUCCESS
There was a blur before Tom’s eyes; a blur that made the letters and words on the paper in front of him seem misty and far away. He caught his breath sharply. He remembered that his mother was watching him eagerly—anxiously.
“I won’t show the white feather before her, no matter what happens,” he told himself, fiercely. “If I’ve failed—”
He pulled himself together with an effort. After all, he did not yet know that he had failed. He brushed his hand across his eyes, and the blur vanished. He caught sight of one word—“congratulations.”
That could mean but one thing. He must have passed! Quickly he read enough of the letter from the congressman to gather its import.
It was true. Tom had passed the preliminary examination with the highest mark!