Tom Taylor at West Point

by Frank V. Webster

Building pontoon bridges, working with big guns and mortars, planning entrenchments, taking part in sham battles, riding in the seemingly reckless manner that characterizes West Pointers—these largely made up Tom’s life in the second stage of his stay at the Military Academy.

Tom had rather hoped that Captain Hawkesbury would not be at West Point after the furlough, but this was a vain wish, for the old army captain, grimmer and meaner than before, if that were possible, was “right on the job,” as Sam expressed it.

Of course, Tom again fell easily into the life with his former chums, and he made some new acquaintances that were pleasant. But overshadowing everything was a suspicion, deep back in Tom’s brain, that all was not right in regard to the railroad land. That deed of trust could not be forgotten, though how he was to turn it to advantage Tom could not figure out.

He knew it would be worse than useless to appeal to Captain Hawkesbury. That official cordially disliked him, Tom was sure, and he did not want to have a scene at West Point. So he said nothing, but he resolved to keep his eyes open.

Of Clarence Hawkesbury, Tom saw little. If the rich youth made another effort to enter West Point, Tom was not aware of it. He did see Clarence once or twice, the latter coming to some affairs given by the upper classmen. But Clarence took no notice of Tom.

Not that this worried our hero any. He was only too glad not to come in contact with the bully, for he wanted no more scenes like the one that had preceded the motor boat accident.

Tom wished he had a chance to ascertain what went on between Captain Hawkesbury and Mr. Doolittle. He wondered if the two corresponded, and whether the old army officer had been informed of Tom’s visit to the money-lender. But of course there was no way of finding this out. Tom could not play the spy in that fashion, and he seldom had a chance, now, to visit the captain’s quarters.

Occasionally he was sent there, in the course of his duties, or to receive some reprimand for a real or fancied breach of the rules. But Captain Hawkesbury left no more papers or letters lying about. Perhaps he was aware that Tom was eager to get some sort of evidence.

Among the pleasures now allowed Tom and his chums since they had graduated into a higher class was that of riding out on the public roads on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They had all become expert horsemen, and took delight in their steeds.

The pleasures of riding by themselves on the public road were rather limited by the injunction that no one must dismount unless it was necessary, and they could not go off the main roads. But, of course, the construction placed on the word “necessary” in regard to dismounting, was capable of extended application. Tom and his chums managed to have good times.