"Why, mother?" asked Prescott with a sudden sinking at heart.
Lounging against the other side of a tree that Prescott and his mother were passing, the disguised Jordan was close enough to hear.
What he heard seemed to deepen the scowl of hatred on his face; but mother and son were soon out of ear shot, and the miserable Jordan slunk away.
CHAPTER XXII
CADET PRESCOTT COMMANDS AT SQUADRON DRILL
The Military Academy found itself in a whirling round of recitations and drills, arranged for the delight of the Board of Visitors.
There were other hundreds of spectators at first, and thousands later, to see all that was going on, for there are hosts of citizens who know what inspiring sights are to be found at West Point in Graduation Week.
"Mr. Prescott is directed to report at the office of the commandant of cadets."
This order was borne by a soldier orderly immediately after breakfast on the day before graduation.
"Mr. Prescott," said the commandant, when the tall, soldierly looking cadet knocked, entered and saluted, "you will take command at the cavalry squadron drill, which takes place at three this afternoon."