Crossing the barracks area, Dick strode into cadet guard-house, nimbly mounting the stairs to the second floor. Here he stood in the office of the O.C.
Saluting, he carefully phrased his request for leave to visit friends at the hotel.
This being granted, Dick went down the stairs at the greatest speed consistent with military dignity under the circumstances.
Out through the north sally-port and along the road running between officers' quarters and parade ground he hurried.
By the time he had walked to the hotel he had cooled off his first excitement somewhat.
He signed in the cadet register, then laid down his card.
"To Mrs. Prescott, please."
As ebony-visaged "front" vanished from the office, Dick turned and walked to the ladies' entrance, passing thence into the parlor.
Dick's mother was found at the dining table. So were her Gridley friends. All were finishing a light meal without appetite when the card was laid by Mrs. Prescott's plate.
"My boy, Dick—-here?" she cried brokenly rising as quickly as she could.