Dick and Greg turned, and indeed, they were astonished. For the latest arrival was Bert Dodge!
"Howdy, fellows!" called Dodge carelessly, though inwardly he was quaking with alarm. How would these two decent cadets treat the fellow who had been kicked out of West Point for dishonorable acts?
Prescott bowed, but did not speak. Greg's line of conduct was identical with his chum's.
Bert turned white, at first, with mortification. Then a red flush set in at his neck, extending to his face and temples. But Dodge possessed "brass," if not honor, so he decided to face it out.
Turning to a young woman standing nearby, Bert spoke to her, and they laughed and chatted. From her, Bert passed through the room nodding here, chatting there.
Dick and Greg, after the first look of amazement, followed by their cold bows, had turned to the old friends with whom they had been chatting.
In the course of a few minutes Bert Dodge had got along close to the two cadets.
"How are you, Prescott?" called Bert. "How is good old West Point?
And you, Holmes—-how are you?"
Dodge held out his hand with all the effrontery of which he was capable.
Turning, Dick gave the sneak only a cold, steady look.