"I think I'd rather scheme to go to the Naval Academy, and become an officer of the Navy," returned Dave slowly. "The big battleships appeal to me more than does the saddle of the cavalryman."
"Go to Indianapolis?" muttered Dick, in near-disgust. "Well, I suppose that will do well enough for a fellow who can't get to West Point."
"Now, see here," protested Dave good-humoredly, though warmly, "you quit talking about Indianapolis. That's a favorite trick with fellows who are cracked on West Point. You know, as well as I do, that the Naval Academy is at Annapolis. There's a vacancy ahead for Annapolis, too."
"Oho! You've been thinking of that?" demanded Dick, again looking into his chum's eyes.
"Yes."
"Yes; if I can come out best in a competitive examination of the boys of this district."
"Two secrets, then—-yours and mine," grinned Prescott. "However, it'll be easier for you."
"Why?"
"There aren't so many fellows eager to go to the Naval Academy.
It doesn't draw as hard as the Army does."
"The dickens it doesn't!" ejaculated Dave Darrin.