"Don't forget, boys, that you are to spend a week with us next Christmas," was the last thing Aunt Lucy said, as they started off in their big car.
Two days later, May and Evelyn went home and the Roost seemed quite deserted, and the Goldens began to think about leaving the lake for the summer.
It was Wednesday evening, and they were going to close the cottage the following Friday. They were all sitting around the open fire in the living room, for the night was chilly.
"Boys," said Mr. Golden, throwing down the paper he had been reading, "how would you like to be tin soldiers?"
"Tin soldiers? What in the world do you mean?" asked Jack, as they all laughed.
"Well, I'll tell you. This afternoon a friend from Philadelphia was in the bank and he was telling me about a military college near there, where his boy went last year, and he praised it so highly, that I thought it might be a good place for you. I believe in military training," he continued, "as it teaches, besides other things, alertness and efficiency. I have very much regretted that I did not have the advantage of such training, and I would like my boys to have it. What do you say?"
The boys thought for a moment and looked at each other. Finally Bob said:
"I think it would be bully; how about you, Jack?"
"Same here. Do they teach cavalry there, dad?"
"Yes, they give courses in infantry, cavalry and artillery."