on the road," said Hodge. "You are not likely to see him again
very soon."

"Don't get that impression into your head," returned Frank. "He is not
far away. I seem to feel that he is lurking near, awaiting his next
opportunity."

"That's tommy-rot! You have let this old ring mix you all up. Don't
slip any cogs now, Frank, or you may have the pleasure of seeing your
new rival, Paul Rains, appointed a corporal, while you still remain an
ordinary cadet."

Frank flushed.

"Rains is not a bad fellow," he said. "He is square."

"He may seem so to you," said Hodge; "but I am suspicious of any fellow
who has much to do with Wat Snell and that gang. Frank, it is a wonder
to me that you ever came to have anything to do with me
afterward--well, you know."

"I shouldn't if I hadn't believed there was some good in you for all of
appearances."

"Thank you, old man!" exclaimed Hodge, with genuine feeling. "You are
white all the way through, and I believe it is to you I owe credit for
still remaining a cadet in this school."

"Nonsense!"

"There is no nonsense about it. You know I tried two military schools
before I came here, and I did not remain in either. I could not get
along. You have helped me over the hard places, and you have stood by
me, through thick and thin, although most of the fellows, disliked me
at first, and thought you were foolish in doing what you did. I have
been no particular aid to you, but I have led you into temptations and
dangers you would have avoided but for the fact that we were roommates
and friends. In return, you have saved me many bad breaks, and I am
not liable to forget. I did hate you most intensely, but you shall
find that I can be as strong in my friendships as I am in my hatreds."

This was saying a great deal for Hodge, who was usually silent and
reserved concerning himself. But Bart knew he was speaking no more
than the truth, and he felt that the time had come when such an
acknowledgment would do him good.

Frank's generous heart was touched by this new revelation of his
friend's nature, and he grasped Bart's hand warmly.

"If I have helped you in any way, I am glad to know it," he said,
earnestly.

"Well, you have; and you have taken demerit on my account without a
murmur. It is selfish of me to cling to cigarettes when 'tobacco smoke
in quarters' has been reported against us so many times. By jingoes!
I'm going to swear off! They don't do a fellow any goo