nd highest in the class in
that particular study. At the end of every week the markings of
each cadet in every one of his studies is posted, and the sections
are rearranged, if need be. The men in the lowest section of all in a
given study are styled the "goats." The members of the "goat"
section, in math. for instance, are men who feel rather certain that
they will presently be "found" and dropped from the cadet corps.
However, at the beginning of a year a man may fall into the
"goats," and then later, may pull up so that he reaches a higher
section and goes on with better standing. But in general the
"goats" are looked upon as men who are going to be dropped, and
this usually applies, also, to a majority of the men in the two or
three sections just above the "goats."

About forty per cent. of the young men who enter West Point as
cadets are dropped before their course is over. Most of these losses
occur in the plebe and yearling classes. When a man has
completed two years at West Point he has a very good chance to
get through and win his commission as an officer in the Army.

In geometry Greg was in the third section above the "goats," Dick
in the sixth.

"I wish I had your head, old ramrod!" groaned Greg, half an hour
later.

"If I should lose even a hair's weight from my head I'd be in the
'goats' next week," replied Prescott grimly. "If I ever get to be an
officer in the Army, I wonder what earthly good all these math.
headaches will do me in handling a bunch of raw rookies?"

"If we have to go back to Gridley, 'skinned,'" grimaced Greg, "we'll
at least have company. Dodge is only a tenth above 'goat' grade in
geom., and next week will probably see him there."

"And he was considered a good student in Gridley!" quoth Dick
sadly.

That Dodge, however, still had hopes of being able to hold on was
proved by the fact that he was now conducting a vigorous
campaign for election to the class presidency.

"I think I am as good as elected class president," he wrote home to
the elder Dodge. And, the next time Theodore Dodge went over to
his bank in Gridley, Theodore Dodge circulated the news among
his intimates. The evening "Mail," in Gridley, came out with the
statement that Dodge was sure to become class president.

"And thus Gridley will have cause to feel that it occupies no small
place of honor, after all, in national affairs," penned the editor of
the "Mail."

Dodge had a rather fair following of friends