n to a hop may be dangerous for cadets
and girls alike!

"I'll get cold feet if I listen to you long," laughed yearling
Holmes grimly. "I wonder if I'd better pull these gloves off
and stay where I am?"

"I didn't have any idea of seeking to persuade you," Dick replied.
"If you feel proof against the danger, run right over to Cullum
and enjoy yourself."

"I was just thinking," mused Greg, "of a promise you and Dave
Darrin made some girls back in Gridley."

"I remember that promise," nodded Dick.

"You and Darrin promised Laura Bentley and Belle Meade that you'd
each invite them to hops, you to West Point and Dave to Annapolis,
just as soon as either one of you had a right to attend hops."

"I know," nodded Prescott.

Greg was silent. After a few moments Dick ventured:

"Greg, I kept that promise the day we moved into encampment---the
first day that I was a yearling."

"Oh! Are Laura and Belle coming on West Point soon?" Holmes asked
eagerly.

"I don't know. I'll be mighty glad when I do know. But undoubtedly
Darrin has invited them to Annapolis, too. Now, it may be that,
even if the girls can get away to travel a bit, they can't go
to West Point and to Annapolis in the same season. So the girls
may be trying to make up their minds---which."

"I hope they come here," murmured Holmes fervently.

"So do I," Prescott replied promptly.

"Dick---do you---mind if I ask a question," demanded Greg slowly.

"No," smiled Dick, "for I think I know what it is."

"Are you---is Laura---I mean-----"

"You wonder whether Laura and I had any understanding before I
left Gridley? That's what you want to know?"

"That is what I was wondering."

"There is no understanding between us--not the least," Prescott
replied. "I don't know whether Laura would consent to one, now
or later. I don't know myself yet, either, Greg. I want to wait
until I have grown some in mind. Laura Bentley is such a magnificent
girl that it would be a crime to make any mistake either as to
her feelings or mine."

"Do you think good old Dave and Belle Meade had any understanding
before Dave left Gridley?"

"Dave went away after we did," Prescott answered. "So I can't
be sure. But I don't believe Dave and Belle are pledged in any
way."

"Funny game, the whole thing!" sighed Greg, rising. He had drawn
off one of his white lisle-thread gloves, but now he was engaged
in putting it on again.

"Confidence deserves to be paid in t