t.
Somewhat to his surprise the head went well in, then stopped
at last, fitting snugly and stiffly in place.

"If I had a fellow sitting in front of me, what a startling jab
I could give him with the toe of my boot," grinned the turnback.

Then, suddenly, there came a very queer look into his face.

"Why, I reckon I could jab something else with a pin, beside the
flesh of another cadet," he muttered.

Then, trembling slightly, the turnback bent down and carefully
extracted the pin. His next act was to fasten it very securely
on the inside of the front of his fatigue blouse, where the black
uniform braid prevented its being seen.

Of late the second class cavalry drills had been in the open.
That day, however, it was raining heavily, and the order had
been passed for the squads to report at the riding hall.

Soon after Haynes's roommate had returned from recitation the
signal sounded for the squad that was to report at the riding hall.

Haynes rose, drawing on his uniform raincoat.

"What's the matter with you, Haynesy?" inquired his roommate.

"Why do you ask, Pierson?"

"There was a very queer look on your face," replied Cadet Pierson.
I couldn't tell whether it were a diabolical look or merely a
sardonic grin."

"I was just thinking of a story I heard told years ago," lied
Haynes glibly.

"I don't believe I'd care to hear that story, then," returned
Pierson dryly.

"I'm not going to tell it to you. 'Bye, old man. I'm off for
riding drill."

Dick and Greg were in the same squad. Those who were going for
drill at this hour fell in at the command, of their squad marcher,
and strode away to the riding hall.

Once inside, the cadets disposed of their uniform raincoats. The
squad marcher reported to Captain Albutt, who was their instructor
for the afternoon.

"To horse!" came the crisp order.

Each cadet stepped to his mount, untying the animal and standing by.

Haynes's heart gave a quick jump when he saw that to Dick's lot
had fallen Satan, a fiery black, the worst tempered and most
treacherous horse in the lot.

"My chance is coming sooner than I had thought for", quivered
the turnback.

Dropping his handkerchief, Haynes bent over and quickly slipped
the black pin in at the toe of his right boot.

"When we get into column of fours I have Prescott on my right,
muttered the turnback. He had straightened up again, in almost
no time, tucking the handkerchief again inside his blouse. His