opportunity to make use of the water."

Here the colonel paused, and there was a faint handclapping, quickly
followed by a generous round of applause.

"Evidently you all like the idea of going in camp near the water,"
said Colonel Colby, smiling.

"It's dandy!" called out Andy, and at this there was a general laugh.

"Before you depart for Camp Barlight, as the place will be called,
Captain Dale will hold the annual election of officers. As the old
cadets here know, no cadet who has not been at this school for at
least six months can hold any office in the battalion. Apart from that
rule, the cadets can make up their tickets to suit themselves. You
will first vote for a major, then for three captains, one each for
Companies A, B, and C, and then for two lieutenants for each company.
The other officers, including the quartermaster, will be selected by
Captain Dale and the professors.

"And now, young gentlemen, I must bid you good-bye, and I trust that
you have a good time during the encampment. As I expect to be at Camp
Huxwell for some weeks at least, I shall probably have the opportunity
from time to time of coming over to see how you are getting along."

Colonel Colby bowed and stepped back, and again there was a round of
applause. In the midst of this Major Ralph Mason arose and walked to
the front.

"Colonel Colby," he said in a loud voice, as soon as the applause had
subsided, "in the name of the battalion which I have the honor to
command, I wish to thank you for all your kindness to us as students
here, and we trust you will accept our best wishes for good luck to
you in the course you are taking. We feel sure that with such men as
you in our army Uncle Sam is bound to help very materially in winning
this World War.

"And now, sir, as a token of our esteem, and also as a reminder of
what we hope you will do to the enemy, allow me, sir, in the name of
all the cadets of Colby Hall, to present you with this."

As the young major concluded he drew from behind him a leather case
which he sprung open as he presented it to the astonished master of
the institution. There, in the case, rested a very fine automatic
pistol, its polished handle engraved with Colonel Colby's name and
also the fact that it was presented to him by the school, with the
date. The hat had been passed around among the boys for contributions
to this gift, and every cadet had given something.

Though the colonel was much astonished, h