a professional way, you
know, and therefore secret. So don't ask me to tell you. In another hour
we'll go over. You know I've been summoned, too."

"No!" ejaculated Jerry. "Well, that's fine. But you'll be going over to
learn something that you already know, while we'll be getting some real
news, whatever it is."

"That's right," said Joe. "And maybe it will be real news."

Jerry and Slim both spent the intervening hour on their cots, and when
Joe came to awaken them he found them snoring most unmusically.

"What do you think?" he demanded, as soon as they were wide enough awake
to realize what he was saying. "That German lieutenant that you brought
in had papers on him that showed the whole plan of the German campaign
in this sector for a month ahead. You boys made a great capture."

At exactly ten o'clock they presented themselves to General Young's
orderly, and a moment later were ushered into the presence of the
supreme commander of that section of the American front.

"Young men," the general began bluntly, without other formalities, "you
have signally distinguished yourselves for judgment, foresight, and
courage from the moment of your enlistment, it might be said. I have
before me your records, beginning from the time of your discovery of the
spy at work in the waters near the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

"Congress has just passed a bill, and the President has signed it,
providing for the higher military education of certain worthy young men
in the army and navy, entirely at the expense of the government.
Fortunately for the military service, these selections have been
entirely removed from the realm of politics and are left to the
commanders in the army and navy.

"At this school, which in many respects is similar to the Military
Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy at Annapolis, young men will
be thoroughly instructed in the specialized branches of military
science.

"I am offering you three young men such appointments. I am doing so
solely upon your records and upon my own confidence that you will make
good to the country that offers you this opportunity. Will you accept?"

If someone had suddenly set off a bomb under the three boys from
Brighton they hardly could have been more surprised.

"I don't know how to thank you," Joe stammered.

"I'll do my utmost to prove worth it," promised Jerry.

"It shall be my highest ambition," said Slim.

"Good!" said General Young, rising and shaking each