"
"And how is everyone at home? How is Laura?" Dick asked eagerly.
"She will be here in time for the graduation hop," replied Mrs.
Prescott. "She told me she had seen you so far through your West
Point life, that she would feel uneasy over not being here to
see the last move of all. Dick, do you mind your mother asking
you a question? You used to care especially for Laura Bentley,
did you not?"
"Why, mother?" asked Prescott with a sudden sinking at heart.
Lounging against the other side of a tree that Prescott and his
mother were passing, the disguised Jordan was close enough to hear.
What he heard seemed to deepen the scowl of hatred on his face;
but mother and son were soon out of ear shot, and the miserable
Jordan slunk away.
CHAPTER XXII
CADET PRESCOTT COMMANDS AT SQUADRON DRILL
The Military Academy found itself in a whirling round of recitations
and drills, arranged for the delight of the Board of Visitors.
There were other hundreds of spectators at first, and thousands
later, to see all that was going on, for there are hosts of citizens
who know what inspiring sights are to be found at West Point in
Graduation Week.
"Mr. Prescott is directed to report at the office of the commandant
of cadets."
This order was borne by a soldier orderly immediately after breakfast
on the day before graduation.
"Mr. Prescott," said the commandant, when the tall, soldierly looking
cadet knocked, entered and saluted, "you will take command at the
cavalry squadron drill, which takes place at three this afternoon.
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