Sam was also doing his
best, and all of this gratified Captain Putnam exceedingly.
"It shows they can work as well as play," was what the captain told
himself, and he wrote Anderson Rover a long letter, in which he praised
the boys for their efforts.
The boys fell into their places at the academy with a naturalness that
was surprising when one considered the adventures that had but lately
befallen them. Over and over again did they have to tell of their
doings while on the Pacific, and as Crusoes, and some of the cadets
never tired of listening to the stories. A few, including Lew Flapp,
did not believe them true, but the majority did, and that was enough
for the Rovers.
Dick was now advancing in years, and he knew that before long he would
either have to go into business or to college, which he had not yet
fully decided. To tell the truth, the thought of separating from his
brothers was exceedingly distasteful to him.
"If I went to college I'd like you fellows to be with me," he said one
day to Tom and Sam. "There would be no fun in going alone."
"That's true," answered Tom. "But if you wanted us to go together you'd
have to wait for Sam and me to catch up to you."
"Well, I might spend a year or so in traveling while I waited, or Sam
and you might hurry up a little," answered the eldest Rover.
During those days but little out of the ordinary happened. Dick took
especial care to avoid Lew Flapp, and the tall youth did not attempt to
bother him.
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