Congressman Spokes continued in this line for some time.  Then he called for the boys who wished to try for West Point to gather at the right side of the hall; those for Annapolis at the left side.

“This is the first time you and I haven’t been on the same side in everything, old fellow,” Dick whispered smilingly, as he and Dave Darrin parted.

What a hurried count the interested youngsters made!  But Tom Reade, who didn’t belong to either crowd, probably made the most accurate count.  He discovered that sixty-two of the boys had voted for West Point.  Forty-one favored Annapolis.  A few young men present, like Tom, didn’t care to go to either government school.

“When I am ready to give the word,” continued Congressman Spokes, “the young men who want to go to West Point will file out of the door at this end of the hall.  In the rooms across the corridor they will find the physicians who are making the physical examinations for West Point.

“The Annapolis aspirants will file downstairs and enter through the first door at the left, where other physicians will make the physical examinations for Annapolis.

“The examinations by the physicians here will not be conclusive for the successful candidates.  The final physical examinations, like the final scholastic examinations, will be made at West Point and Annapolis.

“Now, each young gentleman who passes the physical examination will receive a signed card with his name on it.  Such successful young men are then excused until one o’clock.  At one o’clock sharp the young men who have certificates from the medical examiners may report for their scholastic examinations.  Do not come here, however, for the scholastic examinations.  West Point aspirants will report at the High School, and those for Annapolis at the Central Grammar School.

“Now, at eight o’clock this evening you return here.  At that hour, or as soon there after as possible, announcement will be made, from this platform, of the names of the successful young men and their alternates.  Now the young men for West Point forward, the Annapolis hopefuls downstairs!”

Inside of two minutes the town hall was bare, save for the presence of Tom Reade, who, with his hands in his pockets, walked about, whistling.

In forty-five minutes Dick, flushed an breathless, broke in upon Tom, as the latter sat waiting patiently for his friends.

“I’ve passed the doctors all right,” announced Dick, producing his card.

“That’s all right, then,” nodded Tom.  “And the rest will be easier.”

Twenty minutes later Dave Darrin join them.

“I’ve passed—–­that part of the trial,” he proclaimed.

“Then, until twelve o’clock, there’s nothing to do but go out and kill time,” declared Reade.

“Twelve o’clock” repeated Dick.  “You mean one o’clock.”

“I mean twelve,” retorted Tom, with emphasis.  “At twelve you eat; you don’t gorge, but you chew and swallow something nourishing.  Then you’ll be in fit shape for the little game of the afternoon.”