It did not take the cadets long to reach Oakville, a pretty place located among the hills.  There were a dozen stores, a blacksmith shop, two churches, and perhaps fifty houses.  Beyond were farms in a state of high cultivation, showing that the inhabitants of that section were thrifty people.

“This town is about as slow as Cedarville,” observed Pender, as they walked up the single street.  “How folks can idle their lives away in such a place is what gets me.”

“They don’t know anything of the joys of city life,” returned Flapp.  “Some of these people have never seen the inside of a real theater.”

As might be expected, the unworthy cadets lost no time in entering one of the taverns located in Oakville, and here Flapp treated.  Then, after cigars or cigarettes had been lit, they proceeded to buy the things desired for the den.

“Laying in quite a stock, ain’t ye?” said the tavern keeper.

“Oh, we are getting this for the whole crowd,” replied Pender carelessly.  “But, say,” he added suddenly.

“What is it?”

“We don’t want you to say anything about our buying this stuff.”

“All right, I’ll be mum,” answered the tavern keeper.

From the tavern they proceeded to the general store, where they purchased the packs of cards and a few other things.

While they were making their purchases two girls came in with a market basket between them.  One was tall and thin and the other short and rather stout.  Yet the girls looked very much alike and were noticeably pretty.

“Fine girls,” whispered Flapp to Rockley, nudging his companion in the ribs.

“Yes,” was the answer, and Rockley began to smile openly on the new arrivals.  As the girls did not appear to notice this, he drew closer and tipped his cap.

“Fine day after the storm,” he said smoothly.  “Yes, very,” said the taller of the girls, and turned away.

“I suppose you belong in Oakville,” put in Lew Flapp, to the smaller girl.

“Yes,” answered the girl, and turned away to join her companion.

“We are up to the camp on Pine Island,” went on Rockley, following the girls up.  “Have you ever been there?”

“Once,” said the taller girl, and began to purchase some articles from the clerk behind the counter.

“You ought to come and take a look at our camp,” continued Flapp.  “It’s a real interesting sight.”

“All the girls are welcome,” said Pender, feeling he must say something.

“We’d be willing to show you the way at any time,” added Rockley, and placed his hand on the arm of one of the girls.

“Please let me be,” said the girl, and walked away.  A moment later she left the store, and her companion went with her.

“My, but they were shy!” laughed Pender.  “Rockley, you didn’t make any impression at all.  Nor you either, Flapp.”

“Humph!  Wonder who they are?” murmured Lew Flapp.