"Thank you for saying so, sir," was the answer. "Yes, they look well,
and I am proud of them, Captain Putnam. I believe our military school
will compare favorably with any in the land."

After the drill was over Captain Putnam came forward and made a rather
extended speech, in which he reviewed the work accomplished at the
academy from its first opening, as told by me in another series of
books, entitled "The Putnam Hall Series," starting with "The Putnam
Hall Cadets," down to those later days when the Rover boys appeared on
the scene. He also complimented the cadets on their excellent showing
and trusted they would all have a pleasant vacation during the summer.
This speech was followed by a short address by George Strong, and then
came a surprise when Dick Rover stepped forward.

"Captain Putnam," said he, "in behalf of all the cadets here assembled
I wish to thank you for your kind words, which we deeply appreciate.

"I have been chosen by my fellows to present you with this as a token
of our esteem. We trust it will prove to your liking, and that whenever
you look upon it you will remember us all."

As Dick spoke he brought into view a fair-sized package wrapped in
tissue paper. When unrolled, it proved to be a small figure of a cadet,
done in silver and gold. On the base was the inscription: "From the
Cadets of Putnam Hall, to Their Beloved Head Master, Captain Victor
Putnam."

After that Mr. Strong was presented with a set of Cooper's works and
the other teachers were likewise remembered. More addresses of thanks