after a pause. "Why don't you give a spread?"
"A spread?"
"Yes, a feast, you know. You can get permission to have it in one of the rooms, and you can invite a lot of the fellows. Several of the new fellows have done that, and some of them got proposed for membership in the Sacred Pig society."
This was one of the exclusive secret organizations of the academy, and Dick, as well as many others, wished to join. But one had to be invited to apply for membership, and only those students on whom the seal of approval was set by the older cadets had this honor.
"Do you think that would do any good?" asked Dick.
"It might."
"Then I'll try. Here's a chance where I can use some of my money. If this plan doesn't work, I have another that I'll spring."
"What is it?"
"Well, I don't want to say yet. I may want to get you to help me at it, though."
"I'll do anything I can."
"I know you will, Paul. I wish there were more like you."
Dick obtained permission from Colonel Masterly to give a spread in one of the barrack rooms, and he made elaborate preparations for it. A town caterer was given orders to supply a fine supper, and then Dick sent out his invitations.
