Larry, even though major, did not feel it necessary to "stand on his dignity."
"I'm just going to be as I've always been," he told the others. "If I can't be that, I don't want to be major."
Several tents had been erected close to the water's edge, where the cadets might undress and don their bathing suits. Tom was the first ready, and with a run he plunged into the lake head-first.
"It's glorious!" he shouted, as he came up and shook the water from his head. "Worth a dollar a minute. Come on in!" And they came, one after another, without loss of more time. The water was slightly cool, but the students at Putnam Hall were required to take cold baths weekly, so they did not mind the temperature. Laughing and shouting gleefully they dove around in all directions, and then Tom suggested a race.
"Just the thing!" said another cadet. "Where shall we race to?"
"Over to yonder rock and back," answered Tom. "Line up, everybody. A stale biscuit to the winner and a sour cream puff for the last man. All ready?"
There was a pause.
"Start!" yelled Tom, and made a wild splash that sent the water flying in all directions.
