THE DECREE OF "COVENTRY" "Prepare to mount! Mount!" Some preliminary commands of drill were executed.

Then the serious work of the hour began.
Never had Captain Albutt commanded at a better bit of cavalry work than was done this afternoon by members of the first and second classes.
The wheelings, the facings and all the manoeuvres at the different gaits were executed with precision and dash.

All the movements in troop and squadron were carried out to perfection.
To the instructor, it was plain that the most perfect esprit de corps existed.

The cadets were acting with a singleness and devotedness of purpose which showed plainly that the perfect trooper was the sole subject of thought in their minds.

At least, so the instructor thought, from the results obtained.
Even Haynes's face was inexpressive as he rode.
Greg was as jaunty as though he had not an unkind thought toward anyone in the world.
Cadet Prescott did not betray a sign of any thought save to do his duty perfectly.
Yet, every time that his horse was brought close to Haynes's, Prescott had his eyes open for any foul play that might be attempted by the turnback.
"If the young men do as splendidly to-morrow before the Board of Visitors," thought Captain Albutt, "I shall feel that my year of work here has been a grand success.