The West Point Rivals: or, Mark Mallory's Stratagem

"The West Point Rivals: or, Mark Mallory's Stratagem" by Upton Sinclair is a story that follows the escapades of cadets at West Point in the early 1900s. It mainly deals with themes such as friendship, resistance to people in charge, and the search for one's own integrity, all within military academy life. The story begins when Mark Mallory, and his buddies known as the “Banded Seven”, are anxiously planning a fun trip to see a circus. One of his friends, Texas, is particularly focused on his desire to ride a wild horse named Smasher. The cadets' plan for enjoyment leads to lots of tests of bravery and cleverness.