payne's training and punishments are harsh, which force the cadets to execute a series of failed schemes to get rid of payne. things come to a head when payne offers them the chance to get rid of him, he will quit if they bring the military games trophy to madison soil. the boys set out one night to wellington academy, the current trophy holder, to steal it. however, the wellington cadets ambush them, and the boys return to school badly beaten (payne having alerted wellington via an "anonymous call").