sir," Dick stammered.

"Prescott, I have knocked about in a good deal of rough life since
I was graduated from here, but I have full faith that every upright
and honorable man is ultimately safe under Heaven's justice.
So have you, or I am mistaken in you. Why not buck up, and make
up your mind to go through your hard rub here firm in the conviction
that this is only a passing cloud that is certain to be dispelled?
Why not stick, like a man of faith and honor? Now, as officer
in charge, I will inform you that you should take a letter of
resignation to the adjutant's office, and hand it to that officer
in person."

As your friend, I suggest that you give me your letter, with your
permission to destroy it."

"Here is the letter, Mr. Denton."

"Thank you, my boy. You may see what I do with it."

Rising, Lieutenant Denton crossed to an open fire that was burning
low. He laid the envelope across the embers.

Prescott, too, rose, feeling that the interview was at an end.

"Just a moment more of friendly conversation, Prescott," continued
the lieutenant, coming forward and taking the cadet's hand. "I
want you to remember that you are not to write or send in any
other letter of resignation until you have first talked it over
with me. And I want you to remember that a soldier should be
a man of faith as well as of honor. Further, Prescott, you may
feel yourself wholly at liberty to explain, at any time, what
your orders from me were that led to your catching and reporting
Mr. Jordan."

"Thank you, sir; but I'm afraid I shan't be asked for any further
explanations."

"Seek me, at any time, if there is anything you wish to ask me,
or anything that puzzles you."

"Yes, sir; thank you."

Dick had again placed his fatigue cap on his head, and was standing
rigidly at attention. They were once more tactical officer and cadet.

"That is all, Mr. Prescott, and I am very glad that you came to
see me," continued the officer in charge.

Prescott saluted, received the officer's acknowledging salute,
turned and left the office.

A minute later he was allowing good old Greg to pump the details
of that interview out of him.

"Say," muttered Cadet Holmes, staring soberly at his chum, "an
officer like Lieutenant Denton can put a different look on things,
can't be?"

"He certainly can, Greg."

"I'm not going to be fresh, while I'm a cadet," continued Holmes.
"But when I'm an officer I'm going to seek Mr. Denton and