of official curiosity.

CHAPTER V

"I RESPECTFULLY DECLINE TO ANSWER, SIR."

"Mr. Prescott reports, sir."

"Mr. Holmes reports, sir."

Saluting, the two yearlings stepped into the tent of the O.C., then
halted at attention.

Two officers returned their salutes. Captain Bates sat at his
desk. Lieutenant Colonel Strong, commandant of cadets, sat back
in lower chair at the right of Captain Bates's desk.

"Mr. Prescott," began Captain Bates, transfixing the yearling
with his burning eyes, "you and Mr. Holmes were close to Battle
Monument when the firecrackers were discharged there this evening.

"Yes, sir," Dick admitted.

"What do you know about the affair?"

"Only this, sir: That, after passing you, we walked along the
same path until we turned in not far from the monument. We were
walking toward it when we heard the discharges, and saw the flashes."

"Had you been nearer to the monument at any time through the evening,
Mr. Prescott?"

"No, sir."

Dick answered with great promptness.

"Mr. Prescott, have you sufficiently considered my question and your
reply?"

"Yes, sir."

"I will put a question of another kind. Did you see, do you know,
or have you any knowledge of any kind, of those who placed the
firecrackers by the monument, or who set them off?"

"Absolutely no knowledge, sir, on any point you mention," Dick
rejoined promptly.

"Did you have any knowledge that such a breach of discipline was
being planned."

"I did not, sir."

"Mr. Prescott!"

It was Colonel Strong who spoke. Dick wheeled about, saluted,
then stood at attention.

"A serious offence against military discipline has been committed
at Battle Monument tonight. Have you any knowledge about the matter
which, if in our possession, would aid in any way in clearing up the
mystery surrounding this offence?

"I have absolutely no knowledge of any form, sir, except that,
as I stated, while Mr. Holmes and I were walking toward the monument,
we heard the reports and saw the flashes."

"You realize the full import of your statement, Mr. Prescott?"
pressed the K.C.

"I do, sir."

"Then, on your honor as a cadet and a gentleman, you declare that
your statement is true?"

"I do, sir," Cadet Prescott replied.

The pledge he had just given is the most solemn that is exacted
of a United States military cadet. Usually, the cadet's plain
word is accepted as ample, for the sense of faith and honor is
paramount at We