t, in advance, that he knows just
who set off the cannon crackers last night."

Dodge was careful not to speak so that he could be overheard by
Prescott or Furlong, yet he was certain that, on the still morning
air around the guard tent, his voice was carrying sufficiently
to penetrate to the other side of the khaki walls of the O.C.'s
tent.

"Prescott is the clever one, and the loyal one to all but tacs.,"
laughed Bert to Harper, as he strolled away. Dodge hoped that
the O.C. was in his tent.

It is true---Captain Bates was there. Having drawn the flap,
and being in the act of enjoying his morning newspaper, the O.C.
heard.

"Hang it, I felt last night that, while answering me truthfully,
Mr. Prescott was proving the possession of sufficient cleverness
to keep me off the monument trail, just as he foiled my catching
Mr. Holmes," mused the O.C. "And I said as much last night to
Colonel Strong."

At that moment the flap of the tent was lifted and the K.C. returned
the salute of his subordinate, who had promptly leaped to his feet.

In a few swift, low words, Captain Bates repeated the conversation
he had just overheard.

"That bears out what you thought last night, Bates," rejoined the K.C.
"I think there is nothing for it but to have Mr. Prescott in here and
put him on the wheel again. Rack him, Bates!"

"I've just time, Colonel to catch Mr. Prescott before the drill
squads go out. Corporal of the guard!" hailed the O.C., looking
out from his tent.

In another moment a very erect young member of the guard was striding
around the head of the encampment, and then down one of the company
streets. Dick, in front of his tent, in field uniform, received
the summons and responded at once.

"Caught him!" quivered Bert Dodge. "No if that infernal humbug
will get hot-headed and answer the O.C. rashly, there may be something
good coming in the punishment line! It would be a source of wild
joy if I could get Dick Prescott on the wrong flank with the tacs.!"

The instant that Dick reported, and found himself in the presence
of his two inquisitors of the night before, he knew that some
hint of his new knowledge must have reached the tactical department.

"Mr. Prescott, last night," began Captain Bates, "you denied
absolutely having any knowledge as to the persons who set off
firecrackers near Battle Monument."

"Yes, sir."

"I have since gained good reason to think," went on the O.C., "that
you know who at