as much about justice as by being treated
with it.

As is the case with an accused man in the civil courts, no cadet
may be forced to testify in way that would incriminate himself.
When it comes to testifying against another the question has two
aspects.

The tale-bearer, the informer, is not appreciated in the military
world. He is loathed there, as in civil life. Yet the refusal
of one cadet to testify against another might be carried, insolently,
to the point of insubordination. So, when a cadet, under questioning,
refuses to give evidence incriminating another cadet, his reason
may be accepted; or, if it appear best to the military authorities,
he may be warned that his reason is not sufficient, and then, if
he still refuses to answer, he may be proceeded against as for
disobedience of orders.

It is a fine point. The K.C. found it so at this moment. Dick
Prescott stood rigidly at attention, a fine, soldierly looking
young fellow. His face, his eyes, had all the stamp of truth
and manliness. Yet the suspicion had arisen with these two tacs.
that Mr. Prescott was a young man who was extremely clever in
giving truthful answers that shielded offending cadets.

"You have stated your position unreservedly and exactly, Mr.
Prescott?" inquired Colonel Strong at last.

"Yes, sir."

"You are certain that you have not more than the merest suspicion
of the cadet off whom you have been speaking?

"I am absolutely certain, sir."

"How does it happen, Mr. Prescott, that you have this suspicion,
and absolutely nothing more?"

A cadet is not permitted to hesitate. He must answer not only
truthfully, but instantly. So Dick looked the K.C. full in the
eyes as answered:

"A cadet, sir, started to say something, and I shut him up."

"Because you did not wish to know more?"

"Yes, sir," Prescott admitted honestly.

Captain Bates fidgeted almost imperceptibly; in other words, as
much as a military man may. There were a few questions that he
wanted to ask this cadet. But it was Bates's superior officer
who was now doing the questioning.

The K.C. remained silent for perhaps half a minute. Then he said:

"That is all, at present, Mr. Prescott."

Saluting the K.C., Dick next made a slight turn which brought
him facing Captain Bates, whom he also saluted. Both officers
returned his salute. Dick wheeled and marched from the tent.

As he passed through the camp the cadet face had in it a soldierly
inexpre