und a small, black pin fastened there. It has been
fastened there every time since when I have had a chance to look
at your fatigue blouse hanging on the wall."

"I am not responsible for what I say when I'm sleepwalking," cried
Haynes in a rage. "And, besides, Pierson, you're lying."

"I'll wager that not a man here believes I'm lying," retorted
Pierson coolly.

"No, no! You're no liar, Pierson!" cried a dozen men at once.

"Is there a black pin inside your blouse at this moment?" challenged
Greg.

"None of your business," cried the turnback hoarsely.

"I demand that you show up, or stand accused," insisted Cadet
Holmes.

"I'll show up nothing, or take any orders from anyone who tries
to lie my good name away," retorted Haynes. "But at least two
of you will have to fight me mighty soon."

"I won't fight you," retorted Greg bluntly, "until the class declares
you to be a man fit to fight with."

"Nor I, either," rejoined Pierson decisively. "Stand aside, you
hound, and let me get at that cur behind you!" cried Haynes hoarsely.

"Attention!" called the detachment marcher formally. "The instructor
for the day!"

Captain Albutt rode out of the nearest cavalry stable, mounted on
his own pure white horse.

At the order of the marcher each cadet fell back to the lines of his
own mount.

When Captain Albutt reached the detachment he saw nothing to
indicate the disturbance that had just occurred.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE DECREE OF "COVENTRY"

"Prepare to mount! Mount!"

Some preliminary commands of drill were executed. Then the serious
work of the hour began.

Never had Captain Albutt commanded at a better bit of cavalry work
than was done this afternoon by members of the first and second
classes.

The wheelings, the facings and all the manoeuvres at the different
gaits were executed with precision and dash. All the movements
in troop and squadron were carried out to perfection.

To the instructor, it was plain that the most perfect esprit de
corps existed. The cadets were acting with a singleness and
devotedness of purpose which showed plainly that the perfect
trooper was the sole subject of thought in their minds. At least,
so the instructor thought, from the results obtained.

Even Haynes's face was inexpressive as he rode.

Greg was as jaunty as though he had not an unkind thought toward
anyone in the world.

Cadet Prescott did not betray a sign of any thought save to do
his dut