Captain Cartwright forced himself to smile as he saluted; he even tried to look forgiving.

“A little frolic, sir,” he made haste to say, “that developed into bad blood for the moment.”  I do not wish to prefer any charges.”

“Do you, Captain Prescott?” demanded the colonel.

“No, sir.”

“You, Captain Holmes?”

“No, sir.”

If any of the trio had hoped this much explanation would prove satisfactory to the E.O. of the Ninety-ninth, that one had reckoned without his host.

“A misunderstanding that develops to the point of a knock-down blow is never a trifling matter,” declared Colonel Cleaves.  “If you gentlemen had assured me that it was all frolic then I would have thought no more of it.  But I have been assured that there was a misunderstand—–­a quarrel that proceeded to blows.  And I myself saw one man down and signs of very evident anger on all your faces.  Gentlemen, do you wish to offer me any further explanation at this moment?”

“I have said all that I really can say, sir,” protested Cartwright, “except that I do not harbor any unkind feelings for what has taken place.”

Steps were heard on the stairs, and other officers of the Ninety-ninth came upon the scene.

“As no charges have been preferred,” said Colonel Cleaves, “I will not order any of you relieved from duty.  I will notify all three of you, however, at a later hour, and will then hear you all in my office.  I trust a most satisfactory explanation all around will be forthcoming.”

Colonel Cleaves then turned to the group of officers that had just arrived, saying: 

“Lieutenant Terry, you were kind enough to offer to loan me a book on rifle range construction.  I am aware that you have not yet had a chance to send it over to me, but as I was passing, I decided to drop in and ask it from you.”

“In an instant, sir,” replied Noll Terry.  Saluting, he darted down the corridor, opened his door and came back with the volume.

“I am indebted to you, Mr. Terry,” said Colonel Cleaves, returning the first lieutenant’s second salute and turning to go.

Until they had heard the colonel go out upon the steps below the entire group of younger officers stood as though spell-bound.  But at last one of them broke out with: 

“I hope nothing really nasty is afoot.  Three of you look as though the moon were clouded with mischief for some one.”

“You’ll pardon us, won’t you?” smiled Dick pleasantly, as he turned to go back into his quarters.  “You will realize, as we do, that the first discussion of the matter should take place before the commanding officer.”

Greg followed his chum in.

“Oh it’s nothing,” they heard Captain Cartwright assure the others.  “It ought to blow over, and I hope it will.  A certain officer took what I thought too much liberty with me, and when I resented it his friend took a hand in the matter.  I hope we can set it all straight before Colonel Cleaves.”