“By order of the commandant of cadets,” sounded the voice of Cadet Corporal Haynes.  “Mr. Prescott and Mr. Holmes will turn out with all due speed, and report at the office of the officer in charge.”

“Yes, sir,” acknowledged Prescott, and nudged drowsy, half-awake Greg.

“Yes, sir,” replied Holmes.

Dick leaped up, lighting the candle.  Then he gave a slight kick that was enough to bring Holmes apart from his blanket.

Hastily, though with soldierly neatness, the two yearlings dressed themselves, then stepped out into the night, prepared to face the rapid-fire gun 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.