“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 least one of the perpetrators was.”

Mr. Prescott remained silent.

“Why do you not reply, Mr. Prescott?”

“I didn’t understand, sir, that you had asked me a question.”

Captain Bates flushed.  He hadn’t asked a question, in question form, and he saw how neatly this cadet had “caught” him.  But that only served to increase the suspicion of both officers present that Mr. Prescott was a very clever witness who was successfully contriving to keep something back.

“Mr. Prescott, do you now know who was responsible for the monument affair of last night?” insisted the O.C.

“I don’t know sir,” replied Dick, putting all proper emphasis on the word.

“Yet you suspect?”

“I suspect one man, sir,” Dick responded without attempt at concealment.