“Is the one you suspect a cadet?”

“Yes, sir.”

“His name?” broke in Lieutenant Colonel Strong.

Dick Prescott whitened a bit.  He knew the chances he was taking now, but he replied, in a clear, steady voice: 

“I very respectfully decline to answer, sir!”

CHAPTER VI

GREG PREPARES FOR FLIRTATION WALK

“For what reason, sir?” demanded the K.C. sharply.

Prescott opened his mouth, closed it again, without speaking, then at last asked slowly: 

“Sir, may I state my reasons in my own way?”

“Proceed, Mr. Prescott.”

“My suspicion concerning a certain man, sir, does not cover a really direct suspicion that he had a hand in the affair.  His remark led me only to infer that the man was present.”

“That does not tell me, Mr. Prescott, why you have refused to answer the question that I put to you,” insisted Colonel Strong.

“My reason, sir, for respectfully declining to answer is twofold:  First, I do not know whether I am legally required to state a suspicion only.  My second reason, sir, is that to state the name of the man I suspect would make me, in my own eyes, and in the eyes of my comrades, a tale-bearer.”

Since the K.C. had started this line of questioning, Captain Bates remained silent.  So, too, did the K.C. for some moments after Dick had finished.

It was the first problem that faced the tactical officers—–­much harder one than it would considered in civilian life.

In the first place, it is one of the highest West Point ideals never to treat a cadet with even a trace of injustice.  The young man who is being trained to be an officer, and who will, in time, be placed over other men, above all must be just.  In no other way can the cadet learn 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.