CHAPTER IV

THE CLASS COMMITTEE CALLS


Outwardly A company and the entire corps of cadets was as placid
and unruffled as ever when the two battalions marched to breakfast
that morning.

One conversant with military procedure, however, would have noted
that Jordan, being a prisoner, marched in the line of the file
closers.

And Mr. Jordan's face was wholly sulky, strive as he would to
banish the look and appear indifferent.

Even to a fellow naturally as unsocial as the cadet now in arrest,
it was no joke to be confined to his tent even for the space of
a week, except when engaged in official duties; and to be obliged,
two afternoons in a week, to march in full equipment and carry
his piece, for three hours in the barracks quadrangle under the
watchful eyes of a cadet corporal.

This penalty would last during the remaining weeks of the encampment
and would be pronounced upon Jordan as soon as the commandant of
cadets perfunctorily confirmed the temporary order of Lieutenant
Denton.