For two or three seconds all manner thoughts played through Dick's
mind.

But, no matter what happened to him, loyalty would not allow him
to stand by a mere mute spectator of Greg's downfall.

Prescott felt sure that he himself had not yet been seen by the
Army officer.

Slipping out from behind the bush, Cadet Prescott stepped briskly
along the path, bringing one hand sharply to his cap in salute.

"Captain Bates, have I your permission to speak, sir?"

Dick Prescott's voice, though not unduly loud, carried like a
pistol shot to Greg's alert ears.

Young Mr. Holmes did not immediately change his course, start
or do anything else that would betray alarm. Yet, ere Captain
Bates's voice could be heard in reply, Greg had swung slowly around,
and he came toward the path.

"Permission is granted, Mr. Prescott," replied Captain Bates---but,
oh, how coldly he spoke.

The Army officer seemed trying to look Mr. Prescott through and
through, for Bates thoroughly suspected Dick of a bold stroke
to save his friend from watchful tac. eyes.

"There was a question that came up among some of the yearlings