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.