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.

"You have stated your position unreservedly and exactly, Mr.
Prescott?" inquired Colonel Strong at last.

"Yes, sir."

"You are certain that you have not more than the merest suspicion
of the cadet off whom you have been speaking?

"I am absolutely certain, sir."

"How does it happen, Mr. Prescott, that you have this suspicion,
and absolutely nothing more?"

A cadet is not permitted to hesitate. He must answer not only
truthfully, but instantly. So Dick looked the K.C. full in the
eyes as answered:

"A cadet, sir, started to say something, and I shut him up."

"Because you did not wish to know more?"

"Yes, sir," Prescott admitted honestly.