Only two buttons were by this time left unfastened. It took but a second to snap them into place. And then—
"My coat is buttoned," said Curry.
"It was unbuttoned throughout when you fell in ranks, and you know it. You also heard my order to fall out, and disobeyed it," was Graham's answer. Then back to his post he went, finished roll-call, reported "All present, sir," to Cadet Captain Bend, who had silently watched the affair, very possibly thinking it just as well to let Graham settle it for himself. And the next night after parade the following reports were read out in the clear tones of the cadet adjutant:
"Curry—Buttoning coat in ranks at reveille.
"Same—Continuing same after being ordered to fall out.
"Same—Replying to first sergeant from ranks at same."
Before Graham had thrown off his belts Mr. Jennings appeared, and with much majesty of mien proceeded to say:
"Mr. Graham, you have taken advantage of Mr. Curry's size, and in his name and in that of the First Class I am here to demand satisfaction."
"Go for Connell," said Geordie, with a quiet nod to Ames.