"What's the matter?" cried the commandant. "Have you the effrontery to ask what the matter is?"
"I beg to be so informed," replied Stonewell coolly, after a moment's hesitation.
"Read this paper, sir. Do you not know why Mr. Drake has offered his resignation?"
Stonewell read the paper; then looked keenly at Robert, then at Captain Blunt and Harry; things seemed to explain themselves and he merely said, "Ah," as if it were in response to some unspoken thought of his own.
"Where were you last night at eleven o'clock, Mr. Stonewell?"
"In Washington, sir; I spent the day in Princeton, New Jersey, and returned to Washington at seven o'clock."
An angry exclamation left the commandant's lips. Again his closed fist banged the desk.
"Mr. Stonewell!"
"Sir?"