There was a pause. The cadets looked at each other, but not a boy budged.
“I want no hanging-fire in this,” went on the master of the Hall. “Fun is fun, but this is going too far. Is anybody guilty or not? If guilty, take two steps forward.”
Nobody moved.
“The quartermaster will call the roll. As each name is uttered the cadet will answer ‘Guilty’ or ‘Not guilty,’ as the case may be. Quartermaster, are you guilty or not guilty?”
“Not guilty!” was the prompt reply of the cadet who held the position of quartermaster of the battalion.
The roll was speedily called and every cadet present answered “Not guilty,” in a loud, clear voice.
“This is strange,” mused Captain Putnam. “Can this have been done by some outsiders?”
“Captain Putnam, will you allow me to say something,” said Fred Century.
“Certainly. Come here.”
Fred marched to the front and close to the master of the Hall.