"And you allowed nobody else to pass?"
"No, sir."
"Very well; you may go," and Beresford went, thankful that he had not been reprimanded for neglect of duty. Had the thing occurred in the middle of the term the reprimand would surely have been forthcoming.
The next cadet to come in was Link Smith, who showed by his general manner that he was much worried. Captain Putnam knew Smith thoroughly and also remembered that the feeble-minded cadet was a fellow easily led astray.
"Smith, you were on guard duty from twelve o'clock to two last night," he began severely.
"Yes, sir," answered Link Smith, with an inward shiver.
"Did you fall asleep on your post during that time?"
"No, sir—that is, I don't think I did."
"What do you mean by saying you don't think you did?"
"I—that is—I was awfully sleepy and could scarcely keep my eyes open.
I—I sat down on a rock for a little while."