This closed the testimony. The president of the court announced that a recess of ten minutes would be taken, and that the room and gallery would be cleared of all except members of the court and the counsel for the accused.
As Dick turned to leave, he again turned his face toward the gallery. He saw his Gridley friends and looked bravely into their eyes, smiling. Then he caught sight of a veiled woman up there, who had risen, and was moving out. Dicks started; he could not help it, there was something so strangely familiar in that figure and carriage.
The cadet witnesses had already left, and we returning to barracks. Lieutenant Topham touched Prescott's arm and walked with him to the corridor.
"I shall do my best for you, you may be sure, Mr. Prescott," whispered the cavalry officer.
"May I ask, sir, what you think of the chances?
"Candidly, it looks to me like almost an even toss-up between conviction and acquittal."
Dick's face blanched. Then he turned, with starts The veiled woman was moving toward him with uncertain steps.
"Lieutenant Topham, I did not know my mother was to be present, but I am almost positive that is she."
Now, the veiled woman came a few steps nearer, looking appealingly at Dick.
"I am told, sir, that my son is in close arrest," she called, in a voice that thrilled the cadet. "But I am his mother. May I speak with him a moment?"