Between two of the companies stepped the adjutant, then walked to the front of center. Drawing, a paper from his overcoat, the adjutant began to read. It was a "special order."
Even to this Prescott listened only with unhearing ears—-at first.
Then, though he betrayed no more audible interest than did any of the other men in gray, Dick Prescott found his head swimming.
This special order referred to his own case. It was a report of the findings, these findings having been duly approved.
Cadet Richard Prescott's head began to whirl. The bright day seemed darkening before his dimmed vision, until he heard, unmistakably, the one word:
"Acquitted!"
What followed was a further order releasing him from arrest and restoring him to the usual cadet privileges.
"That is all, Captain," added the adjutant, folding the order and returning it to his overcoat. "Dismiss the companies when ready."
"Dismiss the companies!" came from the cadet battalion commander.
The separate commands of the various company commanders rang out.
Ranks were broken—-and friends in gray crowded about the yearling.