"I am absolutely certain, sir."
"How does it happen, Mr. Prescott, that you have this suspicion, and absolutely nothing more?"
A cadet is not permitted to hesitate. He must answer not only truthfully, but instantly. So Dick looked the K.C. full in the eyes as answered:
"A cadet, sir, started to say something, and I shut him up."
"Because you did not wish to know more?"
"Yes, sir," Prescott admitted honestly.
Captain Bates fidgeted almost imperceptibly; in other words, as much as a military man may. There were a few questions that he wanted to ask this cadet. But it was Bates's superior officer who was now doing the questioning.
The K.C. remained silent for perhaps half a minute. Then he said:
"That is all, at present, Mr. Prescott."
Saluting the K.C., Dick next made a slight turn which brought him facing Captain Bates, whom he also saluted. Both officers returned his salute. Dick wheeled and marched from the tent.