"I did—-admit it," bellowed Greg. "But you stand there and admit the whole shameful truth about the time that you——-"
"Attention!" called Kelton, turning, then recognizing Lieutenant
Topham and saluting. "The officer in charge!"
On the jump every yearling inside turned and stood rapidly at attention.
"Gentlemen, I'm sorry to have spoiled the show," laughed Lieutenant Topham. He had seen the shadows of Briggs and Ellis on the canvas, and had expected to drop in upon a different scene. But now this tac. was wholly disarmed. He honestly believed that he had stumbled upon a party of yearlings having a good time with a bit of nonsensical dialogue.
"Mr. Prescott! Mr. Holmes!"
"Sir?" answered both yearlings, saluting.
"I will suggest that you two might work up the act you were just indulging in. You ought to raise a great laugh the next time a minstrel show is given by the cadets."
"Thank you, sir"—-from both "performers."
Lieutenant Topham turned and passed on down the company street.
The two expelled plebes, in the meantime, had a chance to slip off silently. Even had Briggs and Ellis been inclined to "show up" their hazers, they knew too well the fate that would await such a pair of plebes at the hands of the cadet corps.