"I hope you can, Overton, with all my heart," responded the older soldier, resting a hand on his white-faced junior's shoulder.
"Do you believe me guilty, sir?" asked Hal, looking straight into his commander's eyes.
"Heavens knows I don't. To me, Overton, the whole thing seems absurd and incredible. But I am your commanding officer. A charge has been made that apparently destroys your honor. Some seeming proof against you has been found. There is only one course open to me. I must detain you in camp until I have communicated through the usual military channels."
"Am—am I under arrest?" asked Hal somewhat huskily.
"No, no, Overton!" exclaimed the older soldier quickly. "But you must give me your parole—not to go beyond camp limits at any time or for any purpose without my express permission."
"You have my parole, sir. It shall be rigidly observed."
"And now, Mr. Overton, I suggest that, as you have nothing else to do, you lie down and sleep through the night."
"Sleep, sir?" echoed Lieutenant Hal bitterly.
"Rest, then, at all events."
For two or three hours the Army boy lay and tossed. Toward morning, however, he secured some real sleep. When he opened his eyes it was to find Noll in the tent.