"I'm afraid not, sir," Hal admitted.
"Load with a blank cartridge, my man, and try to fire the piece."
Returning the bolt, Hal slipped in a blank. But he could not drive the bolt home for firing.
"Ruined, my man," commented the captain stiffly. "Overton, this piece has been in your care. How did this happen?"
"I don't know, sir."
"Corporal Cotter!"
The corporal came over briskly.
"Corporal, Private Overton is in arrest until released. You will march him as a prisoner at the rear of the company and turn him over to the guard at night."
Corporal Cotter again saluted. Then, as the company officer and the young lieutenant started away, Cotter stationed himself beside Overton.
"Put your bolt back in the piece as far as it will go," ordered Cotter. "Tie it in place."