"May I be excused, sir, from answering?" asked Private Overton very respectfully.
"Why?"
"Because it is quite possible that, in naming an enemy, I may do some honest soldier an injury."
"You need not answer, then, Overton. Wait here."
Captain Cortland stepped down from the small boulder on which he had been seated. At a sign from him Lieutenant Hampton walked away with the company commander. The two remained for some moments in low conversation.
"Overton!" summoned Captain Cortland, returning.
Hal saluted.
"This affair looks badly for you, and I want it to be a lesson to you hereafter. You have had an excellent record, Overton, since you joined the regiment. For this time I am going to take your word that you are ignorant of how the accident to your rifle bolt happened. So you are now released from arrest, and will rejoin your company. If you suspect that any comrade is guilty of this outrage on your bolt, I recommend that you keep your eyes open for any further attempts against your record. Corporal Cotter, you will not repeat what has been said here. Overton, you are released from arrest. Corporal, report yourself to the first sergeant as being on regular duty again."
Corporal and private sainted, then turned back to the company.
"You got off easily," murmured Noll, when his bunkie, with face white and eyes flashing, joined him.