“It’s your Commanding Officer’s business to investigate the matter and you’ll take him this. Report yourself to him or to the Adjutant when you reach camp. I’ll telegraph to see if you have done so.”
He raised his hand in sign of dismissal and Dick went out, crushed with shame, and feeling that he was already under arrest. If he were not in camp when the telegram came, he would be treated as a deserter.
CHAPTER III
THE PUNISHMENT
On reaching camp and reporting himself, Dick was sent to his tent, where he slept until he was aroused by the bustle at reveille. He had not expected to sleep; but he was young and physically tired, and the shock of trouble had, as sometimes happens, a numbing effect. He awoke refreshed and composed, though his heart was heavy as he dressed, because he feared it was the last time that he would wear his country’s uniform. The suspense was trying as he waited until the morning parade was over; then he was summoned to a tent where the Colonel and the Adjutant sat.
“I have a telegram asking if you have arrived,” the Colonel said in a curious, dry tone. “You must understand that you have laid yourself open to grave suspicion.”
“Yes,” Dick answered, wondering whether the Colonel meant that it might have been better if he had run away.
“Very well. You admitted having received the plans. What did you do with them?”