"But why?" demanded Tex.
The cadet looked at him. "You really don't know?"
"Nary a notion."
"Hmmph! Well, since the name doesn't ring a bell, just take it that he is a classmate of yours who can't be here tonight, in person. So you answer for him to make the muster complete. Get it?"
"Yes, sir. Can do."
The cadet moved on down the line. Tex turned to Matt. "What gives, d'you s'pose?"
"It beats me."
"Me, too. Well, we'll probably find out."
The cadet on the rostrum moved to stage .left. "Silence!" he commanded. "The Commandant!"
From the rear entered two men dressed in the midnight black. The younger of them walked so that his sleeve brushed the elbow of his senior. They moved to the center of the platform; the younger man stopped. The elder halted immediately, whereupon the aide withdrew. The Commandant of the Academy stood facing the new class.