"I went down to get my algebra, which I left under the elms."
"Did you have anything to do with firing the saluting gun?"
"No, sir."
"I will have to investigate. Report in my room in ten minutes."
Captain Hayden marched on, and the two cadets could hear distant sounds that indicated a general inspection of quarters.
"I guess you're in for it, Dick," said Paul.
"I can prove what I went out for."
"Maybe. But I wonder who fired that gun?"
"I don't know. Some of the older cadets likely. Well, I s'pose I've got to go to Captain Hayden's room."
Dick found several other students gathered in the reception apartment of the head master. They were lads who had been found still up when their rooms were hurriedly entered after the blowing of taps, and the firing of the gun.