"Not exactly an accident," rejoined Ned.
"What then? You mean it was done on purpose?"
"I'm afraid so," was the quiet reply.
"Who did it?"
"We would prefer not to say now, sir," replied Ned in the same repressed tone.
"You mean you intend to attend to the matter in your own way?"
"Something like that," admitted Ned.
The officer looked sharply at him.
"It is my duty to warn you, my lad, that all such matters should be confided to your superior officer, and you should abide by his advice. However, unless you commit some breach of discipline, I have no concern in the affair. I must tell you, however, that I heard from some of the men that Kennell had something to do with it. Is he the man you suspect of causing the trouble?"
"I had rather not say," rejoined Ned quietly.