ken from a neighboring
orchard.

"But I can't tell their names, Captain Putnam," the cadet added.

"How long were they gone, Beresford?"

"Not over fifteen or twenty minutes."

"Did you see the apples?"

"Yes, sir, I--er--ate two of them."

"And you allowed nobody else to pass?"

"No, sir."

"Very well; you may go," and Beresford went, thankful that he had not
been reprimanded for neglect of duty. Had the thing occurred in the
middle of the term the reprimand would surely have been forthcoming.

The next cadet to come in was Link Smith, who showed by his general
manner that he was much worried. Captain Putnam knew Smith thoroughly
and also remembered that the feeble-minded cadet was a fellow easily
led astray.

"Smith, you were on guard duty from twelve o'clock to two last night,"
he began severely.

"Yes, sir," answered Link Smith, with an inward shiver.

"Did you fall asleep on your post during that time?"

"No, sir--that is, I don't think I did."

"What do you mean by saying you don't think you did?"

"I--that is--I was awfully sleepy and could scarcely keep my eyes open.
I--I sat down on a rock for a little while."

"And slept?

"I--I think not."

"Was that before or after you allowed an outsider to get into our
camp?"

"Oh, Captain Putnam, how did you know I let somebody in? I--that is--I
mean, who said I let anybody in?" stammered poor Smith, taken
completely off his guard.

"Never mind who told me. What I want to know is, did you sleep after
you let him in or before?"

"Why, I--I--really--"

"Tell me the truth, Smith."

"I guess I took a nap afterwards, sir. But it was only for a minute,
sir," pleaded the cadet.

"I see. Did you see the outsider leave camp after you had let him in?"

"Why, sir--I--I--"

"I want the strict truth, remember, Smith. If you don't tell the truth
you may get yourself in great trouble."

"Oh, Captain Putnam, I--I didn't mean to do anything wrong!"

"Did you see the outsider leave again or not?"

"Yes, sir, I saw him leave?"

"How soon after he had come in?"

"About fifteen or twenty minutes,--certainly, not much longer than
that."

"Now, who was the outsider?"

"Why, I--er--I--"

"Answer me, Smith!" And now Captain Putnam's voice was as keen as the
blade of a knife. He stood before the frightened cadet, looking him
squarely in the eyes.

"It was Lew Flapp. But, oh, please, don't let him know I told you!
He'll kill me if he finds it out!"