here to reach them."

It was signed by Dr. Bentley. The yellow paper fluttered from
Prescott's hands to the floor. Mechanically he picked it up and
carried it to his study table.

"I can't stop them," he muttered dismally. "Nor shall I be out
of close arrest by that time, either. There's nothing I can do.
I can't even see them---and I've been looking forward to this
for months!"

Again Dick Prescott buried his head in his arms at the study table.
To have Laura come here at the time when he was in the deepest
disgrace that a cadet may face!

Greg came back to find his chum pacing the floor in misery.

"Well, it can't be helped," muttered Holmes philosophically.

"Of course you and Anstey can drag the girls to Cullum."

"Surely," muttered Holmes listlessly, "if the girls would go at
all under such circumstances."

"I've made their trip a mockery and a bitter disappointment,"
groaned Dick.

"No, you haven't ramrod," retorted Greg. "Fate may be to blame,
but you can't be held accountable for what you didn't do. Have
no fear. I'll see to the ladies tomorrow afternoon. But I'm
a pile more interested in knowing what is to be done in your case.
The superintendent and the K.C. may see the absurdity of this
whole thing against you, and order your arrest ended."

"But that won't clear me, Greg, and you know it. There would
still be the suspicion in the corps, and---O Greg!---I can't endure
that suspicion."

"Pshaw, old ramrod, you won't have to, very long. We'll bust
this whole suspicion higher than any kite ever flew. See here,
Dodge is responsible for your humiliation, and we'll drag it all
out of him, if we have to tie him up by the thumbs!"

A knock at the door, and Anstey entered.

"I really couldn't get here before, old ramrod. But I'd cut you
in a minute if I thought it really necessary to come here and
tell you that I don't believe any charge of dishonor against you,
Prescott, could possibly be true."

"It's mighty pleasant to have every fellow who feels that way come
and say so," muttered Dick gratefully, as he thrust out his hand.

Another knock at the door. Cadet Prescott must report at once
at the office of the K.C.

Down the stairs trudged Dick, across the area, and into the office
of the commandant of cadets.

"I want to know, Mr. Prescott," declared that officer, "whether you
can throw any added light in regard to the occurrence in Captain
Abbott's section room this morning."