and had expected to drop in upon a different scene. But now this
tac. was wholly disarmed. He honestly believed that he had stumbled
upon a party of yearlings having a good time with a bit of nonsensical
dialogue.

"Mr. Prescott! Mr. Holmes!"

"Sir?" answered both yearlings, saluting.

"I will suggest that you two might work up the act you were just
indulging in. You ought to raise a great laugh the next time a
minstrel show is given by the cadets."

"Thank you, sir"---from both "performers."

Lieutenant Topham turned and passed on down the company street.

The two expelled plebes, in the meantime, had a chance to slip
off silently. Even had Briggs and Ellis been inclined to "show
up" their hazers, they knew too well the fate that would await
such a pair of plebes at the hands of the cadet corps.

"That shows how easily a suspicious man's eyes may deceive him,"
mused Lieutenant Topham as he walked along.

Kelton now allowed his gaze to follow the retreating O.C., while
the yearlings in the tent stood in dazed silence. They were still
panting over the narrow escape from a scrape that might have cost
them their places on the roll of the battalion.