cadets. But it was the regulation that a cadet must go to court,
whether as witness or accused, in full-dress uniform.

"I'm going to do my best for you today, Mr. Prescott," declared
Lieutenant Topham, as they walked through the area together.

Into the Academic Building counsel and accused stepped, and on to
the great trial room in which so many cadets had met their gloomy
fates.

At the long table sat, in full-dress uniform, and with their swords
on, the thirteen Army officers of varying ranks who composed the
court.

At one side of the room sat the cadet witnesses. These were three
in number. Mr. Dunstan and Mr. Gray were there as the two men
who had occupied blackboards on either side of Prescott the Friday
forenoon before. Cadet Dodge was there to give testimony concerning
the handkerchief episode in the area of barracks before the sections
had marched off to math.

Captain Abbott, of course, was there, to testify to facts of his
knowledge. Never had there been a more reluctant witness than
that same Captain Abbott, but he had his plain duty to do as an
Army officer detailed at the United States Military Academy.

Lieutenant Topham and Dick, on entering, had turned toward the
table reserved for counsel.

For a moment, Dick Prescott had raised his face to the gallery.