There he beheld Mrs. Bentley, Laura and Belle, all gazing down at
him with smiling, friendly faces.

Dick could not send them a formal greeting. But he looked straight
into the eyes of each in turn. His smile was steady, clear and
full of courage. His look carried in it his appreciation of their
loyal friendship.

Among the visitors there were also the wives of a few Army officers
stationed on the post. Nearly all of these knew Prescott, and were
interested in his fate.

Among the spectators up there was one heavily veiled woman whom
Dick could not see from the floor as he entered the room. Nor
did that woman, who had drawn back, intend that he should see her.

The president of this court-martial called it promptly to order.
The members of the court were sworn, then the judge-advocate
took his military oath. It was then announced that the accused
cadet wished to have Lieutenant Topham represent him as counsel.
To this there was no objection.

In a twinkling the judge-advocate was again on his feet, a copy
of the charge and specifications in his hand.

Facing the president of the court, standing rigidly at attention,
his face expressionless, his bearing every whit that of the soldier,
Cadet Richard Prescott listened to the reading of the accusation
of dishonor.