In his misery the young cadet leaned against the face of the building, behind an angle in the wall.
As he stood there Dick saw the figure of a man flit, by him.

The stranger was dressed in citizen's clothes.

There was nothing suspicions in that, since there is no law to prevent citizens from visiting the Military Academy.

But there was something stealthy about this stranger's movements.
"It is a wonder he didn't see me," mused Dick.

"He went by within eight feet of me." Dick was about to make his presence known by stepping out into sight, when the stranger halted.
"Perhaps it may be as well not to show myself just yet," flashed through Prescott's mind.