CHAPTER IX.
THE CLASS TAKES FINAL ACTION By the time the corps of cadets was seated at breakfast, in the great mess hall, the following morning, the news began to circulate rapidly.
It was discussed in low tones at every table save that at which the silence against Prescott prevailed.
The silence by this time had ceased to be literal, except so far as it applied to Dick.

Other cadets at his table talked among themselves, though never to Prescott.

Greg, being Dick's roommate, was the sole cadet exempted from this rule.
But the men at Prescott's table restrained their curiosity until the two battalions had marched back to barracks and had been dismissed.
After the dismissal of the companies Dick and Greg strolled along slowly.

Wherever they passed backs were turned to them, though this would not have happened to Holmes had he been alone.
Though the news was discussed, no class action was taken.

This must not be done until Durville's fate had overtaken him.