Dick was not the only one in this section room who found the wait intolerable.
But at last the bugle notes were heard.
"The section is dismissed," announced Captain Abbott.

Dunstan, the section marcher, formed his men and led them thence.

No man in the section held his head more erect than did Prescott, who was conscious of his own absolute innocence in the affair.
Yet, when he reached his room, and sank down at his study table, a groan escaped Dick Prescott.
His head fell forward, cushioned in his folded arms.
Thus Holmes found him on entering the room.
"Why, old ramrod, what on earth is the matter ?" gasped Greg.
A groan from his chum was the only answer.
At that moment another step, brisk and official, was heard in the corridor.

There was a short rap on the door, after which Unwine, cadet officer of the day, wearing his red sash and sword, stepped into the room.
"Mr.Prescott, you are ordered in close arrest in your quarters until further orders." "Yes, sir," huskily replied Prescott, who had struggled to his feet and now stood at attention.
As Unwine wheeled, marching from the room, Dick sank again over his study table.
"Dick, old ramrod," pleaded Greg terrified, "what on earth-----" "Greg," came the anguished moan, "they're going to try to fire me from West Point for a common cheat---and I'm afraid they'll do it, too!".