CHAPTER IV.
THE O.C.WANTS TO KNOW As has been said, Cadet Prescott felt as though his heart had stopped beating.
In another instant mischievous Cadet Holmes would actually be slipping a shell into the reveille gun, if it were not already loaded, and then attaching a cord, to lay a trap for some other unsuspicious cadet.
Captain Bates, who was quietly looking on, would have Mr.Holmes red handed.
Charges would be preferred.

Undoubtedly Greg would soon be journeying homeward, his dream of the Army over.
Dick could not call out and warn Greg.
That would be a breach of discipline that would recoil surely upon Mr.Prescott's head, making him equally guilty with his chum.
Yet, to see Greg walk unsuspectingly into the "tac.'s" hands in this fashion! It was not to be thought of.
For two or three seconds all manner thoughts played through Dick's mind.
But, no matter what happened to him, loyalty would not allow him to stand by a mere mute spectator of Greg's downfall.
Prescott felt sure that he himself had not yet been seen by the Army officer.
Slipping out from behind the bush, Cadet Prescott stepped briskly along the path, bringing one hand sharply to his cap in salute.
"Captain Bates, have I your permission to speak, sir ?" Dick Prescott's voice, though not unduly loud, carried like a pistol shot to Greg's alert ears.
Young Mr.Holmes did not immediately change his course, start or do anything else that would betray alarm.

Yet, ere Captain Bates's voice could be heard in reply, Greg had swung slowly around, and he came toward the path.
"Permission is granted, Mr.Prescott," replied Captain Bates---but, oh, how coldly he spoke.
The Army officer seemed trying to look Mr.Prescott through and through, for Bates thoroughly suspected Dick of a bold stroke to save his friend from watchful tac.

eyes.
"There was a question that came up among some of the yearlings in camp today, sir," Dick went on, very respectfully.

"I found myself ignorant, as were some of the others, as to the correct answer to the question.