"No if that infernal humbug will get hot-headed and answer the O.C.rashly, there may be something good coming in the punishment line! It would be a source of wild joy if I could get Dick Prescott on the wrong flank with the tacs.!" The instant that Dick reported, and found himself in the presence of his two inquisitors of the night before, he knew that some hint of his new knowledge must have reached the tactical department.
"Mr.Prescott, last night," began Captain Bates, "you denied absolutely having any knowledge as to the persons who set off firecrackers near Battle Monument." "Yes, sir." "I have since gained good reason to think," went on the O.C., "that you know who at least one of the perpetrators was." Mr.Prescott remained silent.
"Why do you not reply, Mr.Prescott ?" "I didn't understand, sir, that you had asked me a question." Captain Bates flushed.

He hadn't asked a question, in question form, and he saw how neatly this cadet had "caught" him.

But that only served to increase the suspicion of both officers present that Mr.Prescott was a very clever witness who was successfully contriving to keep something back.
"Mr.Prescott, do you now know who was responsible for the monument affair of last night ?" insisted the O.C.
"I don't know sir," replied Dick, putting all proper emphasis on the word.
"Yet you suspect ?" "I suspect one man, sir," Dick responded without attempt at concealment.
"Is the one you suspect a cadet ?" "Yes, sir." "His name ?" broke in Lieutenant Colonel Strong.
Dick Prescott whitened a bit.

He knew the chances he was taking now, but he replied, in a clear, steady voice: "I very respectfully decline to answer, sir!".