CHAPTER VI.
GREG PREPARES FOR FLIRTATION WALK "For what reason, sir ?" demanded the K.C.

sharply.
Prescott opened his mouth, closed it again, without speaking, then at last asked slowly: "Sir, may I state my reasons in my own way ?" "Proceed, Mr.Prescott." "My suspicion concerning a certain man, sir, does not cover a really direct suspicion that he had a hand in the affair.

His remark led me only to infer that the man was present." "That does not tell me, Mr.Prescott, why you have refused to answer the question that I put to you," insisted Colonel Strong.
"My reason, sir, for respectfully declining to answer is twofold: First, I do not know whether I am legally required to state a suspicion only.

My second reason, sir, is that to state the name of the man I suspect would make me, in my own eyes, and in the eyes of my comrades, a tale-bearer." Since the K.C.had started this line of questioning, Captain Bates remained silent.

So, too, did the K.C.for some moments after Dick had finished.
It was the first problem that faced the tactical officers---much harder one than it would considered in civilian life.
In the first place, it is one of the highest West Point ideals never to treat a cadet with even a trace of injustice.