“Well, it can’t be helped,” muttered Holmes philosophically.

“Of course you and Anstey can drag the girls to Cullum.”

“Surely,” muttered Holmes listlessly, “if the girls would go at all under such circumstances.”

“I’ve made their trip a mockery and a bitter disappointment,” groaned Dick.

“No, you haven’t ramrod,” retorted Greg.  “Fate may be to blame, but you can’t be held accountable for what you didn’t do.  Have no fear.  I’ll see to the ladies tomorrow afternoon.  But I’m a pile more interested in knowing what is to be done in your case.  The superintendent and the K.C. may see the absurdity of this whole thing against you, and order your arrest ended.”

“But that won’t clear me, Greg, and you know it.  There would still be the suspicion in the corps, and—–­O Greg!—–­I can’t endure that suspicion.”

“Pshaw, old ramrod, you won’t have to, very long.  We’ll bust this whole suspicion higher than any kite ever flew.  See here, Dodge is responsible for your humiliation, and we’ll drag it all out of him, if we have to tie him up by the thumbs!”

A knock at the door, and Anstey entered.

“I really couldn’t get here before, old ramrod.  But I’d cut you in a minute if I thought it really necessary to come here and tell you that I don’t believe any charge of dishonor against you, Prescott, could possibly be true.”

“It’s mighty pleasant to have every fellow who feels that way come and say so,” muttered Dick gratefully, as he thrust out his hand.

Another knock at the door.  Cadet Prescott must report at once at the office of the K.C.

Down the stairs trudged Dick, across the area, and into the office of the commandant of cadets.

“I want to know, Mr. Prescott,” declared that officer, “whether you can throw any added light in regard to the occurrence in Captain Abbott’s section room this morning.”

Dick had to deliberate, swiftly, as to whether he should say anything about having loaned Mr. Dodge his handkerchief briefly.

“I reckon I must speak of it,” decided the unhappy cadet.  “I mean to have Dodge summoned, if I’m tried, so I may as well speak of it now.”

That, and other things, Dick stated.  The K.C. listened gravely.  It was plain from the officer’s manner that he believed Prescott was going to have difficulty in establishing his innocence.

“That is all, Mr. Prescott,” said the K.C. finally.  Dick saluted and returned to his room.

In the few minutes that had elapsed, Anstey had done much.  In the room were a dozen yearlings who were known to be among Dick’s best friends.  All shock his hand, assuring him that nothing could shake their faith in him.  It was comforting, but that was all.

“You see, old ramrod,” muttered Greg, when the callers had left, “there are enough who believe in you.  Now, you’ve got to justify that faith by hammering this charge into nothingness.  Someone has committed a crime—–­a moral crime anyway.  In my own mind Dodge is the criminal but I’m not yet prepared to prove it.”