out who fired the gun I shall punish them severely. It seems as though it was done to throw suspicion on you."
"That is what I think," said Dick quickly.
"Whom do you suspect?"
"I had rather not say, sir."
"Of course not, no, I wouldn't want you to on mere suspicion. You young gentlemen may retire to your rooms, now. I will look into this matter further."
The cadets filed out, all of them breathing easier. As Dutton passed Dick in the hall, he said:
"Did you refer to me when you said you suspected some one?"
"Not particularly."
"You looked at me," said the cadet captain angrily.
"Well, a cat may look at a king, I suppose."
"None of your impertinence."
"I'm not impertinent, but I don't propose to have you dictate to me."
"You'll have to, as long as you're a freshman. I say you intimated that I fired that gun and tried to throw the blame on you."
"I can't help what you say."
"Do you believe I did it?"
"I refuse to answer."
"Then I'll make you! Take that!" and before Dick could step back Dutton had hit him a blow in
