Officers and gentlemen cannot conduct themselves like rowdies." Captain Cartwright forced himself to smile as he saluted; he even tried to look forgiving.
"A little frolic, sir," he made haste to say, "that developed into bad blood for the moment." I do not wish to prefer any charges." "Do you, Captain Prescott ?" demanded the colonel.
"No, sir." "You, Captain Holmes ?" "No, sir." If any of the trio had hoped this much explanation would prove satisfactory to the E.O.of the Ninety-ninth, that one had reckoned without his host.
"A misunderstanding that develops to the point of a knock-down blow is never a trifling matter," declared Colonel Cleaves.

"If you gentlemen had assured me that it was all frolic then I would have thought no more of it.

But I have been assured that there was a misunderstand---a quarrel that proceeded to blows.

And I myself saw one man down and signs of very evident anger on all your faces.

Gentlemen, do you wish to offer me any further explanation at this moment ?" "I have said all that I really can say, sir," protested Cartwright, "except that I do not harbor any unkind feelings for what has taken place." Steps were heard on the stairs, and other officers of the Ninety-ninth came upon the scene.
"As no charges have been preferred," said Colonel Cleaves, "I will not order any of you relieved from duty.