As to the condition of the handkerchief at the time of its return, Mr.Dodge stated his present belief that the handkerchief was very loosely rolled up.
Then Lieutenant Topham took the witness over.
"Would the handkerchief, when you handed it back, have held this slip of paper ?" questioned Mr.Topham, holding up the slip that had brought about all of Prescott's present trouble.
"It might have, sir, had the paper been crumpled as well." "Did you hand the handkerchief back with a paper inside of it ?" "Not according to any knowledge of mine, sir." "Was there a paper in the handkerchief, Mr.Dodge, when Mr.Prescott passed his handkerchief to you ?" "To the best of my belief, sir, there was not." "Now, pay particular heed, if you please Mr.Dodge," requested Lieutenant Topham, fixing his gaze keenly on the witness.

Dodge tried not to look apprehensive.

"Did you have any paper in your hand while you had Mr.Prescott's handkerchief in your own possession ?" "No, sir," replied Dodge with emphasis.
"Did you, knowingly, pass the handkerchief back to the accused cadet with any paper inside of it, or touching it in any way ?" "No, sir!" Lieutenant Topham continued for some seconds to regard Mr.Dodge in silence.

The witness began to lose some of his swagger.

Then, abruptly, as though firing a pistol, Lieutenant Topham shot out the question: "How about that smear of dirt on your hand, Mr.Dodge?
How did it come to be on the back of your hand ?" If Mr.Topham had looked to this question to break the witness down he was doomed to disappointment.
"I do not know, sir," Dodge replied distinctly.