If he had, he might hardly have heeded the presence of that Army officer, the personal representative of the superintendent.
But, just as the cadet captain let fall the hand in which he had held the notices the adjutant called out crisply: "Don't dismiss, Captain! Hold the companies!" Between two of the companies stepped the adjutant, then walked to the front of center.

Drawing, a paper from his overcoat, the adjutant began to read.

It was a "special order." Even to this Prescott listened only with unhearing ears---at first.
Then, though he betrayed no more audible interest than did any of the other men in gray, Dick Prescott found his head swimming.
This special order referred to his own case.

It was a report of the findings, these findings having been duly approved.
Cadet Richard Prescott's head began to whirl.

The bright day seemed darkening before his dimmed vision, until he heard, unmistakably, the one word: "Acquitted!" What followed was a further order releasing him from arrest and restoring him to the usual cadet privileges.
"That is all, Captain," added the adjutant, folding the order and returning it to his overcoat.