"I do not understand this note in the least," Colonel Cleaves went on. "Of course, Captain Prescott, I am bound to accept your assurance that you did not write this. I do not know how the note came here; all I know about it is that I found it on my desk, under a paper weight, about fifteen minutes ago, when I came in." "It is the work of some trouble-maker, sir," Greg ventured. "Do you know anything about this note, Captain Cartwright?" "No, sir," replied that officer, flushing at the intimation that he could have had anything to do with it, for Greg had passed the paper to him. "I will keep that note, then," said Colonel Cleaves, taking it, "in the hope that I may later find out how it came to be here. Captain Cartwright, do you deny that Captain Prescott did no more than to parry your blows and thrust you back off your balance?" "That was all he did, sir." "And you made two distinct efforts to hit him?" "Y-y-yes, sir." "Was anything said that, in your opinion, justified you in attempting to strike a brother officer?" "At the time I thought Captain Holmes had justified my attempt to \ strike him." "Do you still think so?" "N-no, sir. I was undoubtedly too impetuous." "And you attempted to strike Captain Prescott only because he tried to restrain you from striking a brother officer?" "Yes, sir." "Is there anything more to be said or explained by any of you gentlemen?" "Nothing, sir," came from three pairs of lips. "Then, since none of you wishes to prefer charges," pursued Colonel Cleaves, "I will say that the whole affair, as far as it has been explained to me, looks like a childish quarrel to have taken place between officers and gentlemen. On the statements made to me, I will say that I believe that Captain Cartwright was most to blame. I therefore take this opportunity to rebuke him. Captain Prescott, of course, you understand that I accept your assurance that you did not write the note I showed you. Keep the peace after this, gentlemen, and make an honest effort to promote brotherliness of spirit with all the officers of the service, and especially of this regiment. That is all." Saluting, the three captains stepped out into the sunlight. The sentry pacing on headquarters post swung his rifle from shoulder arms down to port arms, then came to present arms before the officers, who acknowledged his formal courtesy by bringing their hands up smartly to the brims of their campaign hats. "Well, that's over!" announced Cartwright, in a tone of relief. "And will never be repeated," said Greg. "But you will admit, Holmes, that you've picked a good deal on me, from time to time," Cartwright pressed, in a half-aggrieved tone.