"Do you mean that you would allow an innocent person to be punished?"
"I mean I will tell the truth. I never saw your son to my knowledge till I entered this office. If after my statement the authorities dismiss him the fault is theirs, not mine. I should regret to see this done, but I shall not try to find somebody to take his place."
"But how do you account for my son being recognized as the person with you?"
Frank Stonewell seized the hat and beard and quickly hooked the latter over his ears. He then suddenly assumed a bent-over position and leaning over toward Grice said: "Did you ever see me before?"
"Fer goodness' sake, suh, I does berlieve yo' wuz de young gemman in dose whiskers."
Tossing the hat and beard to one side Frank Stonewell laughed and said: "It was the beard and hat that were recognized, not your son, sir." Hardly had he spoken when the door of the commandant's office opened, and a midshipman entered unannounced.
"What is it, sir? Why do you enter my office without permission?" inquired the commandant.
"I think I'm needed in this investigation, sir," replied the midshipman, a tall, broad-shouldered young man, athletic of build, of rather pleasant features, and with stern resolution written in his face.
"I am Midshipman Bligh of the fourth class."