"Sir?" gasped Robert, a flood of joy surging through him.
"Did you, Mr. Drake?"
"I thought I did, sir, but I was mistaken; I know now it was his brother, Frank Stonewell," stammered Robert, realizing the purport of the commandant's question, yet hardly able to answer through sheer happiness.
"Did you, Mr. Drake, detect Mr. Harry Blunt in an attempt to steal an examination last night?"
"I thought I did, sir, but I was mistaken. I know now it was Midshipman Bligh whom I saw."
Commander Dalton smiled happily. "I think this disposes of Mr. Drake's case," he remarked. "Now, Mr. Blunt, my advice to you is to walk a chalk mark the rest of your time here. Mr. Stonewell, I am sure you will forgive my words. I was mistaken, of course, and was under great feeling. You can hardly be happier over the final outcome than I am. I will turn your brother's case over to you to handle; he is beyond me. I can but say I envy you the friend you possess. Evidently Mr. Drake would sacrifice his career rather than contribute to his friend's disgrace. And yet he could not lie, even to save that friend. Gentlemen, we've had a hard morning, and deep feelings have been stirred. I think this is all. Captain Blunt, are you ready to leave?"
CHAPTER XXVIII
"BLIGH, BLIGH, BLIGH!"