The commandant threw open the closet door. The closet was entirely bare, containing nothing but a few hooks. It was an inside dark closet with no connection or exit visible except to the room.
“Give me a match, professor; I want to take a better look.”
Himski, who was one of the midshipmen present, carried the box of matches from the professor to the closet. “Shall I light one?” he asked, and without waiting for a reply, he lit one.
“Nothing here, door or window,” exclaimed the commandant, leaving the closet. Himski remained there several minutes and then came out and handed the match-box to Professor Scott.
The commandant now asked each midshipman in turn several questions. Each denied any knowledge whatever of the matter. Himski was the last to be questioned.
“Do you know anything about this writing?” asked the commandant.
“No, sir.”
“Did you happen to look at Mr. Osborn’s blackboard at any time during the recitation?”
“Yes, sir; after I finished my recitation and took my seat I looked at Mr. Osborn’s board.”
“How long was that before he left it?”