There was eagerness and excitement in Himski’s dark, intelligent eyes as he spoke, and all were impressed, even the commandant.
“I’ll give you the chance,” the latter said skeptically; “go ahead and prove it, Mr. Himski.”
“Very well, sir.” Himski spoke rapidly. “Send each midshipman to his board and then let everybody leave by Mr. Moehler’s order, just as if the alarm for dismissal had sounded. Then remain in the corridor just as long as Mr. Moehler did when he dismissed the section, and let him spend as much time with Carroll as he did before.”
“Hold on, this is idiotic!” called out the commandant, but Himski seemingly did not hear for he ran out of the room.
“This is foolish, professor,” said the commandant.
“We’d better give Mr. Osborn the chance, sir.”
“I request it, sir,” Ralph said, “though I’ve no idea of what Mr. Himski is about to do.”
“Very well. Dismiss your section, sir.”
“Section rise, march out,” ordered Ralph. The midshipmen marched out to the corridor and got their caps. “Fall in,” cried Ralph. “Section forward, march.” He halted it a few steps down the corridor.
The commandant, Professor Scott and Mr. Moehler followed the section out and watched it march off. They then turned leisurely, and entered the room, the commandant feeling rather silly at taking part in this apparently useless performance. He then looked at Ralph’s board, and utter amazement possessed him. He and his two companions were astounded; they were speechless with astonishment. For there, on Ralph’s board, under the words, “Moehler is a liar and a fool,” was written: